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Denon AVC-X3900H: 9.4, Ultra HD 8K, 360 Reality Audio, Imax Enhanced, Auro 3D, HDR10, Heos…

Following our article on the AVR-S980H (see our article Denon AVR-S980H: 7.2 HDMI 2.1, 8K, 1440p and Denon Home wireless surround sound amplifier), Denon continues to renew its Home Cinema amplifier range with the new AVR-X2900HDAB (see our article Denon AVR-X2900HDAB 7.2 Amplifier: HDMI 2.1 with Dirac Live, web interface and advanced monitoring) on the one hand, and the AVC-X3900H on the other, presented in detail here.
Like the other audio-video amplifier models presented by the brand this year, the Denon AVC-X3900H represents a significant evolution compared to its predecessor, the Denon AVC-X3800H. Major improvements compared to the AVC-X3800H: The Denon AVC-X3900H boasts several notable improvements. Among the additions, Dirac Live technology is now available in a Dirac Art version (Full Dirac Live Suite with Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment). Next, we note the Directional Subwoofer Mode (directional bass for multi-subwoofer systems), real-time per-channel level monitoring, a comprehensive web-based configuration interface (with a .pdf save function coming soon via an update this summer), and the "70% Guarantee" label, ensuring that the amplifier maintains at least 70% of its rated power when five channels are driven simultaneously. The dual DAC is a Cirrus Logic CS4308 (768 kHz/32-bit, 8 channels), and the capacitors, still with a capacitance of 12,000 µF, have been redesigned. On the downside, we can mention lower power output at 6 ohms, 9 x 135 W (compared to 9 x 180 W), and two HDMI outputs instead of three. Similarly, within a multi-channel setup, it's possible to add one of the new Denon Home wireless speakers to the AVR-X3900HDAB for the surround channels (see our news article "Denon Home 200/400/600 Speakers: The New Heos Multiroom Range Upgrades to Dolby Atmos Music"). Denon AVC-X3900H: 9.4, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced specifications. For the rest, aside from the absence of a DAB+ tuner, there are a total of nine amplification channels (11.4 processing) and a power output of 105W into 8 ohms. There's also an 11.4 pre-out and IMAX Enhanced compatibility. Similarly, Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 and Audyssey LFC processing are still available, as is the third HDMI output (allowing you to enjoy a different source in another room than the one assigned to the main room). Denon AVC-X3900H: HD graphical interface and 360 Reality Audio. The pre-amplifier mode allows you to connect power amplifiers to individually selected channels. Also noteworthy is a new HD and color graphical interface, plus compatibility with Sony's 360 Reality Audio sound processing.

Denon AVC-X3900H: Dolby Atmos 9.1.4, DTS:X 11.1££££

Of course, it is always possible to apply all available audio processing to a Dolby signal. Thus, it is now possible to activate DTS Virtual:X on a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. And to return to the HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs, these support all the standard's features: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT, Ultra HD, 4K 120 fps up to Ultra HD 8K 60 Hz (see our news article "HDMI 2.1 Standard: Welcome Official Additions, Technical and Ergonomic"). Note that only two of the three HDMI 2.1 outputs support 8K.

Denon AVC-X3900H: Streaming, Hi-Res Audio and Audyssey calibration

For the rest, we find a discreet 9.4 configuration, Dolby Atmos 9.1.4, Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS:X 11.1 processing (with the addition of an external stereo amplifier), Auro 3D decoding, the Bluetooth TX function to stream the audio signal to compatible headphones in addition to the speakers. It is therefore possible to enjoy your music on the living room speakers but also in the kitchen or bedroom via wireless headphones. Note that Bluetooth LE is supported. Also present is the ability to enjoy multichannel decoding in the main zone (the living room, for example) and simultaneously stream the downmixed stereo signal to the Heos 2 zones; the ability to combine a video signal (such as a digital terrestrial television broadcast) with an audio signal from another source (such as an audio CD) in the main zone. Finally, thanks to the integrated Heos multiroom module, the Denon AVC-X3900H offers the ability, within a Heos setup, to distribute a source to another component of the Heos chain.

Denon AVC-X3900H: network functions, Hi-Res Audio and Audyssey calibration

Also on the menu of the Denon AVC-X3900H, Spotify Connect certification, AirPlay 2, Dual Band Wi-Fi and TuneIn internet radio, UPnP (DLNA) audio gateway, compatibility with Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Tidal… Plus DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz, FLAC, WAV and ALAC up to 192 kHz/24 bits in addition to MP3, [abc]WMA[/abc] and [abc]AAC[/abc], and support for 4 or 8 ohm output impedance. Not forgetting compatibility with the paid Audyssey MultiEQ Editor app and two parallel subwoofer outputs.

