Denon AVR-X4800H AVR Review

[popej]

I have used Yamaha, then tested Denon for a moment and now I have Pioneer. All of them has some glitches with CEC, for example very often input switches to TV, when TV starts, even if I use other source connected to AVR.

Yamaha had the most usable implementation. I could for example turn off TV without turning off AVR, if I listened to source like Spotify. Pioneer is OK too, but less intelligent. I can turn off TV too but it is too complicated to bother (phone app can disable CEC). Denon turned out too buggy to use.

Good sources with CEC are Sony Blu-ray and Chromecast with Google TV. Ihave bad experiences with CEC on Chinese TV boxes.
I have CoreElec too. I can't disable function, which turns on TV, when I select HDMI input to CoreElec device. This makes CEC on CoreElec unusable to me.

Anyway, I use CEC in my setup, control would be much more complicated without.

 

[PGAMiami]

I only have two sources, the Xfinity box and Apple TV. CEC works best when both are connected to the TV.

Question, does a current Samsung OLED degrade the audio via eARC to the Denon? If not the it’s best to let the TV do the switching

 

[hex168]

Anyone have any idea how Denons do in regard to Class AB crossover distortion? Geddes thought it was important, and he is generally of the amps don't matter much school:

Geddes on distortion measurements

In a variety of threads, Dr. Earl Geddes has presented his takes on more meaningful methods to test amplifier distortions beyond HD. This is a spin off thread to discuss the subject in detail. I am putting this in the solid state forum because it likely applies more acutely here, where high...

www.diyaudio.com

 

[sniffles]

Does anyone else with an X4800H (or perhaps even another 4000 series or above) have source and volume knobs that make a rubbing sound when turned?
They also seem to wobble/oscillate when turned and don't turn perfectly on axis within the hole in the faceplate. I'm wondering whether I should return this unit and get a replacement.

 

[Sal1950]

Does anyone else with an X4800H (or perhaps even another 4000 series or above) have source and volume knobs that make a rubbing sound when turned?
They also seem to wobble/oscillate when turned and don't turn perfectly on axis within the hole in the faceplate. I'm wondering whether I should return this unit and get a replacement.

I have a 4700H and although I can't say their use inspires a feeling of quality, mine in no way make noise or wobble?

 

[sniffles]

I have a 4700H and although I can't say their use inspires a feeling of quality, mine in no way make noise or wobble?

Thanks for the reply, @Sal1950

The knobs on my old X1300W weren't even this bad. I'm probably being more particular due to the price of the X4800H (and it being made in Japan).

I've ordered a second unit to compare. Hopefully the second unit is fine and I just got a lemon the first time.

 

[JuanjoS]

I have a 4700H and although I can't say their use inspires a feeling of quality, mine in no way make noise or wobble?

X4800X here and knobs are smooth no wooble.

 

[sniffles]

I've uploaded a video to YouTube of the knobs making a rubbing sound. The mic on my phone didn't pick it up too well, but if you turn up the volume then it can definitely be heard.

 

[amper42]

Does anyone else with an X4800H (or perhaps even another 4000 series or above) have source and volume knobs that make a rubbing sound when turned?
They also seem to wobble/oscillate when turned and don't turn perfectly on axis within the hole in the faceplate. I'm wondering whether I should return this unit and get a replacement.

Interesting. The knobs on my 4700 turn without issue. But I have to admit I don't use them at all as the remote offers the same function without having to get up. Obviously, they should turn smoothly without any friction.

 

[sniffles]

Interesting. The knobs on my 4700 turn without issue. But I have to admit I don't use them at all as the remote offers the same function without having to get up. Obviously, they should turn smoothly without any friction.

Yeah, I also don't see myself using the knobs very often . I guess this is more just a case of wanting what I paid for. I probably would've been able to live with it long-term.

 

[Sal1950]

The knobs on my old X1300W weren't even this bad. I'm probably being more particular due to the price of the X4800H (and it being made in Japan).

Good luck, I forgot they moved assembly from Vietman to Japan. If we are to believe the marketing hype, along with cost increases, it should be better.
Please keep us in the loop.

 

[CapMan]

I've uploaded a video to YouTube of the knobs making a rubbing sound. The mic on my phone didn't pick it up too well, but if you turn up the volume then it can definitely be heard.

My knobs were fine - but something else broke on the AVR and I'm expecting a replacement next week .

 

[Lamatl]

Based largely on this review I ordered one directly from Denon, and at a price that frankly surprised me, even for a refurb.

 

[2therock]

You will love it.

 

[Sal1950]

Based largely on this review I ordered one directly from Denon, and at a price that frankly surprised me, even for a refurb.

Great deal, enjoy it!

 

[Fahzz]

Oh dear. That sounds like what happened to my [new] 4700 right at year 3. I had it repaired, and they said they had to replace a power supply board and an amp board. By the time I received it back, I had purchased a [new] 4800, so I sold it instead of placing it back in service. I hope the 4800 doesn't eventually develop the same problem.

Were the repairs under warranty or did you have to pay? If paid was the cost/time for repairs reasonable? I bought a 4800 but want to see if a repair to my 3700 might make sense.

 

[Steve Dallas]

Were the repairs under warranty or did you have to pay? If paid was the cost/time for repairs reasonable? I bought a 4800 but want to see if a repair to my 3700 might make sense.

It was still under warranty by 2 weeks, so it was repaired under warranty. It took a few months to get it back, which is why I bought a 4800.

 

[peng]

It was still under warranty by 2 weeks, so it was repaired under warranty. It took a few months to get it back, which is why I bought a 4800.

Did you ask them what might have been the cause of the failed PS and amp? I assume you did not use it with external amps so did the amp run relatively warm most of the time or not? I am just curious, as there don't seem to be too many reports of such failures on forums. If the suspected cause was thermal related sort of overload, then it would make sense for users of ext. fan(s) to continue such preventive measure.

 

[Steve Dallas]

Did you ask them what might have been the cause of the failed PS and amp? I assume you did not use it with external amps so did the amp run relatively warm most of the time or not? I am just curious, as there don't seem to be too many reports of such failures on forums. If the suspected cause was thermal related sort of overload, then it would make sense for users of ext. fan(s) to continue such preventive measure.

They did not indicate what caused the failures. I run external amps for the front left and right channels. I also ran a 120mm PC fan on top of the unit for additional cooling. The unit always ran extremely hot compared to my other AVRs from Sony and Yamaha.

 

[CapMan]

They did not indicate what caused the failures. I run external amps for the front left and right channels. I also ran a 120mm PC fan on top of the unit for additional cooling. The unit always ran extremely hot compared to my other AVRs from Sony and Yamaha.

Mine faulty amp was replaced with a new unit as they weren't able to repair quickly.