My AVR-2308 recently developed a problem with playing audio from the digital inputs. This affects HDMI, coax and optical, but not the analog inputs. There is brief intermittent muted sound for a second or 2, and then just a buzz or hum if the volume is turned way up.

None of the settings have changed. I went through the setup and checked, but didn't see anything that looked out of the ordinary. I even popped the hood to check the fuses and they all "look" ok (I didn't test them).

The receiver is a few years old and it's probably not worth spending much more than a couple of hundred dollars to fix it. Just to ship it somewhere and have it diagnosed will be at least $100. I'm hoping one of you smart guys might have a thought or suggestion or opinion about what to do. I've put my old AVR-3803 back in service, but it seems pretty primitive compared to the 2308.

Thanks for any input.

Joe, if the operation on analog inputs is entirely normal, I don't have any brilliancy to impart which would go beyond commenting that the DAC circuitry has developed a defect.

The warranty has expired, so it would seem that shipping it to a Denon service center wouldn't be the way to go if you have an independent audio service outfit there to check it.

Another idea is just to use it for analog sources such as FM and a CD player in a bedroom or other secondary setup. Then for just a few hundred dollars you could get a Denon or Onkyo factory refurb from Accessories4less which is more up to date than the 2308.

I don't have much to offer except to say that if it's not functioning as needed for you anyway, there's no harm involved in trying a factory reset.

Just for kicks, though, unplug it for an hour and then plug it back in.

Mark, I already had it unplugged for several days and tried it again, so it's not that. The factory reset is a good suggestion.

John, you may be right about the DAC issue. If I can find someone local, that might not be too costly a fix. Thanks.

Just about the only local repair place is Best Buy. Does anyone have experience with them for repair work? I tend to think of Best Buy as the Jiffy Lube of electronics stores, which is to say not very highly.

I think of them the same way but have no data to offer.

Hey, I was just on Hilton Head last week - I should have looked you up (smacks head)!

POP goes the weasel!

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

You totally should have! << smacks Paris Hilton >>

I guess I'll just have to drink those cold beers myself. Maybe next time...