Denon AVR-X4800H AVR Review

[rvsixer]

Subtle difference, so subtle who would actually know which one is newer? The version from the product page says "3520 10885 00AD" at the bottom of the last page. The one from the link in the online manual says "3520 10885 00ASD".

Then there's the thing about the online 2022 version having the 2023 updates in it lol.

 

[rvsixer]

I recently received a refurbed X4800H directly from Denon and have an annoying issue.

At first, I could not get any video passthrough working whatsoever. I managed to update the firmware by working through the front display, and this seemed to resolve the problem, but only very temporarily. I finally had video, but it would soon drop. Each time I managed to get video working again, it was only functional for a couple of minutes at most. I tried multiple HDMI 2.1 cables (including a brand new one) on all of the HDMI outputs on the AVR to no avail, as well as with ARC turned on and off. I completed several factory resets. My TV is a Sony A80J, and the firmware is current. If I completely unplug the setup for 10 or so minutes, I will get video again. Sometimes it seems to work fine for quite a while, other times it will drop within moments. Once it drops, the video doesn't return until another power cycle.

Is there anything else that I may be missing before I kick this thing back to Denon for a replacement? I've had 3 other Denon AVRs, and none have ever had this issue. If it's not actually a defective AVR, I'd hate to go through the hassle of replacing it just to have the same issue again. Thanks!

I'd definitely be looking at full CEC disable at both ends as well. I had to do that with my LG OLED/x4800h combo.

 

[mj30250]

I'd definitely be looking at full CEC disable at both ends as well. I had to do that with my LG OLED/x4800h combo.

I attempted this, and it seemingly helped for a short time, and then things reverted back to the status quo. It's possible I missed a setting on some device somewhere. I ended up shipping the AVR back to Denon today. Their return process is quite easy and painless. A replacement is already on the way and should arrive shortly...fingers crossed.

 

[mj30250]

Well, the new X4800H arrived and it immediately worked perfectly without requiring any adjustments, which has been my experience with the other Denon AVRs I've had. The one I returned must have had a faulty port/HDMI board. I left it playing videos from multiple sources for a couple hours without issue...phew.

 

[peng]

Based on reports of issues on ASR threads, it seem ironic that there seems to have been more reported issues on the made in Japan X4800H than the X3800H. If comes Christmas the X3800H goes on a big sale, I might just grab one just to play with lol..

 

[amper42]

Based on reports of issues on ASR threads, it seem ironic that there seems to have been more reported issues on the made in Japan X4800H than the X3800H. If comes Christmas the X3800H goes on a big sale, I might just grab one just to play with lol..

Or it might be BEST to stay away from Denon AVR's all together. Quality has gone down hill drastically. MASI is bleeding money, which doesn't lend itself to the kind of leadership Denon/Marantz need to design and produce quality gear. Warranty with Denon is another nightmare in and of itself. My suggestion would be keep your existing gear as long as you can until Denon is in stronger hands that are willing to invest in technology, improve service and design for quality and longevity rather than concentrating on how to squeeze as much profit out of consumers with unimaginative, poorly implemented designs.

 

[EWL5]

Based on reports of issues on ASR threads, it seem ironic that there seems to have been more reported issues on the made in Japan X4800H than the X3800H. If comes Christmas the X3800H goes on a big sale, I might just grab one just to play with lol..

My "made in Vietnam" 3800 is still working cheerfully after more than one year of ownership!

 

[2therock]

My 4800 is fine. Not a single issue. Who is this guy? Stellar performance and functionality with out a hitch. Such Bull!

Based on reports of issues on ASR threads

 

[Fahzz]

That's freakin' PENG, dude. Look around here and you'll find out who he is, and how helpful he is, especially about Denon products.

 

[dlaloum]

Or it might be BEST to stay away from Denon AVR's all together. Quality has gone down hill drastically. MASI is bleeding money, which doesn't lend itself to the kind of leadership Denon/Marantz need to design and produce quality gear. Warranty with Denon is another nightmare in and of itself. My suggestion would be keep your existing gear as long as you can until Denon is in stronger hands that are willing to invest in technology, improve service and design for quality and longevity rather than concentrating on how to squeeze as much profit out of consumers with unimaginative, poorly implemented designs.

Masimo isn't bleeding at all - the stockholders were unhappy with the lower net margins of the consumer markets.... they are used to a net margin of over 60% in the health sector, where the consumer markets are typically happy with 25%.

While SoundUnited continues under Masimo, it is relatively safe - but chances are they are looking to sell the entire consumer business - and the question will then arise as to the approach the next owner takes.

 

[pogo]

...if they can find a buyer: Link

 

[peng]

That's freakin' PENG, dude. Look around here and you'll find out who he is, and how helpful he is, especially about Denon products.

Thanks, I thought it was clear the way I stated it, that it was in relative term only (ie the X4800H vs X3800H on reported issues and only based on what I read on ASR). I would have no issue grabbing the 4800 but would take the 3800 based on the price difference but still, only if it is on a good sale, made that clear too in my post. 2therock probably was speed reading and missed the context..

