AV Receivers
Denon AVR-X3800H Review: Power, Flexibility, and Easy Expansion
Quick Take
Denon’s AVR-X3800H hits the sweet spot for enthusiasts who want nine powered channels out of the box, processing for 11 with an external amp, and truly modern HDMI. Owners praise its clean, dynamic sound, flexible bass management with four sub outs, and room correction that starts strong with Audyssey and can step up to Dirac Live if you want more control. On the downside, it can run warm if trapped in a cabinet, the learning curve is real once you dive into calibration, and the HEOS app gets mixed marks. If you want a receiver that can anchor 5.1.4 today and grow to 7.1.4 tomorrow, this is the one most people keep.
Pros
Cons
Introduction
The Denon AVR-X3800H sits in the “do-most-things” tier. It’s a 9.4-channel AVR rated at 105 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven). You get six HDMI 2.1 inputs that handle 8K/60 and 4K/120 with the latest gaming features, plus three HDMI outputs for flexible display routing. Out of the box, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 handles room correction; power users can add Dirac Live and Dirac Bass options later. With four independent subwoofer outputs, full pre-outs, and support for Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced, it’s engineered to be both capable now and expandable later.
Key Features of the Denon AVR-X3800H
Six HDMI 2.1 inputs, three HDMI outputs (two 8K-capable). You can connect modern consoles and GPUs without “port roulette,” and route video to a TV and projector or a second zone. Having 8K support on all six inputs and two of the three outputs keeps your system flexible for years.
Nine amplified channels with 11.4 processing. Wire 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 today; add a small two-channel amp later and run 7.1.4. That’s real growth without replacing the brain.
Four independent subwoofer outputs. Instead of daisy-chaining, you get discrete outputs with level and delay control. Two or more subs placed well can smooth room modes so every seat gets even bass, not just the “money seat.”
Room correction options. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included and effective. If you want finer control, you can purchase Dirac Live and optional Dirac Bass upgrades. The point is choice: start simple, scale up if needed.
Pre-amp mode and full pre-outs. Flip on pre-amp mode to reduce internal amp crosstalk when you add external amplification. It’s a smart bridge toward separates while keeping AVR convenience.
Format support and streaming. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced cover the big immersive formats. HEOS built-in handles streaming and multiroom playback with compatible speakers.
Sound Quality & Setup
Most owners describe the AVR-X3800H as clean, dynamic, and neutral, with solid current delivery for typical 8-ohm speakers in small and mid-size rooms. Movies get cinematic scale from the processing options and bass management; music benefits from a low noise floor, especially if you later engage pre-amp mode with outboard amplification.
Bass control is where many users notice the jump. Even with one sub, XT32 tightens the low end and anchors dialogue. With two or more subs, the discrete outputs and calibration tools make level and timing alignment much easier than old “Y-splitter” approaches. Owners moving from 7-channel receivers often call out the step from 5.1 to 5.1.4 as the real “wow” upgrade, even at modest listening levels.
Common critiques revolve around heat, software, and complexity. The chassis runs warm under load, so ventilation matters. Firmware updates and optional Dirac licensing add steps if you aren’t comfortable with software. HEOS works but isn’t everyone’s favorite app. The counterpoint: once set up, day-to-day use is simple for the whole household.
The Alternatives
- Versus Denon AVR-X2800H:
X3800H adds two more amp channels (9 vs 7), four sub outs instead of one, 11.4 processing, and optional Dirac. It’s the sensible jump if you want Atmos beyond 5.1.2 or multi-sub control.
RELATED: Denon AVR-X2800H Review
- Versus Marantz Cinema 50:
Similar platform and capability with a different industrial design and UI. Many listeners describe Marantz as slightly more relaxed tonally and Denon as more matter-of-fact. Pick by ergonomics, looks, and app preference.
- Versus Yamaha RX-A6A class:
Yamaha’s YPAO and scene workflow earn points for simplicity; Denon counters with four sub outs, robust pre-amp mode, and easy multi-input 4K/120. If multi-sub flexibility and many HDMI 2.1 sources matter, Denon wins the checkboxes.
- Versus Anthem MRX 740:
X3800H brings two extra amp channels on board (9 vs 7), four independent sub outs instead of two paralleled, and 11.4 processing with optional Dirac; Anthem counters with ARC Genesis room correction, a robust 140-watt front stage, and seven 8K HDMI inputs. Pick Denon if you’re aiming at 7.1.4 or want maximum multi-sub flexibility; pick Anthem if you prefer ARC’s workflow and don’t need more than 11 channels of processing.
What’s new versus the AVR-X3700H
The Denon AVR-X3800H brings six fully 8K-capable HDMI inputs, 8K on two of three outputs, four independent sub outs, 11.4 processing, and official Dirac Live upgrade paths. Upgraders most often cite cleaner bass, easier multi-sub integration, and nicer quality-of-life when juggling multiple gaming sources.
Who Is It For?
Choose the 3800H if you’re building 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 now with plans to grow to 7.1.4, or if you want serious multi-sub control without jumping to a dedicated processor. It’s also a strong pick for gamers with multiple 4K/120 devices and for rooms using both a TV and a projector. If you’ll stay at 5.1 or 5.1.2 forever, a simpler Denon may be enough. If you’re chasing more headroom and chassis heft, the X4800H is the next logical step.
Tips for New Owners
- Ventilate it. Leave space on all sides; avoid sealed cabinets. A quiet top-cooler is cheap insurance.
- Wire for tomorrow. Run cable for four height speakers even if you start with two; leave lines for a second sub.
- Start with XT32, then refine. Use the included mic; consider the MultEQ Editor app to limit correction above 500–1000 Hz if your speakers already measure well up high.
- Gain-stage for headroom. Keep channel trims reasonable; if you add an external amp, enable pre-amp mode.
- Set HDMI formats correctly. Switch inputs to the Enhanced/8K mode so you actually get 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM.
- Multi-sub sanity. Place two subs along the front wall at different widths, level-match, then let XT32 or Dirac do the heavy lifting. Small placement moves beat big EQ swings.
Final Thoughts
The Denon AVR-X3800H earns its reputation by giving you the channels, ports, and calibration paths you actually use. It’s powerful enough for most rooms, flexible enough to grow to 7.1.4, and modern enough to juggle every new console and streamer. Give it air to breathe, spend an hour on room correction, and you’ll have a receiver that can anchor your theater for years.
FAQ
How many HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs support 8K?
All six HDMI inputs support 8K, and two of the three HDMI outputs are 8K-capable.
Can it run 7.1.4 speakers by itself?
It powers nine channels on board. Add a two-channel power amp to run 7.1.4.
Is Dirac Live included?
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included. Dirac Live and related add-ons are paid upgrades you can add later.
Does it support four subwoofers?
Yes. There are four independent sub outputs with level and delay control.
Will it get hot?
It runs warm under load. Provide ventilation; the internal fans are conservative and engage only at high temperatures.
What’s the real-world power like?
Denon rates 105 W/ch into 8 ohms (two channels driven). In typical rooms with 8-ohm speakers, that’s plenty, and you can add external amps later.
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