Onkyo HT-S3400 or Denon DHT-1312xp

[revanth73]

Iam planning to buy Home theater system. Can anyone please suggest which one is the best? Main source of use is for Watching Movies. Budget is around 25-30K.

Onkyo HT-S3400 5.1 Channel Home Theatre Receiver / Speaker Package

or

Denon DHT-1312xp?

Also let me know where can i buy them(best store where i can get best price) in bangalore?

 

[baijuxavior]

Since you can afford 30K, go for the denon 1312xp. It comes with an active subwoofer instead of the passive one in onkyo 3400. However it is recommended that you take a demo before making your decision.

 

[Guruprakash]

Just palnning to go for HT-5.1...had to choose between these two..Kindly assist in providing your comments on the same.

 

[samy]

My vote goes for Onkyo 3400..

 

[Sharp_Shooter]

Hi all,
Finally I could decide on my first good quality HTS. Following were the options considered:
1. Onkyo 3400
2. Yamaha YHT294
3. Denon 1312xp
4. HK+JBL package

1. Onkyo 3400: This is the most celebrated HTiB in this forum. So I was really excited for this one. But it disappointed on the audition. Only because of the feedback I auditioned it for 2-3 times hoping I would like it, but couldn't like it. This one is certainly the best in terms of VFM, coz in this price (23-25k) there will be no AVR+speakers. What disappointed me in this system was the SQ and Sub. Music on this one had no appeal to my ears. And it would give acceptable performance only when volume is high. Plus the Sub was vibrating so much that it was moving places in the room. So I moved to the next one, Yamaha.

2. Yamaha YHT294: Although new model(296) is launched, it was nowhere available. So I considered this one. It was a huge improvement over the Onkyo 3400 with active Sub and better performance musically. However it lacked the SQ while playing movies; additionally speakers started cracking after volume was increased to around 80%. On top of this I got feedback from multiple sources (friends, salesmen & dealers) that Yamaha AVRs had few minor issues and the AVR would be sent to Mumbai for every issue. So I decided to stay away from this.

3. HK+JBL package: Looking for alternatives in limited budget, I came across this package. It's performance was impressive with basic speakers from JBL. But the AVR was very basic and had limited connectivity options. It didn't support DTS & Dolby HD.

4. Denon 1312xp(winner): All this time I was looking for a demo of Denon HTiB, but couldn't get it. When I got the demo, I was amazed. It was superb for music and movies both. Speakers which come in package are the basic ones but they do a flawless job; especially the Sub. This Sub captured low frequencies accurately, produced a high definition and minimal distortion sound and was rock solid even at high volumes. It gave a beautiful warm sound even at low volume levels, which I missed in previous packages. I instantly decided to buy 1312xp. Enjoying the movies and music and also TV with this one. watching TV with this system is a hugely enhanced experience over the TV speakers(which sound like crap to me now).

However this HTiB too has it's cons:
- AVR has limited connectivity options. No component, just 1 optical, 1 Coax and 3 composite inputs (& of course 4 HDMI inputs which are standard nowadays).
- Speakers have high gloss finishing which is eager to capture thumb impressions and scratches.
- Doesn't have Audessy (although self calibration is easy)
- Provided speaker cables are crappy.

 

[samy]

Hi all,
Finally I could decide on my first good quality HTS. Following were the options considered:
1. Onkyo 3400
2. Yamaha YHT294
3. Denon 1312xp
4. HK+JBL package

1. Onkyo 3400: This is the most celebrated HTiB in this forum. So I was really excited for this one. But it disappointed on the audition. Only because of the feedback I auditioned it for 2-3 times hoping I would like it, but couldn't like it. This one is certainly the best in terms of VFM, coz in this price (23-25k) there will be no AVR+speakers. What disappointed me in this system was the SQ and Sub. Music on this one had no appeal to my ears. And it would give acceptable performance only when volume is high. Plus the Sub was vibrating so much that it was moving places in the room. So I moved to the next one, Yamaha.

