Good read: why comparing specifications is pointless

Some good information here. Benefitting from the more informational posts, despite some lamentable trolling. Appreciate Amir getting into the back and forth. 

@amir_asr  Point taken.

Cheers.

@amir_asr ,

I perform 2-channel testing because a) a lot of people want to use their AV products for music also and b) I use 2-channel systems as the standard that the AV industry needs to strive to match.

This is completely wrong. You perform only 2 channel testing because you are forced to, you only have 2 speakers, LOL.

I am not being critical of your ability to use a laptop and a mic. The fact that Denon’s own measurements matches yours is good The issue I am bringing to your attention is obvious, you have to review it under the conditions it is designed to be used. You can’t do that with just 2 speakers, OK?

I think you have to do both 2 channel testing as well as MCH. You know how many people that buy that receiver that will use it strictly in 2 channel? 0

Do you know how much value a half baked (you didn’t actually ever use the receiver as a customer would when you reviewed it) provides? 0.

"Every Denon and Marantz review is done with prior consultation with the company"

LOL! -what is your price tag for “agreed" review? 

@westcoastaudiophile 

"Every Denon and Marantz review is done with prior consultation with the company"

LOL! -what is your price tag for “agreed" review? 

Well, you tell me.  Here is the conclusion of the Denon AVR-X3800H Review:

Conclusions
I had high hopes going into this review thinking the company had seen the advantage its superior objective measurements in the past and would try to capitalize on them. Sadly, the reverse seems to be true with the DAC section taking a large step backward. Considering that the 3800 costs $500 more than 3700H, this is very surprising to me. Yes, inflation has a lot to do with that but surely the eye needed to be focused on making sure they at least met the same level of performance as last generation.

The good news is that the amplifier seems to be same design as last generation and has only taken a small hit.

Denon had been my "goto" recommendation for AVRs and even AVPs. When anyone asked me about either, I would just say "get a Denon AVR." While subjectively the performance of this new generation may be similar, I can't accept the regression in objective measured performance.

It is with much sadness that I cannot recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H.

You think this is something they would pay for?  I would think not.

I have an informal agreement with D&M to run my measurements by them in advance of a review.  It is an exception to the rule of testing membership products.  I am not sure of their reaction to the latest review so maybe they break the relationship for the future, I don't know.  What I do know is that the few of you keep shooting from the hip trying to sow discord.  :(