Description
The Best Receiver for Entry-Level Home Theater Systems
Buying a 17-channel flagship receiver when you only need eight can be overkill. However, purchasing an entry-level receiver can leave you wanting more right away. Fortunately, Denon AVR-X3800H AV Receiver offers just enough power, flexibility, and bang for your buck without getting too complicated.
Featuring power for nine channels right out of the box, setting up a Dolby Atmos surround sound system is a breeze. Featuring 105 watts of clean power per channel, the Denon AVR-X3800H AV Receiver supports whatever you throw at it musically, cinematically, and gaming-wise, today and well into the future.
Experience That Draws You into the Action
Featuring native decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS: X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D, the Denon AVR-X3800H AV Receiver is ready for nearly every immersive audio format you’ll encounter. Rain drops from above. Helicopters hover and swoop through the room. Surround sounds move smoothly and realistically rather than being confined to a single speaker.
Built-in height virtualization also works wonders if you aren’t quite ready to install ceiling speakers. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 then takes your calibration to the next level by analyzing your room and tuning each individual speaker accordingly. You’ll spend less time messing with settings and more time enjoying your home theater.
Ready to Go Now, Expandable Later
Video performance is stellar too. With six HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs, the Denon AVR-X3800H AV Receiver supports 8K video, 4K video at 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) so your movies and next-generation games look amazing. Simply organize your displays and sources with our home theater design tool, and you’ll have an easier time using your system every day.
Streaming music is flexible too, thanks to built-in HEOS support. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 keep everything else connected without a hitch. When you Build Your System with our advice, Dreamedia+ works in conjunction with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 to optimize speaker placement, room calibration, and multi-room audio, making your entire house feel like one connected home theater.
Key Features
Powerful 9-channel AV receiver with 105W per channel
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D surround sound decoding
HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs support 8K resolution and 4K resolution at 120Hz
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration
HEOS, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth built-in streaming
Expandable with external amplification/options
Introduction
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a feature-packed 9.4 Home Theater Audio/Video Receiver that offers a range of advanced technologies and connectivity options. With support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, as well as 8K video quality, this receiver aims to deliver a truly cinematic experience. Priced at US $1,699, the AVR-X3800H provides a comprehensive feature set at an affordable price. In this review, we will dive into the design, audio and video performance, user experience, and additional features of the AVR-X3800H, ultimately determining its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The AVR-X3800H features a utilitarian design that is similar to previous generations. While it may not be the most visually appealing receiver on the market, it does offer a solid build quality that ensures durability. The front panel is clean and straightforward, with a minimalistic approach to button layout. The receiver also comes with a remote control that provides convenient access to its various functions. Overall, the design and build quality of the AVR-X3800H are satisfactory, but it may not stand out in terms of aesthetics.
Audio Performance
One of the standout features of the AVR-X3800H is its support for immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. These technologies allow for a more engaging and lifelike audio experience, with sound coming from multiple directions and heights. In terms of sound performance, the AVR-X3800H delivers clean and dynamic audio with excellent clarity and detail. The room correction capabilities, powered by Audyssey MultEQ XT32, further enhance the audio experience by optimizing the sound output based on the specific characteristics of your room. Additionally, the AVR-X3800H offers a preamp mode for external amplifiers and the ability to integrate multiple subwoofers, providing flexibility in configuring your home theater setup.
Video Quality and Connectivity
With support for 8K video quality, the AVR-X3800H ensures a future-proofed viewing experience. The HDMI 2.1 connectivity further enhances the video capabilities, allowing for higher bandwidth and features like eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). The receiver also offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and digital audio inputs, ensuring comprehensive compatibility with various devices. Additionally, the AVR-X3800H comes with HEOS Built-in, allowing for seamless streaming of music and multi-room audio integration within the HEOS ecosystem.
User Experience
Setting up the AVR-X3800H is relatively straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly interface and intuitive on-screen displays. The included remote control provides convenient access to the receiver's functions, making navigation and control hassle-free. The AVR-X3800H also integrates voice assistant technology, allowing for hands-free control and interaction with popular voice assistants. The overall user interface is well-designed and easy to navigate, providing a positive user experience. However, some users have reported occasional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues, as well as occasional bugs in the Audyssey setup process. These issues can potentially impact the user experience, but they don't seem to be widespread.
Additional Features and Future-proofing
The AVR-X3800H offers a comprehensive feature set, ensuring that it caters to a wide range of audio and video needs. Its participation in the HEOS streaming/multi-room ecosystem adds versatility and convenience, allowing for seamless integration into a whole-home audio setup. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and 8K support ensures that the AVR-X3800H is future-proofed, ready to support the latest advancements in video technology. The receiver also boasts extensive audio format compatibility, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite content in the highest quality possible. However, it's worth noting that some features, such as the optional Dirac Live room correction, incur an additional fee.
Comparison to Previous Generation and Competitors
In comparison to its predecessor, the AVR-X3800H offers several improvements, including support for HDMI 2.1 and 8K video quality. However, some users have reported lower performance in the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) section compared to the previous generation. Additionally, the complex design and frequent model releases may result in shortcuts in testing and optimizing, potentially impacting the overall performance and reliability of the receiver. When compared to its competitors in a similar price range, the AVR-X3800H stands out with its comprehensive feature set and advanced audio and video capabilities.
Conclusion
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a solid choice for those seeking an advanced home theater audio/video receiver. With its support for immersive audio formats, 8K video quality, and comprehensive connectivity options, it offers a compelling feature set at an affordable price. The clean and dynamic sound performance, coupled with the intuitive user interface and flexible configuration options, make the AVR-X3800H a worthy addition to any home theater setup. However, it's important to consider reported issues such as occasional connectivity problems, potential bugs, and reliability concerns. Overall, the Denon AVR-X3800H delivers on its promise of providing a cinematic audio and video experience, making it a recommended option for both tech-savvy enthusiasts and everyday consumers.
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