Denon AVR-X3800H Review

[emptygreat]

When I get mine (waiting for boxing day sale), I will try oca's script so in preparing for the experiments I would like to read up more about it. There are so many YT videos out there about the different versions, could you kindly recommend one that is about the latest version (EVO?) but include full instructions/tutorial? Thanks!

Hi. Latest version is Nexus as @antcollinet pointed out. If you're familiar with rew measurements, it should be pretty straightforward to set it, and so far I'm really happy with what I've been getting out of OCAs calibration methods. Adding to the videos, I would also recommend going through the changelog of the different versions as it does contain some helpful information. There's already a small thread on Nexus here on ASR and a huge one at AVS. Depending on your system, particularly if you don't have height channels, you can make your measurements directly with rew sweeps, yet OCA also provides both lossless and lossy files with Atmos sweeps.
I don't have any option for 2ch stereo under speaker layout menu, probably as the 3800 has information from my 5.1 system after the audyssey calibration. As @EWL5 mentioned, you can easily switch to 2ch playback using the pure (yellow button) when stereo content is being played. This option was already available on my previous x1800h, so I guess you mean something else. Anyway, all the options mentioned on the manual link you shared are available to me on the x3800.

 

[peng]

I didn't see a menu specifically for 2CH playback. But I tested the remote buttons playing a CD stereo track from my Oppo BDP83:

Pressing the "Music" button on the remote to toggle through the following:

STEREO
View attachment 403576

Dolby Surround
View attachment 403577

Auro3D
View attachment 403578

Now toggling through the "Pure" button on the remote:

DIRECT
View attachment 403579

Pure Direct
View attachment 403580

Stereo (PURE)
View attachment 403581

Is this what you were looking for?

Many thanks again for taking the time!

Not really the 2 Ch playback feature though. I had the AVR-X1800H for a while so I do know even without the 2 Ch stereo playback menu, in stereo and direct mode, I could still have subwoofer on, so the only missing capabilities that is only available on the 2Ch Stereo playback menu seems to be that with that menu, one could have the bass management (i.e. setting XO etc., ) even in direct mode and potentially when using analog inputs iirc when I was using the X4400H, whereas the lower models that don't have this menu can still use the sub and set XO but in Stereo, but in direct mode, while you can still set XO, but there would be something funny going on there, and with analog inputs, XO could still be set, but would have no effects at least for the X1800H.

So it looks that feature is reserved for the AVR-X4800, Cinema 40 and higher models, that's more than fair, considering the significantly higher price for those models.

It won't affect my purchase decision as I no longer have such a need anyway, now that I have DLBC. The 3800 has been on sale regularly now in Canada for around $1800-$1900, that is roughly US$1280. As soon as the price drop to about $1400 = US$1000, I will likely pull the trigger. I am only picky on price because again, I don't really need one, just want one.

 

[peng]

Hi. Latest version is Nexus as @antcollinet pointed out. If you're familiar with rew measurements, it should be pretty straightforward to set it, and so far I'm really happy with what I've been getting out of OCAs calibration methods. Adding to the videos, I would also recommend going through the changelog of the different versions as it does contain some helpful information. There's already a small thread on Nexus here on ASR and a huge one at AVS. Depending on your system, particularly if you don't have height channels, you can make your measurements directly with rew sweeps, yet OCA also provides both lossless and lossy files with Atmos sweeps.

Thank you so much for the detailed description. I will start watching/reading so I'll be ready if and when I get my AVR-X3800H, timing would depend on when it will drop to, or close enough to the US sales price point. Hopefull it will happen on boxing day. I will use the unit for 2 channel stereo music only but it is good to know @OCA has got us covered on everything, even for using Atmos sweeps, though I would like to see one for 2.2 stereo if there is such simplified version and therefore a shorter video to watch lol... I could do wonder with Ratbuddyssey, but OCA's scripts seem like a much easier and quicker way to get great results. Either way, it really renders my 2X4 HD useless, but I will keep it until I played with the X3800H, then I'll sell it for sure, even for $100 or less, is better than having it sitting in the box, though now that I have sold the X1800H, I had to take it out of the box and used again mainly to set crossovers when using my separates that are 2 ch stereo only.

I don't have any option for 2ch stereo under speaker layout menu, probably as the 3800 has information from my 5.1 system after the audyssey calibration. As @EWL5 mentioned, you can easily switch to 2ch playback using the pure (yellow button) when stereo content is being played. This option was already available on my previous x1800h, so I guess you mean something else. Anyway, all the options mentioned on the manual link you shared are available to me on the x3800.

Yes, the 2Ch stereo menu I referred to is for the upper models only, as now confirmed by EWL5 and you, but I thank you both for taking the time. This is really expected because the owner's manual only mention that menu for the 4000 series, but I need you guys to confirm it because one member posted the difference versions of Denon's owner's manuals that are different on the bass management section, so that gave me the faint hope. Again as I mentioned, I no longer need that feature for my intended application, only asked the question out of curiosity.

 

[Miker 1102]

I will plug in my 3800 tomorrow and check the menu. I should have done it earlier.

 

[Juanma10dm10000]

Hi! Im new here and i just bought a denon 3800h av received from amazon us it has 100v, and in my country the power voltaje is 220v. I was planinning to get a tiroidal power up step down converter in order to use it. If there any other way to use ir without The voltaje regulator !? Like changing something inside ? Thanks !

