Denon intros affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar system

There’s a new Dolby Atmos soundbar in town, and it’s from Denon. The DHT-S517 promises a 3.1.2 listening experience from a bar and wireless subwoofer combo, at a mid-range price.

Tuned by the same team responsible for the brand’s lauded AV receivers, the DHT-S517 features a 7-driver array comprising left/right channel tweeters and midrange drivers, a dedicated center channel, plus two up-firing drivers for height duties.

Just the ticket for bringing 3D audio from music, movies and games to media rooms and living spaces, the DHT-S517 features HDMI eARC and optical digital audio connectivity, with a second HDMI for a direct source component connection.

Ease of use appears straightforward; viewers can control the sound bar volume via their TV remote, while wireless music streaming is delivered over Bluetooth.

There are three sound modes to tweak audio presentation: Movie, Music, Pure and Night. In Pure Mode all surround processing and other adjusted characteristics are eliminated.

Additionally, Denon’s Dialogue Enhancer is on hand to improve the intelligibility of spoken content. It comes in three strengths. There’s also a dedicated level control, independent of overall system volume.

Denon President, Trip Randall, said: “While TV manufactures have developed thinner and thinner screens with high resolution and great picture quality, space for speakers has notably diminished, resulting in a sacrificed sound experience,” said. “With our newest Denon sound bar, you’ll immediately boost your home theatre experience to upgraded 3D sound and will find your viewing experience makes exponential leaps forward for the better. It takes a legacy brand like Denon to deliver this kind of spectacular, immersive sound, all with an easy-to-use set-up that is compatible with any TV.”

Available from the end of January, the DHT-S517 sells for £379. Distribution is through Sound United.