Denon AVR-X6800H now released.

[Magestic]

Just bought and installed Dirac ART on my 6800h (full version RC full bandwith + DLBC + ART). Also did a new Audessey calibration to be able to have a fresh reference point. First impressions (after ~1 hour of listening) are that bass is very tight and controlled (using 2x B&W DB4S subs with Chario Academy Millenium 2 front speakers). Also, for some reason, there seems to be a lot of clarity to voices and a it seems easier to make out individual instruments and details in comparison to Audessey. So, much like @Laika2 's observations.

I might like some more bass, but it should be easy to tweak in de Dirac Live app. For now, well worth the $$ IMHO!

 

[Laika2]

Just bought and installed Dirac ART on my 6800h (full version RC full bandwith + DLBC + ART). Also did a new Audessey calibration to be able to have a fresh reference point. First impressions (after ~1 hour of listening) are that bass is very tight and controlled (using 2x B&W DB4S subs with Chario Academy Millenium 2 front speakers). Also, for some reason, there seems to be a lot of clarity to voices and a it seems easier to make out individual instruments and details in comparison to Audessey. So, much like @Laika2 's observations.

I might like some more bass, but it should be easy to tweak in de Dirac Live app. For now, well worth the $$ IMHO!

For whatever it's worth Im running a 10db harmon bass curve, in the next few daysvIm going to set my subs to V1 high(er) output than V2 which rolls off sooner and try a 6db curve, not in a hurry though, 10 db in x32 is muddy, 10 db in ART shows no ill effects and ohhh those kick drums in 2.1 mode, amazing.

Glad you found the same benefits as I did, rooms can make such a difference results are often different.

On the subject of no center support, 2 of my presets are no center support and center support from all speakers that have 6.5 and larger woofers, have done this for a month and I hear no difference between the 2 in HT or stereo. Listened over and over. Need 2 ditch one of the two and add something different to compare. Maybe it's because my center has 2 8 inch woofers but I would still think I would hear a difference. Oh well, not a issue at this time, sounds the best it ever has

 

[CA FiveOh]

I replaced mhe 4311ty AVR-4311 with this receiver last June. I've always kind of felt that the 6800H sounds a bit less engaging than the 4311. Don't get me wrong, it is still very good, especially with Dirac Bass Control. Since I still have the 4311 I did some comparative measurements the other day just to compare the two. Testing was done with a single Umik-1 position (never moved), room correction off, speakers large (4311)/full range (6800), both receivers at -18.0 MV with REW sweep levels at -12.0 DBFs.

These sweeps kind of validate what I am hearing. As shown in the attachment, it is almost as if the 6800H has some sort of internal shelving filter at ~ 1KHz. I've checked and CinemaEQ is disabled, there are no tone controls or GraphicEQ filters. Every single speaker has the same ~ 3-4 dB reduction in the high frequencies. One thing I did notice, though, is that running sweeps with/without CinemaEQ on didn't seem to change anything so it is almost like CinemaEQ is stuck in the on position.

Before I settled on the 6800H I had a 4800H and found some old measurements from that receiver. Interestingly, under the same conditions, the measurements closely match the 4311. Perhaps I may need to do a factory restore just to see if anything changes. Just wanted to share these results in case anyone else noticed their 6800H sounds less lively than a Denon receiver it replaced.

 

[dave999z]

So still no test of the 6800. Hmm. Wish Amir would get his hands on one.

 

[peng]

So still no test of the 6800. Hmm. Wish Amir would get his hands on one.

I agree it would be very nice if one gets send to Amir for tests, but for the few people who need to see the results before deciding on their purchase, there really is no need. While there is no guarantee, one can be confident that the 6800 will measure as good as the previously tested X3700H through X6700H and can therefore expect the typical SINAD tests to be in the 95 to 105 dB range and all other tests results similar to the X6700H. My confidence level is high, based on the fact that the only change that could affect the test results by more than a couple dB is the DAC IC. The other ICs such as the OPAs, Volume ICs, switches, and the circuitry remains the same, as shown in published information that anyone can see.

Still, I would also like to see one tested on ASR, along with the AVM70 (because the one measured has a different DAC IC), and also another sample of the very popular X3800H (because the one measured might have been an outlier).

 

[EWL5]

and also another sample of the very popular X3800H (because the one measured might have been an outlier).

A re-measure won’t change how popular it is if the new traffic to the AVS ART thread is to be believed!

 

[peng]

A re-measure won’t change how popular it is if the new traffic to the AVS ART thread is to be believed!

