AVC-X3700H

This 9.2 channel 8K AV Amplifier with 180W per channel fully supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and IMAX Enhanced, as well as the latest HDMI specifications such as 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz** pass-through, VRR, ALLM, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+ and eARC support.

Overview

Immerse yourself in high-power home theatre entertainment. With 180W per channel the Denon AVC-X3700H delivers a truly immersive 3D audio experience through Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced. The discretely built 9 channel amplifier section features two heat sinks and a strong power supply to deliver the renowned powerful, dynamic and precise Denon sound. The AVC-X3700H supports the latest HDMI video technologies such as 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz** pass-through, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, HLG, as well as 8K upscaling and HDCP 2.3 support on all HDMI inputs (7 in/3 out).

Stream popular music services like Spotify, TuneIn Internet Radio, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL and more wirelessly via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi with HEOS Built-in. Enjoy your MP3 collection and even Hi-Res audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz files) via USB or Network. The Denon AVC-X3700H works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri for effortless voice control.

By visually guiding you through each step in the setup process, the award-winning Denon Setup Assistant ensures you get set up right the first time. Every home theatre is different — that’s why Denon uses the premium Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration technology from Audyssey that automatically measures and optimizes your AV amplifier to provide a truly immersive 3D audio experience custom-tailored to your unique listening environment.

ULTIMATE HOME THEATRE EXPERIENCE - 8K READY

The AVC-X3700H delivers the ultimate home theatre experience with 8K/60Hz pass-through and upscaling, 4K/120Hz** pass-through for gaming, and support for the latest HDMI specifications. The new AVC-X3700H lets you build the best 4K home theatre today and gives you the comfort of knowing that your AV amplifier is 8K ready when you are. Enjoy the highest quality 3D audio and video for even the most demanding entertainment needs.

FULL 3D AUDIO SUPPORT

Immerse yourself in 3D audio with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and IMAX Enhanced. The AVC-X3700H supports up to 11.2 channel processing with 9-channel amplification. Add your choice of 2-channel power amplifier to fill-in extra 2-channels and build a 7.2.4 Atmos theatre for a more immersive, 3D audio experience.

DRIVE IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND

Set up a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos surround system using the nine channels of amplification built-in to the AVC-X3700H. With Dolby Atmos elevation speakers or dedicated overhead speakers, enjoy the ultimate Dolby home theatre experience.

With Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology support, the AVC-X3700H also provides immersive audio without height channels, creating virtual height effects you’d enjoy in a 7.2, 5.2 or 2.2 speaker arrangement.

CLOSER TO THE ACTION

DTS:X and DTS Neural:X gives your movies, games and music a realism unmatched by traditional 5.1ch surround sound.

With DTS Virtual:X Height Virtualization Technology support, the AVR-X2700H also provides immersive audio without height channels, creating virtual height effects you’d enjoy in a 7.1, 5.1 or 2.1 speaker arrangement.With DTS Virtual:X Height Virtualization Technology support, the AVC-X3700H also provides immersive audio without height channels, creating virtual height effects you’d enjoy in a 7.2, 5.2 or 2.2 speaker arrangement.

IMAX ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY

Get the most premium at-home entertainment experience with IMAX Enhanced — the latest technology from DTS that sets a new standard for home theatre imaging, sound, scale and clarity. Watch clearer pictures and brighter images. Feel immersive, heart-pounding audio and experience premium content digitally remastered by IMAX.

GEARED UP FOR 8K ULTRA HD

With the new AVC-X3700H, enjoy all your entertainment with latest technology available and watch your movies in unrivaled clarity. Enjoy movies in 8K with 8K/60Hz pass-through and upscaling, as well the latest in AV amplifier technology like Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching (QMS), which is used in movies to eliminate video delay.

ADVANCED 8K HDMI VIDEO SECTION WITH EARC

Enjoy your favourite movies, shows and games with the best picture quality available. The AVC-X3700H features an advanced HDMI section (7 in/3 out) with a dedicated 8K input that will support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz** video pass-through. All HDMI inputs feature 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), Dynamic HDR, and BT.2020 pass-through support for exceptional color, clarity and contrast. Enjoy full-rate 8K upscaling as well as HDCP 2.3 processing to play copy-protected content uninhibited. The AVC-X3700H also adopts eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) to support 3D audio formats directly from your smart TV apps to your AV amplifier.

