Most people look for a perfect blend of quality and affordability when searching for an AV receiver. What about Denon AVR-X3800H and Onkyo TX-RZ50? Which model offers superior features and performance to deliver the best return on investment? This review conducts Denon AVR-X3800H vs Onkyo TX-RZ50 study to provide the best answers to these questions.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X3800H vs Onkyo TX-RZ50 Comparison:
Denon AVR-X3800H | Onkyo TX-RZ50 | |
Preview |   Best Choice |   Best Value |
Channels | 9.4 | 9.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 105 | 120 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 7 |
Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Design
The functional design of the AVR-X3800H model makes it a favorite choice for many people. There is nothing clumsy about the front panel. It comes with a clean and organized look. You can find two typical Denon large knobs on the left and right sides of this device. The company has retained the same LCD display and other controls or buttons of the previous models on this AV receiver. The sturdy construction of AVR X3800H guarantees high longevity. The remote looks nice and appealing. However, the smaller buttons on the remote do not add to the user-friendliness of this receiver.
Each input of the Onkyo TX-RZ50 model comes with a dedicated button. The black box design and the large display screen of Onkyo AV receivers are highly popular among a large number of people. The front panel is home to a large volume knob and 15 small buttons on the left side. On the right side, you can find three buttons, including the circular power button. Other controls are covered by a flip-down door to make the design look clean. Excellent build quality makes TX RZ50 a durable home theater receiver. The sturdy remote comes with large buttons to ensure great ease of use.
The Denon model comes with a more appealing design. However, TX RZ50 has its own charm to ensure supreme customer satisfaction.
Winner – Tie
Channels
Denon AVR X3800H is a 9.4-channel home theater receiver that supports 11.4-channel processing. With the existing 9 channels, this device permits you to create a 5.4.2, 5.4.4, or 7.4.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup. If you add an external 2-channel amplifier, you can convert this into a 7.4.4 system.
Being a 9.2-channel AV receiver, Onkyo TX RZ50 promotes 11.2-channel processing. The configuration possibilities of this receiver are 5.2.2, 5.2.4, or 7.2.2 system using the internal amplifier. A 2-channel external makes the configurations compatible with a 7.2.4 DTS: X or Dolby Atmos system.
The Denon home theater receiver is superior to the Onkyo version when analyzing speaker configurations and channels.
Winner – Denon AVR-X3800H
Connectivity
You can come across 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs and 3 HDMI outputs on the rear side of AVR X3800H. What about the TX RZ50 model? This receiver comes with one more HDMI 2.1 input (7) than the Denon model. However, it has only 2 HDMI inputs compared to the 3 outputs of X3800H.
Both devices are equipped with an MM phono input with a built-in phono stage. They also come with in-built Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. You can find 5 pairs of analog line inputs on the X3800H. 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on this device. The RZ50 model contains 6 pairs of analog outputs and 1 coaxial input and 1 optical input. Further, this model offers 1e composite video input and 1 component video input. These inputs are not available on the Denon model.
When you analyze all connectivity features, you can find that Onkyo TX-RZ50 offers more advanced capabilities.
Winner – Onkyo TX-RZ50
Audio Capabilities
The stereo RMS power of Denon AVR X3800H per channel is 105 watts at 8 Ohms. Onkyo TX RZ50 drives 120 W at 8 Ohms. So, the amplifier performance of the Onkyo receiver is better than the Denon model.
These AV receivers are compatible with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization. The Denon model also supports Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. When it comes to DTS compatibility, RZ50 and X3800H support DTS: X and DTS Neural: X. The Auro 3D support and DTS Virtual: X features of the X3800H cannot be found on the Onkyo model.
With excellent surround performance, sound clarity, and audio fidelity, Denon AVR X3800H makes your room an ideal home theater. It controls high-resolution audio tracks with absolute precision and balance. Don’t worry about distortions at all levels. After capturing the richness of the music, this home theater receiver renders sound with admirable neutrality. It does not matter whether you are watching surround-heavy action or subtle scenes; you can expect unbeatable warmth, detailing, crispness, balance, and ultimate realism.
Onkyo TX RZ50 offers high voice intelligibility, superior bass response, and improved staging to create a thoroughly immersive listening atmosphere. It comes with excellent panning effects, clarity, and localization to ensure 100% user satisfaction. The control displayed by this model at all listening levels is highly laudable. When you watch movies, you can hear dialogues and other sounds clearly without any distortion or overlapping.
The audio capabilities of the Denon model are far superior to the Onkyo receiver.
Winner – Denon AVR-X3800H
Video Capabilities
X3800H and TX RZ50 can pass 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signals. The upscaling capability of these receivers is 8K UHD. They also support all advanced HDR formats to ensure supreme video quality.
These figures reveal that the Denon and Onkyo models offer the same video capabilities.
Winner – Tie
Value for Money
The price of the Denon home theater receiver is $100 higher than the Onkyo model. However, the former offers better sound quality. But Onkyo has better amplifier performance.
Winner – Onkyo TX-RZ50
Verdict
Both models have their unique features and advantages. If you look at connectivity and amplifier performance, TX RZ50 offers better features and capabilities. However, the sound quality and audio features of the AVR X3800H are far superior to the Onkyo Model. This Denon AVR-X3800H vs Onkyo TX-RZ50 study recommends the former if your primary focus is on the audio capabilities and sound quality. If you want a home theater receiver that offers more improved connectivity and power generation capabilities, you can choose Onkyo TX RZ50.
Denon AVR-X3800H | Onkyo TX-RZ50 |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
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- 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