2. Yamaha YHT294: Although new model(296) is launched, it was nowhere available. So I considered this one. It was a huge improvement over the Onkyo 3400 with active Sub and better performance musically. However it lacked the SQ while playing movies; additionally speakers started cracking after volume was increased to around 80%. On top of this I got feedback from multiple sources (friends, salesmen & dealers) that Yamaha AVRs had few minor issues and the AVR would be sent to Mumbai for every issue. So I decided to stay away from this.

3. HK+JBL package: Looking for alternatives in limited budget, I came across this package. It's performance was impressive with basic speakers from JBL. But the AVR was very basic and had limited connectivity options. It didn't support DTS & Dolby HD.

4. Denon 1312xp(winner): All this time I was looking for a demo of Denon HTiB, but couldn't get it. When I got the demo, I was amazed. It was superb for music and movies both. Speakers which come in package are the basic ones but they do a flawless job; especially the Sub. This Sub captured low frequencies accurately, produced a high definition and minimal distortion sound and was rock solid even at high volumes. It gave a beautiful warm sound even at low volume levels, which I missed in previous packages. I instantly decided to buy 1312xp. Enjoying the movies and music and also TV with this one. watching TV with this system is a hugely enhanced experience over the TV speakers(which sound like crap to me now).

However this HTiB too has it's cons:
- AVR has limited connectivity options. No component, just 1 optical, 1 Coax and 3 composite inputs (& of course 4 HDMI inputs which are standard nowadays).
- Speakers have high gloss finishing which is eager to capture thumb impressions and scratches.
- Doesn't have Audessy (although self calibration is easy)
- Provided speaker cables are crappy.

Did you really took demo of Onkyo 3400 in a AV room? I dont believe Onkyo sound can be such ordinary..I was simply blown away with its sound performance both movies and music..It simply awesome and difinitely fits all the requirements...Still if you find denon is better then go for it...

 

[Sharp_Shooter]

Did you really took demo of Onkyo 3400 in a AV room? I dont believe Onkyo sound can be such ordinary..I was simply blown away with its sound performance both movies and music..It simply awesome and difinitely fits all the requirements...Still if you find denon is better then go for it...

Yes Samy, I did audition in an AV room. Well I did't want to say Onkyo sound ordinary. It was just that the model 3400 didn't appeal to me when compared to others. I also auditioned Onkyo TX SR 308 with Onkyo speakers and it's effects & SQ were much superior than all the HTiBs I have listed above; but this one was little on higher side in terms of budget (43k)

 

[ganeshbeee]

Hallo Guys,

I m Ganesh and I joined this forum today! I m kinda new to audio/ video world, nevertheless, I think i just managed to learn some basics abt A/V before getting deep in to the topic.

Now, for the first AVR+speakers, I did compare the following AVR models:
1. Harman Kardon AVR 134 + JBL Speakers
2. Onkyo 3400 HTIB
3. Denon 1312xp

Of course after demo's I found the Denon one pretty impressive...
1. HK just has just the basic features(No True HD audio, JBL 4ohms speakers provided for 6 ohms AVR 134 - God alone knows y?)
2. Onkyo, yes..sound quality is gud indeed, but....no active sub, no discrete amps unlike Denon...(Onkyo btw, is the only one with ARC)..however I am afraid I can't expand my speakers(SW) in the future as it is a passive SW.
3. Denon..D best I wud say...Denon AVR's are known for its sturdy builds...speakers matching the AVRs, Discrete amps - a celebrated feature...,And it sounded Great...It is expandable to 7.1 as well!!! wat more do I need for an entry level AVR!!!!

My Denon dealer is quoting me 30K....Can any f u guys temme if this is a Gud/Bad/Ugly deal for the price????

Thanks guys!! Wil need ur help (expertise) in the future!!!!

Hi all,
Finally I could decide on my first good quality HTS. Following were the options considered:
1. Onkyo 3400
2. Yamaha YHT294
3. Denon 1312xp
4. HK+JBL package

1. Onkyo 3400: This is the most celebrated HTiB in this forum. So I was really excited for this one. But it disappointed on the audition. Only because of the feedback I auditioned it for 2-3 times hoping I would like it, but couldn't like it. This one is certainly the best in terms of VFM, coz in this price (23-25k) there will be no AVR+speakers. What disappointed me in this system was the SQ and Sub. Music on this one had no appeal to my ears. And it would give acceptable performance only when volume is high. Plus the Sub was vibrating so much that it was moving places in the room. So I moved to the next one, Yamaha.

