The AVR-4308CI is taking surround receivers to the next level. In addition to many of the standard features you have come to enjoy from Denon receivers, custom integration capabilities to home networks and A/V systems has been expanded making this surround receiver the true heart of any high end home theater networked or non-networked. The AVR-4308CI also brings with it the new surround formats that HD has to offer, making the home A/V theater experience like none you have seen or heard before. Add to this the improved connectivity for portable devices for ease of use, and you will see why this receiver has already received awards for product of the year.
AVR-4308CI
$2899
The AVR-4308CI is taking surround receivers to the next level. In addition to many of the standard features you have come to enjoy from Denon receivers, custom integration capabilities to home networks and A/V systems has been expanded making this surround receiver the true heart of any high end home theater networked or non-networked. The AVR-4308CI also brings with it the new surround formats that HD has to offer, making the home A/V theater experience like none you have seen or heard before. Add to this the improved connectivity for portable devices for ease of use, and you will see why this receiver has already received awards for product of the year.
Manuals & Documents
Product Sheet
Owner's Manual - French
Owner's Manual - English (11.5MB)
Downloads & Updates
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10-Channel Equal Power
10-Channel Equal Power is a feature in Denon’s high-end receiver. These fully configurable amplifiers provide the following options: o Dual 5.1 Discrete Zone (including DVD-A/SACD) o 5.1 Main Zone with all channels Bi-Amplified o 5.1 Main Zone, Zones 2 and 3 Stereo, Zone 4 Mono o 6.1 Main Zone, Zones 2 and 3 Stereo o 7.1 Main Zone, Zone 2 Stereo, Zone 3 Mono o 7.1 Main Zone, Front L/C/R Bi-Amplified o 9.1 Main Zone, Zone 2 Mono
24-bit/192-kHz D/A (digital-to-analog) Converters
These high speed, high accuracy digital-to-analog converters extract all the information contained in today’s high density digital sources. They convert 192,000 24-bit digital words per second into analog signals to extract the highest definition audio sound. They are fully capable of converting any signal from a DVD-Audio disc as well as providing superior reproduction from conventional CD, CD-R/CD-RW discs. Today’s converters also provide exceptional dynamic range and are largely free of “clock jitter,” a time-based inaccuracy that plagued earlier D/A converters.
5.1-, 6.1-, 7.1-Channels
A surround processor, or receiver, may produce 6, 7, or 8 channels of output, depending on the source and type of surround processing. The basic surround format (“5.1” surround) includes three full-range front channels (left, right and center), two full-range surround channels (left surround and right surround), and a low-frequency, or subwoofer channel. Because the subwoofer channel carries only the lowest octaves compared to the five full-range speakers, it is called the “.1” channel. A “6.1-channel setup” adds a separate full-range “center back” speaker to the 5.1 array. A “7.1”-channel system includes two “back” channels in addition to the surround channels.
6-Channel Equal Power
6-Channel Equal Power connects 6 speakers independently without requiring separate power amps for the pre-outs. It complements Dolby Digital EX and dts ES sound modes, allowing you to connect the 'surround back' speaker straight off the main amplifier without adding a power amplifier to support 6.1 surround formats. With built-in separate internal amplifiers to power each channel independently, this feature allows you to enjoy the same high power output capability per channel, giving a balanced and truly high-impact surround-sound environment.
6-Channel Inputs for DVD-Audio or SACD
These input jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals in high definition MUSE 3-1 format, multi-channel audio signals from an MPEG multi-channel decoder, SACD and DVD-Audio. The 6 channels are the Front left, Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right and the Subwoofer. These connections are made by using 6 standard phono (RCA's) cables. The inputs are on the amplifier and by selecting 'Ext in' you can receive analog audio signals via a source such as a DVD player. Denon DVD players can be connected via the 6 phono cables to a Denon amplifier's 6-CH EXT inputs to allow for SACD or DVD-Audio transfer. This can also be used as an alternative to IEEE1394-output (Digital Audio) FireWire connection or the DENON LINK connection.
7-Channel Equal Power
7-Channel Equal Power is a feature used in various Denon amplifiers to connect 7 speakers independently so that separate power amps connected via pre-outs are not required. It allows you to connect the second 'surround back' speaker to complement the surround back speaker for 6.1, straight off the main amplifier without adding a power amplifier to support 7.1 surround formats. Amplifiers with 7-Channel Equal Power have built-in separate internal amplifiers to power each channel independently, thus allowing you to enjoy the same high power output capability per channel, giving a balanced and truly high-impact surround-sound environment.
