Yamaha RX-V3800
Manufacturer: Yamaha Part number: RX-V3800
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 4 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' blog post
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- A high-end Home Theater Receiver introducing technologies and features including 3D CINEMA DSP, latest HDMI 1.3a specification support, upscaling to 1080p, full support for high definition audio formats signals, Adaptive DRC and Adaptive DSP Level, YPAO Auto Setup with Quick Start, and multi-zone custom installation support, and Network Receiver functions.
Where to buy
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| Advanced Lamps | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/25/2009 |
| ![]() | In stock | as of 11/25/2009 |
CNET editors' blog post
By Matthew Moskovciak, 08/08/07
All those speaker binding posts are needed to accommodate the RX-Z11's 11.2-channel output.
(Credit: Yamaha)A few days ago, Yamaha announced three new AV receivers: the RX-V1800, the RX-V3800, and the flagship RX-Z11--which is an 11.2-channel receiver. We'll get into the details on each of the new models, but overall they share many of the same new features we've been seeing on models from Onkyo, Denon, and Sony, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support, several HDMI 1.3a ports, and extensive video upconversion options. Both the RX-V3800 and the RX-Z11 also feature a graphical user interface (GUI), following the trend started by Sony with the STR-DA5200ES and now followed by Denon.
Yamaha RX-V1800 ($1,300)
Yamaha RX-V1800
(Credit: Yamaha)The RX-V1800 is the least expensive of Yamaha's high-end receivers. It boasts many of the features you want to see in this price range, including four HDMI inputs, onboard Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and multiroom functionality. It compares favorably with Denon's AVR-3808CI, which offers a similar feature set for $1,600. Sony's excellent STR-DA5300ES ups the ante to six HDMI inputs, but costs $1,700.
Key features
- 7.1 receiver, 130 watts per channel
- 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI upconversion
- Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- XM-ready
- Multiroom functionality for three zones
Yamaha RX-V3800 ($1,700)
The rear panel of the RX-V3800
(Credit: Yamaha)The RX-V3800 offers a few step-ups over the RX-V1800, with the most notable upgrade being an Ethernet port, which enables playback of MP3, WMA, and WAV files from up to four networked PCs. The RX-V3800 also features a graphical user interface, which should make it easier to find your digital audio files, as well as accomplish tasks like input naming. Sony's STR-DA5300ES offers both an impressive GUI and six HDMI inputs, but it lacks any network audio capabilities. Denon's AVR-3808CI has both a GUI and network audio features and is $100 less. The Onkyo TX-SR875 is also a competitor at this price range, offering a similar feature set plus HQV video-processing, which should deliver excellent image quality on upconverted analog sources.
Key features
- 7.1 receiver, 140 watts per channel
- 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI upconversion
- Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Graphical user interface
- Ethernet jack with the ability to play MP3, WMA, and WAV files from up to four PCs, plus Internet radio
- XM-ready
- Multiroom functionality for three zones
Yamaha RX-Z11 ($5,500, November 2007)
Yamaha RX-Z11
(Credit: Yamaha)The RX-Z11 is Yamaha's flagship receiver and is an 11.2-channel receiver. The logical question with an 11.2-channel receiver is, of course, is there any 11.2-channel audio to play? Not that we're aware of, but the RX-Z11 is designed mainly to matrix existing 5.1 and 7.1 soundtracks into 11.2-channel soundtracks. What that means is that the RX-Z11 has built-in sound processing that is able to mix existing soundtracks to play over 11 speakers and two subwoofers, similar to what Dolby Pro Logic processing does to play stereo audio over 5.1 systems. To be clear, there are not 11 discrete channels.
The RX-Z11 also offers several other upgrades, such five HDMI inputs and two outputs--the dual outputs could be useful for home theaters that have both a projector and a standard HDTV in the same room. There are also two USB ports capable of reading USB mass storage devices, including hard drives up to 2 terabytes. The RX-Z11 also includes a built-in HD radio tuner, and multiroom support for four zones (if you opt to scale down to a 7.1 setup and use some of the speaker outputs for multiroom instead.) In the ultra high-end tier, Denon offers the AVR-5308CI ($5,200), which has built-in HQV Realta processing and is one of the few receivers capable of upscaling video signals received via the HDMI inputs.
Key features
- 11.2 channel receiver, 140 watts per channel for 7 channels, 50 watts per channel for additional 4 channels
- 5 HDMI 1.3a inputs, with HDMI upconversion; 2 HDMI outputs
- Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Ethernet jack with the ability to play MP3, WMA, and WAV files from up to four PCs, plus Internet radio
- 2 USB ports capable of reading USB Mass storage devices, including FAT32-formatted hard drives up to 2 terabytes
- XM-ready
- HD radio tuner
- Multiroom functionality for four zones, with component video output for the second zone.
