Denon X3600H or X4500H? Which AVR Should You Buy? 

I picked up the 3600H for $799 on Amazon last month. It was a complete steal at that price. After some initial problems with the setup not completing (had to rerun with no ambient noise as far as possible), it sounds great. The Alexa integration is pretty good as well. My next plan is to add a power amp and add 2 more atmos speakers and a 2nd subwoofer. The 3600H is a fantastic deal for sure.

Got the 4500 about a year ago before the 3600 came out. Really happy. Have 2 amps powering the main 5 channels (LCR and side surrounds). 4500 powers the 4 heights and 2 rear surrounds. Really happy with it. Also got it for around $1,200 taxes in canadian. Worth every penny.

I'd roll 3600H and get a decent two channel power amp. 105w is enough for surrounds and the receiver is the component you'll replace the most with new tech on the horizon.

What I wanted to get from this comparison is whether you can effectively disconnect the front channels from the power amp on the 4500 as you can on 3600. This is the whole hype around the 3600 as it gives you a measurably better stereo preamp this way so you can upgrade with a higher quality external amp for music without sacrificing much and still use HDMI ARC etc.

Nice review! My thoughts: If you need the extra power and Auro 3d. You should go for the 4500H. I got mine for 1195 euro but got cash back, because the shop had this thing within 60 days in a discount so I got it for 989 euro. I love the 4500h. I needed the power for all the speakers and for that little bit of more money, you should definitly buy the 4500h instead of the 3600h. Have a nice weekend all!

Most people (in germany) getting the x4500h are getting it for the auro 3D upmixer, which at least in the german home theatre community is said to be the best one. I haven't had the chance to listen to both myself, but they also make the comparison that upmixed atmos bluray tracks sound actually better with the auro upmixer. What is your take on that and have you ever made the same experience?

Hello love all your videos. I still can’t make my mind up 3600 or 4500. Price difference today in UK today 3600 £100 cheaper. I’m running 5.1 now but hopefully get 5.1.4. What is your advise at this is small price gap ?

I'm glad I saw this video, I noticed the X3600H does not have 3D video pass through which for me is a huge thing as I have almost 200 3D movies.

Great comparison video. Thanks as always for the great content.

I been researching av receivers for 2 weeks and your channel is the best straight forward information out . I bought some Sony wh1000 headphones and heard the 360 thing and said it’s time to upgrade my home audio. From 5.1 surround Yamaha htr-5860 to something more up to date . I like the reviews on the denon avr- 3600 but it’s discontinued so the updated 3700 or 4700 is on my list from denon . I just want to enjoy my jazz, old school r&b and chill will this do it with the atmos , dds, and all the other alphabet engineering marvels out there . At a time you could go to a audio store and go into a sound room and hear all the new technology and different speakers and make your choice and build what you could afford . My other choice is just enjoy my headphones and my aiwa exos-9 Bluetooth speaker in the garage. Thank you your new subscriber.

I’ve been researching these AVR’s and trying to decide. The piece of the puzzle missing is what Audioholics brought to light about being able to physically disconnect the two front channel preouts to connect to an external amp and reassign them to run the 10th and 11th channels. Audioholics was able to get a clean 4v RMS out of the X3600h due to this ability. I cannot find ANYWHERE if the Denon X4500h or x6500h or Marantz SR6014 or SR7013 have this same ability. Can you or someone else here give me some welcomed advice? Thank you all.

Hi Techno Dad. I have a Denon x3600h. I had Best Buy set up a home system form me about 3 years ago. They placed all the equipment in my basement with wires running up to the tv and speakers in the living room. My main question is how do I hook up a turntable to this receiver? I would prefer an analog setup. Also, do you recommend a specific turntable? Thanks.

Yo brother glad you're always keeping it real. Most of the other channels are so far outside the box of people being able to afford anything it's being absolutely ridiculous. Borderline on Ludacris for somebody to be able to even remotely be able to afford certain subwoofers and all kinds of crazy crap we talked about this many a Time glad to see you always have the consumer in mind I have mad respect for you buddy

Hello Techno Dad, is there any way we can assign the two front speakers to the external amp in the 5.1.4 configuration? I have X4500H and I don't see option to assign the front speakers to the preout. Thanks.

