If you're looking to buy your first AV receiver or upgrade from a budget model, there's some fierce competition in the mid-range market right now.
There are some truly great receivers out there, all jam-packed with features, connectivity and amazing sound. But the Denon AVC-X3800H, now £999 at Sevenoaks, manages to stand out from the competition.
One of our favourite features of the AVC-X3800H is that it can be adapted should you wish to modify or expand your home cinema setup in the future, making it an amp you can expect to keep for a long time as your system evolves.
We first reviewed Denon's mid-range AVR over four years ago, but it remains a top pick at this price thanks to its smooth, rich and cinematic sound, simple setup process and comprehensive feature set.
It offers nine amplification channels (meaning you can drive up to a 5.4.4 channel system), plus six HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz (or 8K/60Hz!) signals, so there should be more than enough connectivity options for most people.
As we've alluded to above, the AVC-X3800H is incredibly future-proof. This is thanks to a toggle-able pre-amplifier mode that gives you the option to upgrade the amplification for individual speaker pairs, rather than all at once.
We have our doubts about the future of 8K, but the whopping six 8K HDMI inputs means the Denon AVR will be ready should the resolution revolution happen. There's also support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, HDR10+, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Wireless streaming options are also impressive, with AirPlay 2, HEOS, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Bluetooth all on board.
And the all-important sound? Balanced, quick and precise, as we discovered with a viewing of No Time To Die.
"The explosive scene at Vesper’s tomb early on is dynamic and weighty, but the tumbling debris that scatters the mountainside remains distinct and nicely textured," our Denon AVC-X3800H review reads.
"Effects are well spread but accurate, and the result is exciting and immersive while remaining authentic."
Switching to a tricky scene in Dune, and the AVC-X3800H offers rich-sounding voices with a warmth and naturalism that’s even more engaging than some of its pricier competition.
Despite fierce competition, the Denon AVC-X3800H is a force to be reckoned with thanks to future-proofed connectivity, flexibility and a mature, authoritative sound, all for the reduced price of £999 at Sevenoaks.
The AVX-X3800H is a superb choice for an all-round performer with plenty of features and ample scope for system expansion, but if you have a bit more of a budget or have other needs, then consider these alternatives:
The Arcam AVR5 is indeed a fine AV receiver, offering a clean and detailed performance. While it's stripped back in the feature department, the AVR5 is all about sound, and in this regard, it checks practically every box; we called it agile, rhythmic, dynamically authoritative and clear.
The Yamaha RX-A6A is a close rival to the Denon, offering a very similar feature set and a competitive sound. We complemented its spacious and powerful sound, which hints at its claimed 150W of power with two channels driven; that's a considerable 45W increase over the Denon.
If you wish to go premium, the flagship Denon AVC-X6800H offers a bountiful feature set backed by an intuitive user experience, enhanced HDMI specification for gamers and, most importantly, an impressive sound experience. A fuss-free solution for driving your Dolby Atmos home cinema speaker system.
MORE:
Check our our top picks for the best AV receivers
Also consider the Yamaha RX-A6A
Read our Arcam AVR5 review
