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Denon AVR-4311CI & Aperion Verus Grand

Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 30, 2011

I have a Denon AVR-4311CI A/V receiver, and I'm looking to upgrade my speakers, which currently include the Polk Audio TSi400 front left and right (bi-amped), CS10 center, FXi A6 side surrounds, RM 8 back surrounds, and two DSW Pro 500 subwoofers. The room is about 15x18x8.

I plan to get the Aperion Audio Verus Grand towers and center to begin with. When funds allow, I will upgrade the surrounds. Do you think the Denon will provide enough power to push the Grands like they should be, or do I need to look for a separate amp? I am concerned with the quality of the sound and do not usually play at a loud level.

Andrew Phillips

We haven't reviewed the Polks you have, but I imagine they're probably pretty good. Still, I can't argue with the Aperion Verus Grand, which received Top Picks status in our review here. The AVR-4311CI won't have any problem driving the Aperions, which are spec'd with a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, a sensitivity of 92dB/W/m, and a power-handling capacity of 20-300 watts. The AVR-4311CI is spec'd with a power output of 140 watts/channel and low-impedance drive capability, so in my opinion, you have no need for an external power amp.

Having said that, I will note that, in his review of the Verus Grand speakers, Tom Norton used the Parasound Halo A 51 power amp, which delivers 250Wpc into 8 ohms and 400Wpc into 4 ohms, so he was listening to them with more power than the Denon provides. Also, it's important to point out that a more-powerful amp typically operates in a lower region of its total power range with a given set of speakers, which means it behaves more linearly than an amp that operates closer to its maximum power level. Still, I have no doubt that the Aperions will sound, well, grand with the Denon.

If you have an A/V question, please send it to askhometheater@gmail.com.

COMMENTS
albert26's picture
Submitted by albert26 on January 22, 2012 - 5:02pm

I have been a Denon Fan for 22years,yes it will drive them ,,,but
If funds allow later,positivley add power,Adcom,Emotiva,Rotel,
something not too expensive.,,Or backdown on AVR & add amp now
Think about it ?
Brian www.floridahometheatersplus.com

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