Denon AV Owners Thread

[JasonInMelbourne]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

As you know, we're at the mercy of the distributor. That is to say, we have no option but to pay a certain price set by the distributor to obtain our stock, and then pass on those costs. We don't have the opportunity to shop around for a better price because there is no-one else to go to. The only way we can make the price more appealing to customers is to lower our margins. And, as you can appreciate, for a boutique store, that means less money to pay for operating costs. But we try our best to make that up with volume.

Again, thanks for the words of appreciation and for those who've taken up our offer. Just letting you know, it is actually quite time consuming spending at least an hour a day answering inquiries and making comments on the Forum and answering all the e-mails. So if I don't get back to you immediately, please be patient.

Now I'm off to watch my HD DVD copy of Transformers!

Edited October 25, 2007 by JasonInMelbourne

[RodN]

You have done well Jason to help out the people here. I have had a few acquaintances in the industry since I got into this hobby and it was quite clear that if it was up to the retailers us customers would be far batter off!

[eleventyseven]

Same for me Macca, I've spent close to $30,000 on Denon gear over the years, and I felt it was worth it cos it sounded better than anything priced the same (or less) to my ears...this is no longer the case, there are many comparable brands that simply cost less.

A great example is the new Denon Pre-Pro gear...$26,000 for the kit! I have thrown my hat in the ring with another brand that have produced a high quality Pre-Pro at an affordable price...and not only that, I have chosen to clean out all my Denon gear 'cos anything I buy that is new will look out of place next to the Denon Champagne Gold finish

'tis a sad day when turning a profit via the grooming of existing customer base is thrown away for a 'get rich quick' scheme...

Well done on the Group Buy Jason, you are to be commended for helping the die hard Denon fans achieve their dreams at a better price than they would otherwise have to pay

Cheers,

Curious

Below is the complaint I have just sent to the ACCC. Maybe if a few here do the same our voices might be heard (you know, the butterfly effect :ph34r: )

My complaint is based on the fact that I believe the Audio Products Group is acting as a monopoly importer of Denon hifi equipment and is setting prices at unrealistic levels in today's market.

As an example, a product I am interested in that is available in many countries will cost approximately $1,200 (including taxes for California for example) in the US and the lowest price I have seen it offered in Australia is $2,800. After converting the US price, the difference is over 100%.

I could accept a 20 - 30% price difference but this is obviously an attempt by the reseller to abuse a captive market. As there is only 1 reseller for this brand in Australia, there is no competition and nothing compelling the company to set realistic prices. I have made contact with them in the past and their response has been less than helpful.

If there is a fundamental reason why the products cost this much I would like to understand but I can't get this information from the reseller. I understand that there is competition in the market and I can simply purchase another brand but I still believe this should be investigated for anti-competitive practices. I don't believe Audio Products group are alone in setting prices too high in comparison to other global markets.

The Australian public are being unfairly treated by resellers who have a monopoly on the products they import and I don't see enough downward pressure on prices given the current strength of the Australian Dollar.

I'll keep you posted on their response... stay tuned

Edited October 26, 2007 by bonehead

[betty boop]

Below is the complaint I have just sent to the ACCC. Maybe if a few here do the same our voices might be heard (you know, the butterfly effect :ph34r: )

My complaint is based on the fact that I believe the Audio Products Group is acting as a monopoly importer of Denon hifi equipment and is setting prices at unrealistic levels in today's market.

As an example, a product I am interested in that is available in many countries will cost approximately $1,200 (including taxes for California for example) in the US and the lowest price I have seen it offered in Australia is $2,800. After converting the US price, the difference is over 100%.

I could accept a 20 - 30% price difference but this is obviously an attempt by the reseller to abuse a captive market. As there is only 1 reseller for this brand in Australia, there is no competition and nothing compelling the company to set realistic prices. I have made contact with them in the past and their response has been less than helpful.

