Denon AVR-X3800H vs Yamaha RX-A8A
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Choosing between the Denon AVR-X3800H and Yamaha RX-A8A? Both compete in the AVR / Receiver segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
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Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Denon AVR-X3800H scores higher in value, form factor, room fit. The Yamaha RX-A8A leads in audio quality, volume/SPL. They score similarly in gaming performance, ease of use, future-proofing.
For audio processing, these receivers feature channel configurations of 11.4 vs 11.2 and different room correction systems (MultEQ XT32 vs YPAO (Yes with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), 3D, 64-bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle Measurement)). More channels enable immersive Atmos layouts. A 9-channel receiver can drive a 5.1.4 layout (5 ear-level, 1 sub, 4 height speakers) for overhead sound effects. Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
These two AVR / Receiver options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Denon AVR-X3800H is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 8 scored dimensions. The Yamaha RX-A8A makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Channel Count | 11.4 | 11.2 |
| Powered Channels | 9 | 11 |
| Max Processing Ch | 11.4 | — |
| Amplifier Class | AB | AB |
| Watts/Ch (8Ω) | 105W | 150W |
| Watts/Ch (6Ω) | — | — |
| Min Impedance | 4-ohm | 4-ohm |
| HDMI Inputs | 6 | 7 |
| HDMI Outputs | 3 | 3 |
| HDMI Version | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| 4K/120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 8K/60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| eARC | No | Yes |
| ALLM | Yes | Yes |
| VRR | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| HDR10 | Yes | Yes |
| HDR10+ | Yes | Yes |
| HLG | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Atmos Height Virt. | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| DTS Virtual:X | Yes | No |
| DTS-HD Master | Yes | Yes |
| Auro-3D | Yes | Yes |
| Room Correction | MultEQ XT32 | YPAO (Yes with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), 3D, 64-bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle Measurement) |
| Room Corr. Tier | REFERENCE | REFERENCE |
| Dirac Live | No | No |
| Dirac Bass Control | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| BT Transmit | Yes | Yes |
| AirPlay 2 | No | Yes |
| Google Cast | No | No |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes |
| Roon Tested | Yes | Yes |
| HEOS | Yes | No |
| MusicCast | No | Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi | No | No |
| BluOS | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Built-in | No | Yes |
| Google Assistant | No | Yes |
| Siri/HomeKit | No | No |
| Works with Sonos | No | No |
| Wireless Rears | No | Yes |
| Zone 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Zone 3 | No | Yes |
| Zone 4 | No | Yes |
| Coax Digital In | 2 | 2 |
| Optical Digital In | 2 | 3 |
| Phono Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| Sub Outputs | 4 | 2 |
| Pre-Out Channels | 11 | 11 |
| Headphone Out | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| Speaker Terminals | Binding Posts | Binding Posts |
| Remote App | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Tuner | AM/FM | AM/FM |
Key Differences
- Room Correction: Denon AVR-X3800H at MultEQ XT32 vs Yamaha RX-A8A at YPAO (Yes with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), 3D, 64-bit High Precision EQ Calculation, Low Frequency mode and Angle Measurement). Room correction compensates for acoustic problems caused by room dimensions, furniture, and surfaces. Dirac Live applies time-domain FIR correction across the full spectrum; MultEQ XT32 measures at 32,768 frequency points.
- Sub Outputs: Denon AVR-X3800H at 4 vs Yamaha RX-A8A at 2
- Optical Digital In: Denon AVR-X3800H at 2 vs Yamaha RX-A8A at 3
- Watts/Ch (8Ω): Denon AVR-X3800H at 105W vs Yamaha RX-A8A at 150W. Real-world power matters for dynamic headroom. Look for all-channels-driven ratings — two-channel ratings inflate the number since receivers share a common power supply.
- Powered Channels: Denon AVR-X3800H at 9 vs Yamaha RX-A8A at 11
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Denon AVR-X3800H if you want:
- + 11.4 channel layout for more immersive Atmos configurations
Choose Yamaha RX-A8A if you want:
- + better watts/ch (8ω) — real-world power matters for dynamic headroom
- + better hdmi inputs
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how Denon AVR-X3800H and Yamaha RX-A8A compare to the rest of the field.
Best AVR / Receiver RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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