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Denon AVR-X3700H AVR Review

One other question I have on the 3700h set up. I am running a 5.2 set up. Is it better to have the amp select on 9.1 or 7.1 + Zone 2? Or does it even matter?
 
I just tried only running the front L and R from the Basx A500 and the rest of the 7.1.4 from the AVR, it actually sound better, like a more 'full' sound compared to running LCR and surround backs off the A-500. Surround effect was more immersive and there was more bass. AVR did run hotter though. I know at 2 channels, the A-500 is 110 Charlie watts per channel, and with 5channels its 80 charlie watts per channel, but I would have thought running 5 off the A-500 would be better since its relieving load on the AVR and leaving more chatlie watts available for each channel?
 
I just tried only running the front L and R from the Basx A500 and the rest of the 7.1.4 from the AVR, it actually sound better, like a more 'full' sound compared to running LCR and surround backs off the A-500. Surround effect was more immersive and there was more bass. AVR did run hotter though. I know at 2 channels, the A-500 is 110 Charlie watts per channel, and with 5channels its 80 charlie watts per channel,

Did you do a controlled comparison test? That is, at least level matched, using exactly the same media content, everything else in the setup remained the same in both scenarios, and had someone did the switching for you and made sure you wouldn't which scenario it was in the listening tests. I know to do it that way is near impossible for most people but if you don't then when you thought it sound better one way or the other, it would be just what you thought at the time.

but I would have thought running 5 off the A-500 would be better since its relieving load on the AVR and leaving more chatlie watts available for each channel?

I would think so too, especially for two channel contents because the AVR amps measured so much better though in a controlled DBT my money would be on most people would find it hard to tell a difference. The A500 has much higher distortions but would likely be low enough to stay below the threshold of audibility for real world use. To me, I would stick with that strategy (edit: That is, let the AVR amp runs the front left and right channels, may be even the channel channel) as I trust more in specs and measurements (measured by ASR) than my ears because I know I am not immune to having my eyes and brains influencing my ears.
 
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Put simply, the A-500 is measurably inferior to the Denon 3700 amps and much worse with Channels 3 and 5.
Oh great, so the A-500 is basically redundant? Live and learn I suppose. Would there be any point trying the Dolby upward firing speakers with the A-500?
It looks like there is often a difference between what is technically better and what subjectively sounds better to a specific individual.
 
Oh great, so the A-500 is basically redundant? Live and learn I suppose. Would there be any point trying the Dolby upward firing speakers with the A-500?
It looks like there is often a difference between what is technically better and what subjectively sounds better to a specific individual.

Not exactly redundant, as you said it would take some load off the AVR. If you use the AVR amps then you should put a couple of 80 mm or 120 mm usb fans on top or blow across top to help cooling.

You are absolutely right about subjectively "better" is not the same as technically better. For example, some amps with much higher distortions, such as 2%, and FR of -3 dB at 20 kHz may sound better to an individual than an amp with 0.005% THD and flat FR.
 
My LG oled 55 curved TV broke so I replaced it with a Panasonic 65hz1000z. The 4k video highlighted the shortcomings of my 2013 ca 751r v2 running 5.1. After much research rather than buying a replacement high end avr, I bought the x3700h as a preamp into the 7 channel 751r. The sound is amazing and I'm delighted I have been able to retain the 751r (highly recommended) while bypassing its deteriorating hdmi board. I'm running it 7.1 direct and ref volume -18db. Audyssey with multeq is a REVELATION and lifted the listening level (+6db). Typical volume on the 3700h is a comfortable 65. I was looking to add an internal temperature controlled 12v fan but it does not seem to get too warm (full preamp) and seems to be OK in an open back glass shelf with only 2cm clearance. When I opened the device I saw numerous 3 pin fan headers (one for each amp and one on the video board) but I suspect these would be used for troubleshooting. Principle source is a windows 10 pc with a gtx1650 running MPC-BE with Madvr and LAV codecs. Everything is controlled using a one touch logitech harmony one remote.

Next update is to add two dolby atmos front ceiling speakers to take advantage of the remaining two channels of the 751r.
 
Does anyone have found any measurements of the DAC in the V2 (post May, 7xxxx s/n) models yet? I have just received mine, but if performance is (significantly) worse, then I think I'll save my money for some more years.
 
I would like to connect the pre-amp outputs on my Denon X3700h receiver to an external amplifier.
My question is: How do I configure bi-amping?
If I select the "7.1 (Bi-Amp)" option under "Amp Assign" will the "Height 2" pre-outs carry the Front L/R signal (which would be the case if I were to use the Denon speaker connections)?
For reference I'll be connecting the Denon to an Integra dta-70.1 (which supports bi-amping provided the receiver does as well).
 
Hi
Today when I turned on my denon it shows me that there is a firmware update. I did the upgrade. But does some one know where I can find the release notes of the new firmware.

Firmware​

Version6420-0151-8161-3085
-DTS Version3.90.50.82
 
I discovered something odd yesterday while connecting my new amplifier to the X3700h.
The relative volume dial doesn't go all the way to +18db when in pre-amp mode... it stops at +11db. You can see on the indicator bar that there is more headroom.

So I did some tests, and switched to a number of other Amp Assign configurations. The one that allows the dial to go all the way to +18db is the "11.1 Speaker" option.

Does anyone know why this would be (it's totally academic and just for interest, as I'll never play anything at even +11db nevermind +18db)?
 
Interesting question. You have touched on a pre-out limitation for the Denon 3700 design.
1. If you use the Denon 3700 pre-outs they will only provide the function marked on the pre-out port.
2. If you use "7.1 Bi-amp" in Denon amp assign then you will need to use the internal Denon amps to support this function.

The rule applies to several other amp assign configurations like Front AB. I wrote Denon tech support on this issue and they confirmed this is by design.

Many thanks for the feedback.
Yes, I can confirm that this is indeed how it works after some experimentation yesterday.
 
Many thanks for the feedback.
Yes, I can confirm that this is indeed how it works after some experimentation yesterday.

I thought you wanted to use an external amp to bi-amp. If that's the case you don't need to use the amp assign function, it would be irrelevant.
 
I thought you wanted to use an external amp to bi-amp. If that's the case you don't need to use the amp assign function, it would be irrelevant.
Yes, you're quite right.
For now, I have it set up with just normal amplification... I'll play around a bit once I've put the new amp through its paces.
 
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