2. Yamaha YHT294: Although new model(296) is launched, it was nowhere available. So I considered this one. It was a huge improvement over the Onkyo 3400 with active Sub and better performance musically. However it lacked the SQ while playing movies; additionally speakers started cracking after volume was increased to around 80%. On top of this I got feedback from multiple sources (friends, salesmen & dealers) that Yamaha AVRs had few minor issues and the AVR would be sent to Mumbai for every issue. So I decided to stay away from this.

3. HK+JBL package: Looking for alternatives in limited budget, I came across this package. It's performance was impressive with basic speakers from JBL. But the AVR was very basic and had limited connectivity options. It didn't support DTS & Dolby HD.

4. Denon 1312xp(winner): All this time I was looking for a demo of Denon HTiB, but couldn't get it. When I got the demo, I was amazed. It was superb for music and movies both. Speakers which come in package are the basic ones but they do a flawless job; especially the Sub. This Sub captured low frequencies accurately, produced a high definition and minimal distortion sound and was rock solid even at high volumes. It gave a beautiful warm sound even at low volume levels, which I missed in previous packages. I instantly decided to buy 1312xp. Enjoying the movies and music and also TV with this one. watching TV with this system is a hugely enhanced experience over the TV speakers(which sound like crap to me now).

However this HTiB too has it's cons:
- AVR has limited connectivity options. No component, just 1 optical, 1 Coax and 3 composite inputs (& of course 4 HDMI inputs which are standard nowadays).
- Speakers have high gloss finishing which is eager to capture thumb impressions and scratches.
- Doesn't have Audessy (although self calibration is easy)
- Provided speaker cables are crappy.

 

[Sharp_Shooter]

Hallo Guys,

I m Ganesh and I joined this forum today! I m kinda new to audio/ video world, nevertheless, I think i just managed to learn some basics abt A/V before getting deep in to the topic.

Now, for the first AVR+speakers, I did compare the following AVR models:
1. Harman Kardon AVR 134 + JBL Speakers
2. Onkyo 3400 HTIB
3. Denon 1312xp

Of course after demo's I found the Denon one pretty impressive...
1. HK just has just the basic features(No True HD audio, JBL 4ohms speakers provided for 6 ohms AVR 134 - God alone knows y?)
2. Onkyo, yes..sound quality is gud indeed, but....no active sub, no discrete amps unlike Denon...(Onkyo btw, is the only one with ARC)..however I am afraid I can't expand my speakers(SW) in the future as it is a passive SW.
3. Denon..D best I wud say...Denon AVR's are known for its sturdy builds...speakers matching the AVRs, Discrete amps - a celebrated feature...,And it sounded Great...It is expandable to 7.1 as well!!! wat more do I need for an entry level AVR!!!!

My Denon dealer is quoting me 30K....Can any f u guys temme if this is a Gud/Bad/Ugly deal for the price????

Thanks guys!! Wil need ur help (expertise) in the future!!!!

Completely agree with you Ganesh. Discrete output stage circuit is a premium feature of this AVR. Actually Denon's entry level packates used to be expensive and would start from 40 to 43K. They have now reduced the prices to cope-up with the competition; However without compromising the quality. Only compromise I can see is with the body of speakers, in early expensive models, it used to be wood. Expandability to 7.1 is also a very futuristic feature.
So go for it, it's a steal. 30k is not a bad price; however try if you can still bring it down or get some goodies(like extra connectors, etc). Do post the details if you finalize the deal.

 

[ganeshbeee]

Thanks a ton Sharp Shooter!!

I have freezed the order. Final price - 30K - Cudn't negotiate further!! But i thought it was worth it......

Agree with you on the speakers. Its kinda shiny..n prone to fingerprints....but it looks sturdy and sounds gr8 too...

Now, I have a qn: I was thinking of using HDMI wherever possible. However, my dealer says, HDMI is gr8 for video but not audio. (He advised me to go for optical cable for best audio effects)

When I search out for HDMI vs Optical, unanimous votes go to HDMI. Am a bit confused now on what cables should I use??

