Is Denons AVR-3312 the flagship 2012 model or are they bringing out a 4312 ??

[admin_exported]

If the 3312 is going to be the top model is this better than the 4311 ? Also is it worth upgrading to either of these from my AVR-2808 just for its 3D capability? Which I do need unless I want to trail an HDMI cable up my wall!! Also I was never really happy with the Denon AVR-2808 in stereo/music mode so will the above 2 models be an improvment in this area ?

 

[Andrew Everard]

The AVR-4311 carries on into next year, so clearly Denon believes it has a place in the new line-up. We're yet to test the more expensive models in the new range, so really can't comment on whether they'd be a sonic step-up.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Andrew - THanks for this...I understand you have tested the older 4311 ? Do you know whether there would be a significant improvment in sterreo mode on this machine from the AVR-2808 ? I am running it through Tanny Revolution Signature DC6T L + R (and DC4LCR + DC4 Rear)

 

[Andrew Everard]

Denon AVR-4311 review here, but I'm afraid I haven't done the comparison myself between that and the AVR-2808: best bet would probably be to get a demonstration of the AVR-4311 and see what you think.

 

[wireman]

The AVR-4311 carries on into next year, so clearly Denon believes it has a place in the new line-up.

I read somewhere on one of the American forums (so this is 5th hand rumour rather than confirmed fact) that the marketing/PR guy for Denon USA had said that 4xxx models upwards were traditionally made in Japan, whereas lesser models were made 'elsewhere' due to lower production costs (China?). A 4312 had been designed, but due to the disruption/devastation caused by the 2011 earthquake, wouldn't make it into production. I don't of course know how much truth there is in that (if any), but it sounds plausible.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I did ask about the lack of a 4312 at the time we were shown the new models, but there was no mention of anything to do with the Great Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami. And I'm not aware of any significant damage to D&M's production facilities in Japan during the disaster: they're quite a way from the main area affected.

 

[wireman]

Sorry; my lack of clarity Andrew. I think the commentators' emphasis was probably intended to be on the "general disruption caused" rather than any suggestion that Denon themselves may have been directly affected.

This comment also appears on the website of an Australian Denon dealer: "An end of an era ... no more 48 series and above Denon surround amplifiers... the nine channel 4311 will be the effective top of the range after the 4810 and AVPA1HD/POA are sold out... it has already been suggested that the tragic earthquake in Japan will prevent supply for some time of the higher end tier one brand product."

Edit: Apparently, the news of the 4312 being canned due to the turmoil in Japan came from Jeff Talmadge, Denon's Director of Product Development in the US, who participates on that particular forum. It'd be nice if WHF were able to confirm some of this with Denon UK: The rumours continue that the 4312 will eventually appear as a 4313 next year, but there never will be a replacement for the 48xx series or better.

 

[Croftsway]

Here is a link explaining a new Audyssy technology - the first product with it is the AVR-4312CI, due for release Q4 2011:

LINK REMOVED - House Rules

 

[Andrew Everard]

Thanks for that: AFAIK to date neither Denon US nor Denon Europe has made any official announcement of this product.