7-Channel Stereo
Denon's 7-Channel Stereo mode enables top quality normal two channel stereo output from the surround speakers to provide a unique 7 channel stereo option. This mode can be fully utilized from any high quality stereo source via CD, tape, FM-radio or video recorder for dynamic 7-channel output. The 7-channel stereo is available if you have a surround back right speaker connected as well as the surround back left speaker used in 6.1, otherwise you can still experience multi-channel stereo output using a 5-channel-stereo or 6-channel-stereo configuration.
8-Channel Input
These input jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals in high definition MUSE 3-1 format, multi-channel audio signals from an MPEG multi-channel decoder, SACD and DVD-Audio. The 8 channels are the Front left, Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back Left, Surround Back Right and the Subwoofer. These connections are made by using 8 standard phono(RCA's) cables. The inputs are on the amplifier and by selecting 'Ext in' you can receive analog audio signals via a source such as a DVD player. Denon DVD players can be connected via the 6 phono cables to a Denon amplifier's 6-CH or 8-CH EXT inputs to allow for SACD or DVD-Audio transfer. This can also be used as an alternative to IEEE1394-output (Digital Audio) FireWire connection or the DENON LINK connection.
Advanced AL24 Processing
The acclaimed Advanced AL24 DSP processing improves the fidelity of high resolution stereo PCM sources such as CD and DVD (up to 192kHz sampling frequencies). Through sophisticated DSP processing algorithms, it improves low level detail and enhances fidelity by up-sampling and adaptive filtering techniques. Advanced AL24 also provides increased dynamic range and spatial information, bringing out all the nuances with optimum clarity and natural fidelity. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.
AL24 Processing
AL24 Processing is a newly developed technology that reduces quantization distortion and represents the ultimate analog waveform reproduction that is designed to support the higher numbers of bits and higher sampling rate of next-generation media. It senses the nature of the digital data being input and interpolates the data so that it faithfully replicates the original analog waveform.
AL24 Processing Plus
Denon has further developed its proprietary AL24 Processing, an analog waveform reproduction technology, to support the 192-kHz sampling frequency of DVD-Audio. This new technology thoroughly suppresses quantization noise with D/A conversion of LPCM signals to reproduce the low-level signals with optimum clarity that brings out all the delicate nuances of the music. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.
ALPHA Processing
ALPHA processing is the world's first technical formula for reproducing an analog waveform from the reproduction of 16-bit data in 20-bit quality. The ALPHA processor interpolates the digital data recorded on a CD and reproduces it in a waveform that is very close to the way these musical signals would look in a natural analog waveform.
Audyssey MultEQ XT
The Audyssey MultEQ XT provides advanced room correction and calibration technology. During the Auto Set-Up mode, MultEQ XT automatically determines how many loudspeakers are connected, whether they are connected in phase and whether they are satellites or subwoofers. After processing, it then analyzes and calibrates speaker level, size, and distance. MultEQ XT detects the proper crossover point and determines correct frequency response for up to eight listener positions simultaneously. Denon's implementation of MultEQ XT uses multiple Texas Instruments' Aureus DSP processors with high-end digital-to-analog converters. Both the Room EQ and Auto Set-Up features can be disabled if required. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.
Auto Setup
The Auto Set-Up feature eases setup hassles by confirming speaker phase, assessing the sizes of all of your speakers, measuring speaker-to-listener distances, and balancing speaker levels. With the Denon DM-S205 placed in your favorite listening seat, this feature uses a test tone generator and proprietary programming to precisely balance speaker levels and fine-tune the delay settings for each speaker. The result is optimized system performance for your specific home theater room.
Auto Set-Up/Room EQ Adjust
The Auto Set-Up/Room EQ Adjust feature eases setup hassles by confirming speaker phase, assessing the sizes of all of your speakers, measuring speaker-to-listener distances, and balancing speaker levels. With the Denon DM-S205 or DM-S305 calibration-grade microphone (some optional) placed in your favorite listening seat, this feature uses a test tone generator and proprietary programming to precisely balance speaker levels and fine-tune the delay and EQ settings for each speaker. The result is optimized system performance for your specific home theater room.
Back Light Remote
Cinema Equalizer
The sound from movie sources recorded in Dolby Digital, dts, or other formats emphasizes high-frequency range due to a theater’s front speakers being placed behind the movie screen. If this sound is reproduced in the home theater without correction, the high-frequency range can be too strong. Denon amplifiers feature a Cinema Equalizer to correct these high-frequency components so that the sound is clearer and easier to listen to.
