Denon announces $1,100 IMAX Enhanced 9.2-channel receiver

Denon has announced the latest X-series receiver, the 9.2-channel Denon AVR-X3600H, priced at $1,099, which includes IMAX Enhanced certification, and a range of immersive audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (the latter via future firmware upgrade). The new receiver also carries Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and 4K Ultra HD video tech, as well as Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gamers.

“We’re currently experiencing a dramatic flight to quality as studios, musicians and other creators make really high-quality content that’s readily accessible on platforms like Amazon and Netflix, or Tidal and Spotify. As a result, we’re seeing consumers choose to move beyond sound bars and basic home theater systems to something better equipped to provide truly amazing experiences at home,” said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United. “With technologies IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, the AVR-X3600H will allow people to truly see and hear their favorite movies, TV and music as the artists intended.”

The AVR-X3600H delivers a claimed 105W per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, THD: 0.08%, 2 Ch. driven), nine total channels of amplification, but will also process 11.2 channels in a 7.2.4  configuration with the addition of a two-channel external amp. AKM 32-bit D/A converters are onboard and hi-res audio files (ALAC, FLAC and WAV) are supported at up to 24-bit/196-kHz, as are 2.8/5.6-MHz DSD files (the audio coding format of SACD).

Eight HDMI inputs and three outputs on the rear panel feature 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) 4:4:4 Pure Color sub sampling, and BT.2020 pass-through. The new model is also certified by ISF, with calibration controls for both ISF Day and ISF Night modes. As is typical for Denon’s new generation of receivers, a host of voice control functions, HEOS multi-room architecture, and remote management specifications for integrators (including OvrC, ihiji Invision or Domotz Pro) round out this fully-featured and compellingly-priced AV powerhouse.

If you’re interested to learn more about the AVR-X3600H, you can do so here. The receiver is currently available from authorized Denon resellers.

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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Sam Posten

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The 3500s are available for under $500 many many places. That's a steal I recommend anyone considering this tier to look long and hard at. This 3600 is a very minor spec bump at twice the price. I've helped 4 friends buy and install 3500s and they have been supremely impressed.
 
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JohnRice

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The 3500s are available for under $500 many many places. That's a steal I recommend anyone considering this tier to look long and hard at. This 3600 is a very minor spec bump at twice the price. I've helped 4 friends buy and install 3500s and they have been supremely impressed.
I had seen them, but they seem to have disappeared at that price. Are you still finding them? Where?
 

JohnRice

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BTW, the 3600 is hardly a "very minor spec bump" considering it processes 11 channels and has 9 amp channels, vs 7 channels, period, on the 3500. That's a HUGE step up.
 

Robert Crawford

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BTW, the 3600 is hardly a "very minor spec bump" considering it processes 11 channels and has 9 amp channels, vs 7 channels, period. That's a HUGE step up.
Yeah, I just found that out as I was comparing the models tonight. I did find a price for $549.99 for the 3500 which is probably a renewed receiver.
 

JohnRice

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Yeah, I just found that out as I was comparing the models tonight. I did find a price for $549.99 for the 3500 which is probably a renewed receiver.
What I find is $550 for refurb and $700 new for the 3500.
 

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Same here, I think BB has it for $700 and places that Amazon deals with for $550.
I've been on an upgrade kick on the living room system, and I've been tempted with the bedroom. Marantz also has new models coming out, and I think I want to keep within the D&M universe for some consistency, so I'm deciding between models. The head units in the other systems are Marantz. Wondering if the Evil A will do something next week. They had the 3500 selling for $700 earlier today, but then it disappeared.
 

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Martin Dew submitted a new blog post

Denon announces $1,100 IMAX Enhanced 9.2-channel receiver
Denon_AVR-X3600H-Lifestyle_Crop_001-1024x664.jpg


Continue reading the Original Blog Post.
 
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Sam Posten

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JohnRice

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Most of my friends who are buying this are going 5.1.2 with bounce speakers atop the fronts. Don't know that they would use 5.1.4 if available or 7.1.2 but ymmv.
That's fine an dandy Sam, but the fact remains, the 3600 is a massive upgrade from the 3500. It's far from a minor spec bump. Not even close. If someone has no interest in the improvements in the 3600, that's one thing, but the 3600 is more on par with the previous 4xxx series.
 

Robert Crawford

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That's fine an dandy Sam, but the fact remains, the 3600 is a massive upgrade from the 3500. It's far from a minor spec bump. Not even close. If someone has no interest in the improvements in the 3600, that's one thing, but the 3600 is more on par with the previous 4xxx series.
John,

If you had a choice between the Denon 3600 and Marantz 6013 which one would you choose?
 
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JohnRice

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John,

If you had a choice between the Denon 3600 and Marantz 6013 which one would you choose?
You wouldn't go wrong with either one, but for me at the moment, I'm sure I'd go with the 6013, but that's largely because I'm kind of in the Marantz universe. Not that there's a big difference in the functionality between the brands. Hopefully you can get a 6013 for the same or less than a 3600 right now, so you're getting more for your money. Refurb 6013s are $800. I haven;t dug into the details of the 3600, but I don't think it has anything the 6013 lacks. The Imax audio thing sounds like marketing garbage. If/when I update the receiver in the bedroom, it'll probably be Marantz, just for integration with the other two Marantz head units I have, which are both rather new, so they'll be around for some time. That is, unless I chicken out and decide to go cheap with a Denon 2xxx series receiver.

I'm going to see if anything happens with The Evil A's big sale next week. If they have 5013 or 6013s at half retail, I'm sure I'll bite on one of those. That probably won't happen. If they happen to blow out Denon 3500s, I might bite on that.

BTW, some people really object to the "Porthole" display design of Marantz. It doesn't bother me.
 
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Sam Posten

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That's fine an dandy Sam, but the fact remains, the 3600 is a massive upgrade from the 3500. It's far from a minor spec bump. Not even close. If someone has no interest in the improvements in the 3600, that's one thing, but the 3600 is more on par with the previous 4xxx series.

Your argument then is with Denon PR, not with me =)
 

JohnRice

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This 3600 is a very minor spec bump at twice the price.

Your argument then is with Denon PR, not with me =)
Apparently Denon PR is posting as you on HTF. Better look into that, Sam. :D

I never was referring to anything in Denon's marketing. I was clearly referring to your comment, since I quoted it.

Anyway, might as well move along.
 

Sam Posten

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Apparently Denon PR is posting as you on HTF. Better look into that, Sam. :D

I never was referring to anything in Denon's marketing. I was clearly referring to your comment, since I quoted it.

I'm saying their press release makes this look like a very vanilla yearly upgrade. Nothing in it screams out to me this is a big deal and the chatter at places like AVS haven't picked it up as a major improvement either.
 
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