User reviews
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Fantastic Sounding Receiver
by mmolenaar on January 23, 2008
Pros: Easy Setup, Superb Sound, trusted Yamaha quality
Cons: Speaker terminals somewhat tight for heavy wires, can't use spades. When changing input or volume in zone 2 or 3, you have to turn zone 2 or 3 on at the display to see what you're doing.
Summary: I bought this receiver to replace my 2 year old RX V2600. Aside from going from 130 Watts per channel to 140 Watts, this unit doesn't run nearly as ...
Summary: I bought this receiver to replace my 2 year old RX V2600. Aside from going from 130 Watts per channel to 140 Watts, this unit doesn't run nearly as hot as the 2600.
The other good thing is HDMI version 1.3!! No more problems with people on TV or in movies having weird skin tones, when you up-convert to HDMI level.
The sound field programs are organized in a much better, usable fashion.
All together this is a great top of the line unit, I would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a good home theater receiver.
After I hooked it up and listened to the sound I was amazed, much better sound than the predecessors, and my living room is now like the movie theater down the street!
Changes I would like to see:
Larger speaker terminals so you can use spades in addition to the banana plugs, for those who bi-wire that way.
Zone 2 & 3 control should be visible automatically like it was on the RX V2600, but that is really no big deal.
If you're planning to spend over a 1000 bucks anyway....BUY THIS RECEIVER3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Clean, clear and powerful sound.
by mvision7m on January 1, 2008
Pros: Clean, clear, powerful sound that is not too bright or boomy. Auto set up worked very well in my room.
Cons: None so far...
Summary: Just picked this thing up yesterday and after all the initial setup steps were taken the sound of t.v., and music is superb. I have yet to watch a ...
Summary: Just picked this thing up yesterday and after all the initial setup steps were taken the sound of t.v., and music is superb. I have yet to watch a DVD so that evaluation will have to wait until later today. I purchased this receiver to replace my Sony STR-DE835 which was a little outdated but functioned very well for the years that I had it. My younger brother has inherited that unit. Since I have mostly Sony products (46" 1080i HDTV, PS3 and old receiver) I was very tempted to upgrade to the Sony STR-DA5300ES which I've read good things about including the 2 extra HDMI inputs. I couldn't find a place that had one on display so that I can hear it for myself (for whatever thats worth). Most salesmen I spoke to told me to forget about the Sony if I want an overall better listening experience. I would hope the Sony performs better than the impression they gave me but I couldn't be happier that I ended up going with the Yamaha. The sound is very natural yet powerful. Listened to an Opera (just for reference) in 5.1 and it came across and very spacious and open as well as impressively "live". Far better sound stage than my old Sony could reproduce. The auto set up using the supplied mic worked perfectly in my listening room and all parameters so far seem well suited and I'm very happy with the results. I also listened to Metalica's "Black" CD in stereo and not only did it completely rock but I heard things in the music I had never heard before. There was a delicacy in the music (huh? Yes Metalica had delicacy) that underlined the muscle of the guitars, drums and bass that seemed to make the disc shine like it never has before. I have Cerwin Vega AT12 fronts, Cerwin Vega LS-5C Center channel, Bose 201 as rear surround speakers and an Optimus 10" sub and the RX-V3800 makes the most of this setup. In a way bringing out the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses (seemingly, so far) of the speakers. I have so much more to learn and play with on the Yamaha, the scope of the tech that's included in this thing is mind bending. Preliminarily I am quite happy with my purchase, the salesman was gently nudging me towards the Denon 3808ci and gave me the opportunity to listen to both the Yamaha and the Denon back to back. Several times he switched between the two and the Denon did have a slightly more bass heavy sound that sounded good but to my ear the Yamaha was smoother, cleaner. Again, that was to my ear. The salesman liked the sound of the Denon better but he admitted only slightly so. I am not second guessing my choice or regretting my choice at all however I do have 30 days by which time I can return the Yamaha for the Denon if I so choose. I can't see that happening based on my experience with the Yamaha so far but I've only had it a day so time will tell.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Another quality amp from Yamaha
by wickedbob on December 20, 2007
Pros: warm, powerful and punchy sound - new and varied DSPs - 1080p/24 + HD audio capable - internet streaming radio - usb + pc networking - improved GUI
Cons: clunky net radio navigation - GUI is not an overlay - manual still has appalling english in it
Summary: Yamaha continues its history of producing feature rich amplifiers that have a warm, natural sound and are consistently reliable. The 3800 is music to my ears whether enjoying lossless digital ...
