Denon AVR-X3800H
Score: 81/100
Klipsch Reference 5.2 Black
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Klipsch Reference 5.2 Dolby Atmos Home Theater System delivers immersive Atmos sound with high sensitivity and dual powered subwoofers, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms. Its large floorstanding speakers and need for a powerful AVR can be challenging in smaller spaces. Best suited for home-theater enthusiasts seeking a plug-and-play Atmos solution.
The Denon AVR-X3800H delivers 105 W per channel, 9.4-channel support, HEOS streaming, a phono input and extensive HDMI 2.1 features. DAC noise and its substantial weight are notable drawbacks. Targeted at audiophiles and home-theater users needing high power and advanced audio formats.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 96 dBbest | |
105 Wbest | 100 W | |
— | 8 Ωbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 12.518 kgbest | 22.23 kg |
9.4best | 5.2 | |
3 years | 5 yearsbest | |
— | 2.54 cmbest | |
— | 16.51 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 5 years |
Audio(2) | ||
Channels | 9.4 | 5.2 |
RMS Power (W) | 105 W | 100 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 12.518 kg | 22.23 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 47245 cm³ | 57900 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers and editors consistently commend the system for its dynamic, horn-loaded sound signature, high sensitivity, and integrated Atmos height channels that deliver clear, realistic overhead effects. The Tractrix horn design is praised for precise directivity, and the inclusion of dual powered subwoofers is seen as a strong value proposition for a budget-friendly Atmos package.
Consumers appreciate the plug-and-play nature of the kit, noting the immersive Atmos experience, powerful bass from the dual subs, and ease of installation thanks to included wiring. The most common feedback revolves around the system's size and the variability of height channel performance in different room configurations.