ADVANCED VIDEO CONTROLS

HDCP 2.3 processing is available on all HDMI ports, letting you enjoy copy-protected content totally uninhibited. Certified by the Imaging Science Foundation, the AVC-X3700H features a full suite of video calibration controls (for use by an ISF technician), along with ISF Day and ISF Night video modes. Enjoy seamless compatibility with the latest HD and Ultra HD TVs, Blu-ray players and game consoles.

BRILLIANT COLOUR – UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY, HDR10+ AND DYNAMIC HDR

The AVC-X3700H supports High Dynamic Range video format, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). Dolby Vision transforms the viewing experiences with astonishing brightness, contrast, and colour. HLG offers HDR technology over broadcast content for a crisper, cleaner image. The AVC-X3700H also supports HDR10+, which sends dynamic meta data to TV for more realistic images, as well as Dynamic HDR.

(Some technologies are not available on all televisions.)

THE NEXT GENERATION IN GAMING

With the latest in HDMI support, the new AVC-X3700H will take your gaming to the next level. Enjoy gaming with 4K/120Hz** pass-through and upscaling, as well as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which reduces or eliminates lag and frame tearing to offer a smoother, lag-free gaming experience.

**Available via a future update. Read more here.

WORKS WITH LATEST VOICE ASSISTANTS

Enjoy effortless voice control and total flexibility from the leading voice services. Using a smart speaker or your phone, speak commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. Ask to play your favourite music, turn the volume up, skip to the next track, switch inputs and more. Switch between voice services or pick a favourite to use — the choice is yours. Functionality varies by voice agent.

WORKS WITH AMAZON ALEXA

Control the AVC-X3700H hands-free with Amazon Alexa and your voice. Adjust the volume, skip to the next track, switch inputs for your different media players and more — “Just Ask.” Download the HEOS Home Entertainment Skill to enable Amazon Alexa voice commands for your AVC-X3700H, HEOS devices and other select Denon products. Requires Alexa app and Amazon Echo, Dot or equivalent.

WORKS WITH GOOGLE ASSISTANT

Start music in the HEOS app, then ask your Google Assistant to control volume, play, pause, skip tracks and more.

AIRPLAY 2 + APPLE SIRI VOICE CONTROL

Use AirPlay 2 to stream Apple music wirelessly to the AV amplifier, or group with other AirPlay compatible speakers to fill your home with music.

Stream audio from your favourite music services like Apple Music and Spotify or watch videos from services like YouTube and Netflix from any iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV and hear the audio perfectly synced to your speakers AirPlay 2 sources.

AirPlay 2 also supports multi-room audio – wirelessly stream content to multiple AirPlay 2 compatible devices simultaneously with improved audio buffering to ensure smooth audio playback. AirPlay 2 provides control and grouping of compatible audio devices within the Apple Music or Home app. Use AirPlay 2 in-app or with your voice via Siri.

HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO SUPPORT

Enjoy superb audio fidelity with your favourite high-resolution audio tracks. With the latest AKM 32-bit D/A converters, the AVC-X3700H features high-resolution audio decoding with multiple lossless file types, including ALAC, FLAC and WAV at up to 192kHz/24bit playback. It is also compatible with 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files (DSD is the audio coding format of SACD). Play them from memory devices via the front panel USB, or over network sources. The AVC-X3700H also supports other file types such as MP3 and WMA.

PHONO INPUT FOR TURNTABLE/VINYL SUPPORT

Featuring a built-in phono input, the AVC-X3700H lets you connect your turntable and play vinyl records. Enjoy your vintage collection with exceptional quality and sound.

DUAL SUBWOOFER OUTPUTS

Immerse yourself in evenly distributed, accurate bass. The AVC-X3700H features two subwoofer outputs to smooth out low frequencies and provide better dispersion. Connected subwoofers can be calibrated independently with Audyssey Sub EQ HT for more seamless bass performance tailored to your room. No audible peaks or dips — just powerful, room-filling bass.

“ROON TESTED” CERTIFIED

All new Denon AV amplifiers are now Roon Tested. Get more out of your digital music library with searchable, surfable information about your favourite artists and songs. Find lyrics, concert dates, photos, bios, reviews and more. Subscription required.

ADVANCED SOUND PROCESSING

Experience extraordinary sound quality from both music and movies.

POWERFUL DSP AUDIO PROCESSING

The AVC-X3700H feature two sets of powerful DSP (Digital Sound Processor) chips for the latest surround sound decoding and processing including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced (up to 11 channels), Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and sub EQ HT capability.