Of course it won't, I think >95% of their owners wouldn't have bench test results in mind. Most AVR shoppers would focus on features, perceived reliability of the brands, aesthetic and price, and they would think reviews by the likes of Mr. Andrew Robinson is all they need, if they go beyond online magazines such as Sound and Vision, and manufacturers websites marketing info. To me it is about satisfying curiosity (craziness) so if the exchange rate gets better, I might spend C$1K on a QA403, and do my own measurements. Then the issue is, it would be tough to decide on spending another C2K on a X3800H, for use as a backup device. One interesting observation, it seems that the X3800H had very few, actually I don't recall seeing one) issues reported on forums vs the X4800/6800H.

 

[EWL5]

One interesting observation, it seems that the X3800H had very few, actually I don't recall seeing one) issues reported on forums vs the X4800/6800H.

I note the same any chance I get. I think the "made in Japan" has become vastly overrated and should no longer be a "PRO" (at least for Denon/Marantz).

I've seen the same confusion in luxury car forums like Mercedes and BMW: just because you spent more money doesn't mean you are immune to issues and/or poor design decisions!

 

[JRowland]

I can't find many reported issues about either, maybe my google fu sucks. Can one of you link me to some of these reports about the 4800 having reliability issues?

 

[peng]

I can't find many reported issues about either, maybe my google fu sucks. Can one of you link me to some of these reports about the 4800 having reliability issues?

You can try Google AI but will have to take what they find with a grain of salt. You may get something like the following:

Model	Denon AVR-X6800H	Marantz Cinema 40	Denon AVR-X4800H	Marantz Cinema 50	Denon AVR-X3800H
Tier / Mfg.	Flagship (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Mid-Range (Asia)	Mid-Range (Asia)
Est. Volume	Lowest (Niche)	Low-Medium	Low-Medium	Highest (Volume Leader)	Highest (Volume Leader)
HDMI Stability	Poor. Severe video dropouts.	Poor. eARC/Video failures.	Poor. eARC/Handshake bugs.	Poor. Frequent Handshake issues.	Poor. Persistent Lip Sync.
Hardware Risk	Moderate. Pre-amp/channel failures (sound dies).	Moderate. Total video loss / Freeze requiring return.	Highest. Reports of Unit Dying (pop/crack).	Low-Moderate. Intermittent power shutdown.	Low-Moderate. Red-light protection mode.
Software/Usability	DSP Glitch: Channel levels fluctuate. Remote volume too fast.	Sluggish HDMI input processing. Turns on randomly (CEC bug).	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Requires heavy manual tune.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Clunky app. High Reports due to volume.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Highest Reports due to volume. Clunky app.
Key Takeaway	High-End Bugs: Focus on internal processing stability.	Platform Bugs: Shares video/eARC issues with X4800H/X6800H.	High Hardware Risk: Most reports of catastrophic failure.	Volume Bugs: High number of fixable software/sync issues.	Volume Bugs: Highest number of fixable software/sync issues.

Core Conclusion Summary​

• HDMI 2.1 Handshake (All Models): This is the most universally reported frustration across the entire 800-series platform. Buyers should anticipate potential black screens or eARC audio dropouts, requiring occasional power cycling regardless of the model they choose.
• Hardware Failure ($\%$): While the AVR-X3800H and Marantz Cinema 50 have the most reports (due to volume), the AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 40 seem to have a disproportionately higher risk of sudden, catastrophic unit failure or total video loss.
• Software Glitches: The AVR-X3800H and Cinema 50 are the volume leaders, making them the default source for reports of general bugs (Lip Sync, HEOS).

 

[JRowland]

You can try Google AI but will have to take what they find with a grain of salt. You may get something like the following:

Model	Denon AVR-X6800H	Marantz Cinema 40	Denon AVR-X4800H	Marantz Cinema 50	Denon AVR-X3800H
Tier / Mfg.	Flagship (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Mid-Range (Asia)	Mid-Range (Asia)
Est. Volume	Lowest (Niche)	Low-Medium	Low-Medium	Highest (Volume Leader)	Highest (Volume Leader)
HDMI Stability	Poor. Severe video dropouts.	Poor. eARC/Video failures.	Poor. eARC/Handshake bugs.	Poor. Frequent Handshake issues.	Poor. Persistent Lip Sync.
Hardware Risk	Moderate. Pre-amp/channel failures (sound dies).	Moderate. Total video loss / Freeze requiring return.	Highest. Reports of Unit Dying (pop/crack).	Low-Moderate. Intermittent power shutdown.	Low-Moderate. Red-light protection mode.
Software/Usability	DSP Glitch: Channel levels fluctuate. Remote volume too fast.	Sluggish HDMI input processing. Turns on randomly (CEC bug).	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Requires heavy manual tune.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Clunky app. High Reports due to volume.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Highest Reports due to volume. Clunky app.
Key Takeaway	High-End Bugs: Focus on internal processing stability.	Platform Bugs: Shares video/eARC issues with X4800H/X6800H.	High Hardware Risk: Most reports of catastrophic failure.	Volume Bugs: High number of fixable software/sync issues.	Volume Bugs: Highest number of fixable software/sync issues.