I like the 3600 for an upgrade from a 5.1 system. I plan to mainly use the earc capabilities as I already run everything through appropriate switches. The 4k/120 devices can run through the TV for best latency. Nvidia Shield, Roku Ultra, Region Free DVD player, Blu Ray player, Chromecast Ultra, and PS5. Planning on an OLED TV later this year and my current AVR is an Onkyo 5.1 with only arc support. Sony 52" LCD currently on the wall.

I have a chance to get a Denon 4500 model for a great price, it’s obviously a 2018 model? Or should I search for a 3600 or 3700 model? I currently have a 2200 model and it’s 5 years old ... thoughts ?

I split the difference and bought the 4400 for $899. Couldn’t be happier. I’ve owned 4 AVR and the last three have been DENON...

Hi Techno Dad, for Klipsch KL-650 LCRs which AVR would you recommend between Onkyo TX-RZ840 and Denon AVR-X3600H? The speakers are THX Ultra 2 certified, Onkyo is THX certified too and the Denon is not. Not sure if the Onkyo has independent Sub control or not, does it?

Hi I have a question I have a denon avr x3500h and when I have internet radio on and on some channels with them being from a country outside the UK probably the same in the USA example if I have a channel on from Ukraine some display the name and others just have a load of ................. is there a way to change this to see the name even if it’s not in English

I got the X3600H last year when it was on sale. Happy so far, adding ext power amp soon to power 2 more atmos heights. IMAX is nice specially if you have an IMAX enhanced tv.

Most people over-buy when it comes to receivers, and they really don’t need to.

My AVR X-4100W just broke down (HDMI board). I replaced it with an 4500H because I don't want to go down from the 4000 Series performance wise and the clean look of the front plate was really important to me.

Both are great looking units. Great back panel layouts, with plenty of inputs. Lots of flexibility. Love the pre out section each has, lots of power options there.

Great vid and great question to ask! If I could go back, I would get the denon avr-x3600h (vs the 2600h) because I currently do not have pre outs for an external amp in the future :( luckily external amplification would be overkill for me at the moment due to size of listening area and listening volume I use.

Thank you for the info. I am looking for a 5.2.4 atmos receiver that has heos, and can power 2 speakers on my patio. I would really like to control the volume of the patio speakers with my phone. Is there a Denon receiver that can accommodate this?

Techno Dad there is a listing for 4500 and the price right now is around 650$. Should i go for it and just pray that earc will work? What do you think?

I am a Techno Papi fan but this comparison was weak. There should have been some subjective comparisons based on your use, not reading specs on a website. But you are still my man,

Hey TD, so any possibility of a direct comparison between any of these Denon 11.2 Channel AVRs & the Marantz SR6013/6014 ? I know they are under the same Sound United roof and all but...I'm curious. Thanks! Ps. I own both a Denon and a marantz and will be upgrading to an 11.2 Processor (7.2.4 setup) soon. Thanks

Go to accessoriesforless and buy refurbished and you get 3yr warranty for 899 4500h or 749 3600h.I always go there for best price and they are a authorized seller.

I swear I commented, but I can’t find it LOL. My buddy got an X3600 and finally got to set it up. He is EXTREMELY pleased with his decision to go this route. Too bad your sponsor doesn’t sell on Amazon to take Amazon Gift Cards.

So now that the x4700 is out and the same price as the x6500, which one should we buy?

i got the 4500 for a place holder while i get everything upgraded to 4k. letting the dust settle on the new pre/pros

I was hard pressed on getting 4500 vs 6500,am not paying $1000. Made in Japan. 4500H I purchased for $1200. Canadian, beautiful AVR and friendly to use, so far. Great video as always 🇨🇦

Does the x4500h have the ability to map the front channels to an external amp like the x3600h?

Wanting to buy one of these, but not really going to be using the extra stuff on the 4500. The only thing I am worried about is the power to run speakers. I will use 2 Pioneer SP-EFS73 as my front stereo speakers, will the 3600 have any problems running those, or should I go for the 4500? I have a 5.1 system at the moment and plan on adding those stereo speakers mostly for music playback, but also for movies too. Will I have any problems with these, or do you even recommend a better pair of tower speakers for the front ones, as I have not bought them yet?

I got the x4500h and I'm looking to get the X 3800h, soon as I get the chance. I'm going to look to add the emotiva 5 channel amp home theater setup😊

Hey! what’s your current setup? Did you keep the Parasound amp? Do you have more CES vids down the pipeline? What about bass management with these, do they have dual sub outs? Questions questions thanks

Hi techno dad! Thanks for the vid. Im about to upgrade my old harman kardon dd/dts receiver. Going for atmos now. Are denons reliable? Great quality. My Harman is already 13yrs old and is still great. Had an issue with yamahas before. Thanks man

Does the MultEQ XT32 on the X4500H have the ability to designate the front Atmos speaker placement as resting on the top of the front left and right sound stage. Using the wall height to reflect sound opposed to having true height speakers. I bought a pair of the Klipsch R-41SA and am not sure yet on their placement. I can understand placing them on the wall as height channels would probably sound better however unsure if I'm just place them on top of my mains. I just want to make sure the MultEQ XT32 gives me the options for placement.

Hello and thanks for the video your video has really helped I'm currently upgrading from the Sony 1080 (it went on fire) My concern is all the talk of adding an amp... Does it not preform well just on 2 chanel music.... The music side is my main thing... I just don't have the room for a proper set up where I currently live hence why my reciever has to deliver on both fronts..... I did enjoy the Sony 1080 I presume purely on the music front it would be a step up? I've read some people say it lacked punch..... I'm going to be spending alot of money on this bit of kit any help and advice would really be helpful 😲😁

I am using Denon Avr 4500h. Since from last 3 months and i am satisfied with it..

Been watching a couple of your videos and they have been very informative. Keep up the good work! I have a question for you, how important is a network port in Denon AV receiver? Been looking a couple of models and it'll be my first receiver, just not sure if i can make do with a cheaper model without the network port.

Is it not advised to wait for the next models supporting next HDMI version? do u have some ideas when new denons will be released?

Literally was thinking about this then your video showed up..... 👀

Hi mate. thank you for great vid and comparison. Would you help me a bit if you don't mind I'm just to decide between X4500h and X3600. I got set up of 7.1 and wonder whether that might work with AURO 3D? Or do I need 9.1 to get this working properly. Is it worth paying extra few quid for X4500 with AURO 3D or just get the X3600...? regards Andy

What about x3500h 2018 model ? Right now it is for $550 is it worth to pay extra 350$ for x3600h?

Why did you not mention the Dolby Height Virtualization feature at all? That was what made me choose the 3600 over the 4500.

This was more like a World Wide Stereo advertisement than anything else.

X4500h more watts, lower THD% this feature allows for a more pure audio quality and whole lot less noise (most ppl don’t know that) the heavier one in lbs of the two means Amps are bigger thus allowing for more power to speakers, just make sure speakers can handle that power.

If you use an external amp. Can you shut off all amps on the 4500h, and just use it as a preamplifier, like the 3600h.

The 3600 has eARC and HEOS--seems like your chart did not reflect that ?

Can the VOG channel be assigned on the 4500h to an unused channel like surround back instead of preout sub2? I’m looking to do 10.1 Auro3d with the 5 ear level powered by an external amp and the 5 ceiling speakers by the internal AVR amplification. Is that possible?

@Tecno Dad Does the VOG channel have to be ran into one of the subwoofer outputs? Also when HDMI 2.1 is released can the 4500h be sent to Denon for the HDMI upgrade? I believe Gene from Audioholics said the 8500H will have this option. He never specified if lower models in the X series have this option.

I would go with the 3600 even with the great deal on the 4500 right now. I would put that extra money away for an external amp to run my LCR.

Love my 4500 got it last summer for 1100$ all in Canadian. At that price it was a no brainer.