If there is a fundamental reason why the products cost this much I would like to understand but I can't get this information from the reseller. I understand that there is competition in the market and I can simply purchase another brand but I still believe this should be investigated for anti-competitive practices. I don't believe Audio Products group are alone in setting prices too high in comparison to other global markets.

The Australian public are being unfairly treated by resellers who have a monopoly on the products they import and I don't see enough downward pressure on prices given the current strength of the Australian Dollar.

I'll keep you posted on their response... stay tuned

good luck with that one. we know topfields importer was playing games with pricing and got burnt and lost the entire game in the end. so hopefully what is fair and jsut is what wins through. good on you for lodging the complaint.

and by the way anyone wanting to do the same the accc website has a web lodgement form and they do get back intouch with you personally on a case by case basis.

[Chaff]

Just to change the subject a little for those of us who have forked out the bit extra for the 3808 - i certanly did as in my opinion it did sound better than the Yamaha and you can't cook on it like the Onkyo, i found some interesting buttons when programming a harmony remote for those interested.

Dolby Surround - This toggles on or off the rear speaker or speakers.

Video Input - Toggles through the available vedio inputs while keeping the original audio input.

There are also discreat channel adjustment buttons - I find the center and subwoofer ones useful for quick access.

The ethernet update worked a treat so i have not had any bugs other then internet radio hanging a couple of times.

Overall love the unit except for the following three complaints.

Audyssey setup was woeful - Sounded crap - Stuck to manual.

When using the NET / USB / PC input the channel select button cannot be used to bring the channels up for adjustment.

The main remote is also rubbish but not a big deal as i use the Harmany that the wife has mastered!

Most importantly - Sounds fantastic! Vast improvement over the Yamaha RXV 795 it replaced!

[shauno_gc]

Ok just got back from Singapore today and checked out prices of 4308 and Onkyo 905

4308 $2700 sing dollars or $2023 aussie dollars the 905 was around $2300 Sing

This was in Sim lim square i didnt look in all the shops and these prices were first offer with no bargaining.

One of the guys said he is sending around 5 4308's a week to Australia im going to pick one up when i go back to Sing in a few weeks.

[RodN]

Ok just got back from Singapore today and checked out prices of 4308 and Onkyo 905

4308 $2700 sing dollars or $2023 aussie dollars the 905 was around $2300 Sing

This was in Sim lim square i didnt look in all the shops and these prices were first offer with no bargaining.

One of the guys said he is sending around 5 4308's a week to Australia im going to pick one up when i go back to Sing in a few weeks.

Holy guacamole batman I am going to singapore early December this is fantastic news for me Sphazell thank you very much for taking the time to post!

[betty boop]

Holy guacamole batman I am going to singapore early December this is fantastic news for me Sphazell thank you very much for taking the time to post!

hehe maybe you can get one sent back to me as well rod hehe no kidding wish I was goign to singapore !

wonder if the denon's local distributor here realises how many people are importing directly themselves because of their over inflated pricing !

[betty boop]

hmm noticed on the tivoli site the 4308 is $3990 ?

http://www.tivolihifi.com.au/index.php?mai...products_id=432

imagine not a typo but thats a very good listed price at around 20% off the rrp which I understand is $4,999

bit early for these kind of discounts I would have thought. amybe theyve dropped the price, whose to question !

[RodN]

hmm noticed on the tivoli site the 4308 is $3990 ?

http://www.tivolihifi.com.au/index.php?mai...products_id=432

imagine not a typo but thats a very good listed price at around 20% off the rrp which I understand is $4,999

bit early for these kind of discounts I would have thought. amybe theyve dropped the price, whose to question !

Very interesting

[Frank Castle]

How do I update the firmware on the 3808?

im getting nowhere here, please help...

[Frank Castle]

Im having trouble connecting my Denon 3808 to my netowork, can someone please help me as i've tried most things I can think of and still get the connection failed when trying to update the firmware..

[JasonInMelbourne]

Im having trouble connecting my Denon 3808 to my netowork, can someone please help me as i've tried most things I can think of and still get the connection failed when trying to update the firmware..

