Preamp Section

Denon AVR-5308CI Preamp Frequency Response

I measured a ruler flat frequency response with a -3dB point around 200kHz in “Pure Direct” mode. This is similarly good frequency response exhibited on the more expensive AVP-A1HDCI processor.

Denon AVR-5308CI Preamp FFT Distortion Analysis

With 200mVin, I set the master volume until I reached 1.7Vrms out of the preamp. The output was so pristine that I couldn’t measure any appreciable harmonics. I had to run the preamp up to 2Vrms out and 400Mv in to start measuring something appreciable but beyond the limits of audibility. Low distortion hardly qualifies for what I measured (4.7+84.641)dBv = 89.3dBv or 100*alog^-1(-89.3/20) = .003% THD + N which is very good, though not as pristine as I found on the AVP-A1HDCI processor or similarly priced Yamaha RX-Z11 receiver.

I measured a maximum of 3.8Vrms out (<0.1% THD + N) with a maximum allowable input of 8Vrms (<0.1% THD + N) though preamp gain was a bit lower than I’d expect to see which was in this case only 13dB. You may find the necessity to boast source level via the inputs should you couple this receiver with an external amp that is also low voltage gain.

Power Amp Section

Power Bandwidth & Distortion

Denon AVR-5308CI Frequency Response at 1 watt & Full Power

The AVR-5308CI exhibited very good frequency response uniformity at high power levels (-3dB of 68 kHz) though not quite as steady with varying power levels as we’ve seen on the Yamaha RX-Z11.

Denon AVR-5308CI Power output: < 0.1% THD + N

• 1CH, 8 ohms: 160watts
• 2CH, 8 ohm, 150wpc
• 1CH, 4 ohms: 240wpc
• 2CH, 4 ohm 220wpc

For a rated power of 150wpc x 7, the AVR-5308CI delivered the goods, though not quite so well as the 140wpc similarly priced Yamaha RX-Z11 that under the same test conditions delivered as follows:

Yamaha RX-Z11 Power output: <0.1% THD + N

• 1CH, 8 ohms: 190wpc
• 2CH, 8 ohms: 172wpc
• 1CH, 4 ohms: 300wpc
• 2CH, 4 ohms: 256wpc

Overall the amp section of the AVR-5308CI is very good, though no match for the venerable AVR-5805CI monster 10CH receiver. Performance is probably a halfway point between the old AVR-4802 and the old flagship AVR-5803 - and not quite as robust as the amps found in Yamaha's similarly priced receiver.

Keep in mind most review publications don’t do continuous power measurements and they usually publish power measurements into clipping at 1% THD + N. Our measurements are very conservative and it is clear that Denon is meeting and exceeding the 150wpc power rating. 

For more info on amplifier measurements, see: The All Channels Driven (ACD) Test

Amplifier Output Impedance & Damping Factor

Denon AVR-5308CI Amplifier Output Impedance

The AVR-5308CI exhibited commendably low output impedance second only to the Yamaha RX-Z11 in this class of product. It floated right around our desired 100 mohm or less mark for the entire audible bandwidth up to 20kHz and maintained itself even when driving at max sustained power levels into 8 ohm and 4 ohm loads. This implies this receiver should sound consistently good no matter what loudspeaker load it is driving.

Denon AVR-5308CI Amplifier Damping Factor

The amplifier damping factor is about what I expected based on the measured output impedance. It is uniformly good across the entire audio frequency range at around the 80 mark (50 is a minimum we like to see in all amplifiers of uncompromising design) when driving an 8 ohm loads.

Crosstalk

Denon AVR-5308CI Crosstalk Measurement at Full Rated Power vs Frequency

Running a full range frequency sweep from the preamp all the way through the power amp at full rated power (140wpc @ 8 ohms), I measured channel to channel crosstalk on two adjacent channels where one channel was the disturber and the other was the DUT. The Audio Precision plotted crosstalk of both channels over frequency by varying the Disturber/DUT channels. You can see the AVR-5308CI produced excellent crosstalk measurements (80dB at 1kHz) with only a slight increase up at the frequency extremes (low frequency because of magnetic coupling and high frequency because of capacitive coupling). This test really exemplifies the careful board and magnetics layout of this 7 channel receiver.

Conclusions and Overall Perceptions

Here's the thing. This receiver is absolutely the most top-of-the-line product you can pick up for $5500. With a built-in Silicon Optix HQV Realta processor included, it's hard not to look at it as a $3500 receiver plus a $2000 video processor. Or is that a $5500 receiver with a free processor? It's also so ridiculously similar to the AVP-A1HDCI (sans balanced outputs but including 7 amplifiers) that it begs the question: Is it really enough of an audible difference to warrant paying an additional $2000 for the separates processor? I'd have to say 'No' but ultimately you can read the AVP-A1HDCI processor review and decide for yourself. The AVR-5308CI is a powerhouse receiver that delivers the goods whether they come from DVD, Blu-ray, SACD, USB, PC, HD Radio, XM or the Internet. That's a lot of music. THX Ultra2 processing and certification means that this product was also put through the ringer by the folks at THX. We know some of them; they're insane but in a good way - you can trust their work. I found this to be the most enjoyable receiver I've ever had in my AV rack and one that I'll likely purchase for my reference system. If that's not a good enough endorsement then I'm all out of ideas.

Denon AVR-5308CI
MSRP $5500

Denon Electronics
19 Chapin Road, P.O. Box 867
Pine Brook NJ 07058 -9777
973-396-0810
973-396-7459 (fax)
usa.denon.com

About Denon Electronics
Denon is a world leader in the manufacture of the highest quality home theater, audio and software products. Denon is recognized internationally for innovative and groundbreaking products and has a long history of technical innovations, including the development and first commercialization of PCM digital audio. Denon Electronics is owned by D&M Holdings Inc.