The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is a mid-range offering from the renowned audio brand Denon. It is designed to deliver an immersive sound experience for movies, music, and gaming. The soundbar has several features that make it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their home theater setup without breaking the bank. This review will look closely at the design, build quality, audio quality, connectivity options, and ease of installation and setup of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer.
Design and Build Quality
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has a sleek and minimalistic design to blend in with any home decor. The soundbar is 39 inches long and features a black matte finish that looks great in any room. Conversely, the subwoofer is compact and can be placed anywhere in the room without taking up too much space.
The soundbar is built with high-quality materials and feels sturdy and well-made. It weighs 7.5 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for a soundbar of this size. Conversely, the subwoofer is made of MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) and weighs 11.2 pounds.
Audio Quality
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer delivers an immersive sound experience that will impress. The soundbar has two tweeters and two mid-range drivers delivering crisp, clear highs and mids. The subwoofer, on the other hand, has a 5.25-inch driver that provides deep and punchy bass.
The soundbar supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, which means it can reproduce surround sound from compatible sources. The soundbar also has a night mode feature that reduces the volume of loud sounds and increases the volume of soft sounds, making it perfect for watching movies late at night.
Soundbar Connectivity Options
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has several connectivity options that make it easy to connect to various devices. The soundbar has an HDMI input and output, an optical input, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet wirelessly.
The soundbar also has a USB port that can be used to play music from a USB drive. The subwoofer connects to the soundbar wirelessly, making it easy to place anywhere in the room without worrying about cables.
Ease of Installation and Setup
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is easy to install and set up. The soundbar can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table using the included brackets. The subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room and connects to the soundbar wirelessly.
The soundbar comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume, change the input, and access other features. The soundbar also has an auto power on/off feature that turns the soundbar on when it detects an audio signal and turns it off when there is no audio signal for 15 minutes.
Our Verdict
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is an excellent option for those looking for a mid-range soundbar that delivers great audio quality and has several connectivity options. The soundbar has a sleek and minimalistic design that looks great in any room, and the subwoofer delivers deep and punchy bass. The soundbar is also easy to install and set up, making it an excellent option for those who need to be tech-savvy.
Soundbar Remote Control and User Interface
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer comes with a compact remote control that is easy to use. The remote control has buttons for adjusting the volume, changing the input, and accessing various sound modes. The remote control also has a dedicated button for turning the night mode on and off.
The user interface of the soundbar is simple and easy to navigate. The soundbar has LED indicators that show the selected input and sound mode. The soundbar also has a small display that shows the volume level and other settings.
Soundbar Speaker Configuration
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has a 2.1 speaker configuration. The soundbar has two tweeters and two mid-range drivers delivering crisp, clear highs and mids. The subwoofer, on the other hand, has a 5.25-inch driver that delivers deep and punchy bass.
The soundbar also has a separate subwoofer output that allows you to connect an additional subwoofer if you want more bass.
Bass and Treble Performance
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer delivers excellent bass and treble performance. The subwoofer delivers deep, punchy bass, adding depth to music and movies. The soundbar also has a treble control that allows you to adjust the high-frequency response of the soundbar.
The soundbar has a bass boost feature that enhances the bass performance, making it ideal for music and movies. The bass boost feature can be turned off if you prefer a more neutral sound.
Soundbar EQ Settings
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has several EQ settings that allow you to customize the sound. The soundbar has a movie mode that enhances the dialogue and sound effects in movies. The soundbar also has a music mode that enhances the bass and treble performance, making it ideal for music.
The soundbar also has a night mode that reduces the volume of loud sounds and increases the volume of soft sounds, making it perfect for watching movies late at night.
Soundbar Soundstage and Imaging
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has a great soundstage and imaging performance. The soundbar delivers a wide soundstage that makes it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. The soundbar also has good imaging performance that allows you to pinpoint the location of sounds in movies and games.
The soundbar also has a virtual surround mode that enhances the surround sound performance, making it ideal for watching movies and playing games.
Soundbar Surround Sound Performance
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer delivers great surround sound performance. The soundbar supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, which means it can reproduce surround sound from compatible sources. The soundbar also has a virtual surround mode that enhances the surround sound performance, making it ideal for watching movies and playing games.
The subwoofer adds depth to the sound, making the overall surround sound performance more immersive. The soundbar also has a separate subwoofer output that allows you to connect an additional subwoofer if you want even more bass.
Soundbar Dialogue Clarity
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer delivers great dialogue clarity. The soundbar has a dedicated dialogue mode that enhances clarity in movies and TV shows. The soundbar also has a clear voice mode that makes the dialogue even clearer, making it easier to understand what is being said.
