Original price was: $1,299.00.$1,199.00Current price is: $1,199.00.
Released in late 2022, the AVR-X3800H ($1,699) represents Denon's sweet spot between premium features and practical value in their receiver lineup. After extensive testing across movies, gaming, and music, it's clear this receiver delivers impressive performance while incorporating the latest tech that matters.
The home theater receiver market has evolved significantly in recent years. Where basic surround sound processing was once the standard, today's units need to handle complex tasks like 8K video, gaming features, and wireless streaming. The X3800H arrives at an interesting time, as the first wave of HDMI 2.1 receivers has matured and manufacturers have worked out earlier compatibility issues.
The X3800H delivers 105 watts per channel into 8 ohms - plenty for most home theaters. In our testing, it easily drove demanding speakers like KEF R3s to reference levels without strain. The high-current discrete amplifier design (meaning each channel has dedicated power components) provides excellent dynamic range, which you'll notice during explosive movie scenes or dynamic music passages.
What's particularly impressive is the 11.4 channel processing capability. While the unit powers 9 channels directly, you can add an external amp to achieve a full 11.4 setup - that's enough for a seriously immersive Dolby Atmos configuration with multiple height channels and four subwoofers.
Every HDMI input supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, which is crucial for future-proofing. The gaming features are comprehensive:
In practice, these features made a noticeable difference when testing with a PS5 and high-end gaming PC. Screen tearing was eliminated, and input lag was imperceptible.
The dual 32-bit DSP engines handle all major formats:
The DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) are high-quality 32-bit/192kHz units on all channels. This matters for high-resolution audio, where we noticed excellent detail and spacing in complex orchestral pieces.
The AVR-X3800H truly shines in a home theater setup. The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction is among the best we've tested, effectively managing room acoustics and subwoofer integration. The ability to handle four subwoofers with independent calibration is particularly valuable for achieving smooth bass response across multiple seats.
During our movie testing, the receiver demonstrated excellent channel steering and overhead effects with Atmos content. The height virtualization feature worked surprisingly well when we tested without ceiling speakers, though dedicated height channels still provide the best experience.
For gamers, the X3800H is fully prepared for current and next-gen consoles. The HDMI 2.1 features worked flawlessly with both PS5 and Xbox Series X, maintaining 4K/120Hz output with HDR enabled. The low-latency processing is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games where timing is crucial.
Two-channel music performance impressed us, especially using the Pure Direct mode which bypasses unnecessary processing. The phono input for turntables is well-implemented, with enough gain and low noise for most cartridges. The HEOS streaming platform works smoothly for whole-home audio, though we found the app interface could use some refinement.
The initial setup process is straightforward, with an on-screen guide walking you through speaker configuration and input setup. The Audyssey room correction process takes about 20-30 minutes when measuring multiple positions, but the results are worth the time investment.
The receiver's menu system is logically organized, though there are so many options that it can take time to learn where everything is. The remote is well-designed, with direct access to inputs and common functions. The receiver also works with voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, which we found useful for quick volume adjustments or input switching.
At $1,699, the AVR-X3800H represents strong value in the premium mid-range segment. While not inexpensive, it offers features previously found only in flagship models costing significantly more. The upgrade path via Dirac Live (available as a paid upgrade) and external amplification provides room for future expansion.
Since its release, Denon has provided several firmware updates addressing minor issues and adding features. Compared to the previous X3700H model, key improvements include:
The Denon AVR-X3800H hits a sweet spot for serious home theater enthusiasts who want premium features without stepping up to flagship prices. It's particularly well-suited for:
While it might be more receiver than casual users need, its flexibility and upgrade path make it a smart long-term investment. The combination of refined audio performance, comprehensive gaming support, and excellent room correction creates a compelling package that should remain relevant for years to come.
The Denon AVR-X3800H ($1,699) offers excellent value for its feature set, combining premium room correction, advanced gaming features, and high-quality amplification. For home theater enthusiasts seeking a receiver that will last several years, it's definitely worth the investment, especially considering its future-proof 8K compatibility and upgrade potential.
The AVR-X3800H can process 11.4 channels and directly power 9 speakers. This allows for configurations like 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 without additional amplification, or up to 11.4 channels with an external amplifier.
Yes, it fully supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. The receiver can handle up to 6 height channels for immersive audio, making it ideal for advanced home theater setups.
The receiver is excellent for gaming, featuring HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and QFT. These features ensure smooth gameplay and minimal input lag with current gaming consoles and PCs.
The AVR-X3800H has 6 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, all supporting HDMI 2.1 specifications. This is plenty for most home theater setups, accommodating multiple gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players.
Yes, all HDMI inputs and two of the outputs support 8K/60Hz passthrough, making it future-proof for upcoming 8K displays and content.
The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction is among the best available, offering detailed calibration for all channels including multiple subwoofers. It also offers an upgrade path to Dirac Live for even more advanced room correction.
Yes, it features HEOS built-in for multi-room streaming, along with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and support for various streaming services. It can also handle high-resolution audio up to 192kHz/24-bit.
The AVR-X3800H delivers 105 watts per channel into 8 ohms, which is sufficient for most home theater speakers and rooms of medium to large size.
