As the lights dimmed, the audience at the local theater was swept into a world of sound. The surround sound system brought them the roar of engines and the clash of swords. They felt like they were part of the adventure.
But you don’t need to go to the movies to have this experience. The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar can bring it to your living room. It’s a 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos-ready soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. It’s designed to give you an amazing audio experience without breaking the bank.
Its compact design and simple setup make it easy to use. It turns your living room into a cinematic haven. You’ll enjoy larger-than-life sound with your favorite movies, TV shows, and music.
Key Takeaways
- The Denon DHT-S517 is a budget-friendly Dolby Atmos soundbar system that offers a 3.1.2-channel configuration.
- It features a compact design and easy setup process, making it suitable for TVs 48 inches and up.
- The soundbar delivers a robust and immersive audio performance, with a detailed mid-range and expansive soundstage.
- The system includes a wireless subwoofer that provides deep bass, but the integration with the soundbar could be better.
- The Denon DHT-S517 is priced at $449 in the US, £379 in the UK, and AU$699 in Australia, making it an affordable Dolby Atmos solution.
Introduction to Denon’s Budget Atmos Solution
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is set to change the game in the affordable Dolby Atmos market. It offers Dolby Atmos support, a wireless subwoofer, and a 3.1.2-channel setup. All this comes at a price that won’t empty your wallet. It’s designed to give you a theater-like experience without costing too much.
Key Features Overview
The Denon DHT-S517 has a powerful soundbar with seven drivers. It includes special upfiring speakers for Dolby Atmos. Plus, a wireless subwoofer boosts the bass, making the sound rich and full.
Market Positioning
Denon has priced the DHT-S517 to compete with big names like Sony, Samsung, and Sonos. It offers Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer at a lower cost. Denon wants to make high-quality audio available to more people who want a great home theater setup.
“The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is a game-changer, bringing the magic of Dolby Atmos to the masses without sacrificing performance or quality.”
Product Specifications and Package Contents
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is a top-notch audio solution. It has impressive features and specs. It measures 1050 x 60 x 95mm and weighs 2.5kg, with a powerful driver setup.
Inside, you’ll find 7 drivers:
- 2 x 1-inch tweeters
- 2 x 4.7-inch mid-range drivers
- 1 x 1-inch full-range driver
- 2 x 2.5-inch up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects
It comes with a wireless subwoofer. This subwoofer has a 5.9-inch bass driver. It’s in a ported cabinet that’s 172 x 370 x 290mm and weighs 4.3kg.
The package includes the soundbar, the wireless subwoofer, a remote, an HDMI cable, and an optical audio cable. You get everything you need for a full home theater setup.
The system supports many audio formats. You get Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS. This ensures a rich and immersive audio experience.
“The Denon DHT-S517 offers an impressive set of features and specifications, making it a compelling budget-friendly option for those seeking a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar system.”
Design and Build Quality
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has a sleek, modern design. It fits well with many home entertainment setups. The soundbar’s front and top are covered in dark gray acoustic cloth, giving it a sophisticated look. The cabinet is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, ensuring it’s durable and sturdy.
Soundbar Aesthetics
The front panel of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has LED indicators. They show the source, audio format, and volume clearly. The top controls, like power, Bluetooth pairing, input selection, and volume, make it easy to use.
Subwoofer Construction
The wireless subwoofer matches the soundbar’s sleek design. It has the same dark gray fabric on the front. Its compact size and simple look make it easy to fit into any room.
Control Panel Layout
The control panel on the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is easy to use. It has five buttons for key functions like power, input selection, and volume. This layout makes it simple for users to operate the soundbar without confusion.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Denon DHT-S517 design | Dark gray acoustic cloth, matte plastic cabinet |
| Soundbar build quality | Durable and sturdy construction |
| Control panel layout | 5 buttons for essential functions |
Setup Process and Installation
Setting up the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is easy, making it perfect for those who want a simple Dolby Atmos solution. You only need a few connections to get it working.
Start by connecting the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI eARC port for the best Dolby Atmos sound. This connection sends audio and controls to your TV smoothly. The power cable makes sure the soundbar is ready to use.
- Connect the soundbar to your TV’s HDMI eARC port for Dolby Atmos audio.
- Plug in the power cable to power on the soundbar.
- The wireless subwoofer will automatically pair with the soundbar, eliminating the need for complicated wiring.
- Wall-mounting the soundbar is possible thanks to the included keyhole cutouts on the back of the unit.
The Denon DHT-S517 is known for its plug-and-play feature. It doesn’t need room calibration or a complex setup. Just connect it to your TV, and you’re set for an immersive Dolby Atmos experience, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
The Denon DHT-S517 setup and soundbar installation are easy, making it great for those who prefer simple setups. With just a little effort, you can improve your TV’s sound and enjoy Dolby Atmos.
