Denon AVR-X3800H
Score: 81/100
Sony STR-AN1000
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a high-power 9.4-channel receiver featuring 105 W per channel, HDMI 2.1 8K video and a built-in tuner. Its elevated DAC noise and heavy weight are notable trade-offs for the premium feature set. Best for enthusiasts building medium-large home-theater systems who value extensive audio/video capabilities.
The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2-channel receiver featuring future-proof HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support plus Dolby Atmos/DTS:X decoding. However, its shared-power architecture leads to modest multi-channel wattage, limiting loudness in larger rooms. Best suited for gamers and movie enthusiasts seeking advanced video capabilities in mid-size setups.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6best | 6best | |
3best | 2 | |
105 Wbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 660 W | 240 Wbest |
3 yearsbest | 1 years | |
| ↓ lower better | 434.34 mm | 156 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 167.64 mmbest | 430 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 378.46 mm | 331 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Ports(1) | ||
HDMI Outputs | 3 | 2 |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | AAC; FLAC; WAV; DSD; MP3 | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD/Digital Plus, DTS:X, DTS-HD MA/HR, DSD, LPCM |
Channel Configuration | 9.4 | 7.2 |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (Operating) (W) | 660 W | 240 W |
Connectivity(2) | ||
HDMI Version | 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | yes |
Features(1) | ||
Video Support (e.g., 4K/8K) | 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; HDR10+; Dolby Vision; HLG | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 1 years |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Width (mm) | 434.34 mm | 156 mm |
Height (mm) | 167.64 mm | 430 mm |
Depth (mm) | 378.46 mm | 331 mm |
Weight (kg) | 12.518 kg | 9.4 kg |
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. ASR recommends using pure mode to mitigate DAC issues, and overall the unit is seen as a solid step forward despite minor regressions in measurement scores.
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 commend the STR-AN1000 for its future-proof 8K HDMI 2.1 implementation, solid HDR support, and effective Dolby Atmos/DTS:X virtualization, positioning it as a strong mid-range option for gamers and movie lovers. However, they caution that the power specifications are misleading and that the shared-power architecture limits true multi-channel output, making it less suitable for large-room installations.
Consumers appreciate the straightforward setup, crisp 8K/4K video, and immersive sound in typical living-room sizes, often upgrading from older Sony models. Recurring complaints focus on perceived power shortfalls for larger spaces, confusion over power ratings, and the lack of a noticeable performance jump over previous generations.
“Users commonly praise easy setup, crisp 8K/4K video, and strong movie sound in normal living rooms.”
