Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Offers greater scale and definition than an average TV audio system, boosting TV audio
- Delivers a fuller, more expansive, and better-balanced sound than affordable TVs
- Good integration between the soundbar and subwoofer
- Composed, informative listen in most circumstances
- Acceptable build quality and finish
Product Considerations
- Treble sounds could be bolder, lacking sparkle
- Subwoofer can get a bit bolshy and over-confident at higher volumes
- Decent alternatives exist at a similar price point
- Sound quality from music may not be at the same level as some hifi-targeted bars
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Alternatives to consider for small and affordable soundbars include the Yamaha SR-C20A and Sonos Ray
Takeaway: The Denon DHT-S316 is a sensible option for a reasonable price, and is able to upgrade your TV's sound to be fuller and more clear. If looking for a straightforward soundbar-and-sub package, this could be worth considering.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
DHT-S316
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- HDMI: ARC/CEC: Yes/Yes
- Digital input: Optical/Coaxial: Yes/No
- Analog input: 3.5mm mini jack: Yes
- Standby Consumption: 0.3 W
- Soundbar dimensions: 35.4 x 2.16 x 3.22 inches
- Soundbar weight: 1.8 kg
- Subwoofer Dimensions: 6.7 x 12.3 x 13.4 inches
- Subwoofer weight: 5.2 kg
Description
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Denon AVRs are known for being user-friendly, offering a straightforward setup process guided by an intuitive on-screen menu.
- They often provide extensive connectivity options, including legacy analog inputs alongside modern HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing for flexibility with various devices.
- Denon receivers frequently include Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for room correction, and many offer an upgrade path to Dirac Live, allowing users to tailor the sound to their listening environment.
- HEOS wireless multi-room audio technology is often built in, allowing seamless integration with other HEOS-enabled products for a whole-home audio experience.
Select products
Select product comparisons
AVR-S970H
- Positioning: The entry-level model in Denon's lineup, ideal for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Offers a great introduction to 8K video and 3D audio, making it perfect for medium-sized rooms. Features 7.2 channels and 90 watts per channel, which is less powerful compared to the higher-end models like the AVR-X8500HA. Still supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a solid immersive audio experience for those on a budget.
AVR-X8500HA
- Positioning: A high-end model in Denon's lineup, designed for serious home theater enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance.
- Description: Stands out with its 13.2 channel processing and 150 watts per channel, offering a more immersive 3D audio experience than the AVR-S970H. Supports advanced video specs like 8K/60Hz pass-through and 4K/120Hz for gaming.
AVR-A1H
- Positioning: Denon's flagship model, representing the pinnacle of their AV receiver technology.
- Description: Distinguished by its 15.4 channel configuration and 150 watts per channel, providing the most comprehensive audio experience in Denon's lineup. Supports a 9.4.6 speaker setup, surpassing the AVR-X8500HA's capabilities, and includes features like Dirac Live Room Correction for precise audio tuning.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
67
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
49
Founding Year
1910
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
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Brand Page
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Used
Denon
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What if you spend more?
Denon
Home 550
649
649
/
9
Reviews
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact design fits easily in most rooms.
- Integration with the HEOS ecosystem allows for multi-room audio.
- Clear dialogue reproduction, especially with the Dialogue Enhancer feature.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio.
- Versatile connectivity options include HDMI eARC, a full HDMI in, optical input, USB, Ethernet, and 3.5mm AUX input.
Product Considerations
- Volume may be limited, potentially exhibiting compression or harshness at maximum volume.
- Simulated surround sound, with a limited Dolby Atmos effect, may not provide the most immersive experience.
- Bass reproduction can be lacking and may require the addition of a separate subwoofer.
- The HEOS app has been described as clunky and not very user-friendly.
- The sound can be a little boomy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), the Denon offers more connectivity with an extra HDMI input, but the Sonos has better center and surround performances and a more persuasive Dolby Atmos effect.
- Compared to the Yamaha YAS-209, one may prefer the Yamaha for more bass because it comes with a dedicated sub.
- Compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the Denon supports Atmos content and comes with more sound enhancement features, including EQ presets and auto-volume mode.