Connectivity Options and Ports
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has many ways to connect to different audio sources. It has a single HDMI eARC port for Dolby Atmos surround sound. It also has one more HDMI input for devices like Blu-ray players or gaming consoles.
It also has an optical input for TVs and media players. And, it has a 3.5mm analog input for older devices without digital outputs.
HDMI and Digital Connections
The HDMI eARC port on the Denon DHT-S517 is special. It lets you enjoy Dolby Atmos audio without extra setup. This connection makes it easy to connect with your TV and enjoy great sound.
Wireless Capabilities
The Denon DHT-S517 has Bluetooth 5.0 for streaming from mobile devices. This makes it easy to play music, podcasts, or audio from various sources. But, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi or smart home features like voice control.
| Connectivity Options | Supported Formats |
|---|---|
| HDMI eARC | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X |
| HDMI Input | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2 |
| Optical Digital Input | Dolby Digital, DTS |
| Analog 3.5mm Input | Stereo Audio |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless Audio Streaming |
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has many ways to connect to audio sources. It fits well into your home entertainment setup. You can enjoy Dolby Atmos and wireless streaming.
Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar Review: Performance Analysis
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar offers a big, expansive sound with clear vocals. It’s perfect for those who love movie and TV sound. While it doesn’t have the strongest Dolby Atmos height effects, it’s immersive and engaging.
In our tests, the Denon DHT-S517 outperformed many rivals in its price range. Its 3.1.2 channel setup, with up-firing speakers, provides a detailed sound. This sound blends the front and overhead audio well.
| Feature | Denon DHT-S517 | Samsung HW-Q800C | LG USC9S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 3.1.2 | 3.1.2 | 3.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Wireless Subwoofer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $749 | $699 | $599 |
The Denon DHT-S517 may not have the strongest height effects. But, its overall sound quality is excellent. It offers an immersive experience for movies, TV shows, and music. The soundstage is spacious and enveloping, with clear dialogue.
The Denon DHT-S517’s audio quality is enhanced by its robust design. It includes a separate wireless subwoofer for deep bass. This soundbar offers great value for its price, making it a top choice in the mid-range Dolby Atmos market.
Dolby Atmos Performance
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar gives you a Dolby Atmos experience. It doesn’t offer the full immersive overhead effect of top-notch Atmos setups. But, the up-firing drivers make the sound more wide and deep, adding to the height and width of the soundstage.
Height Channel Effects
The Denon DHT-S517 doesn’t make a true 3D audio environment. But, it does make the sound more spread out than regular stereo setups. The height channels add a bit of airiness and depth to the sound, making it feel more open and all-encompassing.
Spatial Audio Experience
The Dolby Atmos on the Denon DHT-S517 makes the sound feel more immersive and spatial. It makes it seem like sounds are coming from different places in the room, not just from the soundbar. Even though it’s not as intense as the best Atmos systems, the Denon DHT-S517 Dolby Atmos performance is more engaging and cinematic.
“The Denon DHT-S517 doesn’t create a full overhead Atmos effect, but it does provide a more expansive and spatial audio experience compared to standard stereo setups.”
Audio Quality for Movies and TV
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar offers an amazing audio experience for movies and TV. It has a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue. This ensures you catch every word.
The system handles movie soundtracks well, creating a balanced sound. It makes you feel like you’re part of the action on screen.
Dolby Atmos technology and upward-firing speakers bring a new level of sound. The height channel effects add depth and realism. This makes watching movies and TV shows more engaging.
While the Denon DHT-S517 performs well, the bass could be stronger, mainly in big rooms. The subwoofer works well, but some might want more power. Despite this, the soundbar’s clarity and balance are great for its price.
“The Denon DHT-S517 delivers a captivating audio experience that truly brings movies and TV shows to life. Its impressive clarity and spatial awareness make it a standout choice in its price range.”
Music Playback Capabilities
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar offers good music playback, but it’s not its best feature. It has clear vocals and good stereo imaging. This makes it great for casual music listening.
Stereo Performance
The Denon DHT-S517 has a balanced soundstage. Vocals are clear, and it creates a wide sound field. This is perfect for pop and rock music.
Genre-specific Performance
- Pop and rock music sound well-balanced, with a good blend of low, mid, and high frequencies.
- Classical and instrumental tracks, though, may lack detail. The highest notes can get lost.
- The Denon DHT-S517 is better for home theater than music. But, it’s good for casual music fans.
The Denon DHT-S517’s music playback is solid. It offers a clean and engaging sound for popular music. It’s not perfect for audiophiles, but it’s great for casual listeners.
Subwoofer Integration and Bass Response
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar system has a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. But, there’s a slight gap in sound when the soundbar and subwoofer work together.