Compact Disc - Digital Video
Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R)
CD-R is a recordable compact disc that can be written to only once. Once data is “burned” onto the disc, it cannot be altered, erased, or written over.
Compact Disc-Rewritable (CD-RW)
The data on CD-RW discs can be erased, modified, or written over. You will need a CD-RW recorder to burn CD-RW discs. Not all players can read CD-RW discs as they do not reflect a laser beam with the same intensity as do CD and CD-R discs.
Composite Video
Composite Video is a video signal format that transmits both chrominance (color) and luminance (brightness) information on a single 75-ohm cable. A virtually universal format, it provides the minimum quality you should expect from today’s home entertainment components. For the technically-minded, chrominance is carried in a 3.58-MHz sideband and is filtered by the television’s notch or comb filter. Poor filtering can result in “dot crawl,” “hanging dots,” or other image artifacts.
Custom Integration
Denon Link
Connected via a shielded twisted pair (STP) RJ-45 fitted cable to a Denon Link-compliant A/V amplifier, the balanced signal transfer offers lower voltage than coaxial or unbalanced cables. Since Denon Link is far less susceptible to radiated noise, it ensures the highest level of signal transfer. The Denon Link interface is able to transfer high grade LPCM 24-bit, 192kHz, 2-channel and 96kHz, 24-bit, multi-channel digital output. Denon Digital Link uses low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS). Transfer capabilities of greater than 1.2 Gbps at a differential voltage of approximately 0.3 Vpp are possible. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.
Denon Pixel Image Correction (DPIC)
DPIC is a patented image enhancer algorithm and processing method, which enhances the target pixel by analyzing all the surrounding 8 pixels to produce a more natural image. It detects and processes images with vertical, horizontal and also diagonal direction at pixel level. The Luminance(Y) and Chrominance difference (Cr, Cb) signals are processed with the DPIC algorithm. The result of running this process on the signals and the corresponding pixels is a more natural image.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP is a method of displaying images developed by Texas Instruments. DLP projects video images by reflecting a light source off an array of tens of thousands of microscopic mirrors. Each mirror represents one pixel and reflects light toward the lens for white and away from it for black, modulating in between for various shades of gray. Three-chip versions use separate arrays for the red, green, and blue colors. Single-chip arrays use a color-filter wheel that alternates each filter color in front of the mirror array at appropriate intervals.
Directional Correlation De-interlacing (DCDi)
DCDi is a specialized video processing developed by Faroudja that involves advanced algorithms to remove the jagged edges that appear when standard interlaced video is viewed on progressive scan displays. DCDi converts standard interlaced signals into progressive scan signals in order to eliminate the stair casing effect that conventional up-converters can introduce to diagonal edges.
DivX Video-Playback
DivX is an advanced digital media format that lets you play, create and share digital video by turning large video files into much more streamlined files. The DivX codec (short for compressor/decompressor) compresses the video to a convenient size without losing any noticeable quality and play those videos back on almost any device. For example, the DivX codec can compress an MPEG-2/DVD file to nearly one-tenth its original size.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby Digital consists of up to “5.1” channels – front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and an additional channel exclusively reserved for additional deep bass sound effects. Dolby Digital’s main channels can all contain full range sound information, from the lowest bass, up to the highest frequencies – 22 kHz. The signals within each channel are distinct from the others, allowing pinpoint sound imaging and tremendous dynamic range from the most powerful sound effects to the quietest, softest sounds, free from noise and distortion.
Dolby Digital EX
In a movie theater, film soundtracks that have been encoded with Dolby Digital surround EX technology are able to reproduce an extra channel which has been added during the mixing of the program. This channel, called Surround Back, places sounds behind the listener in addition to the currently available front left, front center, front right, surround right, surround left and subwoofer channels. The additional channel provides the opportunity for more detailed imaging behind the listener and brings more depth, spacious ambience and sound localization then ever before.
Dolby Headphones
In conventional headphones, sound is directed into the listener’s ears from two sides in order to preserve the stereo effects from the speakers. The Dolby Headphone, however, generates signals that more closely emulate surround sound from the speakers to give you a more realistic multi-channel sound effect through your headphones. It supports Dolby Pro Logic, Pro Logic II, and Dolby Digital as well as stereo and multi-channel signals. Dolby Headphone reproduces the sonic experience you receive through your speakers from stereo or multi-channel sources. It provides three distinct modes: o DH1: Referred to as Dolby Headphone “Reference Room,” this mode recreates a small, acoustically “dry” room, well-suited to both music and movie programs. o DH2: This mode has an acoustically softer effect than DH1, and is best suited for music recordings. o DH3: This mode gives a greater sense of distance and sonic dispersion to create a large room such as a concert hall or movie theatre.
