Denon DHT-S517 sound bar review immersive Dolby Atmos with wireless subwoofer

Description

Exceptional Sound Quality and Immersive Experience

Using the Denon DHT-S517 Sound Bar has been a truly transformative experience for my home entertainment setup. Equipped with two 1-inch tweeters, two midrange drivers, a center-channel driver, and two up-firing speakers, this soundbar delivers an impressive 3.1.2-channel configuration. The Dolby Atmos technology adds an incredible layer of immersive sound, making action scenes in movies feel alive. The wireless subwoofer takes bass to the next level, creating a room-shaking experience during intense moments. I was especially impressed with how crystal-clear dialogues came through, thanks to Denon’s Dialogue Enhancer feature, which made even whispered conversations in movies easy to understand without constantly adjusting the volume.

Ease of Setup and User-Friendly Design

Setting up the soundbar was surprisingly hassle-free. Every cable you could need is included in the box, from HDMI to optical cables, and the instructions in the Quick Start Guide were straightforward. At just under 3 inches tall, the soundbar sits neatly below my TV without obstructing the remote sensor. For those who prefer wall-mounted setups, it’s compatible with that configuration too, which adds flexibility. The remote control is intuitive and responsive, offering quick access to various sound modes like Movie, Music, and Night. Switching between these modes was seamless, and each mode delivered targeted sound profiles that suited the specific content I was watching or listening to.

Good Aspects of the Soundbar

Here’s what stood out as some of the key benefits of this product:

• Dolby Atmos support creates a genuine surround sound experience.
• Wireless subwoofer enhances bass without the mess of extra cables.
• Dialogue Enhancer ensures voices are clear, even in busy scenes.
• Multiple sound modes tailor the audio output for different use cases.
• Bluetooth music streaming allows direct playback from my smartphone.

Areas for Improvement

While I thoroughly enjoyed using this soundbar, there are a few less favorable aspects worth noting:

• The lack of a dedicated mobile app for finer sound adjustments felt limiting.
• No Wi-Fi connectivity, which could have provided more streaming options.
• The LED display on the soundbar can be difficult to read from a distance.
• Some users might find the sound customization options less comprehensive compared to high-end systems.

Streamlined Connectivity Options

One of the standout features of this soundbar is its universal connectivity. With an HDMI eARC port, connecting the system to my TV was a breeze. The HDMI connection ensures that both video and audio quality remain top-notch. For TVs that don’t support HDMI ARC, the digital optical input is an excellent alternative. Another convenience is being able to control the soundbar using my TV’s remote, which simplifies the whole experience. I also appreciated the Bluetooth compatibility, which made streaming music from my phone completely effortless.

Customized Audio Modes for Every Occasion

This soundbar offers three distinct sound modes—Movie, Night, and Music—each serving a unique purpose. The Movie mode brings out the intensity of cinematic sound effects, while Night mode tones down extreme bass and volume, which is ideal for late-night sessions without disturbing others. The Music mode delivers a balanced sound profile, enhancing vocals and instruments beautifully. However, my favorite feature has to be the Pure Mode, which eliminates all surround processing for a clean and unaltered listening experience. This was especially useful when listening to podcasts or acoustic tracks.

Competing Products in the Market

Comparing this soundbar to other market rivals, like the Sonos Beam or Bose Smart Soundbar 600, the Denon DHT-S517 holds its own in several areas. For instance, the wireless subwoofer included with this system provides a more robust bass response than the Sonos Beam, which lacks a subwoofer out of the box. On the other hand, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in voice assistants, which the Denon lacks. While the Denon excels in Dolby Atmos support and dialogue clarity, some users might find competitors’ additional smart features more appealing depending on their needs.

Worth Every Penny

Considering all the features this soundbar brings to the table, I’d say it offers excellent value for money. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer, multiple sound modes, and Dolby Atmos makes it a strong contender in its price range. While it may not have some of the smart capabilities found in premium competitors, its focus on audio quality and ease of use makes it a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. For someone who prioritizes sound over smart features, this product delivers incredible performance that justifies its cost.

Additional information