Denon AVR-X3800H vs Denon AVR-S950H

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An overview of Denon AVR-X3800H and Denon AVR-S950H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X3800H received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S950H was rated 7.3 points. The release date of AVR-X3800H is 2022, and AVR-S950H is 2019. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-S950H is inferior in audio processing features to AVR-X3800H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X3800H over Denon AVR-S950H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S950H over Denon AVR-X3800H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X3800H supports 9.4-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S950H supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the AVR-X3800H this value is 105/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S950H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X3800H 8 out of 10, and the AVR-S950H - 6.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the AVR-X3800H.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X3800H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-X3800H scored 8, and Denon AVR-S950H scored 7 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Denon AVR-X3800H is equipped with 6/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-X3800H were rated 10 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-S950H.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The AVR-X3800H works with the 4K/120Hz video, and the AVR-S950H has the 4K/60Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available only on Denon AVR-X3800H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVR-X3800H got 10 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S950H got 7.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Denon AVR-X3800H has Auro-3D on its feature list.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the AVR-X3800H licensed by IMAX.