Technical Innovations:
The graphic shows the biggest connection innovations. For one, Denon's 3311 now also offers a second HDMI output – this allows, for example, a TV and a projector to be connected and operated in parallel. In addition, the new model is suitable for the perfect connection of a second woofer thanks to a second subwoofer output. The connections themselves are internally wired in parallel, so that before the final calibration, the phase and volume of both woofers should be adjusted to achieve a perfect result. A sixth HDMI input is now installed on the front of the receiver – particularly practical if you want to connect, for example, your camcorder or a laptop. Another new feature of the 3311 is the Audyssey DSX calibration program, which was previously only available as an optional extra and at an additional cost – this allows additional height speakers to be installed above the TV/screen. An additional speaker terminal has been added for these connections.
Beyond the expanded connectivity options, there have, of course, also been changes to the formats: All HDMI interfaces of the AVR-3311 comply with the HDMI 1.4 specification. This means the receiver can also receive 3D material via the digital interfaces and features an "Audio Return Channel". In conjunction with a suitable television, only a single HDMI cable is needed to transmit the picture to the TV and sound in both directions. A detailed overview is also available directly on the Denon website.
Practical test: In daily use, the new remote control is particularly noteworthy: The previous model, with function keys hidden under a flap on the back, has finally been replaced by a more practical model. The new signal transmitter allows for more convenient operation and also fits well in the hand.
Practical: The remote control for a second zone is still included.
During calibration, the AVR-3311 dispenses with the "pre-leveling" of the subwoofer, as is the case with the larger models (AVR-4310 and AVR-4810). However, after the calibration process, the receiver asks whether you want to use the DynEQ mode or not. Of course, the settings can also be changed during operation at the push of a button on the remote control. My recommendation (after extensive tests):
If no subwoofer is present, the Dynamic Equalizer enables a significantly deeper, more bass-heavy reproduction. This particularly benefits feature films when used with a 5.0 system. Small speakers also sound much "bigger" with this setting, providing more punch and dynamics, whether for music or film.
For music playback via large floor-standing speakers, however, the sound without dynamic expansion is more natural; with the more subtle bass, the mid-range can be better brought out. When a very good subwoofer transmits dynamics and pressure, the DynEQ function is no longer absolutely necessary, and without it, you benefit from a cleaner, more precise reproduction. However, since the function can also be automatically activated or deactivated for individual sources via the "Quick Select buttons" on the front, your preferred settings can be recalled fully automatically for each source.
For the "sound check", we connected the new high-end receiver to an excellent loudspeaker set in the appropriate price range: the Monitor Audio-RX8, together with the Center RX-LCR and the compact RX-1 speakers, currently represent an almost unbeatable combination for home cinema. No other speaker set in this price range achieves such good speaker tuning, dynamics, and tonal interplay between front speakers and center (RX-8: €1340/pair, RX-Center: €465/piece, RX-1: €570/pair). We entrusted the deep bass support to a Velodyne SPL-1000, which plays incomparably fast and engaging for its size and price range (€1570/piece).
In our listening room, the set played absolutely confidently and, for its price range, incredibly homogeneously and powerfully. In Pure Direct mode, stereo music reproduction also convinces demanding music listeners. Alan Taylor's "Dedicated to" from Stockfish Records Vol. 3 sounded full-bodied, powerful, and well-proportioned in the high frequencies. Even at high levels, the combination of Denon AVR-3311 + Monitor Audio RX-8 cannot be thrown off balance.
But now to the actual task of the surround set: King Kong (BluRay) and Lord of the Rings 3 (BluRay) were ready for demonstration. We tested in the mode we preferred for our speakers beforehand: Audyssey XT EQ calibration activated, dynamic expansion (DynEQ) deactivated.
We started with King Kong, chapter 17: At the beginning, the dialogue between Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) and Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) regarding "sea legs", then the special highlight in the next scene with the sunrise and the accompanying strings. During the dialogue, the voice comes nicely centered from the center speaker, as soon as the film music begins, the RX-8s spread the scene absolutely harmoniously across the entire front. Pure goosebumps.
To really let loose afterwards, we switched from King Kong to Lord of the Rings 3, directly into the battle with the Oliphaunts. Here, our primary concern was brutal primal force, so the volume was accordingly high. Especially the deep bass had a lot to do here, and with the Monitor Audio Silver RX-W12 woofer used for comparison, one could discern the class difference to the more expensive Velodyne. Both woofers created a good amount of pressure even in our 28m² room. However, while the RX woofer played somewhat less differentiated at extreme volumes, the more expensive Velodyne seemed powerful, precise, and somehow... relaxed even at extreme volumes. As if it effortlessly controlled the bass power despite enormous excursions. Particularly important for authentic cinema: Even during the biggest battle scene, the dialogues remained clear and understandable.
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