Denon AVC-X4800H 9.4-Channel AV Receiver, Black

The Denon AVC-X4800H is a 9.4-channel AV amplifier that combines 9 power amps with 11.4-channel signal processing and full 8K HDMI 2.1 connectivity.

It sits in the middle of the X-series: enough power and channels for a genuine Atmos setup, without you having to invest straight into the reference class. For many living-room home cinemas, this is the point where features and price line up most cleanly.

Why the AVC-X4800H?

Because nine power amps at 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms (two channels driven) bring enough force for most living rooms, without you paying for reserves you'll never use. 8-channel 32-bit D/A conversion with D.D.S.C.-HD and AL32 Processing ensures clean, calm playback, and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with up to eight measurement positions takes care of room correction for you.

Bi-amping on the front speaker pair is possible if you don't need the height channels to the full – either way, the unit stays flexible.

What you hear and see

Dolby Atmos (including Height Virtualization), DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and IMAX Enhanced are all natively decoded. Seven HDMI inputs with HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, three outputs – two of them with 8K – plus ALLM, QFT and VRR for gaming round off the picture. Streaming runs via HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon Ready; internet radio and network files also run without any subscription.

Who is the AVC-X4800H for?

For anyone planning a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Atmos setup in the living room and wanting a fully grown, but not oversized, unit for it. If you want to expand to 11.4 channels later, use the pre-amp outputs with a separate stereo power amp.

Straight talk: "AVC" here too means no radio tuner on board – for that, there's the AVR-X2800HDAB or AVR-X1800HDAB. And if you're planning a really large cinema with eleven or more active channels, you're better off with the AVC-X6800H or the flagship models.

Our verdict

The AVC-X4800H is the all-rounder of the range: enough power for most rooms, full 8K equipment and a price that doesn't hurt. If you're after a well-rounded overall package rather than record specs, you'll rarely find a reason to complain here. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we advise you on whether 9.4 channels fit your room or whether more or less would be appropriate.

What the trade press says: "The Denon AVC-X4800H is already a particularly imposing AV receiver, which can also flex its muscles." – hifitest.de, 27 April 2023, 5.0 out of 5, rated "Top Class".

Technical data

• Type: 9.4-channel AV amplifier (AVC = without radio tuner), 11.4-channel signal processing
• Power amps: 9 (discrete monoblocks)
• Output power: 125 W per channel (8 Ω, 2 channels driven)
• Output power (manufacturer's rating, 6 Ω): 165 W per channel (2 channels); 200 W per channel (1 channel)
• D/A converters: 8× 32-bit, D.D.S.C.-HD, AL32 Processing
• Pre-amp outputs: 11.4 (multichannel pre-out)
• 3D audio: Dolby Atmos (incl. Height Virtualization), DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced
• Room correction: Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (up to 8 measurement positions), Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume; Dirac Live optionally upgradeable
• HDMI: 7 inputs (8K, HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3), 3 outputs (2× with 8K)
• Video: 8K/60 Hz, 4K/120 Hz
• Gaming: VRR, ALLM, QFT
• Streaming/network: HEOS Built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth (bidirectional), LAN, Wi-Fi
• Digital inputs: coaxial, optical
• USB: 1× USB-A (front)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 434 × 167 × 389 mm
• Weight: 13.4 kg
• Included: AV amplifier, RC-1252 remote control, calibration microphone with stand, power cable

Frequently asked questions

How many speakers can the AVC-X4800H drive?
9 power amps directly cover a 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 Atmos setup. Via the 11.4-channel pre-amp outputs and an external stereo power amp, you can expand to the full 11.4 channels if needed.

Can I connect headphones to the AVC-X4800H?
The unit has no headphone jack. Instead, you pair headphones directly with the receiver via Bluetooth.

Does the AVC-X4800H have a DAB+/FM tuner?
No. At Denon, "AVC" stands for models without a radio tuner. Internet radio runs via HEOS; for DAB+/FM directly on the unit, there's the AVR-X2800HDAB or AVR-X1800HDAB.

What does bi-amping do on the AVC-X4800H?
You can put the two front power amps in pairs onto a bi-amping-capable speaker pair instead of using them for height channels. This reduces the maximum channel count but can improve bass control with suitable speakers.

Is the AVC-X4800H suitable for gaming?
Yes. The HDMI 2.1 inputs support 4K/120 Hz, VRR, ALLM and QFT – PS5, Xbox Series and gaming PCs run with no compromises.

Why buy the Denon AVC-X4800H at HD Zürisee?
Because the right channel count for your own living room shouldn't be a gut decision. We advise you on speaker placement and operation and, on request, take care of delivery and on-site installation through our technician Mauri.

Goes well with

The AVC-X4800H pairs well with bookshelf speakers or floorstanding speakers, a subwoofer for the foundation, and clean HDMI cables for the full 8K bandwidth. More in the home cinema range.