Denon AVR-X3200W: Surround Soundstage with Well-Distributed Sound

The Denon AVR-X3200W stereo receiver is a mid-range 7-channel model with a comprehensive set of settings, on-screen menu, and control buttons. It’s a functional and customizable device with 8 HDMI ports and great sound.

Design

The Denon AVR-X3200W AV receiver has a select knob on the left and a knob to correct volume on the right. The power button and several control buttons are on the front panel. The display is easy to read from a distance. The ports on the front panel include 6.3mm headphone jack, HDMI 2.0 input, a USB port and a 3.5mm jack for a microphone.

A cardboard stand for the microphone and stickers for correct identification of the cables are in the package.

Features

The list of Denon AVR-X3200W specs starts with the advanced Quad-core 32-bit DSP processor the AVR is based on. The device also comes with Dolby Atmos that requires 5.2.2-configuration refers to 5 floor speakers, 2 subwoofers, and 2 “height” speakers for 5.2.2-configuration or it’s also possible to do a standard 7.2 setup. Besides, it has Dolby Surround upmixer (DSU) to simulate 5.1/7.1 audio from a 2.0/5.1 source.

Its Dolby digital format sounds great without any adjustments to watch movies via either Blu-ray or TV. This model supports 4K pass-through with full bandwidth HDMI 2.0 and, at the same time, it has HDCP 2.2 compliance.

Performance

The AVR runs cool since the Outlaw amp handles the power. The AVR copes with 4-Ohm speakers just at moderate volume levels. For louder listening, the AVR automatically shuts down to ensure the volume isn’t raised above the allowed threshold.

The receiver streams music from Bluetooth well and finds the desired radio station quickly. It also features stable streaming when it delivers content from Spotify and some other platforms.

Sound Quality

The Denon AVR-X3200W features enough output watts to provide high-quality sound at the highest volumes. One can hook 1 or 2 subs up to this receiver to add more bass and loudness. The dynamic volume applies compression to the audio signal to make the signal flat that is useful for watching movies at night at lower volumes. The Dialogue enhancement setting adjusts the level of the dialogue through the center channel.

Connectivity

To stream audio to Bluetooth speakers, a third-party Bluetooth transmitter is required. Besides, the receiver lacks phono input that’s why an external phono preamp is crucial to hook the AVR up to a turntable.

The wireless headphones work well with an analog connection. So, it’s necessary to connect the headphone transmitter to the Zone 2 pre-outs.

It’s impossible to connect both a TV and a projector to this model using the main zone surround speakers as the second HDMI output is for Zone 2 sources only.

Setup

This model comes with the mid-level Audyssey MultEQ-XT. It means that although there are multiple mic positions that can be used, only one EQ preset can be saved on the AVR. However, it’s possible to save multiple options for EQs to a PC file and then reload it. The system properly measures space to achieve the relevant sound for a definite room.

Conclusion

Concluding my Denon AVR-X3200W review, I’d like to note that the receiver has perfect power for medium-sized rooms. It requires no technical knowledge to set up a good home theater sound either automatically or manually. The AVR fits those who focus on sound quality and want to get a full surround sound system.