My only concern here is, the moment I connect an HDMI cable, won't the AVR chose HDMI for both audio and Video, by default?
I am thinking of using HDMI for video and Optical for audio...is it possible to assign HDMI 4 audio n optical for video???

 

[jerryjames72]

Thanks a ton Sharp Shooter!!

I have freezed the order. Final price - 30K - Cudn't negotiate further!! But i thought it was worth it......

Agree with you on the speakers. Its kinda shiny..n prone to fingerprints....but it looks sturdy and sounds gr8 too...

Now, I have a qn: I was thinking of using HDMI wherever possible. However, my dealer says, HDMI is gr8 for video but not audio. (He advised me to go for optical cable for best audio effects)

When I search out for HDMI vs Optical, unanimous votes go to HDMI. Am a bit confused now on what cables should I use??

My only concern here is, the moment I connect an HDMI cable, won't the AVR chose HDMI for both audio and Video, by default?
I am thinking of using HDMI for video and Optical for audio...is it possible to assign HDMI 4 audio n optical for video???

no you can't use optical for video,optical only carries dts & dolby digital audio HDMI carries both video & audio(DTS HD MA & DOLBY TRU HD )hyeah:

 

[ontherocks]

Now, I have a qn: I was thinking of using HDMI wherever possible.

Yes, that's the right way to do.

However, my dealer says, HDMI is gr8 for video but not audio. (He advised me to go for optical cable for best audio effects)

Ask him to explain technically, why and also what "audio effects".
The only advantage optical cable could have is, zero interference. That too is not much of a concern anymore with current systems & HDMI.

My only concern here is, the moment I connect an HDMI cable, won't the AVR chose HDMI for both audio and Video, by default?

No, you can set whichever input you want, for audio.

I am thinking of using HDMI for video and Optical for audio...is it possible to assign HDMI 4 audio n optical for video???

If you still want to go for additional cables and clutter, you can do it. From menu select optical as the audio input.

 

[Sharp_Shooter]

Thanks a ton Sharp Shooter!!

I have freezed the order. Final price - 30K - Cudn't negotiate further!! But i thought it was worth it......

Agree with you on the speakers. Its kinda shiny..n prone to fingerprints....but it looks sturdy and sounds gr8 too...

Now, I have a qn: I was thinking of using HDMI wherever possible. However, my dealer says, HDMI is gr8 for video but not audio. (He advised me to go for optical cable for best audio effects)

When I search out for HDMI vs Optical, unanimous votes go to HDMI. Am a bit confused now on what cables should I use??

My only concern here is, the moment I connect an HDMI cable, won't the AVR chose HDMI for both audio and Video, by default?
I am thinking of using HDMI for video and Optical for audio...is it possible to assign HDMI 4 audio n optical for video???

Hi Ganesh,
I think I know where your dealer is coming from when he says Optical is better; If your source is HD STB, then HDMI will pass only a 2 ch sound for most of the DTH services (Airtel in my case). So in that case you need either Optical or a Coax to get 5.1 Dolby digital sound. Otherwise for BD player or PS-3, HDMI is good enough.
As others suggested, you can choose Optical as input for sound; but I'd suggest, if you're feeding sound to AVR through an optical cable, then you can pass video directly to the TV.
e.g. HD STB (HDMI) --> TV
HD STB (Coax/optical) --> AVR.
This way you'll have choice to hear sound from AVR or TV and won't have to power the AVR always.

 

[ganeshbeee]

Thanks guys! I will use HDMI ...

Also, the speaker wires provided with Denon 1312 looks sick!!! I have seen some thick speaker wires being used in the stores.

Any suggestions on brands??
1.) HDMI
2.) Optical cable
3.) Speaker wires

 

[Sharp_Shooter]

Hey Ganesh,
I've got Bandridge for most of my connectors.