 

[emptygreat]

Thank you so much for the detailed description. I will start watching/reading so I'll be ready if and when I get my AVR-X3800H, timing would depend on when it will drop to, or close enough to the US sales price point. Hopefull it will happen on boxing day. I will use the unit for 2 channel stereo music only but it is good to know @OCA has got us covered on everything, even for using Atmos sweeps, though I would like to see one for 2.2 stereo if there is such simplified version and therefore a shorter video to watch lol... I could do wonder with Ratbuddyssey, but OCA's scripts seem like a much easier and quicker way to get great results. Either way, it really renders my 2X4 HD useless, but I will keep it until I played with the X3800H, then I'll sell it for sure, even for $100 or less, is better than having it sitting in the box, though now that I have sold the X1800H, I had to take it out of the box and used again mainly to set crossovers when using my separates that are 2 ch stereo only.

Most welcome. It's pretty much the same process for 2.2, you just need to make less measurements. It's worth to check the video once in order to understand the basics of it, though it really is a quite simple and fast process. Can't comment on .2 calibration as I only have one sub, though I have read very very good comments on multiple sub integration, and some people actually combine it with minidsp. It is also recommended to use REW's latest beta. Also, after you have your measurements done, it's fairly easy to test different EQ target curves and repeat the process with updated versions of Nexus, which takes around 5 minutes to process. I believe OCA is also working on an updated process for calibration, though I don't much about it. Good luck finding a nice price for it!

 

[noiseboy]

There appears to be no Dirac bass management or possibly no Dirac correction at all when playing thru Heos. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[antcollinet]

There appears to be no Dirac bass management or possibly no Dirac correction at all when playing thru Heos. Can anyone confirm this?

I would expect that.

Bear in mind your DIRAC measurements set up correction filters specifically for the speakers and room you measured. Playing via heos to different speakers in a different room, then applying those filters does not make sense, and may actually sound worse.

 

[noiseboy]

I would expect that.

Bear in mind your DIRAC measurements set up correction filters specifically for the speakers and room you measured. Playing via heos to different speakers in a different room, then applying those filters does not make sense, and may actually sound worse.

It's the speakers connected to the x3800 that have that have no correction or bass management when using Heos. The Denon is the only Heos client. So, eg, if I play Spotify thru the x3800 to my bass managed LR, I get no sub or correction.

 

[ban25]

It's the speakers connected to the x3800 that have that have no correction or bass management when using Heos. The Denon is the only Heos client. So, eg, if I play Spotify thru the x3800 to my bass managed LR, I get no sub or correction.

HEOS is, unfortunately, total crap.

 

[Ciobi69]

Wait I can’t use like tidal with heos and my 2.2 system?i mean with dirac bass control

 

[ban25]

Wait I can’t use like tidal with heos and my 2.2 system?i mean with dirac bass control

Sounds like you can't through HEOS. Maybe through AirPlay 2 (lossy AAC 256kbps)? Alternatively, you could use a dedicated streamer like a Bluesound Node or an NVIDIA Shield TV Pro running the Tidal app (which will give you DD+ Atmos over HDMI).

 

[noiseboy]

Wait I can’t use like tidal with heos and my 2.2 system?i mean with dirac bass control

I've tried Spotify and DLNA, neither used Dirac bass management or bass control

 

[antcollinet]

It's the speakers connected to the x3800 that have that have no correction or bass management when using Heos. The Denon is the only Heos client. So, eg, if I play Spotify thru the x3800 to my bass managed LR, I get no sub or correction.

Well then, I agree, that is crap.

 

[Ciobi69]

I've tried Spotify and DLNA, neither used Dirac bass management or bass control

Damn. That is not good , but can you use base Dirac in stereo then?

 

[Repdetect]

I have a Denon 3800 and am using a NC502MP Amplifier for L+ R channels. If I add an SMSL DO-100 and connect it via HDMI to the Denon, will I hear the NC502MP DAC via only the SMSL DAC or what? How about if I use the SMSL via USB into the denon USB? This hobby is getting so complicated. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[antcollinet]

If I add an SMSL DO-100 and connect it via HDMI

How are you you going to connect it via hdmi? It doesn't have an HDMI connector.

 

[Repdetect]

antcollinet

Sorry, getting a Pro model

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

Hello everyone,

I’m still a beginner. Currently, I’m using a Denon X3800H AV receiver with an SVS SB3000 subwoofer, and my 5.1.2ch setup consists of SVS Prime Satellite speakers x5 and 2 Monolith THX campact satellites.

Previously, I used Audyssey XT32 for room calibration (with two Speaker Presets saved). However, since Dirac started their Black Friday sale yesterday, I’ve purchased Dirac Live Room Correction + Bass Control. I have a few questions I’d like to ask:

1. Before running Dirac, do I need to disable Audyssey or reset the two Speaker Presets saved on my receiver to their default settings? If there are any other feature I need to disable or reset, please let me know.
2. Should I use the advanced subwoofer tuning features in the SVS App (e.g., PEQ) before running Dirac, or should I let Dirac RC + BC handle all speaker and subwoofer configurations?

If you have any related articles, videos, or materials for reference, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

 

[Ncesar]

Hi! Im new here and i just bought a denon 3800h av received from amazon us it has 100v, and in my country the power voltaje is 220v. I was planinning to get a tiroidal power up step down converter in order to use it. If there any other way to use ir without The voltaje regulator !? Like changing something inside ? Thanks 100v to 220v step up converter.

Try to find a quality made in Europe or Japan step up converter. Beware of the alliexpress ones.
I believe is the easy and affordable that replace the inside one.