The AVR-3311CI is big and packed with functions and ports with two large knobs on each side where the right knob controls the master volume and the left knob handles the source select. Below the Master Volume are three quick select buttons. Below the Source Select knob are the tuning preset, zone select, source and iPod play buttons. Below these is the power button that changes color depending on the receiver’s state.

Features

The Denon AVR-3311CI features 6 HDMI inputs with one of the inputs conveniently found on the front panel. All of these HDMI inputs has the latest 1.4a standard. HDMI 1.4a was released early 2010 and is responsible for  3D formats for broadcasting live 3D content as well as 3D pass-through for broadcasting movie and game content. This new standard also features the Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for a separate S/PDIF audio connection as it sends audio data directly to the AVR-3311CI. There are also 2 HDMI outputs so both a television display and a home theater projector may be used simultaneously.

Denon has always pride itself for producing equipment that sound good. It uses the latest technologies available in the industry. Several of the audio technologies are powered by Audyssey which adds great depth to the listening experience. One of the technologies exclusive to the new 2010 models including the AVR-3311CI is the Audyssey DSX. The approach is different than the competing A/V receivers that purely rely on bit rate. To vastly improve the sound experience, DSX makes better use of the 7.2 configuration by adding width and height channels for better coverage. An ideal setup is to have these channels come from different directions and distances to simulate a 3D sound environment. This effect is similar to the newDolby Pro Logic IIz codec which the AVR-3311CI also supports for decoding. However, unlike its more expensive siblings, it does not support Denon Link 4 jitter reduction.

The audio track does not make full use of the speaker configuration, but it does use the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 codec for a quality audio experience where the Audyssey technologies still kick in. The sound design is very lively and the bass is much deeper when played with the AVR-3311CI. It is expected for future titles to impress as they get more creative with the audio design and 3D features.

Specifications

• 125 watts per channel x 7 channels
• Processor Bit Depth: 32 bit
• DSP Effect Modes: 7
• Surround Modes: Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding; Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIz; dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding; dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding; Audyssey DXT
• Stereo/Direct Modes w/Pure Analog Path
• Audio Decoders: Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital ; dts-HD Master Audio; MP3 Decoding; WMA Decoding; FLAC
• Anchor Bay ABT-2015 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion
• Dimensions: 17.1″W x 6.7″H x 15″D
• Weight: 26.9 lbs