Denon AVR-X3800H

Denon AVR-X3800H was introduced in 2022. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 105 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.4 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 92 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-X3800H vs AVR-X3700H vs AVR-X3600H vs AVR-X3500H vs AVR-X3400H vs AVR-X3300W.

In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-X3800H.

In 2022 Denon released 7 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Denon AVR-A1H vs AVR-X4800H vs AVR-X3800H vs AVR-X2800H vs AVR-X2800H DAB vs AVR-S970H.

Denon AVR-X3800H has replaced AVR-X3700H. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Denon AVR-X3800H	vs	Denon AVR-X3700H
More Channels	9.4	vs	9.2
Dolby Atmos Music		vs
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	Built-In	vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade)	vs	Audyssey MultEQ XT32
More 8K Inputs	6	vs	1
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Lower FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%	vs	Mono/Stereo: 0.7%/1.0%

DOWNGRADES	Denon AVR-X3800H	vs	Denon AVR-X3700H
Less HDMI Inputs	6	vs	7
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	3
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	2
Less Component Video Outputs		vs	1
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, Pre Out	vs	HDMI, Component, Pre Out

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Denon AVR-X3800H vs AVR-X3700H.

Denon AVR-X3800H's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.4.2, 5.4.4, 7.4.2 with internal amplifier.
7.4.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.4.2, 5.4.4, 7.4.2 with internal amplifier.
7.4.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.4, 7.4 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Denon AVR-X3800H allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Denon AVR-X3800H supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Denon AVR-X3800H supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

• Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Auro-3D

Denon AVR-X3800H supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

• Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

IMAX Enhanced

Denon AVR-X3800H is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos	up to 7.1.4
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X	up to 7.1.4
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer	Built-In

Denon AVR-X3800H features 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling: Denon AVR-X3800H can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Denon AVR-X3800H is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Denon AVR-X3800H supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Denon AVR-X3800H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

Denon AVR-X3800H comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone. It also supports Audyssey App.

• Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.
• Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

Denon AVR-X3800H offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Denon AVR-X3800H offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• Analog Pre-Outs: Denon AVR-X3800H has 11.4 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Denon AVR-X3800H has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
• Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 6   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
8K Inputs: 6

Front A/V Inputs

• USB

For the complete list of specifications please go to the next page: