When it comes to upgrading your home theater system, selecting the right AV receiver is crucial to achieving the best audio-visual experience. Among the top contenders in the market are the Marantz Cinema 60 and the Denon AVR-X3800H, both offering impressive capabilities for 8K and Dolby Atmos setups. While both receivers promise high-quality sound, advanced video support, and immersive home theater experiences, they cater to slightly different needs. In this report, we’ll compare these two models in terms of audio and video performance, connectivity, setup ease, and additional features, helping you decide which one is the best fit for your home entertainment setup.
Marantz Cinema 60 7.2-Ch Receiver
The Marantz Cinema 60 7.2-Ch Receiver is a powerful and versatile home theater solution, designed to provide top-tier audio and video performance. Offering 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, this receiver supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and various other video formats, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience. The 7.2-channel configuration, paired with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound capabilities, delivers exceptional sound quality, creating an enveloping, 3D audio atmosphere. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the receiver’s support for multiple audio formats, including Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixer, guarantees heightened realism, even for legacy content.
Additionally, the Cinema 60’s ease of use and connectivity options are notable. The receiver offers seamless multi-room music streaming through built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. It also features voice control compatibility with Alexa and Siri, allowing for hands-free operation. The setup process is simplified with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction technology, ensuring that even users with minimal AV experience can configure their system efficiently.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- 7.2-channel configuration with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound support.
- Multi-room music streaming via HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2.
- Seamless voice control with Alexa, Siri, and other smart home systems.
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for automatic room acoustic correction and easy setup.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with immersive 3D surround sound.
- Easy setup process, especially with Audyssey room correction.
- Versatile connectivity options, including 8 HDMI ports and support for various audio and video formats.
- Multi-room streaming capabilities for a consistent Hi-Fi experience across your home.
- Voice control compatibility for hands-free operation.
Cons:
- No support for HDMI 2.1 features like eARC or 4K at 120Hz for next-gen gaming consoles.
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver
The Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Channel Receiver is a robust and feature-packed home theater solution, designed to deliver an immersive cinematic experience. With 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, it supports cutting-edge video formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR, ensuring high-quality visuals. The receiver is also equipped with advanced surround sound technology, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, providing an exceptional 3D audio experience. The receiver’s flexibility in audio setup, including support for up to 11.4 channels, allows for an expandable system, making it ideal for large-scale home theater environments. Additionally, it offers seamless integration with HEOS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for multi-room audio streaming, giving users the freedom to enjoy their favorite music throughout the house.
Setup and use of the Denon AVR-X3800H are straightforward, thanks to the intuitive on-screen setup assistant and Audyssey Room Correction Suite, which helps calibrate the system for optimal performance. However, there are some mixed reviews regarding Bluetooth functionality, with some users experiencing issues, while others report that the HDMI-ARC connection could be more reliable.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR support.
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D for immersive 3D surround sound.
- 9.4 channel configuration with up to 11.4 channel processing capability.
- Multi-room music streaming via HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and streaming services like Pandora and Spotify.
- Easy setup with the Audyssey Room Correction Suite and an intuitive on-screen GUI.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with support for advanced 3D audio formats.
- High-quality video output with support for the latest video standards.
- Versatile setup options, including up to 11.4 channels of audio processing.
- Multi-room audio streaming for a complete home sound experience.
- Intuitive and simple setup process with on-screen instructions.
Cons:
- Bluetooth functionality may not always work as expected.
Comparison: Marantz Cinema 60 vs Denon AVR-X3800H
When selecting a home theater receiver, both the Marantz Cinema 60 and the Denon AVR-X3800H offer impressive features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. While both provide excellent audio and video quality with support for 8K and Dolby Atmos, the Denon model is more feature-packed and designed for larger setups, while the Marantz receiver offers a more user-friendly approach for smaller to mid-sized home theaters.
Audio and Video Performance
Marantz Cinema 60: The Marantz Cinema 60 is a 7.2-channel receiver offering 100W per channel, which is more than enough for most home theater setups. It provides support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but it does not have the advanced processing of the Denon AVR-X3800H. The Cinema 60 offers good surround sound with Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X, which can simulate overhead sound even without physical height speakers in the setup. The receiver supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, along with a variety of HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. While this is certainly high-end performance, it lacks some of the deeper immersion features of Denon’s higher-end models.
Denon AVR-X3800H: On the other hand, the Denon AVR-X3800H is a more robust 9.4-channel receiver offering 105W per channel. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, providing more advanced surround sound features. This receiver also excels with its 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, including support for advanced video formats such as HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR. The ability to process up to 11.4 channels makes the AVR-X3800H ideal for larger, more expansive setups, providing immersive sound and visual quality for users who desire top-tier home theater systems.
Comparison Summary:
| Feature | Marantz Cinema 60 | Denon AVR-X3800H |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Configuration | 7.2 | 9.4 |
| Wattage per Channel | 100W | 105W |
| Surround Sound Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced |
| Video Pass-through | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz | 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR |
| Maximum Processing Channels | 7.1, 5.1, 2.1 | 11.4 |
Connectivity and Setup
Marantz Cinema 60: The Marantz Cinema 60 features 8 HDMI ports (6 input, 2 output), with support for HDMI 2.1 and 8K video pass-through. It also has built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HEOS for multi-room streaming. While it offers excellent connectivity for most users, it’s more suited for setups that don’t require too many HDMI devices or additional subwoofers. The Cinema 60’s setup is made easy with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, which provides automatic room calibration for optimal sound performance.