- It can fly solo or work as the cornerstone of a larger multi-room sound system, similar to the Polk React and Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Takeaway: The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is a compact and feature-rich soundbar that offers good sound, especially when paired with additional speakers and is a good fit if already invested in the HEOS ecosystem. It is a versatile option for enhancing TV audio and enjoying high-resolution music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Product Page
Product Page
Bowers & Wilkins
Panorama 3
999
999
/
35
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Product Strengths
- Stunning design and premium build quality, using a mix of textures and materials for a tailored look
- Clear and intelligible dialogue, especially with a slight emphasis on the vocal range
- Easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface
- Powerful sound that can fill a small-to-medium-sized room, driven by a 400-watt amplifier
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance, creating a taller, broader, and deeper soundstage, especially with Atmos content
- Only one HDMI input and no HDMI input passthrough
Product Considerations
- Lacks adjustability and customization options like individual channel level controls, EQ presets, or dialogue enhancements
- Bass performance lacks physicality and visceral impact compared to soundbars with separate subwoofers
- The soundbar requires a true Dolby Surround or Atmos signal for best results, stereo mixes can sound constrained
- Some reviewers noted occasional HDMI handshake issues when switching between Atmos and stereo content
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Samsung Q950A—the Samsung is better overall, sounds good with almost any signal, and has more bass and features, but the Panorama 3 has better design and ease of use
- Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2—the Panorama 3 is more convincing and confident in larger spaces, but the Beam Gen 2 is expandable and more affordable
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage—the Beosound Stage does a better job with non-Atmos content and offers more flexibility and customization, but the Panorama 3 is equal to or slightly better spatially with Atmos content
- Vs Bose 900—the Bose 900 sounds great with non-Atmos content and is expandable, but the Panorama 3 does a better job spatially with Dolby Atmos movies as an all-in-one solution
Takeaway: The Panorama 3 is a stylish and simple to use soundbar that delivers a powerful and detailed audio experience. With its impressive Atmos performance, it's a good choice for those looking to upgrade their TV's sound without the complexities of a full home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Ray (Surround Set)
637
637
/
18
Reviews
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Product Strengths
- Clear dialogue and good vocal clarity, making it a solid choice as an upgrade over TV speakers for vocal-centric content
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller TVs (around 40-55 inches) and rooms
- Easy to set up and integrate into the Sonos ecosystem using the Sonos app
- Balanced, crisp sound that surpasses many budget soundbars and offers better sound than the majority of internal TV speakers
- Full Sonos wireless support with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
Product Considerations
- Lacks low bass, which can make it disappointing for movies or music with a lot of bass, if listening to music with a higher value soundbar
- No HDMI connectivity, relying on optical input, which may cause control issues for some users
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Trueplay room correction is only available for iOS devices
- IR volume adjustments can be problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Beam Gen 2 is the 'utmost winner' with better sound, connectivity, fit, build, and aesthetic
- The Sonos Beam is better with a discrete center channel to improve dialogue reproduction
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and capable soundbar that greatly improves the TV's sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy music. Its small size and easy setup make it a good fit for smaller spaces and those new to the Sonos ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Bluesound
Pulse Soundbar+
999
999
/
7
Reviews
Take your home theater to a new dimension with the PULSE SOUNDBAR+, compatible with Dolby Atmos for fully immersive sound. The PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is designed to seamlessly fit in with your existing TV set-up and enhance Atmos-encoded sound experience with precision that will make you feel like you are right in the center of the action
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Impressively detailed, solid, and satisfying Dolby Atmos delivery
- Effectively combines spaciousness and clarity when playing non-Atmos soundtracks
- Sound is clear and crisp
- Has a rich, wide sound and handles Dolby Atmos content well
- The soundbar is more musical than most and is able to exhibit a lot of subtlety and has great dialogue reproduction
Product Considerations
- Music lacks drive and drama
- The soundbar is taller than average and may block part of the screen if placed on the same surface as a TV
- Initial setup can be difficult
- Lacks HDMI inputs, requiring the TV to be connected via optical cable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Arc: The Pulse Soundbar+ offers music tracks full of sound color splendor, but the Sonos Arc is punchier, better organized, and more engaging overall
- Vs Sonos Arc: Sonos has dedicated upward-firing speakers, while the Bluesound does not
- Vs Sonos: Bluesound has a richer soundstage than Sonos
Takeaway: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ provides detailed and solid sound for both movies and music. It is a good choice for those who appreciate nuance and detail, with the added benefit of BluOS streaming and multiroom capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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What competes at this price?
