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.

The Denon AVC-X3800H comes exclusively in black, with accessible buttons and ports on the front.
The Denon AVC-X3800H comes exclusively in black, with accessible buttons and ports on the front.

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.

With 11 speaker terminals needing power from the nine amplifiers, and numerous pre-outputs also requiring space, things can get a bit crowded.
With 11 speaker terminals needing power from the nine amplifiers, and numerous pre-outputs also requiring space, things can get a bit crowded.

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.

The Denon AVC-X3800H's remote

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.

The room calibration program is installed in its highest version, which includes an elaborate bass management system.
The room calibration program is installed in its highest version, which includes an elaborate bass management system.

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.

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
The AVC-X3800H also surpasses the factory rating of 130 watts at 8 ohms, with the increased distortion in one channel being practically negligible.
The Denon AVC-X3800H also surpasses the factory rating of 130 watts at 8 ohms, with the increased distortion in one channel being practically negligible.

Verdict

10 Total Score
DENON AVC-X3800H Review

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DENON AVC-X3800H: Price Comparison

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Denon AVC-X3800H 9.4 Channel AV Receiver, Amplifier with Auro-3D, Dolby...
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