Dolby Noise Reduction
The Dolby noise reduction system substantially reduces the tape background noise (hiss) inherent in the cassette medium. Tape background noise consists primarily of high frequency information, which is particularly annoying during soft passages. The Dolby NR system increases the level of low volume mid and high-frequency signals during recording and reduces the level of these signals by an identical amount during playback. As a result, the playback signal is identical to the original source, but the level of background noise generated by the tape is greatly reduced.
Dolby Pro Logic II
Dolby Pro Logic II is a new multi-channel playback format developed by Dolby Laboratories using feedback logic steering technology and offering improvements over conventional Dolby Pro Logic circuits. It can be used to decode not only sources recorded in Dolby Surround, but also regular stereo sources into five channels (front left, front right, center, surround left and surround right) to achieve surround sound. Dolby Pro Logic II offers a wider band range (20 Hz to 20 kHz or greater) and the surround channels are played as stereo signals. Various parameters can be set according to the type of source and the contents, so it is possible to achieve optimum decoding.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx furthers the matrix decoding technology of Dolby Pro Logic II to decode audio signals recorded on two channels up to 7.1 playback channels, including the surround back channel. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also allows 5.1-channel sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels. The mode can be selected according to the source – Music mode is best suited for playing music, Cinema mode for playing movies, and Game mode for playing games.
Dolby Virtual Speaker
Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulates a highly realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound listening environment from two speakers. It also creates a wider two-channel environment during playback of stereo CDs and MP3s, and when combined with Dolby Pro Logic II processing, delivers a virtual surround listening experience from any high-quality stereo source. More than a simple "expanded stereo" performance, Dolby Virtual Speaker incorporates highly advanced algorithms and extensive room-modeling technologies to reproduce the sonic spectrum and dynamics of a properly placed 5.1-speaker system in a room.
dts 96/24
dts 96/24 allows high-quality 5.1 channel sound playback with full-quality, full-motion video. dts 96/24 allows both digital audio output and video output from your existing DVD player and is backward compatible with existing dts decoders for normal dts 5.1 playback. dts 96/24 exceeds the resolution of most film soundtrack masters to date, and will initially apply mainly to high quality dts music DVD discs.
dts Digital Surround
dts Digital Surround (also called simply dts) is a multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. dts is a 5.1-channel surround sound format that is available in movie theaters, and as an optional soundtrack on some DVD-Video movies for home theater viewing. The primary advantage of dts is that it offers higher data rates, leading many home theater enthusiasts to claim the sound quality for movie or music audio tracks to be closer to the original master recordings.
dts Neo:6 Cinema
This mode is optimum for playing movies. Decoding is performed with emphasis on separation performance to achieve the same atmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources. This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventional surround formats as well, because the in-phase component is assigned mainly to the center channel (C) and the reversed phase component to the surround (SL, SR and SB) channels.
dts Neo:6 Music
This mode is suited mainly for playing music. The front channel (FL and FR) signals bypass the decoder and are played directly so there is no loss of sound quality, and the effect of the surround signals output from the center (C) and surround (SL, SR and SB) channels add a natural sense of expansion to the sound field.
dts Neo:6 surround
This mode applies conventional 2-channel signals to the high precision digital matrix decoder used for dts-ES Matrix 6.1 to achieve 6.1-channel surround playback. High precision input signal detection and matrix processing enable full band reproduction (frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz or greater) for all 6.1 channels, and separation between the different channels is improved to the same level as that of a digital discrete system. dts Neo:6 surround includes two modes for selecting the optimum decoding for the signal source – dts Neo:6 Cinema and dts Neo:6 Music
dts-ES Discrete 6.1
dts-ES Discrete 6.1 is one of the newest recording formats, with all 6.1 channels (including the SB channel) recorded independently using a digital discrete system. Since each of the surround channels are fully independent, the sound can be designed with total freedom to achieve a sense that the acoustic images are moving about freely among the background sounds surrounding the listener from 360 degrees. Though maximum performance is achieved when sound tracks recorded with this system are played using a dts-ES decoder, when played with a conventional dts decoder the SB channel signals are automatically down-mixed to the SL and SR channels, so none of the signal components are lost.
