Onkyo RZ50 vs Denon X3800H – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Denon AVR-X3800H & Onkyo TX-RZ50 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H rather than the Onkyo RZ50.

Table Of Contents hide

1 Why Do I Recommend The Denon AVR-X3800H?

2 Side By Side Comparison

3 What Common Both Can Do?

4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Denon AVR-X3800H?

The Denon AVR-X3800H features four independent subwoofer outputs for precise bass management and smoother room response, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 includes two parallel subwoofer outputs.
Denon AVR-X3800H supports Auro-3D audio processing for enhanced vertical sound immersion and compatibility with specialized 3D audio formats, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 lacks Auro-3D support entirely.
It includes three HDMI outputs for flexible multi-display or projector setups, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 has only two HDMI outputs.
The Denon AVR-X3800H supports 4K and 8K video upscaling to improve image sharpness and detail on higher-resolution displays, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 relies on direct video pass-through without upscaling capability.
Denon AVR-X3800H comes with a 32-bit AKM DAC for refined and natural audio reproduction with low distortion, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses an ESS Sabre DAC.
It includes two trigger outputs to power on external amplifiers or devices automatically for better system integration, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 includes only one trigger output.
The Denon AVR-X3800H supports 11.4-channel processing for future expansion into full 7.4.4 surround setups, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports only 11.2-channel processing with limited subwoofer routing.
Denon AVR-X3800H features Bluetooth 5.0 for more stable wireless connections and improved range, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses Bluetooth 4.2.

Maybe the Onkyo TX-RZ50 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Denon AVR-X3800H. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Denon X3800H Best Price

Check Onkyo RZ50 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

Feature	Denon AVR-X3800H	Onkyo TX-RZ50
Processing Channels	11.4-channel processing	11.2-channel processing
Subwoofer Outputs	4 independent	2 shared
Room Calibration	Audyssey MultEQ XT32	Dirac Live
HDMI Outputs	3 HDMI outputs	2 HDMI outputs
Video Upscaling	4K/8K upscaling supported	Pass-through only
Wireless Platform	HEOS Multiroom	Works with Sonos
Voice Control	Alexa, Google, Siri, Josh.ai	Alexa, Google, Siri
DAC Chip	32-bit AKM	32-bit ESS Sabre
Trigger Outputs	2	1
Pre-Out Configuration	Full 11.4 pre-outs	Full 11.2 pre-outs
Bluetooth Version	5.0	4.2
Weight	28.4 lb	30.9 lb
Dimensions (W×H×D)	17.1 × 6.6 × 15 in	17.1 × 7.6 × 15.6 in
Price	Check Denon X3800H Price	Check Onkyo RZ50 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

Channels: Both receivers include 9 built-in amplifier channels, allowing configurations like 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 for immersive 3D sound setups. This makes them equally suitable for medium to large home theater rooms.
Channel Processing: Each supports processing for up to 11 channels, enabling expansion with external amps for advanced layouts such as 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configurations. This flexibility lets users grow their system without replacing the core receiver.
Dolby Atmos: Both models include Dolby Atmos decoding to deliver height-based audio effects, creating a realistic 3D sound field around the listener. This feature is essential for today’s premium movie and gaming experiences.
DTS:X: Both units decode DTS:X object-based audio, providing spatial precision and dynamic sound movement. It ensures compatibility with a wide range of Blu-ray discs and modern streaming content.
HDMI 2.1 Inputs: Each receiver has six HDMI 2.1 inputs that handle 8K and 4K at 120Hz. This allows users to connect multiple next-gen consoles or high-bandwidth video sources without switching cables.
HDR Formats: Both support HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, ensuring accurate color, contrast, and brightness reproduction from compatible displays and media sources. These formats maintain picture fidelity for HDR content.
Multiroom Audio: Both support multiroom playback through their respective ecosystems (HEOS or Sonos integration), allowing synchronized or independent audio in different rooms. This adds flexibility for whole-home entertainment.
Voice Assistant Support: Both integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, enabling hands-free control of volume, inputs, and playback. This provides a more convenient smart home experience.
Streaming Apps: Both offer direct access to streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and Apple AirPlay 2. This eliminates reliance on external streaming devices and simplifies access to digital music.
USB Playback: Each includes a front USB port for playing high-resolution audio files directly from flash drives. This is useful for users who prefer offline music libraries.
FM/AM Tuner: Both receivers include built-in FM/AM radio tuners, allowing access to local broadcasts without external devices. It’s a traditional but still useful feature.
Multi-Zone Audio: Both can power additional zones for independent or mirrored playback in another room. This helps users manage multi-area entertainment without separate amplifiers.
32-bit DAC: Both feature 32-bit digital-to-analog converters that ensure clean, detailed, and low-noise sound reproduction across all sources. It’s important for audiophile-grade clarity.

