Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch AV Receiver: In-Depth Review

The Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Channel AV Receiver is a powerhouse home theater system that delivers incredible surround sound and crisp 8K video quality, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build or upgrade their home audio setup. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, as well as 8K/60Hz pass-through, the AVR-X3800H is designed to create a truly immersive experience for both audio and video enthusiasts. In this review, we will dive into the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Channel AV Receiver’s features, performance, connectivity, and overall value.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Audio Channels	9.4 Channels
Power Output	105W per channel (8 ohms)
Video Formats	8K/60Hz pass-through, 4K/120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
HDMI Ports	9 (6 In, 3 Out)
Subwoofer Outputs	4 (RCA and XLR)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS Multi-Room Streaming
Audio Processing	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D
Room Calibration	Audyssey Room Correction Suite
Power Consumption	May shut off after extended use

8K Video Quality

The Denon AVR-X3800H supports the latest video technologies, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy 8K content. With 8K/60Hz pass-through, the receiver ensures that you can enjoy pristine video with smooth animations, even when using older content. It supports advanced formats like HDR10+, HLG, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR, ensuring an optimal visual experience with your compatible devices.

The HDMI ports on this receiver support HDMI 2.1, which is crucial for those using next-generation gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, allowing for 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). This ensures that gaming experiences are smooth, lag-free, and visually stunning.

3D Audio Capabilities

When it comes to audio, the Denon AVR-X3800H excels at delivering immersive surround sound with its 9.4-channel configuration. With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, this receiver offers exceptional 3D audio, whether you’re watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music. The support for Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X ensures that even without additional height speakers, you can still experience overhead sound effects, enhancing the immersive nature of the audio.

The upscaling feature of Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X helps elevate legacy content to new heights by adding a layer of realism and immersion to even the most basic soundtracks. The receiver also features advanced bass management with 4 independent subwoofer outputs (RCA and XLR), allowing you to fine-tune your home theater’s bass response to match your room and speaker setup.

Connectivity and Streaming

One of the standout features of the AVR-X3800H is its ability to create a multi-room surround sound system through the built-in HEOS functionality. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS Multi-Room Streaming, you can stream music from platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and more, ensuring that your music follows you throughout your home. The integration of HEOS allows you to enjoy Hi-Fi audio quality in every room with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the receiver features 9 HDMI 2.1 ports (6 input, 3 output), providing plenty of options for connecting various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and more. Additionally, the phono input and 4 RCA and XLR subwoofer outputs further enhance its versatility, allowing you to connect different audio sources to your home theater setup.

Performance

Audio Performance

The Denon AVR-X3800H delivers exceptional sound quality with its 105 watts per channel (at 8 ohms). Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the receiver fills your room with powerful, clear, and detailed sound. The support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro ensures that you experience a rich and immersive soundstage that truly pulls you into the action.

The Audyssey Room Correction Suite is another important feature that ensures optimal sound quality, no matter what your room configuration may be. By automatically adjusting the speaker settings and calibrating the receiver for your unique space, Audyssey helps provide consistent, balanced sound.

In terms of bass management, the ability to connect 4 subwoofers is a significant advantage. This makes the AVR-X3800H particularly suitable for those who want to create a powerful low-frequency experience that can shake the floor without losing clarity or definition.

Video Performance

The video performance of the Denon AVR-X3800H is equally impressive, especially for those using the latest 8K or 4K content. With 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through support, this receiver is future-proof, ready to handle the latest high-definition video formats. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster movie or playing a next-gen video game, the receiver delivers sharp, vibrant images with excellent contrast and color accuracy.

The inclusion of HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR ensures that you get the best possible picture quality, with stunning detail in both bright and dark scenes. Furthermore, the HDCP 2.3 and eARC support ensures compatibility with the latest 4K and 8K devices, including those that use high-bandwidth content protection.

Ease of Use

Setup and Calibration

The Denon AVR-X3800H makes setting up your home theater system relatively straightforward, thanks to the easy-to-follow on-screen HD GUI setup assistant. The on-screen instructions guide you through connecting your devices, setting up your speakers, and adjusting the receiver’s settings.

The Audyssey Room Correction Suite helps fine-tune the audio performance based on your room’s unique acoustics. This calibration feature ensures that the sound is well-balanced and optimized for your environment, providing the best possible listening experience without requiring expert knowledge.

User Interface and Controls

Navigating through the AVR-X3800H is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive user interface. The Denon 2016 AVR Remote app allows for convenient control of your receiver from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching inputs, or controlling your music, the app makes it easy to make adjustments from the comfort of your seat.

Power Consumption

One downside reported by some users is the power consumption of the receiver. Some have noted that the receiver shuts off after about an hour or so of use, which may be due to overheating or power management issues. While this is not a widespread problem, it’s something to consider if you’re planning to use the receiver for extended periods.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through with HDMI 2.1 support
• Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D support for immersive 3D audio
• 9.4 channel audio configuration with 105W per channel power output
• Supports 4 independent subwoofers for advanced bass management
• HEOS Multi-Room Streaming and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio
• Comprehensive video format support, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR
• Audyssey Room Correction for automatic sound calibration
• Easy-to-use setup assistant and intuitive user interface

Cons:

• Power consumption issues; may shut off after extended use
• Some users report functionality problems, including system failures
• Requires a significant space and setup for optimal performance

Conclusion

The Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Channel Receiver is a feature-rich home theater system that offers incredible audio and video performance. With its support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and 8K video, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. The receiver’s easy setup, intuitive user interface, and impressive multi-room streaming capabilities make it a standout option in the market. While power consumption and occasional functionality issues may be concerns for some, the overall value and immersive experience make the AVR-X3800H a fantastic investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

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