Denon AVR-X3800H Review – A Perfect AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X3800H
denon avr-x3800h review

Product Name: Denon AVR-X3800H

Overall
93
  • DESIGN - 90
  • FEATURES - 94
  • CONNECTIVITY - 93
  • SOUND QUALITY - 94
  • VALUE - 93

Summary

This Denon AV Receiver with new improved improved features, connectivity and sound quality has perhaps best price to performance ratio among Denon line-up and other brands.

Pros

  • Superb sound quality and immersive listening environment
  • Unrivaled video features
  • Dynamic eARC Support
  • Superior connectivity features
  • 360 Reality Audio
  • Sublime Bluetooth audio transmission
  • Harmonious and efficient multi-room streaming
  • Perfect speaker system calibration
  • Seamless gaming experience
  • High-resolution audio playback
  • Smoother signal path and enhanced tolerance
  • User-friendly design

Cons

  • The overall design needs a refresh
  • A bit more expensive than previous models

Denon AVR-X3800H Review

Denon AVR-X3800H review

Denon AV receivers are known for their ease of use, reliability, and spacious sound. These reasons make Denon one of the most favored home theater manufacturers available today. The Denon AVR-X3700H model was one of the bestselling products among ardent AV receiver fans. Many people are searching for a refined version of AVR-X3700H nowadays. Are you one of them? According to the company, Denon AVR-X3800H is an upgraded model of the X3700H version.

Let us analyze this claim in detail to help you make an informed purchase decision. This Denon AVR-X3800H review discusses everything you need to know about this model.

Denon AVR-X3800H – Build and Design

Denon retains the design elements of the previous models on AVR-X3800H. That is to say, you cannot find a noticeable difference in design compared to AVR-X3700H. It is a nice-looking device with a highly functional front panel.

The legible display is the main attraction. You can find 10 quick access buttons just beneath the display. Two large control knobs are placed on the right and left sides of this AV receiver.

The front panel also houses a USB port, a calibration mic jack, and a phono jack. This AV receiver does not have a cluttered look. A harmonious blend of various design elements lends an impressive look to this receiver.

The build quality of Denon AV receivers has always been excellent. This model does not make an exception. It offers high longevity to deliver the best value for money. The beautifully laid-out remote lets you navigate with great freedom and flexibility. However, you cannot expect the user-friendliness and durability of a high-end remote.

Denon AVR-X3800H – Features

The expectations of AV enthusiasts are very high when Denon launches a new AV receiver. What are the features of this home theater receiver? Is it an updated version of X3700H? Let us explore to find convincing answers to these questions.

Smoother Signal Path and Improved Tolerance

The pre-amplifier mode of this home theatre receiver makes it special. This mode offers more advanced arrangements when putting this device into pre-amplifier mode. In such a situation, your dedicated amplifier can be used to power audio channels. You can disconnect particular speaker channels based on your preferences.

This mode allows the built-in application of this receiver to deal with specific channels. At the same time, the external amplifier handles the remaining ones. As a result, you can enjoy improved tolerance and a smoother signal path. Overall, this model offers a customized experience for users.

Superior Video Capabilities

This model supports the most sophisticated HDR formats. The supported formats include HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. It is also equipped with 8K pass-through support to ensure an enjoyable and immersive viewing experience. Further, Denon AVR-X3800H is compatible with 8K UHD upscaling.

This model lets you enjoy movies and TV series with the most sophisticated technology available. Features like Dynamic HDR and QMS remove video delay to ensure a smooth and immersive viewing experience.

With impressive color, contrast, and brightness, Dolby Vision takes your viewing experience to the next level. The advanced HLG compatibility provides HDR technology over broadcast content to make images more precise, clearer, and cleaner. This AV receiver also directs dynamic Metadata to television to ensure dynamic HDR and true-to-life images.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

This Denon model has updated features to meet the evolving needs of gaming enthusiasts. Predecessors of this model had only limited 8K processing capabilities. You can expect a full-fledged 8K video experience with this model. It fulfills the emerging requirements of the next-generation gaming market.

