Denon AVR-X3800H vs Denon AVR-S970H

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-X3800H and Denon AVR-S970H takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X3800H received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S970H was rated 8.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2022. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-X3800H has better performance than AVR-S970H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X3800H over Denon AVR-S970H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S970H 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-S970H 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-S970H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 8 of 10 for both receivers.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 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-S970H has 6/2 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 rivals in our comparison were rated 10 out of 10.

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-S970H got 8.

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.