Bose Smart Ultra
Score: 84/100
Denon AVR-X3800H
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a premium 5.0.2 Dolby Atmos solution with AI Dialogue Mode, ADAPTiQ calibration, and broad wireless streaming options. Its lack of an integrated subwoofer and large footprint make it less suitable for compact rooms. Designed for audiophiles in larger spaces who value smart-home integration and top-tier sound quality.
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a high-end 9.4-channel receiver delivering strong 105 W per-channel power and comprehensive 8K/HDMI 2.1 features. Its main trade-offs are high power draw, considerable weight, and DAC-related noise issues. Ideal for enthusiasts building immersive Atmos setups who value extensive connectivity and HEOS streaming.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
7 | 9.4best | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 660 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 59.38 lb | 27.6 lbbest |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
5best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 7 | 9.4 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.0 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 59.38 lb | 27.6 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | H×W×D: 40.0×44.5×49.5 cm cm | 45.72×25.4×40.64 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar a top-tier Atmos solution, praising its nine-speaker architecture, ADAPTiQ room calibration, and the clarity of dialogue thanks to AI Dialogue Mode. They note its sleek, low-profile design and single-cable setup as strong convenience factors, positioning it as a premium upgrade over the lower-end Smart Soundbar 600.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the powerful, well‑balanced sound and the ease of installation, often describing the audio as superb and a clear step up from older systems. Common criticisms focus on the lack of a built‑in subwoofer, which adds cost for true bass, and the tendency for the unit to be overly loud in smaller rooms.
Professional reviewers commend the AVR-X3800H for its robust analog amplification, flexible channel configuration, and strong 8K video handling, while consistently pointing out the DAC's elevated noise and jitter as the primary drawback.
Everyday users generally praise the ease of HEOS multi-room streaming, the inclusion of a phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, and the quick Audyssey room-calibration. Recurring complaints focus on DAC-related noise in digital playback and the unit's substantial weight making installation harder.
