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Denon AVR-X3800H vs Denon AVR-X2800H
The classic Denon step-up — which should you buy?
The X3800H is the receiver people upgrade TO; the X2800H is where they start. Right now the tracked prices are $1,399 vs $1,299 — a $100 gap for what is normally a full tier jump.
Reading the numbers honestly
Power reads like-for-like here (105W vs 95W, both 8Ω/2ch/0.08% THD) and is the least of the differences. The X3800H is a 9.4 design: nine amplified channels, eleven stated processing channels, FOUR independent subwoofer pre-outs, Audyssey MultEQ XT32, and a stated 4–16Ω impedance rating. The X2800H is a 7.2 with two sub outs, MultEQ XT, and no stated impedance range.
Specifications · side by side · per-field provenance● SOURCE-TRACKED
| Spec | Denon AVR-X3800H | Denon AVR-X2800H |
|---|
| Price | $1,399 | $1,299 |
| Brand | Denon | Denon |
| Channel Config | 9.4 | 7.2 |
| Main Channels | 9 | 7 |
| Processing Channels | 11 | not stated |
| Sub Pre Outs | 4 | 2 |
| Height Channels | 4 | not stated |
| Watts Per Channel 8ohm | 105 | 95 |
| THD Percent | 0.08 | 0.08 |
| Power Measurement Channels Driven | two channels driven | two channels driven |
| Impedance Range | 4-16 Ω/ohms | not stated |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Dts X | Yes | Yes |
| Auro 3d | Yes | not stated |
| Imax Enhanced | Yes | not stated |
| Room Correction System | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 | Audyssey MultEQ XT |
| Measurement Mic Included | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 |
| HDMI Outputs | 3 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 2.1 | not stated |
| HDMI Max Bandwidth Gbps | 40 | not stated |
| HDMI 21 Port Count | 6 | not stated |
| HDMI Earc Port Count | 1 | not stated |
| Max Passthrough Resolution | 8K 60 | 8K 60 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR |
| VRR Passthrough | Yes | Yes |
| ALLM Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phono Input | Yes | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Airplay2 | Yes | Yes |
| Heos | Yes | Yes |
| Form Factor | full size | full size |
| Width Inches | 17.1 | 17.1 |
| Height Inches | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| Depth Inches | 14.9 | 13 |
| Weight Lbs | 16.8 | 21 |
| Power Consumption W | 660 | 500 |
| Zone2 Capable | not stated | Yes |
| Streaming Services | not stated | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music HD |
Shaded rows differ · green dot = lab-measured · amber = manufacturer-verified · blue = retailer/community-reported · grey = estimated · “not stated” means exactly that
Compatibility · computed, not written
Checked against a bookshelf that dips to a stated 3.7Ω like the KEF Q150: KEF Q150
Denon AVR-X3800H states a 4Ω-minimum rating; the KEF Q150 dips to a stated 3.7Ω minimum, a little below that floor. Most receivers handle a marginal dip at normal volumes — it's worth watching only at very high output on an entry-level unit.
Denon AVR-X2800H publishes no rated impedance range, so the pairing with the KEF Q150 (which dips to a stated 3.7Ω minimum) can't be verified from its spec sheet — we treat that as "can't check", not a pass.
Computed from the catalog's normalized fields — the same fields the builder's compatibility engine reads. A missing field reads as "can't check", never as a pass.
Check either one against your own build →The verdict
Buy the Denon AVR-X3800H — at $100 more as tracked ($1,399 vs $1,299) you get two more amplified channels, four independent sub outputs, XT32 room correction, and a stated 4–16Ω rating. The step-up is currently almost free.
5.1.2 today, more laterDenon AVR-X3800H — 9 amplified + 11 stated processing channels vs 7 — headroom to grow without replacing the hub.
Multi-subwoofer bassDenon AVR-X3800H — 4 independent sub pre-outs with individual calibration vs 2.
Strict budget, simple 7.2 foreverDenon AVR-X2800H — If you'll never use the extra channels, the X2800H does the same core job.
What our normalized data addsNOT ON THE SPEC SHEETS
- 9 amplified / 11 stated processing channels (9.4) vs 7.2 — read from normalized channel fields, not marketing names.
- 4 vs 2 independent subwoofer pre-outs — the difference between calibrating four subs individually and Y-splitting.
- The X3800H states a 4–16Ω impedance rating; the X2800H publishes none.
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 vs XT, and a like-for-like 105W vs 95W (identical 8Ω/2ch/0.08% context) — all for a $100 tracked gap.
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