PRE-AMPLIFIER MODE AT AMP ASSIGN

With new Pre-Amplifier Mode, your Denon AV amplifier works as a perfect AV pre-processor with the latest HDMI connectivity. Pre-Amplifier Mode provides a cleaner signal path and more tolerance in clipping level by disconnecting internal amplifiers. Modernize your AV separate system without breaking the bank.

MULTI-SOURCE, MULTI-ROOM

With the Denon AVC-X3700H, it’s possible to enjoy 9.2 channel surround sound in one room and a separate source or music stream in another. Watch a movie in one room while another family member listens to music in a different zone without interruption. Make use of the internal amps to power the speaker or use the zone-pre-outs.

ALL ZONE TV AUDIO

Play the audio from your TV to all zones. Enjoy fully discrete audio such as Dolby Atmos in the main zone for totally immersed experience while playing the same source in the second zone. Select “Source” for the second zone to share the main zone audio. The AVC-X3700H supports both HDMI and digital sources for your second zone

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BLUETOOTH AUDIO TRANSMISSION

Enjoy your favourite audio without waking your whole home by transmitting the audio coming from your AV amplifier to your Bluetooth headphones. The AVC-X3700H even allows you to play the audio on both Bluetooth headphones and connected speakers simultaneously. If you have a family member or a friend who is hearing impaired, we recommend this setup.

EASY SETUP EXPERIENCE

The included AVC-X3700H Quick Start Guide provides simple, clear instructions for how to get started. Once you connect your TV to the AVC-X3700H via HDMI, the exclusive Denon Setup Assistant appears on your TV screen to walk you through setup, step by step. Also, on the back of the AV amplifier, a row of color-coded speaker connections is laid out horizontally, making organizing and connecting speaker wires simple. The AVC-X3700H will rename HDMI inputs automatically when connected or you can rename manually for your convenience.

QUICK SELECTS FOR USER-FRIENDLY AUDIO TUNING

The Denon AVC-X3700H front panel features four Quick Select buttons that store your preferred audio settings for each source. Switch between TV audio, Blu-ray, media players and more, and the AVC-X3700H adjusts the EQ settings to your preferences for that media source. Use the buttons on the front panel or opt for the same Quick Selects on the AV amplifier remote for faster control.

SMART TV CONNECTIVITY

Control the Denon AVC-X3700H with your TV remote via the HDMI CEC functionality associated with your TV. The Smart Menu home screen provides you quick access to source and surround mode selections, the setup menu and four Quick Selects.

BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH, WI-FI AND AIRPLAY 2 COMPATABILITY

The heart of your wireless network. For Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless streaming connectivity, the Denon AVR-X2700H is equipped with an advanced dual antenna transceiver system for robust streaming even in congested urban environments. Enjoy listening to your favourite audio content wirelessly from your smart devicesThe heart of your wireless network. For Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 wireless streaming connectivity, the Denon AVC-X3700H is equipped with an advanced dual antenna transceiver system for robust streaming even in congested urban environments. Enjoy listening to your favourite audio content wirelessly from your smart devices..

With HEOS Built-in technology play the same song in every room or select a different song for each connected room — the choice is yours. HEOS works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing effortless voice control.

HEOS supports free and premium Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Sound Cloud, TIDAL and more.

DENON AVR REMOTE APP FOR SEAMLESS CONTROL

Better control in your back pocket. The free Denon AVR Remote for iOS and Android makes using the AVC-X3700H even easier — adjust volume, turn it on or off, mute the music, select a source or switch to HEOS. Download the free Denon AVR Remote app to your smartphone or tablet today.

AUDYSSEY ROOM CORRECTION

Optimize your audio experience with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for seamless setup of your listening environment. With the supplied measurement microphone, MultEQ XT32 analyzes each speaker's output (including subwoofers) at up to eight measurement locations and generates precision digital filters that optimize each channel for the correct frequency and time domain response. Audyssey Dynamic Volume smooths out disruptive jumps in volume (such as TV commercials), letting you listen at lower levels while still enjoying clear dialogue, music and sound. Audyssey Dynamic EQ provides full-range clarity at any listening level, and Audyssey Low Frequency Containment uses advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver a full-range balance, including deep bass, without disturbing neighbors or people in other rooms of your home. Audyssey Sub EQ HT provides individual DSP tailoring of each subwoofer in a dual subwoofer setup for deeper bass with improved definition. Plus, the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app (available for purchase) lets you view and adjust settings for detailed tuning and customize the sound more precisely to your room and tastes. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

DUAL SPEAKER PRESET MEMORY

The new AVC-X3700H allows storing of two Audyssey settings as well as switching between the two settings on the fly, giving you freedom to tweak your listening experience for the content or listening environment.