Summary: Yamaha continues its history of producing feature rich amplifiers that have a warm, natural sound and are consistently reliable. The 3800 is music to my ears whether enjoying lossless digital music, compressed streaming radio or TrueHD movie soundtracks. Highly recommended.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT SOUND POWERFUL!!
by jamyc on October 16, 2007
Pros: Amazing sound quality, fairly easy to use, and wow does it get loud and still hold sound quality.
Cons: Wish it had dual HDMI out puts, and one more HDMI input.
Summary: I did a lot of research and decided on the RX-V3800; by far the best choice I have made. It brings movies/music to a new level...
Summary: I did a lot of research and decided on the RX-V3800; by far the best choice I have made. It brings movies/music to a new level...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Part number: RX-V3800
- Description: A high-end Home Theater Receiver introducing technologies and features including 3D CINEMA DSP, latest HDMI 1.3a specification support, upscaling to 1080p, full support for high definition audio formats signals, Adaptive DRC and Adaptive DSP Level, YPAO Auto Setup with Quick Start, and multi-zone custom installation support, and Network Receiver functions.
General
- Product Type AV receiver
- Width 17.1 in
- Depth 17.3 in
- Height 6.7 in
- Weight 38.4 lbs
Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
- Built-in Decoders DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx
- Audio D/A Converter 24bit / 192kHz
- THX certified Yes
- Surround Sound Effects CINEMA DSP, 3D Cinema Sound, SILENT CINEMA DSP
- DSP Preset Qty 22
- DSP Presets Hall, Movie, Sci-Fi, Classic, Live Club, 7ch stereo, Entertainment
- Surround System Class 7.1 channel
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 100 dB
- Input Channel Qty 8
- Output Channel Qty 7
- Output Power / Total 980 Watt
- Input Impedance 47 KOhm
- Input Sensitivity 200 mV
- Total Harmonic Distortion 0.04 %
- Amplifier Output Details 140 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 0.04 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround )
- Built-in Clock Sleep timer
- Timer Sleep
- Bass Control Yes
- Treble Control Yes
- Tone Control Yes
- Built-in Display Fluorescent
- Display Dimmer Yes
- Additional Features iPod ready, USB PC Link, Bi-Amplifying, WMA compatible, On-screen display, USB host function, A/B/A+B speaker switch, XM satellite radio ready, Compressed music enhancer, Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO)
Connections / Cables / Slots
- HD connectors HDMI connection(s) on this receiver make it a great choice for your High-Def home theater. One cable carries digital audio and video data directly to your display.
Signal Processing Features
- HDMI Version 1.3a
- Video Conversion/Scaling Analog to HDMI up conversion
- Upscaling via HDMI Up to 1080p
Connectors
- Headphone Jack Yes
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Output Yes
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Digital Tuner Band XM
- Tuner Frequency Range AM: 530 - 1710 kHz, FM: 87.5 - 107.9 MHz
- Tuning Display Fluorescent display
- FM Preset Station Qty 40
- Antenna Form Factor Loop AM / wire FM
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 15000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 70 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion Mono: 0.2%, stereo: 0.3%
- Auto Preset Memory Yes
- Additional Features XM HD Surround Sound
Headphones
- Headphones Type None
Microphone
- Type None
Remote Control
- Remote Control Universal remote control - Infrared
- Supported Devices MD player, VCR or DVD, Satellite or Cable
- Features Learning, Macro function
Remote Control (2nd)
- Type Simple remote control
- Technology Infrared
Connections
- Connector Type 4 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 3 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 4 x Remote control ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Rear, 8 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 4 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Phono input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 5 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 3 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 5 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 3 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 6 x 5.1 channel audio line-in ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 8 x 7.1 channel audio line-out ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 3 x Audio line-out (multi zone) ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x IPod docking - Rear, 1 x XM antenna - Rear, 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) - Rear, 3 x Digital audio input (coaxial) ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 4 x Digital audio input (optical) - Rear, 2 x Digital audio output (optical) - Rear, 2 x Trigger ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Rear, 1 x Serial ( 9 pin D-Sub ) - Rear, 1 x FM antenna - Rear, 1 x AM antenna - Rear, 7 x Surround speakers output ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear, 2 x Speakers output (multi zone) ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Microphone ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Front, 1 x Headphones ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) - Front, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Front, 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front, 1 x Digital audio input (optical) - Front, 1 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Front
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power Consumption Operational 1100 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.1 Watt
- Power Outlets 2 AC outlets
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories AM antenna, FM antenna, Optimizer microphone
Manufacturer info
- Yamaha
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Yamaha products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.yamaha.com/
- Address:
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620 - Phone: 714/522-9000
- Email: infostation@yamaha.com