See my post 115 in the 3808/4308 Group buy thread for the solution.

[johnnydelva]

was thinking of getting the b&w 684 with the denon 3808, any thoughts on that combo?

Edited November 2, 2007 by johnnydelva

[Frank Castle]

I'm pretty sure im supposed to have DHCP enabled, but I cant get the denon to display an IP address when the I look under 'Network Info' - IP Address is just blank, and because of this I cant even select 'Start' under Firmware Upgrade to start the upgrade. I thought the IP address was optained automatically but I think I am missing something here. Also I have tried entering them manually with no success. I have a cat5 cable running from the denon directly into a LAN port of my dLink wireless router. Any thoughts?

[JasonInMelbourne]

I'm pretty sure im supposed to have DHCP enabled, but I cant get the denon to display an IP address when the I look under 'Network Info' - IP Address is just blank, and because of this I cant even select 'Start' under Firmware Upgrade to start the upgrade. I thought the IP address was optained automatically but I think I am missing something here. Also I have tried entering them manually with no success. I have a cat5 cable running from the denon directly into a LAN port of my dLink wireless router. Any thoughts?

You only need DHCP on if you want the router to assign the IP address to the AVR automatically. If it's not yielding results try going into the router and assigning an IP to the AVR manually. Also, manually assigning a static IP is essential if you wish to use a web browser to control the AVR, otherwise your web link to the AVR may become out of date.

Once you assign an IP manually you should be able to call up the Main Zone of the AVR on your web browser.

Also, if you've set your router's MAC filter to only allow certain MAC addresses to access the LAN, you'll need to update the MAC Filter List with the MAC address of the AVR.

Edited November 2, 2007 by JasonInMelbourne

[theslydog]

QUOTE(bonehead @ Oct 24 2007, 09:29 AM)

Someone needs to let Denon know what's going on here (although I suspect they would know). I think in time, due mainly to the number of great options out there, Denon's prices will have to drop.

For what it's worth, I think Denon should have more than one reseller in Australia as there's no compelling reason for Audio Products Group to change. The response I've had from them in the past when I've put the question to them has been very much, like it or lump it.

Well I've been a Denon fan for a long time(since I was a kid) and they've had about $5k out of me.

I was looking to upgrade the 3805 to the 3808......but now I will be reconsidering my purchasing options.

It's a shame because Denon make top quality gear and I've been happy with all my Denon gear............but if they don't come out of the clouds for Australia........they've lost me.

Shame.....shame

My thoughts exactly. I can not justify the ridiculous Aussie price. I will be ordering from OS - lucky I have relos OS. Its costing aprox $1500 including postage. G.Bliss the current exchange rate . You can buy them for around US$1100 atm.

If it blows up I will just buy another one and still will be in front!!! In the unlikely event I need to return it, the postage is like $300-400 return and my rellos will take it in and get it serviced. They are testing it b4 sending as well just to be sure.

tsd

[big_marcelo]

hmm noticed on the tivoli site the 4308 is $3990 ?

http://www.tivolihifi.com.au/index.php?mai...products_id=432

imagine not a typo but thats a very good listed price at around 20% off the rrp which I understand is $4,999

bit early for these kind of discounts I would have thought. amybe theyve dropped the price, whose to question !

that's soo expensive.... I've been in Singapore for just over a week now... been to the two places where electronics are to be found (Adelphi & SLS) here in Sing I can get the 4308 for AUD$2,100 .... that's nearly $3k off the RRP in Australia... !!!!

the 3808 can be had for AUD$1,500 ... I'm between the 4308 and the onkyo 905 ... the same price here for both ....

[big_marcelo]

Ok just got back from Singapore today and checked out prices of 4308 and Onkyo 905

4308 $2700 sing dollars or $2023 aussie dollars the 905 was around $2300 Sing

This was in Sim lim square i didnt look in all the shops and these prices were first offer with no bargaining.

