Will the AVR-X3800H damage the HTM6 S3?

No. The AVR-X3800H is rated for the HTM6 S3's 8 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the HTM6 S3 on the AVR-X3800H?

None: the HTM6 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X3800H needs no change for it.

Is the AVR-X3800H powerful enough for the HTM6 S3?

More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 26 W per speaker, and the AVR-X3800H is rated 105 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 253 W.

Does the Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3 work with the Denon AVR-X3800H?

Verdict

Yes

The HTM6 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X3800H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

8 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

105 W

More than you need. About 26 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

How to connect them

Connect the HTM6 S3 speakers to the AVR-X3800H's front terminals with speaker wire.
Run Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the HTM6 S3 and AVR-X3800H in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3

Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Recommended amplifier power: 30–120 W
MSRP: $900 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All HTM6 S3 specs and pairings

Denon AVR-X3800H

Amplifier channels: 9
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $1,799 each (MSRP, September 2026)

All AVR-X3800H specs and pairings

Questions about the HTM6 S3 and AVR-X3800H

Does the HTM6 S3 work with the AVR-X3800H?: Yes. The HTM6 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X3800H is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the AVR-X3800H damage the HTM6 S3?: No. The AVR-X3800H is rated for the HTM6 S3's 8 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the HTM6 S3 on the AVR-X3800H?: None: the HTM6 S3 is 8 Ω, and the AVR-X3800H needs no change for it.
Is the AVR-X3800H powerful enough for the HTM6 S3?: More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 26 W per speaker, and the AVR-X3800H is rated 105 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 253 W.

Swap one of them

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

Brand names are trademarks of their owners. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. 3D models are our approximations. Prices are manufacturer list prices (MSRP) as of the month shown. How we earn from buy links: affiliate disclosure.