That looks very promising, thanks!
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Denon AVR-X6800H now released.
- Thread starter -Matt-
- Start date
Another vote for Dirac to handle subs. I would only use sub DSP if you don't like what you are getting from Dirac. Difficult to say what circumstances that would be but e.g. some high peaks to cut if Dirac curve looks odd. If not mistaken, Dirac on D&M can handle 17m distance which would be sufficient for most sub DSPs. For Audy that would be some 6m so DSP not really recommended.
Hey All, Any chance of making a list of solved and unsolved issues with the AVR-X6800h? Even better if this could be a sticky so it is easy to find and maintain as things change over time/hopefully get solved. Current owners could provide very useful info here instead of having to read through multiple pages.
I would be interested to to know this too, how well does the 6800 generally fair in terms of issues?
I'll probably pull the trigger tomorrow on either a 4800 or a 6800 to upgrade form my 4400h (mostly because I want to try Dirac). Is there a reason to even get the 6800 over the 4800 if I don't need the higher channel count? I only have a 5.1 with dual subs in a living room and even though I'll probably upgrade to Atmos in the next few months, I'll never need more than 9 channels. I might get some dedicated amps for the front but or now I want to use the internal amps (I have XTZ Cinema M6 and S2 speakers). Would you get the 4800 or the 6800?
6800H will have higher channel count and bit higher SINAD - but compare other features as can't remember from top of my head. For most that SINAD difference would not be audible compared to 4800H. 6800H can do front wides, but seems that does not matter to you.
But then, 4800H is mostly 3800H made in Japan with some slight differences overall.
But then, 4800H is mostly 3800H made in Japan with some slight differences overall.
Yeah it's seems like it's mostly some very minor improvements which most likely won't translate to any real world audible differences but it's certainly "nice to know" that they are there but if this is worth 1000 bucks more is another question...
Indeed but you can say that about pretty much every model in their lineup other than the A10H, which really is a major step up in terms of build quality, construction and quality of parts, - but it's also almost 2000 bucks more than the 6800. I'd love to get the A10H but unfortunately it's out of my budget so it's just the question of where to make the cutoff between these 3 models, where it makes the most sense. I kinda was set on the 4800 because I'm very happy with my current 4400h but I would be willing to spend a grand more if it's "worth it". Honestly, from a logical standpoint, getting everything other than the 3800 from Denon right now is actually stupid - it's on sale for 750.- right now
But I don't want to "downgrade" my amp section since I'm planning on using it and the improved DAC on the 4800 and of course the 6800 is also appealing...If budget and value are concern, 3800H is the champ. Not sure I would buy 6800H if not interested in its features. Better chances you will like Dirac, so extra cash can go towards Dirac+DLBC which is on 20% sale for Black Friday. Nothing wrong with Audy which I prefer in my system, but many like Dirac.
Also - many other components to spend on, and investing in speakers will usually generate better returns.
Also - many other components to spend on, and investing in speakers will usually generate better returns.
Yeah it's insane value right now but since I don't have any external amps atm, I don't want to get a weaker amp section than I have right now in the 4400h even if it's only a minor downgrade.
I will buy Dirac in any case since it's the main reason I want to upgrade my AVR.
True but I'm currently happy with my speakers but yeah I want to get some atmos speakers at some point and I wanted to invest in some acoustic treatment.
DTSman
Member
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- Feb 26, 2024
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Hello,
I recently purchased a Dirac BassControl multi-sub license for my X6800H.
My configuration is 9.4.4 including a complete set of JBL Pro speakers (3x3153+4*3635+12*8320).
After several AB comparisons between Audyssey (speaker preset 1) and Dirac (speaker preset 2), Dirac is more qualitative : a front scene with more nuances and especially the voices. Dirac also gives more the impression that the speakers disappear. It sounds like the last time I tested StormAudio MKII in situ.
Nota: The Dirac calibration is automatically sent to speaker preset 2. However, you can load 3 distincts Dirac presets in this preset. Which makes a total of 4 EQ presets:
- speaker preset 1 with 1 Audyssey EQ
- speaker preset 2 with 3 Dirac EQs and 1 with Dirac EQ Off
I recently purchased a Dirac BassControl multi-sub license for my X6800H.
My configuration is 9.4.4 including a complete set of JBL Pro speakers (3x3153+4*3635+12*8320).
After several AB comparisons between Audyssey (speaker preset 1) and Dirac (speaker preset 2), Dirac is more qualitative : a front scene with more nuances and especially the voices. Dirac also gives more the impression that the speakers disappear. It sounds like the last time I tested StormAudio MKII in situ.
Nota: The Dirac calibration is automatically sent to speaker preset 2. However, you can load 3 distincts Dirac presets in this preset. Which makes a total of 4 EQ presets:
- speaker preset 1 with 1 Audyssey EQ
- speaker preset 2 with 3 Dirac EQs and 1 with Dirac EQ Off
Tanquen
Member
Support told me the only fix for the eARC issue was to send in the brand new AVR for repair. Did then ever have a fix for the random black screen issue?
