Like the other models of audio-video amplifiers presented by the brand this year, the Denon AVC-X3800H has evolved significantly compared to its predecessor, the Denon AVC-X3700H.
Denon AVC-X3800H, main developments
As for the AVC-A1H, the Denon AVC-X3800H allows the connection of four subwoofers via as many independent outputs, compared to two on the AVC-X3700H. Similarly, the DAC is changing, the AKM4458 is replaced by a Texas Instrument PCM5102A (384 kHz/32 bits, 8 channels). For its part, the DSP is an Analog Devices ADSP-21593 Shark+ specimen (as on the AVC-A1H, (see photo below) and the capacitors of the models with a capacity of 12,000 microfarads. The pre-amplifier mode allows this year to connect power amplifiers to individually selected channels.Note also a new HD and color graphic interface, plus compatibility with the 360 Reality Audio sound processing developed by Sony on the one hand, the Mpeg-H standard (group of international standards including video compression standard, audio compression standard, container format standard as well as related documents) on the other hand. Namely, the Dirac Live calibration process is planned via an upcoming update. Firmware update.
Denon AVC-X3800H, main specifications
For the rest, in addition to the absence of a DAB tuner, there is a total of nine channels of amplification (11.4 processing) and power that aff iche 105 W into 8 ohms (180 W into 6 ohms). There is also a Pre-Out 11.4 output and Imax Enhanced compatibility. Similarly, Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 and Audyssey LFC processing are still in order, the same goes for the third HDMI output (allowing you to enjoy a different source from the one assigned to the main room in another room).
Of course, it is always possible to apply all available audio processing to a Dolby signal. Thus, it is now possible on a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack to engage DTS Virtual:X. And to come back to the input and the two HDMI 2.1 outputs, these support all the features of the standard: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD 4K 120 fps up to Upscaling in Ultra HD 8K 60 Hz (see our news HDMI 2.1 standard, official additions welcome, technical and ergonomic).
Denon AVC-X3800H, the following of the main specifications
For the rest, we therefore find a discrete 9.4 configuration, Dolby Atmos 9.1.4 processing, Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS:X Pro and DTS:X 11.1 (with the addition of an external stereo amplifier), decoding Auro 3D, the Bluetooth TX function to broadcast the audio signal to suitable headphones in addition to speakers. It is thus possible to enjoy your music on the speakers in the living room but also in the kitchen or the bedroom via wireless headphones.
There is also the possibility of taking advantage of multi-channel decoding in the main zone (the living room for example) and of simultaneously broadcasting the downmixed signal in stereo in the Heos 2 and 3 zones, the ability to associate in the main zone to a video signal (that of DTT for example), an audio signal coming from another source (for example that of an audio CD). Finally, thanks to the onboard Heos multiroom module, the Denon AVC-X3800H offers the ability within a Heos configuration to distribute a source to another link in the Heos chain.
Other technical characteristics
On the menu again for the Denon AVC-X3800H, Spotify Connect certification, AirPlay 2 functions, Wi-Fi Dual Band and TuneIn web radios, the UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway, Amazon Music compatibility, Deezer, Sound Cloud, Tidal… Plus DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz, Flac, Wav and Alac compatibility up to 192 kHz/24 bits in addition to MP3, WMA and AAC, and management of an output impedance of 4 or 8 ohms. Not to mention the compatibility with the paid Audyssey MultiEQ Editor application and two subwoofer outputs (parallel).
Namely, the Audyssey calibration allows this year to store two distinct configurations in memory, for example 2.0 and 9.1.2, or even the result of the Audyssey calibration and a personalized MultiEQ curve, with the possibility of selecting the ' one or the other on the fly for the purpose of comparing them.
On the HDR side, there is of course HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR Dolby Vision compatibility, not to mention the management of the BT.2020 gamut. The Pass-Throught 4K function is also required. Precision, the Denon AVC-X3800H is certified Roon Tested (see our news 59 Denon and Marantz products compatible Roon).