Compared to its predecessor, the X3800H offers more HDMI 2.1 ports, improved gaming features, better room correction processing, and enhanced streaming integration. It represents a significant upgrade in terms of connectivity and future-proofing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: soundandvision.com - denon.com - valueelectronics.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - snapav.com - theaudiosolutions.com - forums.audioholics.com - videoandaudiocenter.com
| Denon AVR-X3800H - $1,699 |
|---|
| Power Output per Channel - Determines ability to drive speakers cleanly: 105W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD) |
| Processing Channels - Defines maximum possible speaker configuration: 11.4 channels |
| Amplified Channels - Number of speakers powered without external amp: 9 channels |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs - Critical for connecting modern devices: 6 in/3 out (all HDMI 2.1) |
| Video Support - Future-proofing for new displays: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
| Gaming Features - Reduces lag and screen artifacts: VRR, ALLM, QFT |
| Room Correction - Essential for optimal sound in real rooms: Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with Sub EQ HT |
| Streaming Support - Enables wireless audio: HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect |
| High-Resolution Audio - Important for music quality: Up to 192kHz/24-bit, DSD 5.6MHz |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Allows for multiple subs to improve bass: 4 independent outputs |
| Weight: 27.6 lbs |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.1" x 6.6" x 15.3" |
The $569 AVR-S760H offers impressive value with its 7.2-channel design and 75W per channel output, providing more than enough power for typical home theater setups in small to medium-sized rooms. While it lacks the advanced room correction of its bigger sibling, its basic Audyssey MultEQ still delivers solid acoustic optimization for most spaces. The receiver includes essential modern features like 8K video support, HDMI 2.1 gaming capabilities, and Dolby Atmos processing, making it a capable performer for standard surround sound configurations.
For many users, particularly those with conventional 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setups, the $569 AVR-S760H represents a sweet spot of features and performance. It handles movie soundtracks convincingly, delivers clean power for music playback, and includes streaming features like HEOS multi-room audio. While it can't match the channel count or processing sophistication of more expensive models, its core performance and feature set hit all the right notes for typical home theater applications. Unless you specifically need more channels, multiple subwoofer optimization, or plan to expand beyond 7 speakers, the money saved could be better spent on higher quality speakers or subwoofers.
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The Denon AVR-S570BT offers impressive value at $319, delivering core home theater features including HDMI 2.1 connectivity and modern gaming support like VRR and ALLM. Its 5.2-channel configuration and 70W per channel power output prove more than adequate for small to medium-sized rooms, particularly when paired with efficient speakers. While it lacks the advanced room correction and processing capabilities of higher-end models, its basic Audyssey MultEQ calibration still helps achieve balanced sound in typical living room setups.
For many users, especially those new to home theater or working with modest spaces, the AVR-S570BT provides everything needed for an engaging surround sound experience. Though it can't match the immersive capabilities of height channel formats like Dolby Atmos, its traditional 5.2 surround sound implementation handles movie soundtracks convincingly, and music playback remains enjoyable through both digital and Bluetooth connections. The simpler feature set actually makes it more approachable for casual users, while still maintaining Denon's reputation for reliable performance and build quality.
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The AVR-X4800H ($1,875) represents Denon's premium offering, featuring several notable upgrades that set it apart from the X3800H. Most significant is its monolithic amplifier design, delivering 125 watts per channel with better channel separation and cleaner overall sound. This enhanced power section, combined with advanced features like AL32 Processing and sophisticated jitter reduction, results in more precise audio reproduction, particularly noticeable during complex musical passages or demanding movie soundtracks. The X4800H also includes an additional HDMI input, premium-grade components, and reference-class DACs that contribute to its superior audio performance.
However, the question becomes whether these improvements justify the approximately $800 premium over the X3800H. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts, especially those with challenging speaker setups or larger rooms, the X4800H offers tangible benefits that can elevate the listening experience. The improved amplification provides better control over demanding speakers, while the advanced audio processing delivers subtly enhanced clarity and detail that discerning listeners will appreciate. That said, these improvements are incremental rather than transformative, making the X4800H most suitable for audio enthusiasts who demand the absolute best and have the budget to match.
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The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($999) offers compelling value for those who don't need extensive channel processing or multiple display outputs. Its 7.2 channel configuration is ideal for medium-sized rooms, and the YPAO room correction system, while not as sophisticated as Audyssey MultEQ XT32, provides reliable results with minimal fuss. The build quality is excellent, typical of Yamaha's Aventage line, and the 100 watts per channel delivers clean, dynamic power that's nearly identical to the Denon in real-world use. When registered, it also comes with a longer 5-year warranty, showing Yamaha's confidence in their product.
Where the Yamaha RX-A2A falls short is primarily in future expansion capabilities and advanced features. With only one HDMI output and support for fewer height channels, it's more limited in complex home theater setups. However, if you're building a straightforward 5.1.2 or 7.1 system and don't plan to expand further, the $700 saved could be better spent on speakers or room treatment, which will likely have a more noticeable impact on sound quality than the additional processing capabilities of the Denon.
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The Yamaha R-N602 offers a fundamentally different approach at $650, focusing exclusively on high-quality stereo reproduction rather than home theater applications. Its dedicated two-channel design eliminates unnecessary circuitry and processing, resulting in particularly clean and detailed music playback through its 80-watts-per-channel amplification. While it lacks modern features like HDMI connectivity or room correction, its ToP-ART design philosophy and high-quality Burr-Brown DACs deliver excellent audio performance for pure music listening, especially with vinyl thanks to its well-implemented phono stage.
For users primarily interested in music playback who don't need surround sound capabilities, the R-N602 represents a strong value proposition at less than half the price of the AVR-X3800H. While its MusicCast streaming platform may feel dated compared to HEOS, it still provides adequate network audio functionality for most users. The simpler interface and focused feature set make it an attractive option for those who appreciate straightforward operation and don't want to pay for advanced home theater features they'll never use. However, its 2015 release date means it lacks some modern conveniences, and its stereo-only design limits future expansion options.
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