I am 90% sure the amp sections are the same, the 4800’s power supply is slightly larger but not enough to be audibly noticeable. Not a minor downgrade, but a nehglible downgrade.
3800 + DL is a great value.
- Thread Starter
- #494
Yes I posted about it a while ago...
I may have finally figured out what has causing the occasional HDMI dropouts I was experiencing...
My eco setting was to turn off zones 2 and 3 after 2 hours of no use. When these are turned off it causes an HDMI dropout on the main zone.
I'm glad to know of this cause, hopefully it is the only one for me (it sounds like others were having a different source of dropouts). I'll have to try to figure out a way of turning on the AVR main zone without powering up zone 2 and 3 (or turning them off in a macro). (I use IP control rather than the remote).
EDIT: Now resolved using "ZM ON" and "ZM OFF" (controlling just main zone), instead of "PW ON" and "PW STANDBY" which were turning all 3 zones on and off.
Just a reminder, I don't have the 6800 but rather an 8500. I'm sure that this was a completely different issue than others who reported HDMI dropouts were experiencing. I can't speak for them as to whether they ever got it resolved.
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You mean between the 3800 and the 4400?
Too late I already ordered a 4800
I'm still wondering if I shold have gone with a 6800 for ~900 more to satisfy my fomo thoughIndeed! 800 bucks for an AVR with basically the same processing unit and almost all the the features of their 7000 bucks MSRP flaggshipp is insane!
Yes I mean 3800/4800. The 6800 likely have a slightly different amp section. My educated guess is based on the previous models, the 3600/3700 vs 4400/4500/4700, as well as Marantz 6014/15,7012/13/15, they all have the same amp sections, just different size of PS transformers. The 6400/6500/6700, SR8012 have slightly different power amp section. But that's in the recent past, we don't know if D+M continued with the practice of such standardization though based on specs, I think it is very likely. Regardless, even with the larger PS in the 4800, C40, 105 vs 125 W is only 0.8 dB difference, barely noticeable in an AB comparison.You mean between the 3800 and the 4400?
Too late I already ordered a 4800
Indeed! 800 bucks for an AVR with basically the same processing unit and almost all the the features of their 7000 bucks MSRP flaggshipp is insane!
The main plus of the 6800 is as mentioned many times before, much better DAC IC, more channel counts, it's recent sales price made it viable, especially if used as AVP with external power amps, though the benefits would be arguably on paper, not necessarily audibly noticeable.
In terms of the amp section, if I look at pictures of the insides, I'd say there is arguably a bigger difference between the 3800 and the 4800 than between the 4800 and the 6800.
Yeah the better DAC is definitely intriguing but as you said, these differences are most likely all inaudible so it comes down to additional features which is mostly 2 additional channels - which most probably don't need.
You are comparing the physical layout whereas my comments are based on the electrical design/circuitry/parts used, things that affect a lot more on audio performance/sound quality. Yes in terms of physical layout and heatsinks the 4800/6800 are more similar.
Anyway, I prefer the 4000 series too and have never owned any 3000 series, but I no longer use amp sections of avrs so if I need a second av unit the 3800 would be my choice.
I am sure for those who opted for the 4800, it would bring them a lot of satisfaction; and probably have saved them $1,000 vs the Cinema 40 that would do nothing better other than look more pleasing, subjectively, and 2 yr longer warranty, just to be fair..
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Due to a big ol' Christmas tree affecting the soundwaves, I still wasn't able to calibrate. I told the wife to get rid of it the day after the 26th so I can have both Dirac and Audyssey do their magic. Still, I have been listening to the 6800 - Wharfedale EVO 4.4 combo for a couple of times already in Pure Direct mode and also my wife tells me the 'typical for Wharfedale' warm sound now is noticeable. This doesn't make sense to me because the setup has only changed by taking out the 4700 and putting in the 6800. The main and surround channels still are handled by MM7025 and 7055 from Marantz. The only difference is the DAC. With the 4700 it sounded 'flat' and thin. So for me the change is great even if I didn't expect this. Can the preamp and/or DAC have such an impact?
Sorry, if you do it sighted, that is, you know which one you are listening to, it doesn't matter what you think, and I am more or less (just not the exact words) quoting Dr. Toole.
But, if you think so, that's great news regardless! That's assuming you compared them under the exact same conditions and switched between them without even a few seconds of delay, others there are just too many factors anyway that has more audible effects than the different DAC ICs. The preamp really is just the volume ICs that are identical so no impact.
Remember the previously posted block diagrams:
The following slide in the Masimo presentation shows the "common technology" used in both, that confirmed 100% the preamp/vol ICs and switches used are the same.
I won't rule out if you have very discerning hearing, you may be able to hear the differences due to the better build quality of the 6800 that likely result in measurably better SNR, DR, SINAD, cross talks, IMD etc., just that results done without DBT or at least SBT, level matched to within 1 dB or better, and other controls won't be reliable.
The DAC IC difference in specs and their implementation between the two are indeed significant, there is no doubt about that, the only question is, how audible the resulting difference would b? I don't think anyone knows the answer, but all can, and some have, speculated.