Denon AVR-X3000 and AVR-X4000 IN-Command Receivers Preview

When we reported on the new, budget IN-Command receivers, we really only had one thought on our minds, "Wow, these are pretty cool! I wonder what they'll do with the higher-priced versions?" Well, we have to wonder no longer. Along with the $499 AVR-X1000 and the $699 AVR-X2000, Denon has announced the $999 AVR-X3000 and the $1299 AVR-X4000. These models, while nowhere near as expensive as receivers can get, are generally targeted at the buyer who wants to do more than just power their speakers and route the video to their brand new display. This is a buyer that cares about sound and features and is willing to pay for the right solution.

The AVR-X3000 comes in at a buck under a grand. It's just a touch over 23.5 pounds and sports 105 watts per channel. With seven channels of discrete amplification the AVR-X3000 is ready for larger home theaters and those with more demanding speakers.

The AVR-X3000 has seven HDMI inputs (one on the front) and two HDMI outputs (ARC, 3D, and 4k compatible). One of the HDMI outputs is labeled "Zone 2" and can be used to send audio and video to a second zone, but doesn't support ARC. One the features we are most excited about is the ability to play audio from HDMI inputs in zone 2. Normally, you would have to connect HDMI for use in the the main zone and analog cables for zone 2.

There are quite a few more non-HDMI connections on the back of the AVR-X3000 than it's little brother, the AVR-X2000. You get two component video, three composite video, two optical audio, two coaxial audio, and five analog audio inputs. For the first time in the IN-Command line we find a trigger output for use with an external amplifier. There is also an additional subwoofer output, making the AVR-X3000 a 7.2 receiver.

The AVR-X3000 features InstaPreview for fast switching between HDMI inputs. It will upcovert and scale all your inputs to HDMI and up to 4k resolution. While it still has the same Audyssey MultEQ XT found in the AVR-X1000, it now has Audyssey's DSX technology for height and width channels as well as DTS Neo:X. There are no pre-outs for this so you'll have to route the surround back channels for these additional channels.

Like the rest of the IN-Command line, the AVR-X3000 has 192kHz/24-bit D/A converters for all channels, is AirPlay compatible, can connect digitally to your iDevice via the front USB port, and has a host of streaming features. The new GUI features a Setup Assistant to ease new users into configuring their receivers. The AVR-X3000 is Audyssey Installer Pro ready and supports PC control over your web browser. It can also be controlled by Denon's Remote App and can stream Pandora, Sirius XM, vTuner, and Spotify.

The AVR-X4000 is the highest priced of the new "X" series IN-Command receivers at $1299. It weighs in at over 27 pounds, which is nearly 4 pounds heavier than the X3000. This 7.2 receiver features 125 watts per channel. The AVR-X4000 has an extra zone of audio (up to three) with three (count'em) HDMI outputs. Yep. Three.

The back of the AVR-X4000 looks a lot more like the receivers of old. While there are still seven HDMI inputs, there are now three outputs. The HDMI connections are, like the X3000, ARC, 3D, and 4K compatible. One of the three outputs is labeled Zone 2 but now there are two monitor outputs. This is helpful if you have multiple screens showing the same content or if you have a main and a secondary source of video (some people use a projector for night viewing and a flat panel for daytime viewing). Outputs for composite and component video have made a reappearance. The composite is most likely just a backup but both composite and component can be sent to Zone 2 for a full second zone.

The number of speaker terminals has increased dramatically. While the AVR-X3000 had just enough for the speakers it could power (seven), the AVR-X4000 has eleven pairs. This allows for multiple configurations depending on your needs. In particular, it is nice to be able to power a full 7.2 most of the time but then switch to power a second (or third) zone of audio for special occasions. 

For the first time in the IN-Command line we find full 7.2 outputs for adding external amplification as well as pre-outs for front height, front width, and Zones 2 and 3. The AVR-X4000 is capable of a 9.2 system with an external amp for your additional speakers. This is also the first receiver with a phono input complete with a ground. The front has a faceplate which covers a number of controls and the addition of a fourth composite video and sixth stereo analogue input. The iDevice compatible USB port is still on the face as is a headphone input and the seventh HDMI port.

The AVR-X4000 features the latest in Audyssey room correction with their MultEQ XT32 with Sub EQ HT dual subwoofer adjustments.  The dual subwoofer outputs feature independent level control and delay.  Audyssey takes care of level and delay separately then applies a single correction curve to the summed response of both subs.  This is exactly how it should be done and we're glad all of the new Denon AVR's featuring Audyssey XT32 dual subwoofer outputs will be functioning this way.  In fact, many receivers with MultEQ XT32 don't have the Sub EQ. This is a huge plus for the Denon offering. Like the rest of the IN-Command line, the X4000 has networking features such as Windows 8 and AirPlay compatibility. It can be controlled via Denon's Remote App.

Conclusion

With receivers this powerful, it is nearly impossible to list all their features in such a short article (lucky for you that we have a full review of the AVR-X4000 in the works finished!). The takeaway you might get from this is that the new IN-Command receivers are both feature packed and flexible. The difference form the X2000 to the X3000, other than $300 in price and a few watts, is that the AVR-X3000 will be nearly everything you'll need to power your home theater. The AVR-X4000 will will do all that plus power either your bedroom or secondary system, and route audio signals to a third area. When you are at this level of buying, it pays to make a list of what you need. If these receivers can't do it, it likely can't be done. At least, not at these price points.

For more information, please visit www.denon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.