This is a review and detailed measurements of the amplifier section of the Denon AVR-4306. At the time of this writing, we are still searching for a high-performance amplifier at reasonable prices. None of the new gear purchased has achieved the right bar so I dug into my inventory of old audio products and found this Audio/Video receiver. I think I bought it 12 to 15 years ago. I see mentions of it as far back as 2005. So in audio terms, it is a grandpa. 
I see the AVR-4306 on Amazon from a number of sellers starting at $389. On ebay, I found $189 including free shipping.
As expected, these AVRs are huge as compared to desktop or even some pro products I have tested. The number of jacks seemingly is a marketing thing with more the merrier.
For my testing, I only focused on using the unit as a 2-channel amplifier and put it in "CD direct" mode. I also tested it in "pure" mode but made no difference.
Let's get into measurements and see if this Denon manages to usneat our bargain basement but new amplifiers.
Measurements
I measured the unit using its CD input with a 4 ohm dummy load. Here is the dashboard view at 5 watts (more or less) power:
Wow, for the first time we break into 80 dB SINAD (signal above noise and distortion)! So this is a good sign of things to come. Here is where we stand with respect to amplifier SINAD:
Most important for an amplifier is power versus distortion:
Now we are talking! The Denon AVR-4306 is significantly cleaner than the NuFroce STA-200. And it produces far more power to boot. Mind you, still not state-of-the-art but we are making progress.
Likewise signal to noise ratio breaks new ground:
First amplifier tested to break the glass ceiling of 100 db and by decent amount.
Frequency response is also a lot more accurate:
THD+N versus frequency also shows clear superiority:
Conclusions
Slowly we are making progress toward high fidelity amplification. The Denon AVR-4306 clearly has better performance than amps tested so far. I am hoping as we move forward, we will find units in smaller packages with even better performance.
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As always, any questions, concerns, comments, corrections, etc. are welcome.
If you like this review, please consider donating using Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/audiosciencereview), or upgrading your membership here though Paypal (https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...eview-and-measurements.2164/page-3#post-59054). It will enable me to pay for gear that is not offered for loan.
I see the AVR-4306 on Amazon from a number of sellers starting at $389. On ebay, I found $189 including free shipping.
As expected, these AVRs are huge as compared to desktop or even some pro products I have tested. The number of jacks seemingly is a marketing thing with more the merrier.
For my testing, I only focused on using the unit as a 2-channel amplifier and put it in "CD direct" mode. I also tested it in "pure" mode but made no difference.
Let's get into measurements and see if this Denon manages to usneat our bargain basement but new amplifiers.
Measurements
I measured the unit using its CD input with a 4 ohm dummy load. Here is the dashboard view at 5 watts (more or less) power:
Wow, for the first time we break into 80 dB SINAD (signal above noise and distortion)! So this is a good sign of things to come. Here is where we stand with respect to amplifier SINAD:
Most important for an amplifier is power versus distortion:
Now we are talking! The Denon AVR-4306 is significantly cleaner than the NuFroce STA-200. And it produces far more power to boot. Mind you, still not state-of-the-art but we are making progress.
Likewise signal to noise ratio breaks new ground:
First amplifier tested to break the glass ceiling of 100 db and by decent amount.
Frequency response is also a lot more accurate:
THD+N versus frequency also shows clear superiority:
Conclusions
Slowly we are making progress toward high fidelity amplification. The Denon AVR-4306 clearly has better performance than amps tested so far. I am hoping as we move forward, we will find units in smaller packages with even better performance.
-----
As always, any questions, concerns, comments, corrections, etc. are welcome.
If you like this review, please consider donating using Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/audiosciencereview), or upgrading your membership here though Paypal (https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...eview-and-measurements.2164/page-3#post-59054). It will enable me to pay for gear that is not offered for loan.