Design

Beginning with design, the Denon AVR-X2700H and the AVR-X3700H both follow the traditional receiver look. Denon is renowned for its front display and a massive, boxy, black device with huge knobs for volume and input selection. Though it's not showy, it's useful—just what you want if performance is your first concern rather than style.

Regarding scale, the X3700H is quite larger and heavier than the X2700H. Should space be a factor for you, the X2700H is the more small solution that fits most AV cabinets or media stands. Though bigger, the X3700H has a more quality feel when handled. Those who want their gadgets to have some tactile heaviness may find the buttons and knobs more durable and the general construction more appealing.

While the X3700H needs a little more area but also seems like it's meant to handle more demanding settings, in a real-world environment the X2700H fits in seamlessly and does its job without taking up too much space. Therefore, if you have a dedicated home theatre room, the bigger X3700H will fit; however, in a more laid-back living room arrangement, the X2700H is the more sensible option. 

Connectivity

Here is when the two receivers' variances start to show. Though the X3700H pulls ahead with its wider support for high-end features, both the AVR-X2700H and the AVR-X3700H have plenty of HDMI inputs—six on the X2700H and seven on the X3700H. Although the X3700H has more HDMI 2.1 ports (three rather than one on the X2700H), both models allow 8K passthrough on one of the HDMI inputs, therefore making them future-proof for the next generation of entertainment.

The additional HDMI 2.1 ports on the X3700H may make a significant impact over time if you own many game consoles or 8K-capable devices. While the X2700H seems more versatile, allowing you to move between many high-bandwidth devices without fuss, the X3700H performs very well with a single 8K device when I tried both models in configurations with a PS5 and an Xbox Series X.

With eARC support, both receivers let you transmit premium audio back to the receiver from your TV. For anybody who streams anything in Dolby Atmos or DTS from applications like Netflix or Disney+, this is very essential. From what I know, both receivers address eARC perfectly. Using either receiver produces no discernible latency or quality decrease; the audio syncs exactly.

Regarding wifi, the X2700H and X3700H provide Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 built-in capability. On both versions, streaming from applications like Spotify or Tidal runs effortlessly. However, particularly if you have several smart home gadgets, the X3700H's more consistent wifi connection helps it to edge ahead. The X3700H appears to keep its connection a bit more consistently than the X2700H if your house network is congested with several connections.

In a real-world situation, most homes with a few HDMI devices and good wifi streaming demands will find the X2700H excellent. However, the additional ports and reliability of the X3700H are worth considering if your setup is more complex with many consoles, high-end sources, or even more future-forward demands like 8K.

Performance

It's a performance that the Denon AVR-X3700H shines. Although both receivers, like Dolby Atmos, DTS, and the complete suite of high-end audio formats, the X3700H shows far more power. Though it manages 5.1.2 configurations easily and offers crisp, clean sound with a good mix of bass, mids, and highs, the X2700H is not a slouch. From intense action films to sophisticated acoustic music, I have tried it with everything and it delivers consistently.

That said, the greater watts and processing capability of the X3700H make a difference if you turn up the volume or have a more demanding speaker configuration. In a 7.1.4 system, for instance, the X2700H begins to feel as if it is working hard while the X3700H runs through without pausing. In action films, explosions have greater force; language is more clear; and the bass seems tighter. With its larger soundstage and improved instrument separation, the X3700H excels well in music.

Audyssey room calibration, which modulates the audio according to the acoustics of your environment, is included in both versions. From what I know, the X3700H seems like it gains more from the extra power, producing a richer, fuller sound after calibration; the calibration works well on both receivers.

In practical terms, the X2700H will be ideal if you are building a small 5.1 system in a medium-sized living room. The X3700H is the superior choice, however, if your space is bigger, you have more speakers, or you just want that additional degree of performance.

Where and When to Use

Although the X3700H really shines in a bigger environment, both receivers are ideal for medium-sized to large rooms. Using the X2700H in a regular living room, it wonderfully fills the room with sound. However, the X3700H seemed more at home in a larger home theatre room, therefore providing a more immersive experience.

The X3700H is worth the additional cost if you take your home theatre seriously and have more area to occupy. Conversely, if your arrangement is in a smaller room, the X2700H will provide more than enough power without overloading the area.

Compatible Devices

The X2700H and X3700H fit a wide spectrum of devices. My tests found no problems connecting them to smart TVs, streaming boxes, and gaming consoles. Though this capability didn't seem like a game-changer in my daily usage, both models also allow voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Where the X3700H excels, however, is with more challenging configurations. The additional HDMI 2.1 ports on the X3700H will future-proof your configuration whether you have several high-end devices or want to add more downstream. In practical terms, the X2700H is ideal for most individuals with a small collection of devices; however, if your system is somewhat large, the X3700H is more flexible.

Ease of Use

If you are new to AV systems, setting up both receivers may be a little work; however, once they are operational, they are really easy to use. Denon's setup assistance guides you through the process; both models come with Audyssey calibration to automatically modify the sound for your environment.

Having said that, the X3700H has some more complexity because of its additional capabilities and power. Should you not be tech-savvy, the X2700H might be a simpler daily management tool. If you appreciate customizing your system, the X3700H offers more options to play around; however, if you just want something that works, it may be daunting.

Real-world usage of the X2700H is easy and ideal for someone seeking superb sound without much effort. Though still simple enough to use, the X3700H would appeal more to the computer buff who enjoys exploring options and fine-tuning their system.

Cost

Usually by several hundred dollars, the Denon AVR-X2700H is noticeably less expensive than the X3700H. The X2700H provides outstanding value if you desire superb performance but have limited means. It easily manages most chores and won't make you feel as if you are deprived of anything.

Still, the X3700H has a price premium for that additional capability and power. The X3700H is worth the additional expense if your budget allows it and you are creating a more sophisticated home theatre. Based on my experience, the price difference makes sense if your room is bigger or if you have more rigorous audio demands. Still, the X2700H provides much of what you need at a reasonable cost for a standard living room arrangement.