As a reviewer bent on dissecting any important feature and function contained in Denon’s new flagship AVR-5803CI receiver I had my work cut out for me. It didn’t take long to realize that the best way to conduct this review would be to follow the same steps anyone would take when deciding how best to integrate this product into their listening room.

The AVR-5308CI shares nearly all of the same features found on Denon’s $7500 AVP-A1HDCI flagship processor. While it lacks the balanced circuitry design, class A audio drivers and several other upgrades which did actually show some measureable results, the AVR-5308CI sells for about $2,000 less than this preamp and has seven respectable built in power amplifiers, I’d say it makes it quite a bargain.

Build Quality
Typically I’d begin with the overview, but since I’m reworking this review around a more procedural format that walks you through every step of the install and configuration process, this is a good time to talk about the build quality of the AVR-5308CI. As you’d expect, the flagship receiver from Denon is built like a tank - however it comes in a bit lighter than the well-regarded (if not ridiculously overbuilt) AVR-5805. I don’t know about some users, but I’m actually glad that I’m not stuck inserting an 11-inch tall 97-pound behemoth into my AV equipment rack.

Of course, at 62.7 pounds, the AVR-5308CI is still no lightweight. In fact it’s dangerously close to a two-man lift - but true to my Audioholics roots (and fear of being called a pansy) I instead opted for the solo dead-lift to the top shelf in my rack. Of course, before I slotted the unit into my system I tore off the top and had a look.

Read the complete review at Audioholics.com