The subwoofer in the Denon DHT-S517 setup is great for deep bass. It has a flat response from 50Hz to 200Hz. This makes low-end audio better for movies and music. The subwoofer is also light and small, fitting easily in most rooms.
Even though the subwoofer does a good job, it might not be enough for big rooms or those who love strong bass. The Denon DHT-S517 subwoofer works best in smaller to medium-sized spaces. It could do better in controlling and integrating bass.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer Dimensions | 172 x 370 x 290mm |
| Subwoofer Weight | 2.5kg |
| Subwoofer Driver Size | 13 cm (5.25″) |
| Subwoofer Enclosure Type | Sealed |
| Subwoofer Frequency Response | 50Hz – 200Hz |
The bass performance of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar system is mostly good. But, the soundbar and subwoofer could work better together. This would make the audio experience more complete and immersive.
Smart Features and Control Options
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has simple smart features but is easy to use. It comes with a remote that lets you turn it on and off, change the volume, pick input sources, and switch EQ modes.
The soundbar has EQ modes like Music, Movie, Night, and Pure. There’s also a Dialogue Enhancer for better TV and movie sound. It doesn’t have voice assistants or app control, but the remote and EQ settings are straightforward.
The soundbar works well with HDMI CEC, letting you control it with your TV’s remote. This makes setup easier and avoids the need for extra remotes. But, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi or voice assistant support, which some other models do.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote Control | The included remote provides basic controls for power, volume, input selection, and EQ mode selection. |
| EQ Modes | The soundbar offers Music, Movie, Night, Pure, and Dialogue Enhancer EQ presets to optimize the audio for different content. |
| HDMI CEC | The Denon DHT-S517 supports HDMI CEC, allowing you to control the soundbar using your TV’s remote. |
| Smart Features | The soundbar lacks advanced smart features like Wi-Fi, app control, or voice assistant integration. |
In summary, the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is easy to control with a basic remote and EQ modes. It may not have all the smart features of more expensive models. But, it’s a practical choice for those wanting a simple Dolby Atmos setup.
Value Proposition and Price Analysis
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is priced at $449 / £379 / AU$699. It offers great value for its price. It’s a budget-friendly Dolby Atmos solution that competes with Sony, Samsung, and Polk in the same price range. The DHT-S517 includes Atmos and a wireless subwoofer, making it a great choice for an immersive audio experience without spending too much.
Market Competition
The Denon DHT-S517 is a strong contender in the soundbar market. It faces competition from the Sony HT-G700 ($598), Samsung HW-Q800B ($599), and Polk Audio MagniFi Mini ($299). Despite this, the DHT-S517’s ability to offer Dolby Atmos at a lower price gives it an edge.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
The Denon DHT-S517 has an impressive price-to-performance ratio. It offers better audio quality, surround sound, and features than some cheaper soundbars. Its Dolby Atmos support and wireless subwoofer make it a top choice in the sub-$500 segment, even though it’s priced lower than many.
| Soundbar Model | Price | Dolby Atmos | Wireless Subwoofer | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon DHT-S517 | $449 | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Sony HT-G700 | $598 | Yes | Yes | Up to 40% off |
| Samsung HW-Q800B | $599 | Yes | Yes | Up to 58% off |
| Polk Audio MagniFi Mini | $299 | No | No | N/A |
| Creative Stage 360 | $99 | No | No | N/A |
The table shows the Denon DHT-S517’s place in the market. It highlights its price, Dolby Atmos support, and wireless subwoofer. Even with discounts on competitors, the DHT-S517’s value remains strong, balancing features and performance at a good price.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly Dolby Atmos experience. Let’s explore its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the Denon DHT-S517
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance for the price, making movies and TV shows feel more immersive.
- Excellent dialogue clarity, so you never miss a word, even in loud scenes.
- Easy setup, allowing you to quickly add it to your home entertainment system.
- Compact design that fits well in most living rooms without taking up too much space.
Disadvantages of the Denon DHT-S517
- Limited smart features, lacking voice control and multi-room capabilities.
- Underwhelming bass performance, which can be a problem in larger rooms.
- Atmos effects are noticeable but may not be as impressive as higher-end soundbars.
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar provides solid performance for its price. It’s a good pick for those wanting a budget Dolby Atmos soundbar. But, if you’re an audiophile or need a stronger bass, you might want to look elsewhere.
| Feature | Denon DHT-S517 | Sony HT-S40R | LG LHB745 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | £199.99 | £199.00 |
| Channels | 3.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | No | No |
| Wireless Music Streaming | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| HDMI Connectivity | HDMI ARC | HDMI ARC | HDMI |
“The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar offers an excellent balance of performance and value, providing a budget-friendly entry point into the world of Dolby Atmos home theater audio.”
