B&k Avr 317

pjdami

Recently I had to send my B&K AVR 307 receiver back to Buffalo so they could repair a left surround channel amp I had a problem with. While it was there, I decided to get the upgrade to the AVR317 status.

Unit came in a few days ago. New blue lights just like the AVR 507. No new faceplate though. You get a little "upgraded" sticker on the lower right hand corner of the unit and I think another sticker on the back.

By looking down the top of the receiver I can see new hardware in there that I think wasn't there before. This thing has so many bells and whistles that I haven't even begun to explore yet.

Another interesting thing is the mechanical clicking when changing sources seems to have been reduced / gone away (more quiet). Some people found this to be annoying in the 307.

Another new feature is Boudary Gain Compensation. This is a way to compensate for room gain when using a subwoofer. Haven't messed around with this either.

I can't comment on the sound while watching movies yet because I'm upgrading my surrounds to LSi 7s and those will get here next week. The new DACs / surround modes will be fun to play with.

As far as comparisons to my B&K PT5 and Ref 4420 amp in two channel mode, I feel the AVR317 holds its own up to about 90 - 95 db at the listening position. From there the Ref 4420 amp has more dynamic range and one can go louder. But I never listen to music much louder than 90 db anyway.

The old remote that came with the 307 still functions with the 317.

Here's a pic. I know that Brett and Dan wanted to see one. I was curious about the red light on the menu button, but come to find out and realize that the PT5 is the same way. Blue display lights, red illuminated buttons on the menu and associated buttons to the left, and a blue lit button while in sleep mode.

mantis

Looking good man,
After you listen to it for awhile,fill us in if it sounds any different.

From what I read,the new internal DAC's are suppost to sound better then the older ones.

I don't use them for 2 channel only movies.

Good luck with it,
Dan

polkatese

Looking good, Paul!

I am curious, did they update it to do DPLIIx on yours? I've been waiting for it, since it supposed to be coming (soon, I hope) ....

pjdami

I am curious, did they update it to do DPLIIx on yours?

Polkatese, at first glance I do not see that. Looked in the new instruction manual which was shipped with the unit and all I see is DPLII.

polkatese

thanks, bud! with all the buzz about DPLIIx superiority over DPLII, I am getting anxious to try it out...

brettw22

First, let me say very cool for the upgrade thing. I'd be interested in the sound differences that you notice primarily though.

All of the other modes that it gets updated with really don't apply to me so it's been somewhat of a moot point for me to even bother with.

polkatese, you should be ASHAMED with yourself for wanting to make a VHS tape sound better.........ignore this DPLII stuff and Float On.....

Have fun y'all

polkatese

Originally posted by brettw22
polkatese, you should be ASHAMED with yourself for wanting to make a VHS tape sound better.........ignore this DPLII stuff and Float On.....

Have fun y'all

Brett, I am so ashamed that I have decided not to upgrade anything anymore (that is, until they come up with 9.1 discrete surround sound technology)

amulford

You know, not to sidetrack the thread, but my Sunfire has 9.1. I would have to add an amp but I can have center, front mains, side axis, surround and rear surrounds. The side axis are supposed to be matrixed in with the front mains.

I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds intriguing. If I add a 200 WPC amp to do it, that would be 1800 watts, not including the subs.

9.1 discreet...Talk about envelopment!

jdhdiggs

Do it Amulford... Do it...