Dragos_DreS
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- Jan 27, 2023
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Can anyone tell me why the DENON X4500H sounds better than the X8500HA?
So about 6 months ago I upgraded my home theater receiver from the X4500H to the X8500HA. I was actually very happy with the X4500H, especially with the sound quality that it outputted from my DALI Rubicon speakers. (exact speakers list down below)
Why did I upgrade? It’s an addiction…
So I setup the X8500HA thinking.. wow finally a receiver that should power the Rubicon 8 and how amazing this will sound.
But to my surprise, it gave me something that was better than before and at the same time it took away maybe my favorite part of watching movies.
What it gave me was a clear improvement in sound balance and sound effects. The sound effects are amazing in every movie that I play. Just for the sound effects alone I would say that the X8500HA is worth the upgrade.
What it took away though was the sound quality. I don’t know if you heard the difference between a Class A/B amp and a Class D amp. Me personally I can’t stand Class D amps, they are loud, too clean, too cold.. not something that I can even listen to for more than 5 mins.
Now the X8500HA does not sound like a Class D amp exactly but it is somewhere in that area. Where the music and certain tones are very clear but not that enjoyable to listen to.
The X4500H, if you watch a movie with a good soundtrack.. WOW! Emotionally the sound quality and the music, just connects with you on another level.
For example, a movie like Moulin Rouge or Elvis on the X8500HA is just a movie. On the X4500H it is an amazing concert. Big difference.
I don’t know how common it is to pair an AV receiver with Hi-Fi speakers. Maybe someone has made a similar experience?
Here is my setup:
DENON X8500HA
Panasonic DP-UB9004
Atoll IN300
Lumin mini U1
IsoTek EVO3
Dali Rubicon 8
Dali Rubicon 2
Dali Rubicon center
Dali Phantom E-80 InCeiling
Dali Sub E-12
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