Denon AVR-X3800H offers VRR, QFT, and ALLM features to make it a gaming-friendly device. All six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs are equipped with these features to take the gaming experience to the next level. The bottom line is that more sophisticated technology can be accommodated into your system to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.

Effortless Speaker System Calibration

Room calibration becomes an effortless task when using Denon AVR-X3800H. Depending on the unique needs of a particular room, you can accurately adjust the speaker system. Thanks to the advanced Audyssey MultiEQ XT32 software and the attached measuring microphone.

If you want to make even the minutest adjustments and create a more customized listening environment, you can use the Audyssey MultiEQ Editor app to achieve the desired results.

Dirac Live Room Correction technology uses top-of-the-line patented algorithms to enhance sound quality. It is hard to find a better technology for analyzing and digitally reducing room impact to optimize speaker performance. The Dirac Live feature will be made available in 2023 as a future firmware update.

High-Resolution Audio Playback and Excellent Compatibility with Various Sound Formats

The music can be played back using the USB-A port. This AV receiver offers high-resolution audio playback when connected to a flash drive. You can expect a resolution of up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It also supports 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files. The front panel USB can be used to play these files from memory devices. You can also play them over network sources.

This device is compatible with multiple lossless file types, including ALAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA. It also supports file types like FLAC, and MPEG-4/AAC to meet the varying needs of different people.

Virtual Assistant Compatibility

You can easily integrate the Denon AVR-X3800H model into your smart home automation system. This product works perfectly with Siri, Alexa, Josh.ai, AirPlay2, and Google Assistant. That is to say, you can operate this device using these virtual assistants.

Seamless Multi-room Streaming

denon avr-x3800h

With the help of HEOS-compatible speakers, you can stream music wirelessly. Thanks to the HEOS Built-in technology. The same song can be played in all rooms, or different ones can be selected for each room. You can equip your home control system with pioneering voice control and amazing sound.

The HEOS app lets you control music streaming effortlessly to create an engrossing listening experience. As mentioned above, you can operate this device using Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri, and AirPlay2.

The two-zone audio feature of this home theater receiver allows you to pair the second set of speakers in the next room. A music source can be played back in 7.1 one room. Simultaneously, you can use a 2-channel stereo to play music in the second room. Overall, Denon AVR-X3800H lets you set up your own audio source in each room.

Sublime Bluetooth Audio Transmission

Forget about disturbing other members of your family with X3800H. The dynamic Bluetooth transmitter lets you transfer audio from the receiver to headphones without disturbing your dear and near ones. Further, the audio can be played simultaneously on headphones and speakers. This feature lets you accommodate the needs of the hearing impaired and other people efficiently.

360 Reality Audio

Denon AVR-X3800H allows you to playback supported tracks using Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology for true 360 spatial audio. It makes you feel that you are in the studio or watching a live performance. Everything, including vocals, instrument sounds, and even audience sounds, is distributed harmoniously to deliver the most enjoyable listening experience.

The Best eARC Support

The most advanced AV receivers available on the market today support eARC. This updated version is also compatible with eARC. So you can directly perform object-based audio transmission to the receiver from your television.

Outstanding Audio Processing Capabilities

AVR-X3800H offers fantastic audio processing capabilities. It supports the latest DTS formats, including DTS Virtual:X, Neural:X, and HD Master Audio. The Dolby compatibility of this home theater receiver includes Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, Surround, Pro Logic IIz, and Height Virtualization. The Auro 3D support is another remarkable feature of this product.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth In-Built Adapters and Dual Antenna Transceiver System

You can find a dual antenna transceiver system on the AVR-X3800H. This device is also equipped with inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. This combination offers intense music streaming even in the most congested listening environments. You can play your favorite albums wirelessly using your smart gadgets.

Easy Installation and Remote Monitoring Capability

People always look for home theater receivers that support easy setup and installation. It is a very critical aspect in today’s custom install environment. The simple installation guide explains clearly how to set up this device. The company also offers fast and dependable assistance and service even after installation.