Core Conclusion Summary​

• HDMI 2.1 Handshake (All Models): This is the most universally reported frustration across the entire 800-series platform. Buyers should anticipate potential black screens or eARC audio dropouts, requiring occasional power cycling regardless of the model they choose.
• Hardware Failure ($\%$): While the AVR-X3800H and Marantz Cinema 50 have the most reports (due to volume), the AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 40 seem to have a disproportionately higher risk of sudden, catastrophic unit failure or total video loss.
• Software Glitches: The AVR-X3800H and Cinema 50 are the volume leaders, making them the default source for reports of general bugs (Lip Sync, HEOS).

Thank you. I tried a few AI before I posed the question. I get nothing other than similar issues mainly with cec handshake. I poked and prodded trying to get AI to find concrete evidence of a difference and could not. I don't use HEOS and luckily my equipment is shaking hands well but I was curious about actual failures. Seems mostly software complaints, I am not seeing anything about units failing and letting the smoke out so to speak.

 

[Brambo67]

My 3700 died after less then one year, the succeeding 4700 performed well for one year before I sold it. The current 6800 failed after buggy Dirac calibration session. Two resets solved that and since then no issues. I agree with people saying Made in Japan doesn’t make a huge difference. Still, I like how it is assembled and the attention the engineers paid to that. I drive an MB GLC model and have many small issues with software etc. However the driveline is fabulous and proper AWD that is rock solid. I guess the same applies to receivers; it has become such an advanced and high tech product (compare with the stuff a few years ago) that ‘buggyness’ just becomes part of the deal. And this applies also for the car. Just imagine how much tech and subsequent chips are in them… It may be frustrating once you have to face it, that I can relate to. Proper warranty and backup organization works miracles. Unfortunately that isn’t always the case. I had to wait many weeks for my 3700 to be fixed under warranty. I decided to suggest a deal to the lbs for a 4700 and they accepted. So yes, stuff breaks and always when you don’t want it to. This is the burden of being a tech buyer… Kia’s, X-peng’s, and other ‘Asian’ cars also break and this applies also to Pioneer, Onkyo and much more ‘higher end’ stuff. Denon and Marantz supply great tech against competitive prices that’s why they sell a lot and 0.05 percent of many millions is still more than 1% of 100k.

My 6800 is performing very well now especially with the whole Dirac suite on it. Expensive, yes but really nice. Don’t bother too much; buy an 3800 with some amps and you’ve got a great deal. Or if you are like me; spend more for extra aluminium and the ‘built in Japan’ feeling

 

[Chanur]

You can try Google AI but will have to take what they find with a grain of salt. You may get something like the following:

Model	Denon AVR-X6800H	Marantz Cinema 40	Denon AVR-X4800H	Marantz Cinema 50	Denon AVR-X3800H
Tier / Mfg.	Flagship (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Premium (Japan)	Mid-Range (Asia)	Mid-Range (Asia)
Est. Volume	Lowest (Niche)	Low-Medium	Low-Medium	Highest (Volume Leader)	Highest (Volume Leader)
HDMI Stability	Poor. Severe video dropouts.	Poor. eARC/Video failures.	Poor. eARC/Handshake bugs.	Poor. Frequent Handshake issues.	Poor. Persistent Lip Sync.
Hardware Risk	Moderate. Pre-amp/channel failures (sound dies).	Moderate. Total video loss / Freeze requiring return.	Highest. Reports of Unit Dying (pop/crack).	Low-Moderate. Intermittent power shutdown.	Low-Moderate. Red-light protection mode.
Software/Usability	DSP Glitch: Channel levels fluctuate. Remote volume too fast.	Sluggish HDMI input processing. Turns on randomly (CEC bug).	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Requires heavy manual tune.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Clunky app. High Reports due to volume.	HEOS crashes/Random shutdown. Highest Reports due to volume. Clunky app.
Key Takeaway	High-End Bugs: Focus on internal processing stability.	Platform Bugs: Shares video/eARC issues with X4800H/X6800H.	High Hardware Risk: Most reports of catastrophic failure.	Volume Bugs: High number of fixable software/sync issues.	Volume Bugs: Highest number of fixable software/sync issues.