How about Yamaha Aventage A2080? Is better? I’m about to change my Aventage A2020

This is the predicament I am in...THANK YOU for this video and your opinion!! My problem is missing out on Auro3D

You just solved a huge problem for me by showing the rear part of the receiver. the 3600H does now have worldwide voltage. it's 110 volts which will only work in the US. but X4500H already has 110-230 volts input. if you live in the UK you need that 220. so that was something that I had a hard time finding. thanks.... I think X4500 is the better choice. not due to the voltage of course. because there no difference between the X4500H and X4700H. the 4500H would be the better choice. great video.

Man so confused....... I need a receiver mainly for music purposes only ....... phono FM AM...... streaming..... cds and whatever not really into home theater....... I need something I can add amplifiers into....... I currently have klipsch rp 280F and a marantz mm 7025..... but don't have the right receiver to use the amp on...... best recommendations for one please

On the BestBuy website, there are a several reviews where people are having on/off issues with the 4500. I wonder if the 2019 models were supposed to fix this? You should do your homework on this before buying the 4500.

Hi man. Great job again. What avr would you choose between the 4500 denon and the 2080 yamaha ? Thanks in advance for your answer

thanks TD, now, which speakers should we get for best bang for the buck atmos set up?

Great video, thanks. I have the 3600 and am wondering if going with a separate amp, like the Denon PMA-800NE or something similar, would make my two front Elac debut 6.2 speakers sound better?

I just picked up a AVR X6500H for 1499 USD. Denon has some great discounts on that outgoing model and is more powerful. Needed that for my power hungry SDA SRS 1.2 Polks.

You didn’t talk about the thd which is 0.05 on 4500h and 0.08 on 3600h to me it means the amplifier section is not the same and models 4500, 6500, 8500 have better sound quality. My old denon avr3803 has also 0.05thd and he is renowned for its incredible sound quality. To me if i have the money i would go for the new X4700h

Nicely done Techno Dad!!!

I talked to someone at World Wide Stereo. He said the 4600H isn’t on the road map. I imagine it will at least next year before we see a 4600H.

How many speakers do you need for auro 3d? Do you really need auro 3d in the US?

Techno Dad, amongst the marantz, Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo brands, what are the least expensive AV receiver options that would allow someone to run an external power amp to power the front speakers? It seems that the AVR-x3500 is the least expensive option that offers preamp out for all speakers from Denon.

I bought a used (but still in new condition) AVR recently. It's the DENON AVR 1913. I am very plased with it except for one thing. It does not seem to be able to drive wireless speakers. It does everything I expect but that. Can you tell if other similar AVR products can drive wireless speakers? If yes, which?

I picked up the X3600H for $799 on amazon at 2am one morning brand new just keep looking it will drop again. Others got it at that price also. Boom!!

Great video buddy I was wondering if you could recommend a AVR for around 600 bucks is my budget thanks for any help and advice. I’m only using a 5.2 set up thank you

What do you think about the 3500H?

Os this Denon better than Yamaha rxa3040?

Hey! Thanks for the comparison. You mentioned nothing about the Dolby Atmos height virtualization which is only available on the 3600. did you already try it out and does it make any difference if customers don‘t want to invest in a full atmos set up at home???

I have the 4100, is less then 5 years old,and already broken,so i went back to mine 17 years old Pioneer,still working fine.No more Denon for me.

Really ? I am using X1500H already too much for my 5.1 and Netflix configuration, btw I am using MT-60d satellites setup.

Techno Dad im thinking of buying 4500 with a Klipsch 5.1 speaker package and add 4 atmos at a later time. My only concern is this: when ps5 launches later this year, will i be able to connect the receiver using e-arc? i dont want to buy something now and have connection issues later, but from the other hand the price is better if i buy this now

What are your thoughts on these compared to the onkyo tx-rz840

How would you compare the Denon 3600 vs Yamaha Adventouge, that is in the same class

Great comparison; any chance you could do a similar comparison between the X3600H and the Marantz SR6013?

