Denon x3800h vs x4800h for sound?

[EWL5]

Absolutely, when I had the AVR-X1800H, the first thing I did was to set the front L to front R to preamp mode. I most likely can't hear the difference between 85 and 75 dB SINAD, but if I can get 10 dB higher SINAD it would be silly not to get it, let alone the other benefits of preamp mode such as lower consumption, and clipping the power amps for no reasons, when they are not used anyway.

The huge advantages of the Denon/Marantz AVRs at that price level are the flexible preamp mode (i.e. by individual channels) and the 4 discrete subwoofer outputs, as much as I really would have preferred Onkyo's RZ30 and RZ50, there is no way I would go for them instead of the X3800H that is unbeatable at its current sales price. Some will say, well Onkyo's include the DL license, that is true but D+M includes Audyssey XT32, SubEQ HT that is very capable when used with the $20 app, so one should have no hurry to upgrade to DLBC. I am still considering buying the X3800H and just use it as a toy, that could be a backup for my main system though I hope it will never be called for such duty lol.....

A little known fact is the 3800+ series also includes the SHARC chip that helps w/some heavy lifting (especially for Dirac). Just buying in bulk, I think the chip goes for $30+ each so added value despite not including DL license as in similar range Onkyos. My older Pioneer Elites used to have them as well but I don't think recent ones do (w/the possible exception of the flagship 805)!

 

[Tiago Pimentel]

Hi guys,

Sorry to dig this up, but for my situation I was thinking if I could save some money and get 3 fosi v3 mono for LCR. I'll get 240W at 4ohm for each channel, which would allow me to get at least 98dbs off my speakers (Arendal 1723 monitor S). Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[peng]

Hi guys,

Sorry to dig this up, but for my situation I was thinking if I could save some money and get 3 fosi v3 mono for LCR. I'll get 240W at 4ohm for each channel, which would allow me to get at least 98dbs off my speakers (Arendal 1723 monitor S). Any thoughts?

Thanks

Good idea!

 

[Mike E Mike]

Wow, Great info and website. I have a 3800 which just arrived and I purchased a Emotiva basx3 for the Marantz 70 s which I sent back due to its power constant power failure. Not sure if I set it up correctly or played something to loud but wasn’t going to chance being stuck with it. I’m an avid 4K movie watcher and listen to Apple Music 4k device. I’m currently running a Sony An 1000 and actually love the sound and music is incredible. But I guess I fell for the hype of a power amp so I have to try and utilize it with the 3800. Any suggestions as to using the Emotiva for the front stage and I’ve always had the dreaded center channel dialogue issue which is the main reason for the power amp. Happy New Year to all

 

[peng]

Wow, Great info and website. I have a 3800 which just arrived and I purchased a Emotiva basx3 for the Marantz 70 s which I sent back due to its power constant power failure. Not sure if I set it up correctly or played something to loud but wasn’t going to chance being stuck with it. I’m an avid 4K movie watcher and listen to Apple Music 4k device. I’m currently running a Sony An 1000 and actually love the sound and music is incredible. But I guess I fell for the hype of a power amp so I have to try and utilize it with the 3800. Any suggestions as to using the Emotiva for the front stage and I’ve always had the dreaded center channel dialogue issue which is the main reason for the power amp. Happy New Year to all

The bass x amps are only slightly more powerful than the avr amps. At that price point we mostly recommend Hypex amps such as the NC502MP by buckeyeamp, Apollon, Audiophonic, VTV etc. That likely won't solve dialogue issues that have more to do with recording/mastering.

 

[Mike E Mike]

Thank you unfortunately I’ve already purchased the Emotiva, I’m unboxing the 3800 and see what it sounds like

 

[Randyman...]

Thank you unfortunately I’ve already purchased the Emotiva, I’m unboxing the 3800 and see what it sounds like

If you missed it - To achieve the best possible SINAD from your 3800 and external amps, set your L/C/R (and any other externally amplified channels) to "Pre Out" in the Speaker Setup page. It seems this avoids double-terminating the output driver (disconnects the internal amp's input) and improves SINAD at the RCA outs at higher output levels.