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Denon’s new AVR-X3300W A/V receiver has more features than you’ll probably need

Kris Wouk
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Last month, Denon kicked off the fourth generation of its X series of A/V receivers with the AVR-X1300W and AVR-X2300W models. Both models featured nearly everything users look for in an A/V receiver, along with price tags to match, but apparently both of those receivers were just the appetizer for the main course the company had planned for this month.

On Tuesday, Denon unveiled the AVR-X3300W, which the company calls a “grown-up” home-theater system, meant for advanced users. Like the two models introduced last month, the company calls this model future-ready, but while the channel count remains the same at 7.2 channels, this model offers more power in order to fill bigger rooms.

While the AVR-3200W receiver Denon introduced last month topped out at a claimed 95 watts of power, the AVR-3300W to a total of a claimed 105 watts per channel at 8 ohms, though this model can also operate at 4 ohms. Features aimed at the customer installer set are also included, like a 7.2-channel pre-out section, RS232 port, and more flexible amp assignment options than either of the two models introduced last month.

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As with the models announced last month, this model supports 4K, HDR, HDMI 2.0a, HDCP 2.2, 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling, and more. This model can also upscale both standard and high-definition content from both analog and digital sources to 4K at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Keeping in line with the custom installer-focused features mentioned above, the dual HDMI outputs can allow the receiver to power a surround-sound movie in one room and a stereo program with video in another.

In addition to standard 7.2-channel surround sound, the AVR-3300W supports Dolby Atmos in up to 5.1.2 configurations. DTS:X support is also planned for a firmware update scheduled to arrive this summer. Both of these technologies take surround sound into the third dimension, allowing for height to factor in as well as front, surround, and rear surround. High-resolution audio is also supported in FLAC and AIFF formats up to 192 kHz / 24-bit and DSD up to 5.6 MHz.

Wireless connectivity comes in the form of dual-band 2.4 GHz/5MHz Wi-Fi, with support for AirPlay and DLNA 1.5. Internet radio and SiriusXM are supported, as well as streaming via Spotify Connect and Pandora. The Denon 2016 AVR remote app for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices ensures that users can control the receiver from anywhere. Finally, the receiver also includes color-coded speaker terminals that, along with the Denon Setup Assistant and Audyssey MultEQ room calibration, should make setup much easier than the A/V receivers of the past.

The Denon AVR-X3300W has a retail price of $1,000 and is expected to begin shipping in July. For more information, see the company’s website.

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