12V TRIGGER OUTPUT

Whether it’s an automatic screen or a projector control, the AVC-X3700H comes with a 12V trigger output that operates even when the AV amplifier is on standby.

HEOS BUILT-IN FOR WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING

Enjoy your favourite music in any room of your home wirelessly with HEOS Built-in technology. Play the same song in every room or select a different song for each connected room — the choice is yours. Also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri to provide cutting-edge voice control and incredible sound for all your home entertainment. Connect your Denon Home speakers for a whole-home audio experience.

HEOS supports free and premium Spotify, Amazon Music HD, TuneIn, SoundCloud, TIDAL and more.

(Not all music services available in all regions.)

Custom Install Ready

The Denon AVC-X3700H features external control and IP control capabilities for easy customization and compatibility with third-party integration solutions. It offers IP control capability for major third-party control devices, as well as Control4 SDPP (Simple Device Detection Protocol) certification for seamless integration with Control4 home automation equipment. An IR (infrared) remote control is included on the rear panel for remote control compatibility with other components in your home theatre system, and remote monitoring capability is now supported for troubleshooting.

Amazing Sound Built on 110-Years of innovation

As Japan’s first audio electronics manufacturer with a deep legacy of firsts -- Denon is the defining audio company of Japan. Founded in 1910, we enable the moments that matter through the relentless pursuit of quality, innovation and audio performance. We innovate for a better experience.

AVC-X3700H

Technical Information
Number of Power Amps    9
Power Output    180 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD: 1%, 1 ch driven)
105 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2 ch driven
Speaker Impedance    4-16Ω/ohms

Preamplifier Section
Input Sensitivity/ Impedance    200 mV/47k kohms
Frequency Response    10Hz–100kHz – +1, -3 dB (Direct Mode)
S/N Ratio    100 dB (IHF-A weighted, Direct Mode)

General
Power Supply    230V / 50/60Hz
Power Consumption    660W (Standby 0.1W, CEC standby 0.5W)
Power Consumption (No Sound)    45W (ECO Mode On)
80W (ECO Mode Off)
Maximum Dimensions (WxDxH)    Antenna:Horizontal (mm) - 434 x 389 x 167
Antenna:Vertical (mm) - 434 x 389 x 236
w/o Antenna: (mm) 434 x 379 x 167
Carton Dimensions (Packaging) (WxDxH) (mm)    519 x 478 x 242
Weight (kg)    12.5
Weight (Packaging) (kg)    15.1

Ports
In    HDMI (Front + 1) x7
8K HDMI x1
Component (Video) x2
Composite (Video) x3
Phono x1
Analogue Audio x6
Digital Coaxial x2
Digital Optical x2
USB Front x1
Out    HDMI Monitor (1x eARC) x3
8K HDMI x2
HDMI 4K Zone2 out x1
Component (Video) x1
Composite Monitor x2
Audio Pre-out (SW) 11.2 ch
Zone 2 & 3 (pre-out and speaker assignable) yes
Headphones x1

Other
Ethernet    x1
Microphone Port    x1

Denon AVC-X3700H review

Denon raises the bar again for what is achievable for less than a grand Tested at £999 / $1199 / AU$2699

By What Hi-Fi? 

OUR VERDICT

A surprisingly big improvement on its already excellent predecessor, the AVC-X3700H could well be the performance-per-pound pick of Denon's 2020 range

FOR

• Wonderfully clear and detailed
• Dynamic and engaging
• HDMI 2.1 and 8K

AGAINST

• Nothing at this price

When you listen to class-leading products as often as we do, you know immediately when a new standard has been set. That said, sometimes it takes until you have a direct comparison with another superb product to comprehend just how high the bar has been lifted.

That is the case with the new 8K-ready Denon AVC-X3700H home cinema amplifier. While there may be a small part of us that would delight in the Japanese company messing up one of these amps – purely so we would have something different to write – the sonic improvement it has made on last year’s model is quite surprisingly marked.