The soundbar also has a center channel that delivers clear and crisp dialogue, making it easy to follow the plot of movies and TV shows.
Soundbar Volume and Power Handling
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer delivers excellent volume and power handling. The soundbar has a total power output of 175 watts, enough to fill a small to medium-sized room with sound.
The soundbar also has a dynamic range control that adjusts the volume of loud sounds and increases the volume of soft sounds, making it easier to listen to music and watch movies at low volumes.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has Bluetooth and wireless connectivity options. The soundbar can be connected to your mobile device or computer via Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music wirelessly.
The soundbar also has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect it to your home network and stream music from streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora.
Soundbar Compatibility with TV and Other Devices
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is compatible with most TVs and other devices. The soundbar has several connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and coaxial inputs, allowing you to connect it to your TV, Blu-ray player, or gaming console.
The soundbar also has an ARC (Audio Return Channel) input that allows you to connect it to your TV via HDMI, allowing you to control the soundbar with your TV remote.
Soundbar Streaming Services Support
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer supports several streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal. The soundbar has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect it to your home network and stream music wirelessly.
The soundbar also has a HEOS app that allows you to control the soundbar and access your music library and streaming services from your mobile device.
Soundbar Audio Codecs Supported
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer supports several audio codecs, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM. The soundbar also has a Dolby Digital decoder and a DTS decoder, allowing you to reproduce surround sound from compatible sources.
The soundbar also has a virtual surround mode that enhances the surround sound performance, making it ideal for watching movies and playing games.
Soundbar Size and Compatibility with Room
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer has a compact and sleek design that looks great in any room. The soundbar is 41.4 inches wide, ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.
The subwoofer is compact and can be placed anywhere in the room, allowing you to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Soundbar Brand and Reputation
Denon is a well-known and respected brand in the audio industry, known for producing high-quality audio products that deliver great sound quality and performance. The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is no exception, delivering great audio quality and several features that make it an excellent option for those looking for a mid-range soundbar.
Soundbar Price and Value for Money
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is priced in the mid-range, making it an affordable option for those looking for a high-quality soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality and several features. The soundbar offers excellent value for money, providing features typically found in higher-end soundbars.
Soundbar Warranty and Customer Support
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer comes with a limited 1-year warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship. The limited warranty does not cover any damage caused by misuse or accidents.
Denon has a great reputation for providing excellent customer support, and their support team is available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about the soundbar.
Soundbar Durability and Longevity
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is built with high-quality materials and is designed to last. The soundbar is durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for those who want a soundbar that will last for years.
The subwoofer is also built with high-quality materials and designed to deliver deep and punchy bass for years.
Soundbar Energy Efficiency
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is energy efficient and consumes less power than traditional audio systems. The soundbar has an auto-off feature that turns off the soundbar after inactivity, helping save energy.
Soundbar Portability and Convenience
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is a portable and convenient option for those who want a soundbar that is easy to move around and set up. The soundbar is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move from room to room.
The soundbar has several connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your mobile device or computer.
Soundbar Mounting Options
The Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer comes with several mounting options, making it easy to mount the soundbar on the wall or place it on a shelf. The soundbar comes with a wall-mount bracket and screws, allowing you to mount the soundbar on the wall.
The soundbar also has rubber feet, allowing you to place the soundbar on a shelf without damaging the surface. The subwoofer is compact and can be placed anywhere in the room, allowing you to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Soundbar Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to similar products, the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer stands out for its excellent audio quality, ease of use, and connectivity options.
The Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar is another popular option in the same price range, but it lacks some of the connectivity options offered by the Denon DHT-S517, such as Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2.
The Sony HT-X8500 soundbar is another mid-range option that offers excellent audio quality. Still, it needs a separate subwoofer and may provide less deep and punchy bass than the Denon DHT-S517.
Soundbar Buying Guide and Recommendations
When considering purchasing a soundbar, there are several factors, including audio quality, connectivity options, design and build quality, and compatibility with your TV and other devices.
If you’re looking for a mid-range soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality, the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is a great option. The soundbar offers several connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your mobile device or computer.
The soundbar is also easy to set up and use, making it an excellent option for those who want a simple soundbar. The subwoofer delivers deep and punchy bass, although it could be more powerful for some users.
Soundbar Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Overall, the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with subwoofer is the best option for a mid-range soundbar that delivers great audio quality and several features. The soundbar is easy to set up and use, making it a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward soundbar.
The soundbar offers several connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your mobile device or computer. The subwoofer delivers deep and punchy bass, although it could be more powerful for some users.
While the soundbar lacks HDMI inputs and may not be compatible with all TV models, it offers excellent value for money. It delivers several features typically found in higher-end soundbars. Overall, we highly recommend the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar with a subwoofer.