 

[ankurjain.asa]

Hi Ganesh,
I think I know where your dealer is coming from when he says Optical is better; If your source is HD STB, then HDMI will pass only a 2 ch sound for most of the DTH services (Airtel in my case). So in that case you need either Optical or a Coax to get 5.1 Dolby digital sound. Otherwise for BD player or PS-3, HDMI is good enough.
As others suggested, you can choose Optical as input for sound; but I'd suggest, if you're feeding sound to AVR through an optical cable, then you can pass video directly to the TV.
e.g. HD STB (HDMI) --> TV
HD STB (Coax/optical) --> AVR.
This way you'll have choice to hear sound from AVR or TV and won't have to power the AVR always.

Hi guys,
I'm having Samsung led & i normally play movies through USB port of it.
So if I buy denon 1312xp, and connect it through optical out of LED, does it transfer HD or 5.1 sound?
Thanks

 

[prosenjit]

chances are very very less.
pls check ur led model specs for does its onboard chip decode hd audio and give 5.1 sound via optical out from a usb port....if yes it shd give 5.1 via its optical
best is u buy a media player capable of bitstream hd audio..asus has those in the range of 5k inr only...now buy denon...u can enjoy then otherwise ur denon would not be used in its full efficinecy....also ur files shd be with 5.1 hd audio...most of the dl files are not with hd audio like dts hd/dolby true hd..etc

another option......if you are happy with stereo sound......can buy a non hdmi version of denon(if u get it) which u will get at a very very attaractive rate...but dont worrry they sound really good..just lacks hdmi...then u cannect that from rca out(red and white) and enjoy stereo sound.....

 

[bluesparsh]

Hi Ganesh,
can you tell me wher in bangalore did u get the deal for DHT 1312 Xp @ 30 K

 

[naren2512]

Friends,

My cousin is getting his home renovated and likes to install a budget home theater system, my advise to him was to look for Onkyo HTS 3400 as that has been a favorite here, I had auditioned it too once and found it to be reasonably good but little bright.

So I guess now i must tell him to audition Denon 1312 as well. Can you guys suggest where can i get demo of Denon? I would prefer any dealer on the central side of Mumbai however if there is none then any dealer in South or Western Mumbai will do .. please can you advise on dealers in Mumbai and what is the best price in Mumbai for same?

Regards,
Naren

 

[navaldude]

Friends,

My cousin is getting his home renovated and likes to install a budget home theater system, my advise to him was to look for Onkyo HTS 3400 as that has been a favorite here, I had auditioned it too once and found it to be reasonably good but little bright.

So I guess now i must tell him to audition Denon 1312 as well. Can you guys suggest where can i get demo of Denon? I would prefer any dealer on the central side of Mumbai however if there is none then any dealer in South or Western Mumbai will do .. please can you advise on dealers in Mumbai and what is the best price in Mumbai for same?

Regards,
Naren

Hi All,

Just joined this forum today..

I have recently purchased a Sony Bravia LED 40" HX850 and PS3 combo offer...now am planning to upgrade my HTiB too... currently, i have Philips DVD HTiB system, which i purchased in 2008..not worth giving details of it..its obsolete.

As am in this thread, so it means I'm wavering between Onkyo 3400 and Denon 1312 HTiB systems...From my research and from this forum, i have listed down few Pros and Cons of both:-

Pros of Onkyo : Audyssey dynamic volume control and equaliser, ARC (Audio Return Channel), large no of inputs (denon cant even come close to the no of inputs it offers), Dolby Pro logic II and the best is price 27000/-(Ex-Croma, Mumbai).

Cons of Onkyo : No Active Sub-woofer, Integrated audio channels.

Pros of Denon : Active Sub-woofer, Discrete audio channels.and as per most of the reviews the impressive performance than Onkyo.

Cons of Onkyo : No Audyssey dynamic volume control and equaliser, No ARC (Audio Return Channel), limited no of inputs , Dolby Pro logic II not mentioned and price is 34000/-(Ex-Mumbai, Pro FX).

Does anyone have anything to comment on this ??

And Naren, did your cousin find out any dealer, apart from Pro Fx in Atria Mall, for Denon 1312..and the price, if he has purchsed.

One thing, am still not clear is whether the Denon 1312 HTiB which we get in india is with Boston Acoustics speakers or Denon speakers?

Hope this is not too much for my first post !