Long time listener, first time caller.
Not sure if this is the right section to ask this so sorry in advance
I have a Denon x3300 I use for a 5.2 living room home theater/TV and for streaming Amazon Music Unlimited from my smart TV.
Would the x3700 sound better for music? I understand the x3700 has more bells and whistles, but what I'm mostly concerned with is sound quality when listening to HD music.
My (mis)understanding is that the x3800 does not sound as good as the x3700(sinad is worse) and that alot of the newer AVRs don't sound as good because of a shortage of the better DAC chips.
I plan on upgrading to an external power amp in the near future because I like to listen loud.
How is the DAC and overall sound quality of the x3700 compared to the x3300?
Also, I demoed an Onkyo tx-rz50 for a few days. Imo, it lacked the midrange presence of the Dennon and the overall sound just wasn't as appealing to me. Loved all the bells and whistles and could have probably made it sound better if i messed with Dirac more(downloaded Harman curves, moved curtains, ect), but on the 3rd day it started making noise out of the subwoofers when I shut it off so it's going back.
I love this forum because the reviews go past personal preference in sound and technical specs are posted.
Thank you for your time.
Tom
I've been in the hobby since 2000. I have the Arcam AVR5 in a 7.2.4 setup with my 150in screen and even the Arcam by itself sounds way way better than my Denon X3700H in a 5.2.4 setup even with 100% external amps. And yes, I did compare both receivers in the same room.
Guest bedroom/theater with 150in screen in a 7.2.4 setup:
Arcam AVR5 powers LCR
Emotiva BasX-A3 powers surround L and R (BasX does not have good dynamic range so I relegate it to the surrounds)
3 old Denon 1912 receivers power the rear surrounds and 4 atmos speakers
2 subwoofers: Definitive Technology Supercube 6000 and 2000
Family room in a 5.2.4 setup:
Denon X3700H powers the center channel, surround L and R, 4 atmos
Parasound Zonemaster 2 powers the L and R (and makes 2-channels music way better than Denon or Emotiva BasX-A3).
2 subwoofers: Definitive Technology Supercube 6000 and 2000