Features

The AVC-X3700H is perhaps the company’s 2020 model with most to lose, its predecessor having been named Product of the Year at the What Hi-Fi? Awards not 12 months ago, so it was paramount Denon took care while adding its new technologies.

The new HDMI section is perhaps most important in terms of future proofing; one of the AVC-X3700H’s seven inputs and two of its three outputs are full HDMI 2.1 sockets with support for 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz. All of its HDMI connections support HDR10+, Dynamic HDR and Quick Media Switching – which allows a source instantly to switch resolution or frame rate to eliminate screen blackout – alongside last season’s suite of HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision.

Gamers are also well served, with Variable Refresh Rate added to reduce frame tearing and improve overall precision, while Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport are there, designed to reduce lag and therefore improve your gaming performance.

In terms of audio, the AVC-X3700H retains the 11 channels of processing that were upped from seven on the last iteration of this model. There are nine power amplifier channels built-in, each feeding a claimed 180W of power per channel. That means you can set the AVC-X3700H up in a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, or add an extra two-channel amp to make full use of the processing power with a 7.2.4 set-up.

Everybody will be able to make use of this amp’s 3D audio support, though – whether or not you have dedicated height speakers – which runs to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and IMAX Enhanced.

Those intending to use their home cinema amplifier for music playback as well can also take advantage of the AVC-X3700H’s hi-res audio decoding of files up to 24bit/192kHz and double-speed DSD. Just load them up via the network or this amp’s front panel USB input. Thinking of pairing it with a turntable? That built-in moving magnet phono stage is still a feature this year.

It’s worth noting that we've tested the AVC-X3700H, rather than the AVR-X3700H that is available in the US; the difference is the addition of an FM tuner in the States, with all other features being shared across the two versions.

Build

Thanks to HEOS and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, there’s lots you can do without physically interacting with the AVC-X3700H; as well as unlocking multi-room capabilities, they enable use with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

But manually using these Denon amplifiers is part of what makes them so great. There is a remote control, which is fairly standard for the product at this price – everything you need and fairly robust – but it is about twisting those big round dials, which offer just enough resistance to satisfy without it being tough.

It’s testament to the AVC-X3700H’s bomb-proof build, and the sense you get from the moment you strain to lift it out of the box that you are getting more than your money’s worth.

Sound

But, despite that class-leading build quality, and though these contemporary new features are the main reason home cinema amps are updated so regularly, these are far from the main selling points as far as the AVC-X3700H is concerned.

After quarter-of-an-hour or so of letting the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration tech do its work, and a bit of manual fine-tuning, this new Denon bursts into life, grabbing our attention and holding it tight for the duration of our testing. (Important note: while our review model was already well run in, a new one will need a good 24 hours of warming up straight from the box.)

The energy of the performance is immediately striking. There’s greater muscle than before, but it is also even more lithe and better defined. It’s a combination of solid dynamic expression, which enthuses each vocal line as much as differentiating one gunshot from another, a sharper punch and greater clarity that allows you to get deeper inside the soundtrack and become more immersed.

The scale and authority is mightily impressive for a home cinema amp costing a smidgen less than a grand, but Denon has still managed to get the basics right, too. There is plenty to feed our two subwoofers, but you wouldn’t say this is a particularly bassy mix; rather it is well balanced, open at both ends, and smooth throughout its frequency range.

It remains engaging at low volumes, too, which will please the neighbours once you’ve had enough of turning it right up and wondering at how its composure remains intact.

Most of our testing is done with the amp’s Pure Direct mode, which gives us the cleanest, clearest and most precise performance. The quality of its presentation here though means you can engage some of the height virtualisation software and not lose too much in the way of focus.

In fact, the way these technologies are implemented is really rather impressive, giving height but also a smoother wrap around of surround effects. We’d probably always go for these off, adding height channels only when we have the correct speakers, but the quality of the tech here makes it rather a matter of preference.

We would also suggest finding a dedicated stereo amp for your music playback, too, but the Denon is still rather impressive as far as sub-grand home cinema amps are concerned. That detail and punch are still there, as is a good deal of dynamic expression; it isn’t hi-fi, but we have tested worse components for whom this is their only job.

Verdict

So on one hand, we’ve had to write the same review about a Denon home cinema amplifier for about the sixtieth time. On the other, however, we’ve been able to spend a few days with the best unit we’ve ever heard with a three-figure price tag.

If you have the system to match it with, the AVC-X3700H is another Denon effort that will happily last you many years.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 5
• Build 5