Equipped with Domotz Pro and OvrC remote monitoring and management interface, the AVR-X3800H home theater receiver takes the service quality to the next level. Custom integrators can watch and monitor the status of these receivers remotely. They troubleshoot issues immediately whenever needed to lower the downtime for repair.

Denon AVR-X3800H – Connectivity

denon avr-x3800h

You can find six HDMI 2.1 inputs on this home theatre receiver. It also comes with two HDMI outputs. This device boasts five Stereo RCA inputs, two Optical TOSLINK inputs, one Stereo RCA (Phono MM), and two Digital Coaxial inputs.

You can come across 4 RCA Subwoofer Pre-Outs on this product. Moreover, this home theatre receiver has one HDMI Zone 2 output, one Stereo RCA Zone 2 Pre-Out, and one 11-Channel RCA Pre-Out.

The wireless audio protocols of this product include Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, HEOS, and AirPlay2. Other connectivity features include 4K120AB/8K60AB HDMI compression mode, HDMI CEC, Bi-Amp Capability, Version 2.3 HDCP Support, and A/B Speaker Selection.

Denon AVR-X3800H – Sound Quality and Performance

The 9-channel amplifier of this model is more powerful than many other previous Denon models. It generates the same power output of X3700H. 105 watts per channel at 8 ohms are what you can expect with this model. At 6Ohms, this receiver produces 135 Watts. This power is sufficient to drive any speaker.

You can find 11 speaker outputs on the Denon AVR-X3800H model. That is to say, this AV receiver supports 11.4 channel processing. It lets you utilize all nine channels in a 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 DTS:X or Dolby Atmos setup.

This product is good enough to convert any room into a true-home cinema theatre. It offers a better surround performance than previous models. You can enjoy a balanced and vibrant sound output. When you play high-resolution audio tracks, you can expect supreme audio fidelity. It fills larger living spaces with highly engaging 3D sound.

This model offers a detailed, warm, crisp, and clean sound without being overly harsh. You don’t have to worry about distortions. The richness of the music is fully captured and rendered with exceptional neutrality.

When it comes to watching movies, you can enjoy unparalleled clarity. The enveloping sound always keeps you in the center of the action. It is hard to find a better AV receiver for watching surround-heavy action movies. It reproduces accurate and detailed sound to transform your viewing experience.

This model handles volume superbly at all levels. If you test this device with spine-tingling sound effects, it will emerge victorious without an iota of doubt. Every scream, whisper, or argument comes through nicely to deliver the ultimate realism.

Denon AVR-X3800H – Verdict

Pros

  • Superb sound quality and immersive listening environment
  • Unrivaled video features
  • Dynamic eARC Support
  • Superior connectivity features
  • 360 Reality Audio
  • Sublime Bluetooth audio transmission
  • Harmonious and efficient multi-room streaming
  • Perfect speaker system calibration
  • Seamless gaming experience
  • High-resolution audio playback
  • Smoother signal path and enhanced tolerance
  • User-friendly design

Cons

  • The overall design needs a refresh
  • A bit more expensive than previous models

Final Words

Let us compare the Yamaha RX-A4A to Denon AVR-X3800H. The Yamaha model comes with a 7.2 channel amplifier, while the Denon version is equipped with a 9.2-channel amplifier. The audio and video processing capabilities of X3800H are a bit higher than RX-A4A. Although both models have excellent connectivity features, the Demon version has a definite edge over the Yamaha model.

A detailed analysis of the features and benefits of the Denon AVR-X3800H model reveals that this model is an updated version of the AVR-X3700H model. One input and two HDMI outputs of the X3700H model are compatible with 8K/60Hz. At the same time, all HDMI inputs and two outputs of the X3800H model support 8K video. So, you can expect a more versatile and enjoyable viewing experience with the latter.

What is the final verdict after evaluating the features and benefits of the Denon AVR-X3800H? You can find that this AV receiver is one of the best choices available in this price range. It offers a perfect blend of functionality, durability, and flexibility to ensure optimal user satisfaction.

Vivek Sehgal

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