Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • Mature, balanced sound
  • Powerful, precise bass for its size
  • Wide sound imaging
  • Impressive maximum volume
  • 'HEOS built-in' system allows pairing with other Denon devices

Product Considerations

  • Maximum SPL is limited
  • Less resolution overall
  • Treble and high midrange are indistinct, contributing to a 'dark' sound, especially at lower volumes
  • Dynamics can be impaired by internal processing that's easily triggered by bass
  • Artificially enhanced wideness can produce unnatural sound results

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 250 sits in the middle of the Denon Home Series in terms of size and features
  • The 250 offers better, cleaner sound than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6, despite the latter's portability
  • The Harman Kardon Citation 300 brings a little more live characteristic and dynamics
  • The Bluesound Pulse 2i offers a more audiophile resolution at a higher price
  • The Sonos Five offers the best balance and sounds a little more refined than the Denon Home 250, which in return can push a little harder in the low bass sounding more mature

Takeaway: The Denon Home 250 is a compact speaker that delivers surprisingly good sound with deep bass and plenty of features, making it a great fit for filling a medium-sized room with music or enhancing your TV watching experience. It's a solid choice if you want a wireless home speaker that sounds good and is easy to use.

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

Home 250

reviews

[{"title":"Denon Home 250 review","link":"https://stereoguide.com/hi-fi/wifi-onebox/denon-home-250-review","source":"Stereo Guide","datePublished":""},{"title":"Denon Home 250 Speaker review: Great for a night at the movies","link":"https://www.dxomark.com/denon-home-250-speaker-review-great-for-a-night-at-the-movies","source":"DXOMARK","datePublished":""},{"title":"Denon Home 250 SHOCKED ME?! | Speaker Review + Sound Test","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cYX4go2J64","source":"Walts TV","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Denon Home 250 | A Mighty Performer","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuvlrJllsp4","source":"Nicholas Turner","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Tweeter: 2 x 19 mm
  • Woofer: 2 x 100 mm + 133 mm passive radiator
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 295 x 216 x 120 mm
  • Weight: 3.7 kg
  • Power Supply: AC 100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
  • Drivers: 4 + passive radiator
  • Built-in Class-D Power Amplifiers: 4
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.

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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Denon

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Dali
Katch G2
600
600
/
12
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Refined audio performance with a rich, crisp response
  • Supports a strong array of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC
  • Classy, designer materials and look with real leather strap
  • Extended battery life to boast 30 hours of playtime
  • Impressive bass weight and excellent clarity

Product Considerations

  • Audio is muddy and constrained, especially in 'warm' mode
  • Limited on-device controls, with no music controls for play, pause, or skip
  • Lacks speakerphone functionality
  • Not water or dust resistant

Takeaway: The Dali Katch G2 is a stylish, portable speaker that provides a refined listening experience, especially with detailed mids and highs. With its excellent Bluetooth codec support and long battery life, it is suitable for both home use and travel.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Triangle
AIO Twin
799
799
/
10
Reviews

The AIO TWIN speakers are packed with technologies and TRIANGLE know-how. Versatile and in a sleek design, they are a state-of-the-art product. With all the features and performances of a modern Hi-Fi system, they offer a rich, precise, and detailed sound.With Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily stream your music in high-resolution (24 bits / 192 KHz) from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. They also feature a Phono input, compatible with most turntables available on the market.You will appreciate their minimalist design and wide range of finishes: Graphite Black, Frosted White, Linen Grey, Abyssal Blue and Brown Maple.

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Wide range of connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, Wi-Fi, RCA/Phono input, optical input, and USB input.
  • Enthusiastic and capable sound quality suitable for various music genres, with a mature sense of composure.
  • Elegant and refined design with unique arrow-extended feet and premium grill, available in multiple color finishes.
  • The included Triangle AIO app is well-designed, bug-free, and provides easy streaming from providers like Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer, as well as basic EQ adjustments.
  • Includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage for playing records directly.