Core Conclusion Summary​

• HDMI 2.1 Handshake (All Models): This is the most universally reported frustration across the entire 800-series platform. Buyers should anticipate potential black screens or eARC audio dropouts, requiring occasional power cycling regardless of the model they choose.
• Hardware Failure ($\%$): While the AVR-X3800H and Marantz Cinema 50 have the most reports (due to volume), the AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 40 seem to have a disproportionately higher risk of sudden, catastrophic unit failure or total video loss.
• Software Glitches: The AVR-X3800H and Cinema 50 are the volume leaders, making them the default source for reports of general bugs (Lip Sync, HEOS).

This makes sense to me as I've had multiple Denon AVRs die on me and no other brand. At least the older models were not very well made.

 

[peng]

This makes sense to me as I've had multiple Denon AVRs die on me and no other brand. At least the older models were not very well made.

I have had 6 or 7 of them, the oldest was the 3805 and the newest I owned were the X1800H and X4400H, no issues with any of them. No experience with the newest models except the X1800H, so on those I would say it's too early to tell.

 

[Chanur]

I have had 6 or 7 of them, the oldest was the 3805 and the newest I owned were the X1800H and X4400H, no issues with any of them. No experience with the newest models except the X1800H, so on those I would say it's too early to tell.

I had the two Denons that died 1912 and 3400 and a Yamaha RX475 which worked flawlessly and my Sony ES1000 which has also worked flawlessly. All were used in the same set up.

I really hope the new ones are more robust and better built since they measure well.

 

[dlaloum]

I have had 6 or 7 of them, the oldest was the 3805 and the newest I owned were the X1800H and X4400H, no issues with any of them. No experience with the newest models except the X1800H, so on those I would say it's too early to tell.

The current Xx800 range has been out for 3 years - so the forums should be indicative of reliability issues - I'm not seeing a lot of noise there, so it looks like the range is reliable.

 

[amper42]

The Denon AVR-X4700H and X4800H show mixed reliability reports, with the X4700H facing more frequent complaints of failures within 4 years. Overheating is a common factor. The X4800H benefits from a superior monolithic amplifier design (made in Japan), using separate boards per channel.

Full preamp mode disengages internal amplifiers, measurably reducing power draw and heat, which is the main culprit in X4700H overheating reports. Users confirm X3700H/X4700H models run noticeably cooler using external amps via pre-outs. Units operating in full pre-amp mode tend to last longer.

 

[Chanur]

The Denon AVR-X4700H and X4800H show mixed reliability reports, with the X4700H facing more frequent complaints of failures within 4 years. Overheating is a common factor. The X4800H benefits from a superior monolithic amplifier design (made in Japan), using separate boards per channel.

Full preamp mode disengages internal amplifiers, measurably reducing power draw and heat, which is the main culprit in X4700H overheating reports. Users confirm X3700H/X4700H models run noticeably cooler using external amps via pre-outs. Units operating in full pre-amp mode tend to last longer.

I have to assume it was heat that killed mine too even though it was on an open set up.

 

[dlaloum]

The Denon AVR-X4700H and X4800H show mixed reliability reports, with the X4700H facing more frequent complaints of failures within 4 years. Overheating is a common factor. The X4800H benefits from a superior monolithic amplifier design (made in Japan), using separate boards per channel.

Full preamp mode disengages internal amplifiers, measurably reducing power draw and heat, which is the main culprit in X4700H overheating reports. Users confirm X3700H/X4700H models run noticeably cooler using external amps via pre-outs. Units operating in full pre-amp mode tend to last longer.

Mine (X4800) is running warm but not hot.

In configuration terms, I have the power amps off for L/C/R as these are run using external power amps.
The remaining channels are not heavily stressed as they are driving 8ohm speakers, with relatively benign load profiles

At some point over the break I may get around to experimenting with using the internal amps... I came into X4800 ownership doubting its ability to handle my very difficult front speakers .... so I simply set it up as a pre (saved a lot of testing time!) - on the other hand, I may be being unfair, and it is possible that the X4800 (unlike the Integra DRX3.4 it replaced) can handle the Gallo's...

Something for next week during the break!

First thing will be how well it handles the speakers - how does it sound.
Second thing - assuming it passes the first test - will be how hot does it run when driving the entire setup.
If I find it going from "warm" to "hot" when adding the L/C/R amplification to the AVR - then I may opt to keep it in pre mode, for longevities sake, even though it can handle it.

 

[dlaloum]

I have to assume it was heat that killed mine too even though it was on an open set up.

Any electronics that run "Hot" have a much more limited lifespan...
And any manufacturing faults that slip through the QA net, will always be exacerbated by heat.