Alexa, Google and Siri voice assistants
In 2020, as in 2019, the Denon range of audio-video amplifiers has many advanced features, including compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice assistants. Denon, along with Marantz, is the only brand along with Sonos to have all three protocols in one device for hands-free control of amplifier and streaming services.
Optimized manufacturing and ergonomics
Already mentioned, we notice an OSD, 1080p color (and not 480p). A lot of information is now available on the screen, in particular on the nature of the input signals and those of the output with, for example, the channels actually active. The same goes for the four Quick Select buttons on the front, always allowing access to the desired source quickly and easily. Precision, the latter also integrate additional functions and modes (Audyssey or multiroom management) for ever more complete macros. We still notice an optimized manufacturing in order to reduce the signal path and the risks of interference.
Connection
In terms of connections, there are six HDMI CEC 2.1 inputs, HDCP 2.3 certified and compatible up to Ultra HD 2160p/60 and 4320p/60 in 4:4:4. These are transparent to Deep Color, xvYCC and 3D signal. Not to mention the three HDMI 2.1 outputs already mentioned.
There are also two optical inputs, two coaxial, six stereo RCA, a Phono input, a Pre-Out 2.0 output (zone 2), a Pre-Out 11.4 output, a headphone output, an RS-232 socket, a 12V Trigger output, a front USB Host port, an Ethernet port plus four subwoofer outputs. Of course, controlling the Denon AVC-X3800H is possible via the free Heos App.
Availability, in black only, immediate. Indicative price: 1,699 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Denon AVC-X3800H:
• Model: 9.4
• Power: 9 x 180 W at 6 ohms, 9 x 105 W at 8 ohms
• Inputs : 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 2 optical inputs, 2 coaxial inputs, 6 stereo RCA, 1 Phono input, 1 front USB Host port and 1 Ethernet port
• Outputs: 3 HDMI 2.1 outputs, 1 Pre-Out 2.0 output (zone 2), 1 Pre-Out 2.0 output (zone 2), 1 Pre-Out 11.4 output, 1 RS-232 port, 1 Trigger 12V output, 4 subwoofer outputs, 1 headphone output, 11 pairs of screw terminal blocks
• OSD functions
• UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway functions
• ALLM functions
• VRR functions
• QFT functions
• QMS functions
• Spotify Connect functions• 4K/120 fps Ultra HD functions
• 8K/60 fps Ultra HD functions
• Flac HD compatibility
• Alac compatibility
• DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz compatibility
• Wav compatibility
• MP3 compatibility
• WMA compatibility
• AAC compatibility
• DTS:X audio Pro
• Au dio DTS Virtual:X
• Audio eARC function
• Audio 360 Reality Audio
• Audio Mpeg-H (global)
• Audio TI PCM5102A digital-to-analog converter (384 kHz/ 32-bit, 8 channels
• Audio Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 Auto Calibration
• Audio Audyssey LFC Processing
• Audio Audyssey Dynamic Volume Processing
• Audio Audyssey Dynamic EQ Processing
• Dolby Atmos 5.2.4 audio
• Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 audio with the addition of an external stereo amplifier
• Dolby Atmos 3.2.2 audio
• Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 audio
• Audio Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer function
• Video HDR10
• Video HDR10+
• Video HDR HLG
• Video HDR Dolby Vision
• Video BT compatibility .2020
• Video Function Ultra HD Pass-Trought
• Video 3D Ready
• Video Function Upscaling Ultra HD/8K (24/25/30/60)
• Video Function Ultra HD/4K upscaling (24/25/30/60/120)
• Imax Enhanced certification
• Network Control by IP
• Dual Band Wi-Fi network (2.4/5 GHz)
• AirPlay 2 network
• Bluetooth TX network
• Google Assistant multimedia
• Amazon Alexa multimedia
• Apple Siri multimedia
• Hi-Res Audio streaming via USB/network: yes
• Web radios: TuneIn
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• HDCP 2.3 certification
• Roon Tested
• Headphone output: yes
• Other( s): integrated Heos multiroom module
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 434 x 389 x 236
• Consumption: 660 W (0.1 W in standby)
• Weight: 12.5 kg