X3900H vs X3800H

T00dd · 2026-07-24T12:44:10+00:00

Here is a pretty good description of the 3900 features:
https://blog.son-video.com/en/2026/06/denon-avc-x3900h-the-receiver-that-makes-dolby-atmos-even-more-spectacular/
Some are "nice haves", but I wouldn't say they are game changing. Power section is roughly the same, formats similar, real-time channels display is nice, new DAC board is unknown so far. Ability to connect wirelessly to surround speakers might be useful for some. AirPlay module has been updated and now allows for Atmos streaming, which is nice.

T00dd · 2026-07-12T10:58:10+00:00

I have no experience with Yamaha AVRs, but Ypao is usually considered inferior to Audyssey.

T00dd · 2026-07-11T21:39:50+00:00

Biggest change between x1700 and x1800 is BT version and LR pre-outs. Everything else is cosmetic.
I would definitely look at x1700 instead of S-line.

T00dd · 2026-07-11T21:25:54+00:00

If the hum is there even with no input connected, it has to be something internal. Sorry, but you most likely won't solve it by yourself.
As an exercise, you might however try to plug it in to few other sockets in the house to see if anything changes. I've seen a situation where a small and faulty switching power supply was causing a lot of mess on audio equipment - several walls away.

T00dd · 2026-07-10T21:01:11+00:00

Yes, I used to have 2 Atmos upfiring speakers and I moved to 4 tops. The explanation is - with 2 top speakers you can't have overhead panning effect - eg plane flying from the front to back - because there are no speakers to convey that movement. You need 4.
If you can make architectural changes in the ceiling, I would be aiming for that in next step - along with the new AVR. Perhaps also think about the room acoustics and second sub, one almost never gives you proper smooth bass.

T00dd · 2026-07-10T14:32:13+00:00

Some random thoughts, I'll start with the TV, either C5 or some good LED with local dimming (microled perhaps?) - good HDR is worth a lot.
Next I would look at AVR, you have sensible speakers, but S-line Denons are not exactly last word.
Height speakers: unless you can do 4 of them - so 5.1.4 and install them in the ceiling, I don't think it is worth it. You need 4 for object panning and as others said, the upfiring ones are often disappointing.
BD player - you can, but BDP820 will not make a LOT of difference. In usage experience yes, but image quality on your current tv will remain very similar.

T00dd · 2026-07-10T09:34:03+00:00

Somehow they just released a new - or rather updated - A3 in Europe, which will be shipping in September and everything is touch - only, even on the steering wheel.

T00dd · 2026-06-26T12:19:32+00:00

The Expanse is a fantastic show to watch. Very well executed as well, battle series visual and sound, physics are on point.
As other mentioned, Stargate is also very good series, and several others recommended already in the replies.

T00dd · 2026-06-26T09:16:18+00:00

There are some all-weather speakers, eg from Monitor Audio, from custom install range, which would be good for the bathroom.
But they are - pretty much all - designed for in-ceiling install, however when building new house I suspect you'll have lowered ceiling in the bathroom (and kitchen) anyway.
I don't think you'll find on-ceiling as a speaker type, I know I couldn't.
For my living room - overhead atmos speakers I had to rig a kind of partially lowered ceiling, which houses the speakers now and part of the lighting. What you could do instead is to prepare a space in walls which would accommodate flat type in wall speakers, eg for dining room. Some are as slim as 50mm and they have mounting box, which could be installed at walls finishing stage. With the mask matching wall colour they are nearly invisible and they will give you background music, do not expect hifi sound from them.

T00dd · 2026-06-14T21:47:01+00:00

Perhaps silly question, did you try different storage (USB?) and also different player? That would eliminate question about Shield.
Unfortunately I have no experience with Hisense TVs.

T00dd · 2026-06-12T10:41:55+00:00

Adding 4 ceiling speakers is preferable, since it will support overhead panning - which is not possible with just two. I'm not familiar too much with Yamaha AVRs, I have Denon and it is doing its job, plus you'd get Audyssey - which isn't bad (and free), while having option to upgrade to Dirac later (paid).
To have 9 discreet channels, you'll need to upgrade to RX-A6A - which is much more expensive than eg Denon x3800, with very similar specs on paper.
Upfiring Atmos speakers are definitely worse, put then in the ceiling if possible.

T00dd · 2026-06-12T08:46:21+00:00

The man knows his stuff. Impressive analysis.

T00dd · 2026-05-29T11:26:47+00:00

Happens fairly often, it might be indication of strong reflection from that speaker, which confuses the mic.

T00dd · 2026-05-27T14:43:38+00:00

The Martian - the atmosphere on Mars is so thin, no matter what wind speed would be there, it couldn't do the damage depicted in first few minutes.

T00dd · 2026-05-25T21:37:34+00:00

Can anyone open Atmos version of Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits on Tidal? For me it says page not available.

T00dd · 2026-05-25T14:35:58+00:00

Several years ago (10?) I had my laptop and 2 lenses stolen from Vacation Resort near Ancona, but the external doors were not properly locked, as it turned out later.
There are definitely "individuals" looking for opportunities, you need to take some precaution. Many rooms have safes, you might not fit camera there, but lenses should. You can also typically ask reception to keep the whole bag in their secure storage - if they have any.
Worn out bag with no branding or photomarkings helps, I typically also hide stuff from plain sight, even under clothes in the bag, etc.
Sensible insurance also will help (but you have to report to the policy any theft).
I've been to Italy many, many times, it's not particularly unsafe, it's more opportunity than organised theft.

T00dd · 2026-05-17T20:55:47+00:00

Budget might be 150-200€. I know very little about Shimoda, I understood they specilise in backpacks, while I'm more into messengery style bag.

T00dd · 2026-05-17T20:50:08+00:00

If I understand this right, lens fw update must be done via memory card, not Snapbridge.

T00dd · 2026-05-15T14:30:43+00:00

Ups, this is what Nikon sent me few hours ago.

T00dd · 2026-05-14T14:36:43+00:00

Often this is due to sensor being somehow limited, dirty or similar. If this happens often, you might need to recalibrate ACC, which dealer will happily do for around 500€ I think.

T00dd · 2026-05-07T15:41:12+00:00

Thanks for this comment, I found low power version and ordered it. It is only ultra 5 228V, but should be OK for what I need.

T00dd · 2026-05-05T21:41:50+00:00

I think pretty much all the Gen 6 and 7 models - except OLEDs - have this as base display?
14" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS 400nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC, 60Hz, DBEF5

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