dts-ES Extended Surround
dts-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. Used professionally in movie theaters since 1999, dts-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround impression and space expression thanks to further expanded surround signals. In addition to the 5.1 surround channels, dts-ES Extended Surround also offers Surround Back, sometimes also referred to as “surround center” channel for surround playback with a total of 6.1 channels. dts-ES Extended Surround includes two signal formats with different surround signal recording methods, dts-ES Discrete 6.1 and dts-ES™ Matrix 6.1.
dts-ES Matrix 6.1
With this format, the additional SB channel signals undergo matrix encoding and are input to the SL and SR channels beforehand. Upon playback they are decoded to the SL, SR and SB channels. The performance of the encoder used at the time of recording can be fully matched using a high precision digital matrix decoder developed by dts, thereby achieving surround sound more faithful to the producer’s sound design aims. In addition, the bit stream format is 100% compatible with conventional dts signals, so the effect of the Matrix 6.1 format can be achieved even with 5.1-channel signal sources.
Dual Discrete Video Circuit (D.D.V.C.)
Not only does Denon separate audio and video circuitry in its DVD players to maintain high sound and picture quality, the interlaced, progressive and SCART video output circuits are also arranged independently of each other. Isolated circuits and boards, the use of a box chassis and even the encoder chips (in high end models) are all exclusively dedicated to individual tasks to minimize mutual interference and ensure optimum picture quality.
DVD-Audio (DVD-A)
DVD-A is the audio version of a DVD. It uses an extended version of PCM technology and provides high frequency response to 96 kHz (slightly less than SACD) and a 144 dB dynamic range (greater than SACD). Conventional DVD players will not play the high definition data contained on a DVD-A disc.
DVD-Audio/Video
Playback of media from standard "DVD Video" & "DVD-Audio" disc's.
DVDO
DVDO is a high precision 10-bit professional scaler that executes the optimum conversion to suit the output of the independent HDMI and DVI transmitters and provides Color Space Conversion for RGB signals. Parallel Video Outputs (Digital and Analog) are included such that both HDMI and DVI-D can output the selected scaling rate simultaneously with 480p/576p via a component. Developed by Anchor Bay Technology (ABT), it has an excellent reputation for high quality video technology.
DVI (Digital Video Interface)
DVI specifies ways to get analog and/or digital video signals to a monitor with a single connector. DVI comes in three flavors: DVI-A for analog signals; DVI-D for digital signals, and DVI-I (or Integrated) for both analog and digital signals. Using a DVI connection, a digital signal sent to an analog display device is converted into an analog signal. If the display can receive a digital signal (e.g., flat panel displays), no digital-to-analog conversion is necessary.
DVI-D Output (HDCP)
Digital Voice Integrated (DVI-D) is used for direct digital connections between source video (Denon DVD players) and digital LCD, plasma and LCD projectors. This provides a faster, higher-quality image than with analog, due to the nature of the digital format. Outputting this signal to a display eliminates any loss of quality due to conversion.
Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit (D.D.S.C.-Digital-Circuit)
D.D.S.C.-Digital-Circuit is used for high-quality Sound Reproduction. It is a circuit configuration specially designed by Denon in which all elements of the surround processor are optimized through the use of selected high-performance discrete components, including separate A/D and D/A converters, with sophisticated DSP surround decoding. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.
EL-Touch-Panel Remote Control
This remote control utilizes an electroluminescent display, similar to the technology employed by LCD backlights. On this Denon remote, the luminous blue color of the buttons is the backlight being allowed through the insulating surface that covers the remote’s functions. Each function, or button, has its own parent EL area and is configured to allow different buttons to become lit when certain modes are engaged.
Fuji Color CD Compatible
GLO-KEY Technology
The keys on the remote control are made of florescent glow in the dark material to allow for easy use in dark rooms. On the remotes for the Denon amplifiers and DVD players, the important keys have been highlighted with the GLO-Key technology. Some of the remotes have also a backlight that illuminates the keys on touch of the remote.
HD Radio
HD Radio
HD Radio-Ready
HD Radio-Ready
HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital)
HDCD is an encoding/decoding technology that encodes with 20 bits of real musical information, as compared with 16 bits for all other CDs, greatly reducing the distortion that occurs upon digital recording, while maintaining compatibility with conventional CD formats. HDCD overcomes the limitation of the 16-bit CD format by using a sophisticated system to encode the additional 4 bits onto the CD while remaining completely compatible with the existing CD format. HDCD provides more dynamic range, a more focused three-dimensional soundstage, and extre