Introduction
The Denon HomeSB550 Sound Bar emerges as a versatile and compact audio solution aimed at enhancing the home theater experience. Positioned to appeal to both audiophiles and casual listeners, this sound bar promises a blend of high-quality audio, sleek design, and smart features. It is crafted for those who seek an upgrade from their TV's built-in speakers without the complexities of a full home theater setup.
Design and Build Quality
Denon has a reputation for well-crafted audio equipment, and the HomeSB550 Sound Bar is no exception. Sporting a minimalist aesthetic, its dimensions of 75 x 650 x 120mm and weight of 7.3 pounds suggest it can comfortably sit under most televisions without intruding into the living space. The build quality appears solid, with a design that should blend seamlessly into modern home decor. Attention to detail in the choice of materials indicates that this sound bar is built to last.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is a strong suit for the HomeSB550. With HDMI eARC and a second HDMI port, digital optical input, an Ethernet socket, a 3.5mm analogue input, a USB socket, dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Bluetooth 3.0, users have a plethora of options. This versatility ensures that the sound bar can integrate into virtually any home theater setup and cater to a variety of user preferences for both wired and wireless connections.
Audio Capabilities and Performance
The Denon HomeSB550 supports high-resolution audio formats up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD5.6, and is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its speaker configuration includes two 19mm tweeters, four 55mm full-range drivers, and three 'racetrack' passive radiators. This setup promises to deliver a powerful auditory experience. However, the lack of upward firing drivers means that the spatial audio effect of Atmos content may not be as immersive as systems with dedicated height channels.
Control Options
Users can control the sound bar using the included remote, Amazon Alexa voice commands, a proximity-sensing control panel, or through the HEOS app. This range of options ensures that users can interact with the HomeSB550 in whichever way they find most convenient, whether they are tech-savvy or prefer traditional methods.
Features and Functionality
The Denon HomeSB550 is more than just a sound bar. It supports streaming from various services such as Spotify and Tidal over Wi-Fi, and can function as part of a Denon HEOS multi-room system. Its ability to process spatial audio and integrate into a wireless surround setup adds to its appeal. However, the true potential of its features, especially for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, may only be fully realized with additional speakers.
Sound Quality
At moderate volumes, the HomeSB550 delivers clear and immersive sound. The audio quality is crisp, and there's an appreciable sense of space. However, when pushed to higher volumes, the sound bar's performance reveals limitations. The bass, while adequate, lacks the depth and punch needed for a truly cinematic experience, and dialogue clarity can suffer. Adding an external subwoofer and additional Denon Home speakers as rears could mitigate some of these issues.
Pros and Cons
The Denon HomeSB550 boasts a compact form factor, excellent connectivity, and versatile control options. It delivers respectable sound quality with high-resolution audio support. However, the sound bar's performance at high volumes is less than stellar, with a lack of deep bass and a drop in sound quality. The spatial audio experience is also limited without extra speakers, and there is no room correction feature to optimize sound based on room acoustics.
Price and Value
Priced at £470 in the UK, $549 in the US, and AU$899 in Australia, the HomeSB550 sits in the mid-range bracket. Considering its feature set and performance, it offers fair value for those looking to enhance their audio experience without committing to a full surround system.
Comparison with Competitors
When matched against competitors in the same price range, the HomeSB550 holds its own with its array of features and solid build quality. However, other sound bars may offer better bass performance or a more convincing Atmos experience out of the box, without the need for additional components.
Final Thoughts
The Denon HomeSB550 Sound Bar is a commendable choice for users seeking to upgrade their TV's audio with a device that balances functionality with ease of use. It is best suited for those who value a wide range of connectivity options and the flexibility of a multi-room audio system. For those seeking ground-shaking bass or a full Dolby Atmos experience, additional speakers will be necessary. Despite its limitations at high volumes, the HomeSB550 remains a strong contender in the mid-range sound bar market, especially for users already invested in the Denon ecosystem.