Product Considerations

  • The quality of the built-in phono stage isn't the best compared to streaming or other inputs
  • The remote control is plastic and doesn't feel as premium as the speaker itself
  • The included speaker cable is basic
  • WiFi connectivity can have a delay when turning the speaker off and back on
  • The bright LED indicating the source can be distracting for some users, though it can be dimmed or turned off

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the KEF LSX II, the AIO Twin is at half the price
  • Triangle is more balanced, neutral, and composed than the Argon Audio Forte A5 MK2, while the Argon Audio Forte A5 MK2 is more V-shaped

Takeaway: The AIO is a versatile and good-sounding all-in-one speaker system that combines modern features with a stylish design, making it a great choice for those who want simplicity and convenience. The speaker's ability to handle various input sources, from streaming to vinyl playback, ensures that users can enjoy all of their music with ease.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Triangle
BR03 Connect
750
750
/
7
Reviews
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Sounds fantastic, delivering clarity and balance across various music genres
  • Easy to power, sounding amazing even with less expensive amplifiers
  • Good-looking design, with attractive color options
  • The addition of a USB-B input is a welcome feature for audiophiles listening on digital devices
  • Equipped with a wide array of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, and phono input

Product Considerations

  • The remote control tone control settings can be confusing without a visual gauge
  • Requires some space to breathe and perform at its best—not ideal for tiny rooms or placement right against walls
  • Some reviewers have found that the upper frequencies are slightly accentuated
  • HDMI implementation may have glitches on older TVs
  • The phono amplifier is considered only 'ok' by some reviewers, not good enough for daily use

Takeaway: The Triangle Borea BR03 Connect offers great sound and many ways to connect devices, providing a modern and flexible listening experience. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a simple system that sounds great without the need for lots of separate equipment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Triangle
BR02 Connect
625
625
/
4
Reviews
Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Versatile connectivity options including Phono-MM, HDMI, Optical, Coaxial, USB-B, Sub Out, and 3.5 mm jack
  • It delivers a detailed and lively sound, excelling in midrange reproduction
  • Compact design suitable for small to medium-sized rooms
  • Bluetooth connectivity includes aptX HD for high-quality wireless streaming
  • The built-in amplifier delivers ample power, allowing the compact speakers to fill rooms with ease

Product Considerations

  • The bass response may be limited without a subwoofer, especially in larger rooms or for bass enthusiasts—although a subwoofer output is provided
  • The active speaker must be placed on the right side, potentially complicating placement
  • The default bass boost setting may sound muddy and unnatural
  • Some reviewers found the treble a bit hot and benefitted from turning it down a notch

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Triangle Borea BR02 Connect has a more lively and detailed sound compared to the Teufel Ultima 25 Aktiv's more balanced and relaxed reproduction

Takeaway: The Triangle Borea BR02 Connect is a versatile and easy-to-use speaker that delivers quality sound for smaller spaces. With its numerous connectivity options, it's a great all-in-one solution for music lovers and home theater enthusiasts.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Denon
Home 150 NV
179
/
Released
2024
Check Amazon
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

  • Solid audio performance with rich lows and crisp highs
  • Many listening options and network connectivity
  • Easy setup process
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Powerful sound for its small size, with clear and pure bass

Product Considerations

  • Alexa voice features weren't active at the time of some reviews
  • Heavy-handed DSP (digital signal processing) changes sound signatures in obvious ways
  • The HEOS app design is outdated and simplistic
  • Mono speaker, so two are needed to get the best experience
  • The treble doesn't stand out as much

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonos One: The Sonos One offers a better smart speaker experience, and the Denon Home 150 provides a better potential for tweaking and using different apps
  • Vs Sonos One: The Sonos One has better sound quality

Takeaway: The Denon Home 150 is a compact speaker with surprisingly powerful sound and many connectivity options, making it a versatile addition to any home. It provides a rich audio experience and integrates well into a smart home setup.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Check Amazon
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
  • Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
  • High-quality Bluetooth streaming
  • Simple setup and control
  • Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs

Product Considerations

  • No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
  • No dedicated app for adjusting settings
  • Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
  • Grilles are non-removable
  • Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
Check Amazon
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

  • Improved stereo sound compared to the original Move, due to the addition of dual tweeters
  • Significantly longer battery life—advertised up to 24 hours—making it suitable for extended use indoors and outdoors
  • Designed with portability in mind, featuring a built-in handle for easy carrying and an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance
  • The speaker benefits from the Auto Trueplay feature, which automatically optimizes the sound to the unique acoustics of your space, delivering a balanced audio experience
  • Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and can even stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers

Product Considerations

  • Considered hefty and not as easily portable as smaller options like the Sonos Roam
  • Google Assistant is no longer supported, which may be a drawback for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem
  • It cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls
  • Despite being a stereo speaker, channel separation isn't always very distinct, and it can sound more like an expansive mono speaker
  • An adapter is needed for a line-in connection, and a carrying case are sold separately, which increases the overall cost

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonos Move: The Move 2 offers stereo playback—as opposed to mono—longer battery life, and more connectivity options
  • Vs Sonos Roam: The Move 2 sounds better and gets louder, but the Roam is smaller and lighter
  • Vs Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 has Dolby Atmos support, but is not portable or water-resistant like the Move 2
  • Vs Sonos Era 100: The Move 2 can be taken on the go unlike the Era 100 and is rated for dust and water resistance
  • Vs Bose SoundLink Max: The Sonos Move 2 sounds a bit more balanced out of the box, and its battery can even be replaced down the line, while the Bose has a longer-lasting battery and doesn't require an adapter to connect to analog line-in sources, but it can't connect to Wi-Fi

Takeaway: The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile and improved portable speaker, offering great sound and battery life for both indoor and outdoor use, and its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it an easy choice for existing Sonos users.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Beats
Pill
149
/
Released
2024
The upgraded Beats Pill is more advanced than ever. It's more powerful. It's lighter. It's more portable. It has up to 24 hours of battery life. And it's designed to look and sound incredible — inside your home and out and about.
Check Amazon
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Simple Bluetooth speaker connects and pairs easily without needing an app
  • Rated IP67 against water and dust, making it durable for splashes and rain
  • Can be used to charge other small devices via USB-C
  • Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with a removable lanyard
  • Plays nicely with both iOS and Android devices

Product Considerations

  • The soft touch rubber coating is a dust magnet
  • The Beats app is barebones, with no EQ controls
  • Can't playback stereo content without pairing another speaker
  • Audio can get muddy and lose detail at high volumes
  • Some controls have a learning curve

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Beats Pill+: The 2024 Beats Pill is lighter, has better build quality, a more balanced sound, and support for voice assistants, but lacks Bluetooth multipoint support and stereo playback without pairing
  • Vs JBL Flip 6: Has a more balanced sound out-of-the-box, a longer battery life, and voice assistant support, but JBL is better built and offers a graphic EQ in the companion app

Takeaway: The Beats Pill is a simple, portable, and durable Bluetooth speaker that sounds good, especially at its price. It's easy to connect to devices and take anywhere.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Era 300
419
/
Released
2023
With next-level audio that hits from every direction, Era 300 doesn't just surround you, it puts you inside your music. Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song.
Check Amazon
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

  • Impressive spatial audio delivers a more immersive and 3D soundscape compared to traditional stereo, when playing Dolby Atmos content
  • Wide, room-filling sound projects further and more confidently than other similar wireless speakers
  • Can be used as Dolby Atmos surround speakers, delivering multi-channel rears for the first time
  • Includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6) connectivity

Product Considerations

  • The spatial audio experience is heavily dependent on the quality of the Dolby Atmos mix, and some mixes can be disappointing
  • Touch controls don't provide the tactile feedback of physical buttons
  • The Sonos app can be slow and not always intuitive to use
  • Spatial audio tracks can only be played over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth
  • No Google Assistant

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Era 300 offers a more refined sound, with a deeper bassline and better wraparound sound, compared to Amazon Echo Studio
  • The Era 300 has better dynamics, and supports Dolby Atmos, compared to Sonos Five—the slightly larger Five can reproduce a more extended low bass and offers superior stereo music playback
  • Era 300 gets slightly louder and has slightly better directivity and features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, whereas the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) can only connect via Wi-Fi

Takeaway: The Sonos Era 300 excels at spatial audio playback, and the spatial audio from a single wireless speaker feels detailed, engaging and accomplished. It's a great addition to any home, offering immersive sound for both music and movies.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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