DENON AVC-X3800H Review
The Denon AVC-X3800H offers a lot of value. It’s not only capable of delivering a top-notch home theater experience, but it can also provide high-quality sound to a second stereo zone.
Denon AVC-X3800H Tech Specs
Measurements
- Dimensions (W x H x D in mm): 434 x 167 x 379
- Weight: 12.5 kg
- Power Output (Stereo, 4 Ohm / 8 Ohm): 188 W / 131 W
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 91 dB
- Channel Separation: 63 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
- Power Consumption (Off / Standby / 2 x 5 Watt): — / 0.1 W / 191 W
Features
- Amplifiers / Decoders: 9 / 11.4
- Supported Formats:
- Dolby Atmos / DTS/ Auro 3D / THX: Yes / Yes / No / No
- USB Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC HD 192/24, WAV 192/24, ALAC 192/24, DSD 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz
- DSP Programs / Auto Calibration: Yes / MultEQ XT32
- Front Connections: USB / HDMI / Analog / Phones: Yes / No / No / Yes
- Audio Inputs:
- Analog / Phono / Optical / Coaxial: 6 / 1 / 2 / 2
- Video Inputs:
- HDMI / Composite / Component: 6 / No / No
- Audio Outputs:
- 11.4 Pre-out, Zone 2 Pre-Out, 4 x Subwoofer / Optical / Coaxial: Yes / No / No
- Video Outputs:
- HDMI / Composite / Component: 3 / No / No
- Multiroom / Bi-Amping: Yes / Yes
- Streaming / FM Tuner / Internet Radio: Yes / No / Yes
- Network / WiFi / Bluetooth: Yes / Yes / Yes
- Special Features: 8K Pass-Through, HEOS, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced
High Performance for Your Money
With its nine amplifiers powering 11 speaker terminals, the AVC-X3800H can handle a solid 7.1.2 setup or even a 5.1.4 configuration with two pairs of Atmos speakers.
Additionally, you can hook up a pair of stereo speakers to another set of terminals, enabling you to play audio in a second zone in stereo. If you want to run both a home theater and a music room simultaneously, you’ll need to give up the two Atmos speakers in a 7.1.2 setup or two of the four Atmos speakers in a 5.1.4 setup. Alternatively, you can use active speakers for the second zone via the pre-outputs, and you only need to wire it once since you can switch easily from your seat.
Superior Bass Management
Denon has really focused on bass management with the AVC-X3800H, featuring four subwoofer outputs. This is ideal for large rooms or spaces with complex acoustics. Adding a second, third, or even fourth subwoofer can solve issues like sound reflections causing cancellations. You can also dedicate a subwoofer to the stereo zone to support compact speakers with strong bass. The video inputs and outputs handle all current formats and resolutions, making them perfect for high-end gaming. However, the AVC-X3800H does not accept analog video.
It supports streaming and multiroom functionality thanks to Denon’s Heos technology. Calibration is performed using the built-in Audyssey software, specifically the advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version. For more precise calibration, you can use Dirac Live, though it is a paid software.
Sound Check
The additional pair of Atmos speakers provides a noticeably more stable three-dimensional sound, at least in appropriately sized rooms. The second listening zone is particularly convenient; in our setup, only two of the four ceiling speakers need to be silent, maintaining a solid Atmos experience while stereo sound plays in the other room. The AVC-X3800H handles this with finesse, especially when using the phono input, which all three Denon receivers feature. We also measured amplifier performance that significantly exceeded the factory specifications.
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Conclusion
The Denon AVC-X3800H is clearly designed for large home theaters, especially if you want a second listening zone. Its sophisticated bass management can solve many issues for cinephiles, and given its extensive capabilities, the price seems quite reasonable.
Evaluation
- Sound Quality: 40% – 0.9
- Lab Performance: 10% – 1.0
- Practical Use: 25% – 1.0
- Features: 25% – 1.0
Highlights
- 9 powerful amplifiers
- All HDMI inputs are 8K-compatible
- Extensive bass management
Verdict
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NEW DENON RECEIVER!! Denon X3800H Review
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