Room Size Considerations and Placement
The size of your room is key when using the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized rooms, with TVs 50 inches or larger. This budget-friendly Dolby Atmos solution works well in these spaces.
The soundbar’s compact design makes it easy to place. You can wall-mount it or put it on a media console. It fits well with most home theater setups.
- The soundbar’s dimensions of 95 × 1050 × 60 mm fit a wide range of TV sizes and room layouts.
- The wireless subwoofer, weighing 4.3 kg, can be placed anywhere in the room. It works best in smaller spaces.
- Denon’s design ensures the DHT-S517 adapts to your room size and preferences. It delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
The Denon DHT-S517 works best in small to medium-sized rooms. This lets the Dolby Atmos height channels and subwoofer work together. They create a captivating and balanced soundscape that enhances your movie and TV watching.
By thinking about your room’s size and where to place the soundbar, you can get the most out of it. The Denon DHT-S517 brings Dolby Atmos magic to your living space.
Comparison with Competing Models
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar has tough competition in the market. Let’s see how it compares to some of its main rivals.
Compared to the Sony HT-G700, the Denon DHT-S517 has better Dolby Atmos sound. It gives a more immersive sound experience. But, the Sony HT-G700 might have an edge in smart features and voice control.
The Polk MagniFi 2 is also in the same price range. It has great audio quality. But, the Denon DHT-S517 has a dedicated wireless subwoofer for deeper bass.
Creative Stage 360 is cheaper, but the Denon DHT-S517 beats it in Dolby Atmos and sound quality.
Compared to the Sonos Beam (2nd Gen), the Denon DHT-S517 has a better surround sound setup. But, the Sonos Beam is great for its Sonos ecosystem and smart features.
In summary, the Denon DHT-S517 is a good mix of Dolby Atmos, price, and features. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly Atmos soundbar.
| Model | Price | Dolby Atmos | Subwoofer | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denon DHT-S517 | $400 | Yes | Wireless | Limited |
| Sony HT-G700 | $600 | Yes | Wireless | Advanced |
| Polk MagniFi 2 | $500 | Yes | Wireless | Limited |
| Creative Stage 360 | $250 | No | Wireless | Basic |
| Sonos Beam (2nd Gen) | $450 | No | No | Advanced |
By looking at the Denon DHT-S517’s performance, features, and price, you can choose the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for you.
Conclusion
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar is a great choice for those looking for a budget Dolby Atmos audio experience. It has good sound quality, easy setup, and a small design. It’s a good deal for its price, even though it lacks in bass and smart features.
This soundbar’s Dolby Atmos and Denon’s virtual surround processing make audio more immersive. It’s perfect for movies, TV shows, and music. The controls are easy to use, making it simple for beginners to enjoy advanced home audio.
In summary, the Denon DHT-S517 is a solid pick for a budget Dolby Atmos soundbar. It offers great performance, features, and value. It’s a standout in the soundbar market, making your home entertainment better.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar?
The Denon DHT-S517 is a 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos-ready soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. It has seven drivers in the soundbar, including upfiring speakers for Atmos effects. The wireless subwoofer has a 5.9-inch bass driver.
How does the Denon DHT-S517 perform with Dolby Atmos content?
The Denon DHT-S517 offers a noticeable Dolby Atmos experience. The up-firing drivers help create a more expansive soundstage. It’s better than standard stereo setups but not as intense as top-end Atmos systems.
How is the overall audio quality of the Denon DHT-S517 for movies and TV shows?
The Denon DHT-S517 provides a big, expansive sound with clear vocals. It’s great for movie and TV audio, making for an immersive experience. But, the subwoofer might not deliver enough bass for large rooms.
What about the music playback capabilities of the Denon DHT-S517?
Music playback on the Denon DHT-S517 is good but not outstanding. It has clear vocals and good stereo imaging. But, high notes in classical and instrumental music might get lost. It’s better for movie and TV audio than music.
What are the connectivity options and smart features available on the Denon DHT-S517?
The soundbar has one HDMI eARC input, one additional HDMI input, an optical input, and a 3.5mm analog input. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming. But, it lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or AirPlay support. It also doesn’t have voice assistant integration or app control.
How easy is the setup and installation process for the Denon DHT-S517?
Setting up the Denon DHT-S517 is easy. You just need to connect it to the TV, preferably via eARC for Dolby Atmos. The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically. No room calibration is needed, making it easy to use right away.
How does the Denon DHT-S517 compare to other soundbars in its price range?
Priced at 9 / £379 / AU9, the Denon DHT-S517 is a good value for a Dolby Atmos soundbar. It competes with Sony, Samsung, and Polk models in this range. Its Atmos and wireless subwoofer features make it a strong contender, even with cheaper options like the Creative Stage 360.