One of the guys said he is sending around 5 4308's a week to Australia im going to pick one up when i go back to Sing in a few weeks.

they sphazell, where did you get such low prices for the 905? the cheapest I got quoted was $2850 sing for the 905... the 875 rrp is around 2,300 and I found that for sing... 1,980 ...

please let me know since that's a cracker 905 price....

[betty boop]

that's soo expensive.... I've been in Singapore for just over a week now... been to the two places where electronics are to be found (Adelphi & SLS) here in Sing I can get the 4308 for AUD$2,100 .... that's nearly $3k off the RRP in Australia... !!!!

the 3808 can be had for AUD$1,500 ... I'm between the 4308 and the onkyo 905 ... the same price here for both ....

very interesting indeed marcello. jsut shows how much we get Ripped off here !

[petetherock]

A little OT mates, but you can get the Onkyo 875for about 2.2k Sin$ or less at KEC @ Adephi

Another good shop is Merdeka at Sim Lim Square or City Electronics.

Just don't cave in and starting drooling at the 2.3k mark.....

I don't think the Onyo 905 is being sold at 2,2k SIn$.

Remember to claim GST.

[big_marcelo]

A little OT mates, but you can get the Onkyo 875for about 2.2k Sin$ or less at KEC @ Adephi

Another good shop is Merdeka at Sim Lim Square or City Electronics.

Just don't cave in and starting drooling at the 2.3k mark.....

I don't think the Onyo 905 is being sold at 2,2k SIn$.

Remember to claim GST.

very good service @ KEC .... saw the denon at SLS .... still deciding on the denon/onkyo based on supply .... the looks of the 4308 are stunning .... much, much better then the onkyo 905 .. that's for sure ....

since i'm staying over for a couple of years at least... no GST cashback for me .... but with the savings over AUs prices, its ok ....

[betty boop]

A little OT mates, but you can get the Onkyo 875for about 2.2k Sin$ or less at KEC @ Adephi

Another good shop is Merdeka at Sim Lim Square or City Electronics.

Just don't cave in and starting drooling at the 2.3k mark.....

I don't think the Onyo 905 is being sold at 2,2k SIn$.

Remember to claim GST.

very good service @ KEC .... saw the denon at SLS .... still deciding on the denon/onkyo based on supply .... the looks of the 4308 are stunning .... much, much better then the onkyo 905 .. that's for sure ....

since i'm staying over for a couple of years at least... no GST cashback for me .... but with the savings over AUs prices, its ok ....

good on you guys for posting, for those of us considering importing directly this kind of thing is most usefull.

I do hope too our local denon importers read this thread to realise just how much they are ripping the australian consumer off !

[Frank Castle]

Finally got the firmware update to work, took less than a minute to upgrade. I worked out that it helps if you plug your cat5 cable into the ethernet port rather than the DENON LINK port lol, I feel like the biggest tool of all time...

In summary, always read what the input actually is before plugging something into it, even if it does fit...

Now time to set this beast up.

Edited November 3, 2007 by Frank Castle

[petetherock]

Hi

Talk to Patrick, a v friendly chap.

I sent him quite a few blokes hoping to export back, so I reckon he has some system by now...

Close to his shop is the cheapest Monitor Audio dealer in the world... Precision Audio

Close to half that of shops in Oz again.

KK Yeo @ Merdeka is another nice chap, but I am not sure if they export. THeir Marantz and Pioneer prices are pretty nice too.

And since you are in SG, why not sign onto this forum and see what the locals buy:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?board=11.0

This partcular thread is on Onkyos:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=45994.0

very good service @ KEC .... saw the denon at SLS .... still deciding on the denon/onkyo based on supply .... the looks of the 4308 are stunning .... much, much better then the onkyo 905 .. that's for sure ....

since i'm staying over for a couple of years at least... no GST cashback for me .... but with the savings over AUs prices, its ok ....

Edited November 3, 2007 by petetherock