If you listen to top-tier products as frequently as we do, you’ll notice when a new benchmark is established. However, it is not always obvious how much of a benchmark has been raised until you have something to directly compare it to. The new Denon AVC-X3700H home theatre receiver is capable of handling 4K resolution. Although we secretly hope the Japanese manufacturer messes up one of these amplifiers just so we can switch things up and write about something else, we must admit that the audio improvement over last year’s model is very noticeable.
Features
Since the AVC-predecessor X3700H won Product of the Year in 2019 What Hi-Fi? Awards, Denon had to be extra careful when incorporating its new technology into the 2020 model.
One of the AVC-seven X3700H’s inputs and two of its three outputs are complete HDMI 2.1 sockets, supporting 8K resolution at 60 frames per second and 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. In addition to HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, all of its HDMI ports support HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, and Quick Media Switching. This last feature allows a source to immediately alter the resolution or frame rate to prevent screen blackout.
For gamers, we’ve included features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport to cut down on lag and boost performance, and we’ve also increased the refresh rate’s range to cut down on frame tearing.
Despite this emphasis on next-gen technologies, AVC-X37000H devices built prior to May 2021 include a flawed HDMI 2.1 chip that disables support for 4K gaming at 120Hz via the Xbox Series X. All 2020 AVRs from Denon and Marantz were affected, but the improved HDMI 2.1 chip in Denon devices with serial numbers beginning with 70001 should prevent the problem. In addition, if you have an earlier model, you can purchase an external HDMI adaptor from Sound United.
Audio processing on the AVC-X3700H remains at 11 channels, up from seven in the previous generation. Each of the nine included power amplifier channels is rated to output 180 watts. The AVC-X3700H can be set up in a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, or in a 7.2.4 configuration with the addition of a two-channel amplifier, maximizing the unit’s processing power.
As a gamer, you’ll like the inclusion of features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport, which aim to lessen input lag and, in turn, enhance your gaming performance by minimizing frame tearing and increasing precision.
Sadly, despite all of this attention to next-gen technology, AVC-X37000H devices produced before May 2021 include a flawed HDMI 2.1 chip that disables support for 4K gaming at 120Hz via the Xbox Series X. All 2020 AVRs from Denon and Marantz were affected, but the improved HDMI 2.1 chip in Denon devices with serial numbers beginning with 70001 should prevent the problem. In addition, if you have an earlier model, you can purchase an external HDMI adaptor from Sound United.
Audio processing on the AVC-X3700H remains at 11 channels, up from seven in the previous generation. Each of the nine included power amplifier channels is rated to output 180 watts. The AVC-X3700H can be set up in a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, or in a 7.2.4 configuration with the addition of a two-channel amplifier, maximizing the unit’s processing power.
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and IMAX Enhanced are only some of the 3D audio formats that are supported by this amplifier. This means that anyone may take advantage of this amp’s 3D audio capabilities; height speakers are not required.
The AVC-high-resolution X3700H’s audio decoding of files up to 24bit/192kHz and double-speed DSD is a bonus for those who plan to use their home theatre receiver for music listening as well. Simply transfer files over a network, or use the amp’s front USB connector. Do you plan on using a record player with it? There is still the integrated moving magnet phono stage.
It’s important to note that we tested the AVC-X3700H and not the AVR-X3700H sold in the US; the only difference between the two models is that the US version includes an FM tuner.
Build
The AVC-HEOS X3700H’s and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility opens up a wealth of hands-free control options, including multi-room functionality and integration with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
The fact that these Denon amplifiers may be operated manually is, nevertheless, a major selling point. The remote is usual for a product of this price range, providing all the functionality required and feeling reasonably sturdy, and is operated by turning the large, circular dials, which provide a satisfying amount of resistance without being too taxing.
The AVC-X3700H is so heavy that it requires some muscle to remove from its packaging, but the quality of its construction and features make it clear that you are getting your money’s worth.
Sound
However, the AVC-key X3700H’s selling factors are not the class-leading build quality or the modern new features that are the primary reason home cinema amps are upgraded so frequently.
After letting the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration technology do its thing for about a quarter of an hour and doing some manual fine-tuning, this new Denon explodes into life, catching and holding our attention for the remainder of our testing. (Note that while the review unit we used was already broken in, a brand new unit will require at least 24 hours to reach operating temperature.
The performance’s intensity is immediately noticeable. There’s more muscle now, but it’s leaner and more chiseled than ever before. You may get more into the music and feel more immersed thanks to the mix of strong dynamic expression, which animates each vocal line as much as distinguishing one gunshot from another, a harder punch, and more clarity.
When you’ve had your fill of turning it up to 11 and marveling at how it maintains its calm, you may lower it down without annoying the neighbors.
Considerations for the Future
One could say that this is the sixty-first time we’ve written the same review of a Denon home theatre amplifier. On the other hand, we’ve had the opportunity to spend a few days with the most impressive device we’ve ever heard about that cost three figures. The AVC-X3700H is another solid effort from Denon and should serve you well for many years if you have a suitable setup.