 

[EWL5]

Thanks, I thought it was clear the way I stated it, that it was in relative term only (ie the X4800H vs X3800H on reported issues and only based on what I read on ASR). I would have no issue grabbing the 4800 but would take the 3800 based on the price difference but still, only if it is on a good sale, made that clear too in my post. 2therock probably was speed reading and missed the context..

It's not just ASR either. I'm a longtime member at the AVSforum and I see more anecdotal reports of issues w/the 4800 vs the 3800. Based on the pricing difference you would expect the base rate of 3800 owners to far outnumber 4800 owners and reports of issues to follow suit proportionally. However, I have not found this to be the case and actually the opposite is true!

 

[amper42]

Masimo isn't bleeding at all - the stockholders were unhappy with the lower net margins of the consumer markets.... they are used to a net margin of over 60% in the health sector, where the consumer markets are typically happy with 25%.

While SoundUnited continues under Masimo, it is relatively safe - but chances are they are looking to sell the entire consumer business - and the question will then arise as to the approach the next owner takes.

The MASI 35 year owner has just been fired due to losing his board seat in the last proxy vote along with others on his recommended slate of candidates. The CFO says he will quit too. It's highly likely Denon/Marantz products will be sold off at a steep discount from the purchase price. Dumping them on someone else. I would call that a bit of business unrest.

 

[dlaloum]

The MASI 35 year owner has just been fired due to losing his board seat in the last proxy vote along with others on his recommended slate of candidates. The CFO says he will quit too. It's highly likely Denon/Marantz products will be sold off at a steep discount from the purchase price. Dumping them on someone else. I would call that a bit of business unrest.

Yes - definitely business unrest! - just not any financial issues.... too low a margin (while still being profitable) doesn't qualify as "bleeding"!

It isn't clear whether the previous CEO (Kiani?) purchased Sound United as a "personal" purchase, without real business justification (cos he's an audiophile), or whether there was a wider strategy that was not clearly communicated to the rest of the board and stakeholders.... either way, the ensuing drama has been quite public, and his outing is most likely permanent given his public intent to dispose of his shares if expelled....

On the other hand, he might choose to personally purchase Sound United, who knows?!

 

[funkera91]

X3600h or that model is better for music listening in stereo?

 

[PHD]

I really regret buying this lemon... I should have waited a few more years until a more mature hardware revision became available.

Turn-on flutter noise in Denon X4800H due to inrush currents? Is it normal?

Hi Following this post regarding my unlucky purchase of the Denon X4800H: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-x4800h-random-fluttering-relay-sound-when-turning-on.56393/ The first unit had a random strange sound upon turning on and was sent to the service lab...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Now I discovered another issue. When taking Audyssey measurements, I hear a faint medium-frequency hum in the background each time a test signal is heard from some of the speakers. It only happens with some of the channels... I'm now waiting for Denon to approve my second AVR replacement...

 

[Miker 1102]

Masimo isn't bleeding at all - the stockholders were unhappy with the lower net margins of the consumer markets.... they are used to a net margin of over 60% in the health sector, where the consumer markets are typically happy with 25%.

While SoundUnited continues under Masimo, it is relatively safe - but chances are they are looking to sell the entire consumer business - and the question will then arise as to the approach the next owner

Yes - definitely business unrest! - just not any financial issues.... too low a margin (while still being profitable) doesn't qualify as "bleeding"!

It isn't clear whether the previous CEO (Kiani?) purchased Sound United as a "personal" purchase, without real business justification (cos he's an audiophile), or whether there was a wider strategy that was not clearly communicated to the rest of the board and stakeholders.... either way, the ensuing drama has been quite public, and his outing is most likely permanent given his public intent to dispose of his shares if expelled....

On the other hand, he might choose to personally purchase Sound United, who knows?!

His purpose was to use the distribution system of Sound United and make thier products a lifestyle brand based on the technology they were going to use in a smart watch. They got tangled up with Apple in lawsuits ( and won). Some see this as Apple payback. The guy that runs Masimo isn't some schmuck..he actually owns at least 60 patents and he built the company into a billion dollar medical business. His strategy seemed to fail but I think he is fascinating. I like people who can beat Apple in court and fight a proxy war for a company in the same year. That's aomebody who has vision. It doesnt all work out all the time ..loom at the history of guys like Steve Jobs. Sound United is a niche company of audio brands to Wall Street that don't have huge profit margins so I sort of wonder I'd any brands will suffer.

 

[PHD]

Hi

For those who bought their X4800H recently, could you please tell me the 4 digits of the serial # (right after the 4 letters). This is mine: DBYJ1222 which means it was manufactured in December 2022.

You can see the serial # under the advanced settings of the HEOS app.

Thanks

 

[mj30250]

Hi

For those who bought their X4800H recently, could you please tell me the 4 digits of the serial # (right after the 4 letters). This is mine: DBYJ1222 which means it was manufactured in December 2022.

You can see the serial # under the advanced settings of the HEOS app.

Thanks

Just received mine last week, DBYH0624.