Denon produces some of our favorite receivers that provide a high-quality experience for audio and video formats and are reliable, durable, and stylish. Today we will be looking at the Denon AVR-X2800H and the Denon AVR-X3800H. We will compare them side-by-side to show you the similarities and differences between both and highlight the differences that may make either the ideal receiver for you. If you are in the market for a new receiver and are deciding between the Denon AVR-X2800H vs X3800H, you are in the right place! Check the Latest Price on Amazon Now!
Denon AVR-X2800H vs. X3800H Specs Comparison:
| Denon AVR-X2800H | Denon AVR-X3800H | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Buy? | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com |
| Specification |  |  |
| Multichannel Surround | ||
| DTS HD Master/DTS:X/DTS:X Pro | Yes/Yes/No | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| DTS Neo:X/DTS Neural:X | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| DTS Virtual:X | (✓) | Yes |
| Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos Music | Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Dolby ProLogic Ilz/Dolby Surround | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Multichannel Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Max. Number of Processing (Pre-Amp) Channels | 7.1 | 9.2 |
| Sound Enhancements | ||
| Discrete Power Amplifier | Yes | Yes |
| Pure Direct | Yes | Yes |
| Audyssey | MultEQ XT | MultEQ XT32 |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ/Dynamic Volume | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| Compressed Audio Restorer | Yes | Yes |
| Network | ||
| Media Server | Yes | Yes |
| HEOS Wireless Multi-Room Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa / Google Voice Assistant / Apple HomePod | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Lossy Formats: MP3/WMA/AAC | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Lossless Formats: FLAC/ALAC/WAV | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Lossless Formats: FLAC HD/WAV/ALAC (all 192kHz/24 bit) | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| DSD Audio Streaming | Yes (2.8/5.6MHz) | Yes (up to DSD5.6) |
| AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect/Pandora/SiriusXM | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Roon Tested | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Remote APP for Smart Phones | Denon 2016 AVR Remote | Denon 2016 AVR Remote |
| Ethernet Ports | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI | ||
| HDMI Inputs: Back/Front | 6/No | 6/No |
| HDCP2.3 support | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Outputs: Main/Zone | 2/No | 2;1 |
| HDMI 2.1: 8K/60Hz AB, 4K/120Hz AB | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR | Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes |
| ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) Pass-through for gaming | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Refresh Rate, Quick Frame Transport, Quick Media Switching | Yes/Yes/No | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| 3D Signal Pass-through | Yes | Yes |
| 8K Signal Pass-Through, Scaling, GUI Overlay | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Audio Return Channel (ARC), Enhanced ARC | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| Auto LipSync | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-room CI | ||
| Multi-Room Zones | 2 | 3 |
| Zone Audio Source: HDMI; Optical, Coax, Network, USB; Analog | Yes (2ch), Yes (2ch), Yes, Yes | Yes (2ch), Yes (2ch), Yes, Yes |
| Zone Audio Output: Speaker, Pre-Out | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes |
| IP Control, RS232 Control, Web Control, App Control | Yes, Yes/Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes/Yes, Yes |
| Remote In/Out | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes |
| HDMI Diagnostics | Yes | Yes |
| Others | ||
| Auto Speaker Setup by Microphone | Audyssey MultEQ XT | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 |
| Front Display | 1-Line FLD | Port Hole + New UI |
| GUI Languages | 3 | 3 |
| Setup Assistent | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Select Plus/Quick Select | Yes, No | Yes, Yes |
| Variable Crossover | Yes | Yes |
| Optimized Bass Redirection | Yes | Yes |
| ECO Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Power Off | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Timer | Yes | Yes |
| Inputs Outputs | ||
| HDMI In/Out | 6, 2 | 8, 3 |
| Multi-Room Video Out: Video/HDMI | No, No | No, Yes |
| Analog In/Out | 4, No | 5, No |
| Phono (MM) In | Yes | Yes |
| Digital In: Optical, Coaxial | 2, 1 | 2, 2 |
| Multi-Room Out: Analog, Digital | 1, No | 2, No |
| Multichannel Pre-out | Yes (0.2) | Yes (11.2) |
| Subwoofer Out | 2 | 2 |
| Speaker Terminal: Gold-Plated Screw, Regular Screw | No, Yes | Yes, No |
| Number of Speaker Terminals | 7 | 11 |
| Speaker A / B | Assignable | Assignable |
| Bi-amp Drive | Assignable | Assignable |
| Multi-Room Speaker Terminal | Assignable | Assignable |
| Front Inputs: Audio, Composite, Digital (Opt), HDMI, USB | No, No, No, No, Yes | No, No, No, Yes, Yes |
| USB Audio, Made for iPod, Made for iPhone | Yes, No, No | Yes, No, No |
| AM/FM Tuner | Yes | Yes |
| Specifications | ||
| Number of Power Amps | 7 | 9 |
| Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive) | 95W | 105W |
| Power Output (6 ohm, 1 kHz, 0.7% 2ch Drive) | 125W | 135W |
| Power Output (6 ohm, 1 kHz, 10% 1ch Drive) | 185W | 235W |
| General | ||
| System Remote Control | RC-1253 | RC-0431R |
| Pre-Programmed, Learnable, LCD Display | No, No, No | Yes, Yes, Yes |
| Power Consumption in W | 500 | 710 |
| Sound (Standby) in W | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Network Control On Consumption in W | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Maximum Dimensions (W x D x H) in inches | 17.1 x 13.3 x 6.6 | 17.1 x 15.3 x 6.6 |
| Weight in lbs | 22.1 | 30.2 |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com |
Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver
Denon AVR-X2800H Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 13.0 x 6.6
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Channels: 7.2
- Watts Per Channel: 95
- Inputs/Outputs: HDMI (6/2), Optical, Coaxial, Phono In, 2 x Subwoofer
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Spotify
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The Denon AVR-X2800H dynamic receiver drives most home theater speaker systems quickly. The AVR-2800H features 7.2 channels and supports HEOS built-in, allowing for a multi-room music setup. Additionally, Zone2 audio and video support enables the X2800H to control your entire home’s entertainment setup.
