Are you searching for top-quality AV receivers under $1700? You can definitely consider Denon AVR X2800H and X3800H. Let us make a comparative study on Denon AVR-X2800H vs Denon AVR-X3800H to discover the pros and cons of each model. This detailed study will help you choose the best model that suits your unique needs.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X2800H vs Denon AVR-X3800H Comparison:
Denon AVR-X2800H | Denon AVR-X3800H | |
Preview |   |   Best Choice |
Channels | 7.2 | 9.4 |
Watts Per Channel | 95 | 105 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 |
Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Design
Denon AVR X2800H can be termed a visually pleasing home theater receiver. The uncluttered design and faintly brushed metal effect lend an organized look. The front panel is home to a large LCD display. Two large knobs are also placed on the left and right sides to control volume and source selection. If you look beneath the central display, you can come across 9 push buttons to control various functions. The sturdy remote comes with smaller buttons. Overall, the build quality and design of this model are impressive.
Generally speaking, the X3800H model is another example of the unique Denon design. This beautiful-looking home theater receiver boasts a user-friendly front panel. Like AVR X2800H, this model comes with a large display, 9 quick access buttons, two control knobs on each side, two jacks, and a USB port. The organized look and attractive design will instantly catch your attention. The remote is solid but not user-friendly due to the small buttons.
These two Denon models are good-looking, functional, and sturdy. There is nothing to choose between these products in terms of design and build quality.
Winner: Tie
Channels
AVR X2800H is a 7.2-channel AV receiver with a decent power generation capacity. With the help of Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, you can configure this model to a 5.2.2 setup.
Equipped with a 9-channel amplifier, AVR X3800H generates excellent power to deliver the best performance. This model is compatible with 11.4 channel processing. With the help of nine channels, you can create a 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 system. External amplifiers will let you configure a 7.1.4 setup.
What do these facts suggest? The power, flexibility, and channel performance of the AVR X3800H are higher than the X2800H model.
Winner: Denon AVR-X3800H
Connectivity
Which model offers better connectivity features? The number of HDMI inputs available on the AVR X2800H model is 6. Out of these six inputs, three of them are 2.1 ports. It has 2 HDMI outputs. You can come across 6 HDMI inputs on the X3800H model. All these inputs are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports. It also comes with 2 HDMI outputs and 1 HDMI Zone 2 output.
AVR X3800H offers one extra Digital Coaxial input and Stereo RCA compared to the X2800H model. These two home theater receivers are Roon-ready and compatible with Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and HEOS. They also have in-built Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features.
A detailed comparison of connectivity features suggests that Denon AVR X3800H has a slight edge over X2800H.
Winner: Denon AVR-X3800H
Audio Capabilities
You can expect X2800H to generate 95 watts per channel at 8 ohms. X3800H produces 105 watts per channel (8 ohms). What does it mean? The latter stands taller in terms of amplifier performance and power generation.
When you compare the Dolby surround sound compatibility, you can find that both receivers support most of the sophisticated formats. However, X2800H is not compatible with Dolby ProLogic Ilz. On the other hand, AVR X3800H supports this format. It also comes with Auro 3D Support feature. The X2800H version misses out on this feature. You cannot find any difference in terms of DTS compatibility, supported file formats, and upmixing technology.
X2800H is well-known for its fully immersive sound. The quality stays at optimal levels when handling loud as well as subtle sounds. With a perfect blend of coherence, spaciousness, and responsiveness, this home theater receiver delivers the best listening experience. The soundstage can be termed open and well-spread. You can enjoy mature, engaging, and authoritative sound reproduction when it comes to watching action-packed movies.
The existing users say that X3800H offers a true-home cinema theatre experience. It combines supreme fidelity, balance, and vibrancy to fill your space with highly immersive 3D sound. You can enjoy detailed, clean, and warm sound output with a clear focus on the richness of the music. Offering unbeatable clarity, enveloping effect, and ultimate realism, it makes your movie-watching experience thoroughly engaging.
These facts clearly indicate that the audio capabilities of AVR X3800H are better than the audio features of X2800H.
Winner: Denon AVR-X3800H
Video Capabilities
Both models support the most advanced HDR formats. Equipped with 8K pass-through support and 8K UHD upscaling, they maintain excellent video quality. The only difference is the 3D signal pass-through capability of the X3800H. You cannot find this feature on X2800H.
Winner: Tie
Value for Money
The price of AVR X3800H and X2800H is $500. That is to say, you need to pay $500 more for X3800H. However, superior performance and features outweigh the price to deliver better value for money.
Winner: Denon AVR-X3800H
Verdict
It is time to make the final decision on Denon AVR-X2800H vs Denon AVR-X3800H. You cannot find any marked difference when comparing the design and build quality of these products. However, the latter comes with improved connectivity features, sound quality, power, video quality, and performance to be a superior choice to X2800H.
Denon AVR-X2800H | Denon AVR-X3800H |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023