Denon AVR-X3800H Review

The Denon AVR-X3800H is a 9.4-channel AV surround sound receiver that was released in 2020. As a flagship device, it is designed to provide high performance and extensive home theater capabilities. In my Denon AVR-X3800H review, I intend to see if it can really pull it off and if there are any significant changes from the previous AVR-X3700H model.

Design

Flanking both sides of the receiver are two large control knobs, providing intuitive operation. You can also find a USB port for audio playback, an Audyssey calibration microphone jack, and a turntable phono input. With its thoughtful layout, the X3800H doesn’t seem to have a cluttered mass of controls. The nice blend of design elements gives this receiver a really sleek appearance.

Denon has always excelled in build quality, and the X3800H is no exception. From its sturdy construction to high-grade internal components, it promises longevity. The remote control is thoughtfully laid out, but I wish it had some more buttons to control other devices.

Features and specs

In terms of power output, it offers the same as the previous AVR-X3700H – 105W at 8 Ohms (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% THD). AVR-X3800H features 11 speaker output channels, providing support for 11.4 channel processing. This ample connectivity allows you to immerse yourself in multi-dimensional audio, with the ability to power up to 9 speakers in a typical Dolby Atmos or DTS:X home theater configuration (7.1.2 or 5.1.4).

As for AVR-X3800H specifications, I’ll probably start with its connectivity. This is fundamentally important because we are talking about a receiver. There are 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs for video with support for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, alongside 2 HDMI monitor outputs. The AVR-X3800H supports all major HDR video formats for a cutting-edge viewing experience: HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. I’d like to point out that the video was sharper, and the colors were outstanding, with a source connection directly to my OLED TV. However, the implementation of HDMI 2.1 is at 40 gigs but not at the full speed of 48.

On the audio side, analog connections are handled by 5 stereo RCA inputs. For optical and coaxial digital audio, there are 2 Toslink optical inputs plus 2 additional coaxial inputs. By the way, the audio was particularly excellent with the eARC connection.

The AVR-X3800H has robust wireless music streaming courtesy of its dual antenna transceiver system, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Furthermore, with the dynamic Bluetooth transmitter, you can enjoy late-night music sessions. Audio plays simultaneously on headphones and speakers if desired. For voice control, the device works with leading virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, Josh.ai, and Google Assistant via AirPlay2 integration.

This Denon AV receiver delivers all of the top audio processing to do justice to all of today’s immersive surround formats. It supports the latest DTS:X, including DTS Virtual:X for height virtualization, Neural:X for upmixing, and HD Master Audio for lossless sound quality. For Dolby, there is full support for Atmos object-based audio, TrueHD lossless decoding, Surround, Pro Logic IIz for front height channels, and Dolby Height Virtualization. It is also compatible with Auro-3D formats. Moreover, you can use Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, an immersive listening format that places you at the center of a 360-degree sound field. It brings the sensation of watching a live performance.

Overall, the setup was no issue for me with TV/onscreen prompts for general configuration as well as room/speaker tuning. However, the user manual needs more explanations for the average homeowner on how to set up different items. The manual is fine if you are a tech installer who works regularly with the system.

I would also like to mention the integrated support for Domotz Pro and OvrC. These allow custom installers to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot receivers remotely after deployment. This can be especially helpful since though the unit has an Eco mode, it warms up and produces a fair amount of heat overall, even in preamp mode, which is supposed to turn amplifiers off. In addition, I also noted the loud clicking noise the transformer makes when you switch surround modes. But in my opinion, it is not a critical problem.

Listening experience

The AVR-X3800H delivers balanced and natural sound across the frequency spectrum. The detailed and crisp highs provide clarity without sounding harsh or fatiguing. The warm midrange tones allow all nuances in instruments and vocals to shine. Plus, the clean, deep lows offer richness without compromising definition. The music I played through it proved a distortion-free soundscape. Undoubtedly, the receiver rendered all genres vibrantly and let me fully enjoy my favorite tracks. Its authentic sound makes a listening session a real joy.

While watching a movie, the system helped me to stay at the center of the onscreen action. The AVR-X3800H flawlessly reproduces even the most complex and layered mixes with accuracy and detail, providing sound quality close to the top commercial theaters.