When it comes to powering your home theater system, few brands carry as much weight as Denon. Today, we're comparing their latest mid-range and high-end offerings - the AVR-X3800H ($1,082) and AVR-X4800H ($1,875), both released in late 2022/early 2023.
Think of an AV receiver as the command center of your home theater. It processes video signals, decodes audio formats, and powers your speakers - all while managing inputs from various devices like gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and Blu-ray players.
The technology in AV receivers has evolved significantly in recent years. Both these models represent Denon's latest advancements, supporting features like 8K video, high frame rate gaming, and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for sound that moves above you).
The AVR-X4800H delivers 125 watts per channel, while the AVR-X3800H provides 105 watts. But raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. The X4800H uses a more sophisticated "monolithic" amplifier design, where each channel has its own circuit board. This results in better channel separation (meaning sounds from different speakers don't interfere with each other) and cleaner overall sound.
In real-world use, this difference becomes noticeable when:
Both receivers include Audyssey MultEQ XT32, a room correction system that measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. However, the X4800H adds some premium features:
For most listeners, these differences are subtle but noticeable, especially when listening to high-quality music sources.
Both models are well-equipped for current and future needs:
The X4800H adds one extra HDMI input (7 vs 6) and slightly better build quality.
In my testing, both receivers excel at their core tasks. Movie soundtracks are immersive, with precise positioning of effects and clear dialogue. Music playback is detailed and engaging. The X4800H pulls ahead in demanding scenarios:
However, the X3800H performs remarkably well for its price point. In typical living room setups, many listeners would be hard-pressed to notice the differences.
The roughly $800 price difference between these models is significant. What that money buys you:
For home theater use, both receivers support the latest formats and features:
The X4800H's additional power and better amplification become most noticeable during dynamic movie scenes, where multiple speakers are active simultaneously.
Consider the AVR-X4800H if:
Choose the AVR-X3800H if:
Both receivers are well-equipped for the future with 8K support and HDMI 2.1 features. However, their processing power and amplification capabilities will determine their long-term performance as audio formats continue to evolve.
The AVR-X3800H represents an excellent value, offering most of the features that matter at a more accessible price point. The AVR-X4800H is the better performer, but its improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. For most users, the X3800H will provide all the performance they need, while the X4800H remains an excellent choice for enthusiasts and those with more demanding setups.
Remember, the best receiver is the one that fits your specific needs, room size, and budget. Either of these models will serve as a capable heart of a high-quality home theater system for years to come.
| Denon AVR-X4800H ($1,875) | Denon AVR-X3800H ($1,082) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Higher power means cleaner sound at louder volumes and better control of demanding speakers | |
| 125W per channel | 105W per channel |
| Amplifier Design - Better design reduces distortion and improves clarity | |
| Monolithic design with separate boards per channel | Standard design |
| HDMI Inputs - More inputs allow connecting more devices | |
| 7 inputs (all HDMI 2.1) | 6 inputs (all HDMI 2.1) |
| Audio Processing - Better processing can improve sound quality, especially for compressed audio | |
| Advanced with AL32 Processing and jitter reduction | Standard processing |
| DAC Quality - Better DACs provide cleaner conversion from digital to analog | |
| Reference-class 32-bit/192kHz | Standard 32-bit/192kHz |
| Build Quality - Better components can provide more reliable performance | |
| Premium grade components, heavier build (29.5 lbs) | Standard grade components (27.6 lbs) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your specific room | |
| Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with premium tuning | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 |
| Value Proposition - Consider if the upgrades justify the price difference | |
| Premium features at 73% higher price | 90% of features at much lower price |
| Best For - Helping you decide which model fits your needs | |
| Dedicated home theaters, audiophiles, challenging speaker setups | Most living rooms, typical setups, value-focused buyers |
The AVR-X4800H ($1,875) offers better performance for dedicated home theaters, especially with its superior amplification and processing. However, the AVR-X3800H ($1,082) provides excellent performance for most home theaters at a more reasonable price point.
Both receivers offer identical streaming capabilities including WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HEOS. The X4800H provides slightly better audio processing, but both deliver excellent streaming performance.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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: bestbuy.com - audiovisualkart.com - valueelectronics.com - crutchfield.com - tomsguide.com - dreamediaav.com - snapav.com - hometheaterhifi.com - avsforum.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - soundandvision.com - denon.com - valueelectronics.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - snapav.com - theaudiosolutions.com - forums.audioholics.com - videoandaudiocenter.com