Check Denon X3800H Best Price

Check Onkyo RZ50 Best Price

Common Features

Feature	Denon AVR-X3800H	Onkyo TX-RZ50
Channels	9.2-channel amplifier	9.2-channel amplifier
Channel Processing	Up to 11-channel processing	Up to 11-channel processing
Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
DTS:X	Yes	Yes
HDMI 2.1 Inputs	6	6
HDR Formats	HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG	HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
eARC Support	Yes	Yes
8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz	Yes	Yes
VRR / ALLM / QFT	Yes	Yes
Dual-Band Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Phono Input	Yes	Yes
Multiroom Audio	Yes	Yes
Voice Assistant Support	Alexa, Google, Siri	Alexa, Google, Siri
Streaming Apps	Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, AirPlay 2	Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, AirPlay 2
USB Playback	Yes	Yes
FM/AM Tuner	Yes	Yes
Multi-Zone Audio	Yes	Yes
32-bit DAC	Yes	Yes
Support for Front Height / Ceiling Speakers	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Denon X3800H Price	Check Onkyo RZ50 Price

FAQ

Does the Denon AVR-X3800H support Dirac Live calibration?
Yes, the Denon AVR-X3800H supports Dirac Live as an optional paid upgrade. It comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 by default, but users can purchase a license to enable Dirac Live for more advanced room correction control.

Does the Onkyo TX-RZ50 include Dirac Live out of the box?
Yes, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 comes with Dirac Live built in, allowing users to perform detailed room calibration immediately without additional cost or software purchase.

How many amplifier channels do both receivers include?
Both the Denon AVR-X3800H and Onkyo TX-RZ50 have nine amplifier channels, which means they can drive 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 speaker configurations directly without needing an external amplifier.

Do both receivers support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes, both models include full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding for immersive 3D audio playback, ideal for modern Blu-ray movies and streaming platforms that support object-based sound.

What is the difference in subwoofer outputs between the two models?
The Denon AVR-X3800H features four independent subwoofer outputs with individual level and delay control, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 includes two parallel subwoofer outputs that share the same settings.

Which model is THX certified?
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 holds THX Certified Select status, meaning it has been tested to meet specific sound performance standards for medium-sized rooms. The Denon AVR-X3800H does not carry THX certification.

Do both receivers support 8K and 4K at 120Hz?
Yes, both the Denon AVR-X3800H and Onkyo TX-RZ50 support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video pass-through, ensuring compatibility with modern gaming consoles and next-generation TVs.

How many HDMI 2.1 inputs are available on each receiver?
Both receivers include six HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of handling 8K and 4K/120Hz signals, allowing connection of multiple high-bandwidth sources such as gaming consoles, PCs, and streaming devices.

Can both receivers be used in multiroom audio setups?
Yes, both models support multiroom audio playback. The Denon uses the HEOS ecosystem, while the Onkyo integrates with Sonos systems for synchronized or independent playback across multiple rooms.

Which receiver supports Auro-3D format?
Only the Denon AVR-X3800H includes Auro-3D decoding, enabling playback of content mixed in the Auro-3D format for height-enhanced audio. The Onkyo TX-RZ50 does not support Auro-3D.

Do both models support popular voice assistants?
Yes, both receivers are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing users to control volume, inputs, and playback using simple voice commands.

What wireless features do the receivers include?
Both models feature dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless wireless streaming, mobile control, and network stability during high-resolution audio playback.

Do both models include phono inputs for turntables?
Yes, both receivers include dedicated phono inputs, allowing direct connection of turntables without needing an external preamplifier, making them suitable for vinyl enthusiasts.

What digital-to-analog converters are used in each model?
The Denon AVR-X3800H uses a 32-bit AKM DAC, while the Onkyo TX-RZ50 uses a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC. Both DACs deliver excellent sound detail and dynamic range performance.

Which receiver is better for future expansion?
The Denon AVR-X3800H offers slightly greater expansion potential with 11.4-channel processing and four sub outputs, making it more adaptable for advanced setups, whereas the Onkyo TX-RZ50 prioritizes convenience with built-in Dirac and THX certification.