Denon AVR-X3700H AVR Review

[peng]

So now the question is X3700H or X4700H for me. Debating if I need the extra features or not. Leaning towards saving the difference and putting that towards a better subwoofer.

If you can wait the 4000 series price typically would drop to almost the same as the lower series.

 

[theory]

If you can wait the 4000 series price typically would drop to almost the same as the lower series.

Not really looking to wait too long since I’m putting together my first ht setup. Was thinking of sticking with the X3700H as a start and upgrade maybe 5 years down the line to whatever the 4000 series is then and put the difference towards my subwoofer.

 

[peng]

Agreed, specially Marantz NR1711, NR1510 and the other "slim" AVRs in the NR series. I am curious about those too.

Yeah and since those slimline models don't have HDAM, I would be curious see if they measure better in SINAD at up to 1.4 V, they won't do too good at higher voltage because there is no way to disconnect the power amps. At up to 1.4 V they should get 95 dB SINAD because the signal chain parts and circuitry from input to pre-out look the same as Denon's.

 

[peng]

Not really looking to wait too long since I’m putting together my first ht setup. Was thinking of sticking with the X3700H as a start and upgrade maybe 5 years down the line to whatever the 4000 series is then and put the difference towards my subwoofer.

To me the front HDMI port is a must because it makes using REW much easier but that alone can't justify hundreds of dollars more. To pay that much more, imo one would have to plan on using all, or almost all of the additional features of the 4700.

 

[DrewMcG]

If you mean downmixing, I have not tested it here but I am confident it has the same issue.

thanks. agree that the x3700h is a better value, if you don’t want to pay extra for added power, Auro 3d, and front HDMI input of the x4700h, whose dound quality essentially tied this unit (average 0.425 db less sinad 2ch). to quote Amir’s revised x4700h review:

“Subsequent to the review, Denon Engineering contacted me and shared measurements with me which did not at all show the problem I was seeing. They ran the same measurements on the Denon AVR-X3600 (last generation model) that showed similar or same performance. Their work was first class and I could not find any fault with their methodology. I think I can speak for them that they could not see or explain why I would get different results.”

I personally stretched for the x4700h and am glad I did—if only to avoid need for an external amp for my 4 ohm FL & FR towers, and b/c I’m enjoying the Auro 3d upmixer more than I realized I would. Even then, close call.

 

[D700]

Denon and Marantz yearly offer so many new units, it could be a full time job to publish independent reviews. Thanks for tackling the sweet spot in their lineup.

 

[GXAlan]

The difference in attenuation is likely the AL32 at work between the X6700H/X4700H and the X3700H. There is a different pattern between the two, although the X6700H isn't as good as the X4700H either.

 

[bobopich]

To me the front HDMI port is a must because it makes using REW much easier but that alone can't justify hundreds of dollars more. To pay that much more, imo one would have to plan on using all, or almost all of the additional features of the 4700.

Interesting that x3600 has front HDMI port and this new midel is missing.

 

[theory]

To me the front HDMI port is a must because it makes using REW much easier but that alone can't justify hundreds of dollars more. To pay that much more, imo one would have to plan on using all, or almost all of the additional features of the 4700.

Yes the front port would be nice. There’s always the x3600 too I guess but not much difference in price between the x3600 and X3700H currently with the high prices of the X3600H. My vendor was also offering 1099 for the X3700H. Maybe when the next models offer more than just the single hdmi 8k port. Also much easier to waiting when you have a system up and running.

Figured money would best be spent towards sub/speakers since that will probably make the biggest difference in sound. I feel like the difference between the AVRs is like splitting hairs compared to the difference speakers/sub can make in the overall picture of things.

 

[DrewMcG]

To me the front HDMI port is a must because it makes using REW much easier but that alone can't justify hundreds of dollars more. To pay that much more, imo one would have to plan on using all, or almost all of the additional features of the 4700.

Ah, and don’t forget the importance of that front HDMI port when the grandkids come over and want to hook their game console up to your AVR. I don’t want them messing around with the back/pulling the AVR out!

 

[theory]

Ah, and don’t forget the importance of that front HDMI port when the grandkids come over and want to hook their game console up to your AVR. I don’t want them messing around with the back/pulling the AVR out!

I’ll probably just leave a long hdmi cable out since I don’t have a rack for my current setup.

 

[Diatribe]

The 3700h appears to be a worthy successor to the 3600h. I assume the internals are nearly identical?

 

[theory]

Interesting that x3600 has front HDMI port and this new midel is missing.

I think they probably wanted more reasons to differentiate the 3000 and 4000.

 

[peng]

Interesting that x3600 has front HDMI port and this new midel is missing.

They give you an 8 K input port, and a full pre-amp mode at the same price. So I guess on a fixed budget they have to cut back on something else.

 

[peng]

Yes the front port would be nice. There’s always the x3600 too I guess but not much difference in price between the x3600 and X3700H currently with the high prices of the X3600H. My vendor was also offering 1099 for the X3700H. Maybe when the next models offer more than just the single hdmi 8k port. Also much easier to waiting when you have a system up and running.

Figured money would best be spent towards sub/speakers since that will probably make the biggest difference in sound. I feel like the difference between the AVRs is like splitting hairs compared to the difference speakers/sub can make in the overall picture of things.

For $1,099? That's good for a 7.1.4 and 8K capable AVR, especially if you consider the internal amps measured better than a few separate power amps and integrated amps Amir also measured. Even the Outlaw M2200 monoblock with a full panther on top managed only 85.5 dB SINAD in the 5 W test, vs the 3600/3700's 88 dB.

 

[Cahudson42]

Really nice review..Puts to bed what AVRs to look at if you have decided on an AVR.

Also provides an alternate for a stereo only system. The PS/transformer obviously provide more margin when only called on to drive 2 or 3 channels. Plus you get Audessey XT32. And even though you might be a 'stereo is enough' type - you can in future change your mind..

Thanks again Amir!

 

[theory]

For $1,099? That's good for a 7.1.4 and 8K capable AVR, especially if you consider the internal amps measured better than a few separate power amps and integrated amps Amir also measured. Even the Outlaw M2200 monoblock with a full panther on top managed only 85.5 dB SINAD in the 5 W test, vs the 3600/3700's 88 dB.

They were also offering me the X4700H at a slight discount but the difference between the two would still be $450-500 difference. I keep going back and forth but the X3700H would be the best bang for the buck since I’m only looking at a 5.1 system to start so Auro3D probably offers me little. Thinking it would be smarter to invest more into speakers first until I have a full setup then see what AVR offerings there would be at that time. Glad to see the X3700H runs a bit cooler.

 

[theory]

Can the X3600H also do that HDMI test too like the X4700?

 

[ririt]

Thanks Amir great review!
What is the SINAD of the center channel still connected to its amp when L and R amps are off?

 

[xcomp666]

Great Review! So, now my question is Denon X3700H or Denon X4700H ?