QUOTE(SSJBen @ Jul 19 2019, 04:10 PM)
1) Hard to comment on reliability. You hear Denon not being as reliable is simply because there are WAAAY more Denon receivers vs Yamaha, globally speaking - so obviously there's going to be a lot more feedback and opinions on Denon (and Marantz) receivers. Remember, what you read about Marantz basically applies to Denon as well, so the reliability reports are 2 fold over Yamaha. Where are you basing the reliability numbers from?
2) I believe it's 1 year here, but I may be wrong.
3) Can't answer this one sorry.
4) Used to be so-so, now there's a new distro but they're fairly new with the D+M partnership.
The A3080 is a better built AVR than the x4500H. There's no argument about it, better components and worksmanship all around in the 3080. What the x4500H offers you is better value in terms of channel processing support and features. You're paying less for the same 11 channels (note, you can only do a max of 7.2.4, NOT 11.2.4) processing, but take note you do also need an external amp for the x4500H to use all 11 channels.
Audyssey XT32 has proven itself to be better than YPAO RSC 64bit in bass PEQing. There's no doubt about it. Audyssey also allows manual customization of the PEQ with their app, but IMO their app isn't great and they've got a some ways to go to iron out some really annoying bugs. YPAO manual edit is basically fail-proof as it's built into the receiver itself, so there's that. If you are going to employ an external DSP for bass EQing (like with a minidsp + REW or antimode or minidsp with DIRAC), then none of this really matters that much.
Personally, I'd pay more for Yamaha because the build quality is simply more robust. Also since I already have external amps, the cost of entry between the both is about a ~RM1k difference. In your case, since you do have to get an external amp as I assume you're looking to use all 11 channels, it's probably a more logical choice to go with the x4500H. In fact, you could save more by going with the x4400h too as they're basically the same receiver minus AirPlay 2, IMAX enhanced support and eARC.
1) Yeah, maybe. I don't have the proper facts and figures per se in regards to numbers. Info obtained is more on my time spent reading AVS forums throughout the last 12 years, which had portrayed D&M to be less reliable (die off in the span of 5 years, compared to Yamaha which can go up to 10 years). I'm not a fan of upgrading frequently hence the concern and fixing them if faulty ain't cheap after warranty period. Speaking about reliability, I was worried of HDMI handshake as well.
2) Seems to be 1 year for all brands.
4) I do agree that I was not comparing apple to apple.. I was looking at Yamaha 3080 vs denon 6500H. The reason I compared with 4500 is coz of the value for money (able to process 11 channels with ext amp) it brings. I'm prepared to get myself an Emotiva 2 channel amp to power the additional overhead speakers (All of my speakers are bookshelf, same type hence not bothered to power the fronts alone with the ext amp). Costing wise, 4500 + emotiva amp is still cheaper than a 6500H. I also safe almost 1k by getting the 4500 instead of Yammy 3080 (I know, much better build, not the best to compare). Every grand safe is every grand earned!
It was a typo on the speaker config type (7.2.4 NOT 11.2.4).
There's also great review on the AI sound on Dolby Atmos & DTSX on the Yamaha, initially it was written off as gimmick, now admitted as a superb addition in the Yamaha.
Audyssey XT32 - Agreed especially with the Yamaha's restriction on the sub freq no lower than 30 hz. I'm trying to learn REW (once skill obtained, both YPAO and Audyssey is immaterial) but given the choice, it's less hassle with the Audyssey XT32 instead of getting myself the minidsp, mic etc. (lazy me talking).
Regards to x4400h - I agree, as I don't fancy the "IMAX enhanced" and won't be using eARC and Airplay.
Thanks again for your input, appreciate it!