i own the 2600h as my friend and reviewers biged it up. my issues are first i have to keep it on the older firmware as it doesnt work with my xbox one s if i update it when it comes to hdr and 4k. even with the latest software, and the oldest, going into settings for audio and selecting options in the ref area sometimes kicks hdr off and i end up haveing to select a different hdmi and back again for it to return hdr. lastly and i feel this is a big miss by denon, it doesnt work with my google plasy player as i cant send over by blue tooth my playlists. instead i have to use heos and creat new playlists. why in this day and age cant it just do both. let me cast via blue tooth my music on my android phone by google or any other player with blue tooth suport? yes the sou7nd is awsome but its far from the perfect bug free experience and it isnt the exellent everyone says, not till it allws the basic us of bluetooth on a phone and not push heos and sort out the kind of bugs i asumed a 500 pound amp would not have. part of me withes i tried the sony one but hey too late now. voice operastions with my harmony work great with it and yeh sound is amazing. but it needs to be a smater device just a warning all those google play playlists you have get ready to remake them on the dennon amps. 8/10 is a very fair rating as sound on my 2600h is great but the bugs and heos take at least 2 poiunts off. if i was a music lover id be giing this amp a 6/10, luckly im a movie guy so its a 8.. And heos works well when you realise to add a song to a playlist you have to open playlist tell it to play from phone, then make sure you press play now and replace que. then go to the song you want to add and play now. then save plaYLIST. ITS STUPID ITS ANOYING AND BECAUSE IM STUPID IT TOOK ME A FEW WEEKS TO CLICK ON HOW TO DO IT. WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER IF I COULD HAVE JUST PAIRED MY PHONE to the denon amp and played my playlists or songs directly but dennon doesnt let you do that because oftheir badly made heos app. i know theres alot of denon fans out there and yes i never heard a bad review but be warned if like you you want songs from your phone to go directly to the denon amplifiers it wont . At their prices it should. im saying this for al;l new buyers to be aware as no one else is saying this stuff and truthfully if all people do is tell you the positives denon whos 2600h i like alot is not gona impliment the missing basic features that in 2020 really shouldnt hell 2017 they really shouldnt be missing. its like buying a new sports car with no bluetooth or usb port.

Did they miss out the Phono pre built in ?? or did i miss it out

im def getting the 3600, its the sweet spot and the price drop is nice, just wonder if i should wait more??

Haven't watched this yet. I had the same (internal) debate since the release of the 3600H. But 3 weeks ago I decided to go with the 4500H (Better price than the 3600H here in Canada.) Now.....Should I watch this video or not?

How are these models compared to Marantz SR5014?

Anyone know when HDMI 2.1 will be included with receivers?

This is a legit review and it really helped me make my decision. Thank you for posting this!

I have a x2300w I bought and now wish I had got an expandable 9.2 ch like these for future proof build of a 7.1.4 which I had no idea about back when I got the Denon X2300

Thank you for the info.

I say... Go for the big boy.. X8500h It's like buying your first motorcycle... Just buy the big one.... Eventually... you will get the big one... Just save time and money and go for it...!

Running the x4500h with 7.2,I still like the 6500 mostly cause it's made in Japan, that's rare today.

Can you review the Denon Avr-750h

Great review! Thank you for the continuing commitment to this hobby. With great channels like yours spreading the knowledge, the entire audio community will benefit. Keep it up my man!

Hey T.D. what's the sound difference between Denon and Yamaha? 👍

Any idea, Is SR8012 update coming soon? been waiting for a year now :D

Nice video. I've pretty much watch all your videos, very informative and simply put. Could you suggest a device for a 2channel guy, who needs a streamer + preamp (2channel only). Thanks in advance. Shaz 🍻🍻

Great video! I have a question. I’m running a 5.2.2 setup and was trying to figure out which height inputs should I use for 2 ceiling speakers (height 1 or height 2) that are above me and about a foot in front of me? They aren’t directly above me. Thanks.

I’d rather get the Denon X4400h for a cheaper price than both and have Auro 3D and better processing. IMAX enhances is meh. Either way, 4500H is my winner as it’s better built for potential separates option

Anyone know how to disable zone two foreverrrrr?