The Denon AVC-X3800H sits in the middle of Denon's X-series AV receiver lineup, slotting above the AVR-X2800H and below the AVC-X4800H. It replaces the two-time What Hi-Fi? Award-winning AVC-X3700H, bringing a significant upgrade to internal processing power and HDMI specification while retaining the refined, musically engaging character that has defined this tier of Denon receiver.
Processing & Amplification
At the heart of the AVC-X3800H is the Griffin Lite XP processor, enabling 11.4 channels of processing from nine discrete power amplifier channels rated at 105W per channel into 8 ohms (20Hz–20kHz, 0.08% THD, two channels driven). This allows configurations up to 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos when used with external amplification on the height channels via the 11-channel pre-out section. Four independent subwoofer outputs provide granular bass management across the listening space.
Immersive Audio Formats
The AVC-X3800H decodes all major object-based and channel-based surround formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, and 360 Reality Audio. Height virtualisation is available for setups without physical ceiling or up-firing speakers, processing Atmos content through a standard 5.1 or 7.1 bed.
Room Correction
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction is included as standard, with a supplied measurement microphone and full compatibility with the Audyssey app for detailed target curve customisation. Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and Low Frequency Containment (LFC) are all available. For those seeking a more advanced correction algorithm, the AVC-X3800H supports an optional Dirac Live upgrade via licence purchase, with bass control capability.
Video & HDMI
All six HDMI inputs and three outputs (one main, one Zone 2, plus one additional) are rated to 40Gbps HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3. This delivers full 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through alongside HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR support. Gaming features include Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). The receiver also handles 8K upscaling and 4K GUI overlay.
Streaming & Connectivity
HEOS Built-in provides wireless multi-room streaming across up to 64 zones, with support for Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and TuneIn internet radio. AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth are included for direct device streaming. Hi-res audio playback extends to FLAC, WAV, and ALAC at up to 192kHz/24-bit, plus DSD at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz. The receiver is Roon Tested certified. Voice control is supported via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomePod.
Analogue connectivity includes six RCA line-level inputs and a built-in MM phono stage for turntable connection. Digital inputs comprise two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF connections, plus a front-panel USB port for audio file playback. Network connectivity is available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Multi-Zone Operation
The AVC-X3800H supports two additional audio zones beyond the main room. Zone 2 can receive HDMI video from the main source alongside audio from optical, coaxial, network, USB, or analogue inputs, delivered via dedicated speaker terminals or pre-outs.
What the Press Says
- "An easy-going, mid-range AV receiver with flexible features" — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (October 2022)
- What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner
| Channels | 9.4 (11.4 processing) |
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| Power Output | 105W per channel (8Ω, 20Hz–20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch driven) |
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| Power Output (6Ω) | 135W per channel (1kHz, 0.7% THD, 2ch driven) |
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| Surround Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio |
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| HDMI Inputs | 6 (HDMI 2.1, 40Gbps, HDCP 2.3) |
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| HDMI Outputs | 3 (1 main + 1 Zone 2 + 1 additional) |
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| Video | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz pass-through; HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
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| Room Correction | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Dirac Live upgradable) |
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| Subwoofer Outputs | 4 independent |
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| Pre-outs | 11.4 channel |
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| Analogue Inputs | 6 RCA + 1 phono (MM) |
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| Digital Inputs | 2 optical + 2 coaxial |
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| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HEOS Built-in |
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| Hi-Res Audio | FLAC/WAV/ALAC up to 192kHz/24-bit, DSD 2.8/5.6MHz |
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| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomePod |
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| Multi-Zone | Main + 2 zones (Zone 2 with HDMI video) |
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| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 434 × 389 × 167mm (without antenna) |
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| Weight | 12.5kg |
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| Power Consumption | 660W (operating); 0.1W (standby) |
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| Colour | Black |
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