Denon AVR-X3800H: The Denon AVR-X3800H, in contrast, boasts 9 HDMI 2.1 ports (6 input, 3 output), offering more flexibility for those with multiple devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and additional display options. The receiver also supports HEOS for multi-room audio streaming, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Its advanced bass management options, with 4 independent subwoofer outputs (RCA and XLR), allow for better control over the low-end frequencies. The setup is streamlined through the on-screen GUI and Audyssey Room Correction Suite, helping users quickly calibrate their audio system for optimal performance.
Comparison Summary:
| Feature | Marantz Cinema 60 | Denon AVR-X3800H |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI Ports | 8 (6 In/2 Out) | 9 (6 In/3 Out) |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 2 | 4 (RCA and XLR) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS |
| Room Calibration Technology | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 | Audyssey Room Correction Suite |
| Setup Process | Intuitive HD GUI Setup Assistant | On-screen GUI with setup assistant |
User Experience and Additional Features
Marantz Cinema 60: For users looking for a more straightforward setup and operation, the Marantz Cinema 60 is an excellent option. It provides an intuitive user interface and supports voice control with Alexa, Siri, and other smart home systems. However, some users might find the lack of more advanced features like HDMI 2.1 eARC limiting, especially when using the latest gaming consoles or streaming devices.
Denon AVR-X3800H: The Denon AVR-X3800H offers a more feature-rich experience, particularly for users who want the latest gaming technologies and a more complex audio setup. It supports 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR, and ALLM, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. The ability to process up to 11.4 channels and the inclusion of more HDMI outputs make it ideal for larger setups. However, its setup might feel a bit overwhelming for users who are new to advanced AV receivers, as it comes with more customization options.
Comparison Summary:
| Feature | Marantz Cinema 60 | Denon AVR-X3800H |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Control | Alexa, Siri, Smart Home Systems | Alexa, Siri, Smart Home Systems |
| Gaming Support | 4K/120Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision | 4K/120Hz, HDR, VRR, ALLM |
| Channel Expansion | 7.2 (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) | 9.4 (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, Auro 3D) |
| Ease of Setup | Easy setup with Audyssey | More advanced setup with Audyssey |
| Additional Features | Simpler interface and fewer advanced options | Supports more HDMI devices and advanced gaming features |
FAQ
1. Which receiver is better for gaming, Marantz Cinema 60 or Denon AVR-X3800H?
The Denon AVR-X3800H is the better choice for gaming enthusiasts. It supports 4K/120Hz pass-through, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and QFT (Quick Frame Transport), making it ideal for lag-free gaming on the latest consoles. These features ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, while the Marantz Cinema 60 does not offer the same level of gaming-focused features.
2. Is the Marantz Cinema 60 suitable for larger home theater setups?
While the Marantz Cinema 60 is a fantastic choice for smaller to medium-sized home theater systems, it may not be the best option for larger setups. With only 7.2 channels and fewer subwoofer outputs, it lacks the scalability of the Denon AVR-X3800H, which supports up to 11.4 channels and offers more flexibility in terms of audio configuration, making it better suited for large-scale installations.
3. Can both receivers stream music in multiple rooms?
Yes, both the Marantz Cinema 60 and Denon AVR-X3800H offer multi-room audio streaming capabilities. The Marantz Cinema 60 supports streaming via HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, allowing you to enjoy music throughout your home. Similarly, the Denon AVR-X3800H features HEOS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for multi-room audio, along with compatibility with popular streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and TIDAL.
4. Which receiver has better video quality support?
Both receivers support 8K and 4K video pass-through, but the Denon AVR-X3800H offers superior video quality support. It includes additional features like Dynamic HDR and HDR10+ for enhanced video performance, along with HDCP 2.3 and eARC support. The Marantz Cinema 60, while offering Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, does not include some of these advanced video features, making the Denon AVR-X3800H the better choice for users prioritizing cutting-edge video quality.
5. Is it easy to set up the Marantz Cinema 60 and Denon AVR-X3800H?
Both receivers are relatively easy to set up, but the Marantz Cinema 60 has a more user-friendly setup experience. It comes with an intuitive on-screen HD GUI setup assistant and uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for automatic room correction. The Denon AVR-X3800H also offers an on-screen GUI and Audyssey Room Correction Suite, but due to its more advanced features, its setup may feel a bit more complex, especially for users unfamiliar with high-end AV receivers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both the Marantz Cinema 60 and Denon AVR-X3800H are high-quality home theater receivers, but they are tailored to different user needs. The Marantz Cinema 60 is perfect for users seeking a straightforward, high-quality 7.2-channel setup, with excellent sound and video features for a more standard home theater experience. Meanwhile, the Denon AVR-X3800H excels in more advanced setups, offering higher power, more connectivity options, and superior sound processing capabilities, especially for larger home theaters or users with a high demand for gaming and immersive audio formats.