Denon
DHT-S517
335
/
Released
2022
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good features for the money, especially considering the real upfiring Dolby Atmos drivers
- Robust and expansive sound, especially with movies, that is immersive and easy to follow
- Setup is a breeze and genuinely hard to make any less taxing to operate
- Excellent vocal clarity, producing clear and prominent dialogue, supported by dialogue enhancement modes
- Well-built and unobtrusive/understated looks that blend well into the room
Product Considerations
- Small subwoofer issues add up, being a little estranged from the rest of the action and short of detail/insight compared to the soundbar
- Can experience occasional audio format confusion
- The subwoofer could use more oomph, with some reviewers craving more rumble, which is a common desire
- Uncertain with music, where the Denon's inability to properly unify its frequency response is thrown into greater relief
- Lacks smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay, Google Assistant, or Alexa support
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Sonos Beam 2nd Gen does not have a subwoofer or upfiring speakers, but offers virtual Dolby Atmos and a really full, rich sound in a size that's great for smaller TVs, sounding great with music and supporting Wi-Fi music streaming
- Like the Denon, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 has real upfiring drivers for Atmos, but without the subwoofer included in the box, making it even more compact, and handles music better
- Both offer Atmos and a compact build, but the Denon DHT-S517 is more expensive
Takeaway: The Denon DHT-S517 is a simple and convenient way to upgrade your TV's sound, especially for movies, with its ease of use and Dolby Atmos capabilities. It offers a big, bold sound that is well worth considering for those seeking an affordable audio improvement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Product Page
Product Page
Denon
DHT-S218
185
/
Released
2024
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a sleek and modern design that fits easily under most TVs
- Provides enhanced speech clarity, ensuring dialogue is easily understood during movies and TV shows
- Delivers rich and immersive sound thanks to dual full-range drivers and subwoofers
- Easy to set up and use
- Good balance of sound quality and value
Product Considerations
- Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting integration with smart home devices and network streaming
- Doesn't have an AUX port
- Sub-bass tones are cut short
- Mid-range is a bit recessed and pushed back
- While it can decode Dolby Atmos, it doesn't deliver a true Dolby Atmos experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sonos Ray gives a real forward mid-range frequency that one might expect when it comes to listening to any sort of dialogue
- Yamaha offers built-in Amazon Alexa functionality, which the Denon lacks
- Sonos Beam offers an immersive sound experience, but it is considerably more expensive than the DHT-S218
- The Vizio includes a wireless subwoofer, which can enhance the bass experience—a feature that the Denon DHT-S218 lacks
Takeaway: The Denon DHT-S218 is a good option for people looking for better sound without a complicated setup. It is easy to use and sounds good, making it great for enjoying movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Product Page
Product Page
Denon
DHT-C210
299
/
Released
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Acceptable overall sound quality, reproducing music and dialog reasonably well
- In Pure sound mode, good bass impact
- Excellent TV ease of use
- Very good features ease of use
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit subdued and boomy, and doesn't go deep
- Midrange is somewhat hazy and grainy, and a bit nasal, plasticky, and echoey
- Treble is somewhat subdued, and a bit smeared and sizzly
- Lacks depth in sound reproduction
- No rear surround effect, even when playing 5.1 channel or Dolby Atmos program material
Takeaway: The DHT-C210 is a basic soundbar that offers acceptable sound quality and ease of use with a TV, with multiple connectivity options. It's a decent option if one is looking for a simple sound upgrade with Dolby Atmos support.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Ray (Soundbar)
177
/
Released
2022
Upgrade your TV, music, and gaming experiences with this impressively compact and easy-to-use soundbar.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy setup with a simple app-enabled process
- Clear dialogue, making it ideal for vocal-centric content
- Provides a punchy, lively sound suitable for gameplay
- Compact design fits well in smaller spaces and under TVs without blocking the screen
- Can be integrated into the wider Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio
- Optical connection.
Product Considerations
- Lacks low-bass, potentially underwhelming viewers of action-packed movies
- Only has an optical connection, without HDMI support
- No in-built voice assistant
- Relatively narrow soundstage
- Requires an iOS device for Trueplay tuning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Beam: The Beam is better with a discrete center channel to improve dialogue reproduction, and a wider, more immersive listening experience
- Vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Beam (Gen 2) is better with a more extended low-bass, and HDMI connectivity
- Vs Sonos Arc: The Arc has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and offers HDMI connectivity
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and easy-to-use soundbar that significantly improves TV audio with its clear dialogue and punchy sound. It's a great starting point for those looking to enhance their listening experience and enter the Sonos ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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