The seven speaker channels can also create immersive 3D soundscapes with cinema-level quality thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound support. Additionally, there’s support for Atmos Height Virtualization, letting you create a three-dimensional sound without buying overhead speakers.
Switching over to video features, the Denon AVR-X2800H is equally robust. All six HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 and support an 8K resolution, and there’s support for HDR10+, HLG, Dynamic HDR, and Dolby Video. Gamers and cinephiles are well looked after, thanks to support for VRR, QFT, ALLM, and FRL (Frame Rate Link), which all work together to provide a liquid smooth gaming experience.
As we mentioned earlier, the setup for this receiver is easy, thanks to the Denon onscreen setup guide. In addition, there are several ways to control the receiver, be it through the front panel knobs, the included remote, or through the voice assistants listed above, as well as support for streaming via Airplay 2.
The Pros and Cons of the Denon AVR-X2800H
Pros
- Powerful sound that can be optimized for your space
- Supports 8K video resolutions.
- Multi-room audio and video capability
- Easy to set up with multiple control options.
- Compatible with major voice control systems
Cons
- Expensive price-to-performance ratio.
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4 Channel A/V Receiver
Denon AVR-X3800H Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17.1”W x 6.6”H x 14.9”D
- Weight: 27.6 lbs
- Channels: 9.4
- Watts Per Channel: 105
- Inputs/Outputs: HDMI (6/2), Optical, Coaxial, Phono In, 4 x Subwoofer
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, Spotify
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Denon’s next step up from the X2800H is the X3800H, and we can confirm that it is a step up in both price and, more importantly, performance. This receiver features 9.4 channels and is powered by 105 watts of power per channel to deliver an outstandingly immersive and detailed sound that made our home theatre setup feel more like a theater. Much like with the X2800H, you get the usual when it comes to HEOS built-in support for wireless speakers alongside Zone 2 audio and video support.
The nine-speaker channels and four dedicated subwoofer connections really make this receiver stand out. The X3800H is one of our favorite receivers of the year thanks to the ability to connect four subwoofers at this price point and the detailed sound you get out of the box. While the sound out of the box is great, the X3800H does come with the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 to boost the quality of the sound and tailor it for your specific room dimensions.
Taking a quick look at the video features, the X3800H comes with HDMI 2.1 ports with full 8K resolution support, alongside VRR, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR support for gamers. In addition, the X3800H is an excellent receiver for gamers and movie fans, making video content look and sound great.
Setup is a breeze on the X3800H thanks to the integrated on-screen setup that walks you through the entire process and even shows you the optimal way to set up your speakers. A remote controller includes the receiver, and much like the X2800H, the X3800H can be controlled by all major voice assistants and features support for streaming via AirPlay 2 and Spotify.
The Pros and Cons of the Denon AVR-X3800H
Pros
- Powerful onboard amplification to drive most speaker systems
- Supports 8K resolutions with upscaling
- Multi-room audio and video capability
- Audyssy microphone included
Cons
- Expensive
Performance comparison: Denon AVR-X2800H vs. X3800H
Installation Ease
The Denon AVR-X2800H and the X3800H offer the same guided on-screen setup, making setting up both receivers a breeze. The interactive on-screen setup will guide you through the entire process, including showing you which speakers to plug into which ports and how you should set up your speakers, given your room layout. Overall, setting up both receivers was a breeze, and the experience was so easy that even someone with little to no experience with receivers could easily set up both the X2800H and X3800H.
Easier Installation: a Tie
Sound Quality
Every channel of the 7.2-channel amplifier in the Denon AVR-X2800H is driven by 95 watts of power, and the overall sound output is strong and detailed for both music d film. We particularly noticed that in movies, we had no trouble hearing dialog, as the AVR-X2800H did a great job at isolating dialog in the soundtrack and keeping everything clear to hear, even in movies with a lot of ambient sound and dialogue at the same time. Our more in-depth review of the AVR-X2800H can be found here.
The X3800H takes it a step further, with 9.4 channels of amplification being driven by 105 watts of power, providing for an even more detailed and immersive sound than what we had with the X2800H. In addition, four individual subwoofers can be connected to the X3800H, and choosing to do so will provide you with a movie theater-like sound system in your house. Overall, the X3800H delivers better sound quality than the X2800H thanks to the four subwoofer connections and the additional channels and power.
Better Sound Quality: X3800H
Voice and App Control
Both the Denon AVR-X2800H and X3800H can be controlled using voice commands or a smartphone app. Similarly to the installation, the X2800H and X3800H feature identical support for voice controls and smartphone apps. In addition, both receivers can be controlled with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri voice commands, and Denon has included remote control with both the X2800H and X3800H.
Better Voice and App Control: a Tie
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the X3800H is the better receiver and gets our pick as the better option. If you are strapped for cash, the X2800H does come in at a slightly better price point, but the extra money is worth it for the X3800H. With the X3800H, you are getting a receiver that will last longer into the future as your main component. Additionally, at its price point, it offers some of the best onboard amplification alongside a suite of impressive video features. See the Current Price on ProjectorScreen.com
Related Comparisons:
- Denon AVR-X3800H vs AVR-X4700H Comparison