Specifically, Audyssey calibration allows you to store two separate configurations in memory, for example 2.0 and 9.1.2, or the result of the Audyssey calibration and a custom MultiEQ curve, with the ability to select either one on the fly for comparison.

Denon AVC-X3900H: HDMI 2.1 connectivity and Pre-Out 11.4££££

On the HDR side, it naturally supports HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG, and HDR Dolby Vision, not to mention BT.2020 color gamut support. 4K Pass-Through is also included. Note that the Denon AVC-X3900H is Roon Ready certified.

Denon AVC-X3900H: 1080p Color OSD and Optimized Ergonomics

The OSD is still 1080p color (not 480p). A wealth of information is now displayed on the screen, including the nature of the input and output signals, such as which channels are actually active. Similarly, the four Quick Select buttons on the front panel still allow quick and easy access to the desired source. These buttons also integrate additional functions and modes (Audyssey and multiroom management) for even more comprehensive macros. The optimized design further reduces the signal path and the risk of interference.

Connectivity££££

In terms of connectivity, there are six HDMI 2.1 inputs, HDCP 2.3 certified, and compatible up to Ultra HD 2160p/60 and 4320p/60 in 4:4:4. These inputs support Deep Color, xvYCC, and 3D signals. Not forgetting the three HDMI 2.1 outputs already mentioned.

Also included are two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, six stereo RCA inputs, one phono input, one 2.0 pre-out (zone 2), one 11.4 pre-out, one headphone output, one RS-232 port, one 12V trigger output, two USB host ports (one on the front panel), one Ethernet port, and four subwoofer outputs. Of course, the Denon AVC-X3900H can be controlled via the free Heos App. Available immediately in black only. Suggested retail price: €1,499. Key features of the Denon AVC-X3900H: • Model: 9.4 • Power: 9 x 135 W into 6 ohms, 9 x 105 W into 8 ohms • Inputs: 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 2 optical inputs, 2 coaxial inputs, 6 stereo RCA inputs, 1 phono input, 2 USB host ports (one on the front panel), and 1 Ethernet port • Outputs: 3 HDMI 2.1 outputs, 1 2.0 pre-out (Zone 2), 1 11.4 pre-out, 1 RS-232 port, 1 trigger output 12V, 4 subwoofer outputs, 1 headphone output, 11 pairs of screw terminal blocks

• Functions [abc]OSD[/abc]

• Audio gateway functions [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])

• Functions [abc]ALLM[/abc]

• Functions [abc]VRR[/abc]

• QFT functions

• QMS functions

• Spotify Connect functions

• [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] functions [abc]4K[/abc]/120 fps

• Ultra HD functions [abc]8K[/abc]/60 fps

• Compatibility [abc]Flac[/abc] [abc]HD[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Alac[/abc]

• [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 MHz compatibility

• [abc]Wav[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]MP3[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]WMA[/abc]

compatibility

• [abc]AAC[/abc]

compatibility

• Audio [abc]DTS:X[/abc]

• Audio [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] 7.2.4 / DTS: 32[/abc]

• [abc]Audyssey LFC[/abc]

• [abc]Audyssey Dynamic Volume[/abc]

• [abc]Audyssey Dynamic EQ[/abc]

• 360 Reality Audio

• Cirrus Logic CS4308 768 kHz/32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter

• Dirac Art Calibration (Full Dirac Live Suite with Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment)

• [abc]HDR10[/abc] Video

• HDR10+ Video

• [abc]HLG[/abc] Video

• [abc]Dolby Vision HDR[/abc] Video

• BT.2020 Compatibility Video

• Ultra HD Pass-Through Video

• [abc]3D Ready[/abc] Video

• Video Function [abc]Upscaling[/abc] [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]8K[/abc] (24/25/30/60)

• Video Upscaling Function [abc]4K[/abc] (24/25/30/60/120)

• Imax Enhanced Certification

• Network Control by IP

• Network [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] Dual Band (2.4/5 GHz)

• Network [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]

• Network [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] TX

• Roon Ready multimedia

• [abc]Streaming[/abc] Hi-Res Audio via USB/network: yes

• [abc]Webradios[/abc]: TuneIn

• Hi-Res Audio certified • HDCP 2.3 certified • Headphone output: yes • Other: integrated Heos multiroom module • Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 434 x 389 x 236 • Power consumption: 660 W (0.1 W in standby) • Weight: 12.5 kg