Soundbar review of Denon DHT-S516H: Expansive stereo sonics

 

Quick verdict

Classy looks are paired with accomplished music, and the highly successful Heos multi-room app benefits from this configuration. At this price point, however, support for object-based sound from Dolby Atmos will be required, placing Denon at a disadvantage to better defined competition.

For

Expansive delivery of sonic

Impressive multi-room app for Heos

Operates with knowledgeable assistants

It can be enlarged to 5.1.

Strong set of ties

Against

Limited to Audio Lossy

No Remote Control

Expensive consideration of requirements

(Pocket-lint) - The Denon DHT-S516H gives its patented Heos multi-room system a 2.1-channel speaker layout and support. It removes the center channel found on the more costly DHT-S716H, but adds a separate subwoofer for wireless.

Instead of functionality, the focus is on high-quality materials, although this unique bar works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, plus it has an HDMI link and Apple AirPlay 2 support. To generate a 5.1-channel framework, it can also use the Heos platform.

It suffers, however, from two of the same drawbacks as the Formation Bar of Bowers & Wilkins: it does not specifically come with a remote control, requiring you to use the smartphone, and it only supports lossy audio. The former is irritating, however, considering the focus on sound quality, the latter is a surprise.

Minimalist styling, mysterious specs 

• Soundbar: 1018 x 73 x 104mm; 3.1kg
• Subwoofer: 172 x 311 x 172mm; 6.6kg
• Available in black only

In the looks department, the Denon DHT-S516H keeps stuff plain, with streamlined black styling and an angled shape wrapped in a fabric grille. These are dark metal end caps, along with rear bass ports, and the overall quality of construction is outstanding. For today's larger panel sizes, the soundbar is wide enough, but low enough that it does not obstruct the frame. If required, there are optional riser feet and the ability to wall-mount using screw holes in the rear.

There are two speakers within the S516H, each of which is made of bi-amplified mid-woofers and tweeters. Digital amplification and digital signal processing (DSP) are used in the soundbar, but Denon does not include any detailed specifications. The rear-ported wireless subwoofer is also affected by this lack of precise driver and power information, but whatever the specifics, it is built to do all the heavy lifting at the low-end and is styled to fit the sound bar.

Features

• 2.1-channel audio
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS decoding
• Heos multi-room
• Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
• Optional rear speakers

The Denon DHT-S516H is a 2.1-channel device with comprehensive specifications aside, which means that there is no dedicated centre speaker for dialogue. This should not be a concern, but it makes this soundbar an unabashedly two-channel affair from the separate subwoofer with some good bass.

The S516H decodes the lossy Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS, but you'll need to go for the pricier S716H if you want lossless decoding. Neither soundbar supports object-based audio from Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, but there are pre-set equalizer (EQ) modes for listening to movies, music and nighttime.

The Heos multi-room system from Denon enables you to wirelessly stream music to all compatible devices and is managed using an efficient app (iOS and Android). You can also connect them as wireless surround channels to the sound bar if you have two Heos speakers.

Access to Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn Internet Radio, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Napster, Deezer or any music file library stored locally is supported by Heos. Supporting DSD (2.8, 5.6MHz), FLAC, WAV, ALAC (192/24), MP3, WMA and AAC formats, there is also high-resolution playback.

The S516H is happily agnostic and will work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant if you are searching for a soundbar that can take on tasks as a smart speaker. In addition, AirPlay 2 from Apple allows you to download music from other devices that are compatible with AirPlay, and provides access to Siri.

Connections and controls

• 2x HDMI; 1x optical; 1x coaxial; 1x USB; 1x 3.5mm; 1x Ethernet
• Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; AirPlay 2
• Heos app (iOS/Android)

It's a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to managing the Denon DHT-S516H. There is no included remote and a light at the bottom centre of the soundbar itself is the only indicator. You are required to use the Heos software as a monitor and controller as a result.

If you have connected the soundbar via HDMI-ARC to your TV, you can at least use the TV zapper for volume-like basic control, but there is still no input from the monitor. To change the volume, play, pause or skip to the next track, there is also the option of hands-free control through Alexa or Google.

It's a doddle to set up the simplicity of the soundbar, with your only decision being whether to stand or wall-mount it - and then where to put the subwoofer. Denon, along with HDMI, optical digital, 3.5mm analogue, and Ethernet cables, contains an IR blaster in the package.

The connections are located in two recesses at the rear, with the first containing an ARC (audio return channel) HDMI input and output, allowing you to send audio back from the TV to the sound bar. To ensure compatibility with current Ultra-HD content, they support 4K, HDR (including Dolby Vision) and HDCP 2.2.

An optical digital input, a 3.5mm jack, a USB port and an Ethernet connector are included in the second recess, while Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 are also available. It's a good set of ties, and all you need should be provided the lossless constraints.

Impressive but decidedly two-channel sound quality

The Denon DHT-S516H might suffer from certain limitations, but thanks to an expansive front soundstage, it sounds excellent. Although the exact specifications remain uncertain, some respectable speaker design audibly benefits from the sound quality, and there is excellent stereo imaging. The width allows all instruments and effects to be precisely localized, and despite the absence of a central speaker, any conversation remain clear and focused.

The subwoofer blends well with the sound bar, providing a strong bass base that brings greater impact to films and music. A good instance is the beginning of The Greatest Showman, where some deep bass strengthens the stomping of feet. The S516H does a fantastic job of producing a powerful sonic presence at the front of the building, making its lossy limitations even more disappointment with Dolby and DTS.

Since the S516H, via Wi-Fi and the Heos multi-room system, can handle high-resolution audio, it has been clearly built with music in mind. It definitely does not disappoint in that regard, and listening to Good Luck, Seeker by The Waterboys reveals a thorough tone, with a clean mid-range and a treble free of any congestion. The vocals maintain a nice clarity, the driving power of the guitars, and the strong and well-timed bass benefits the drums.

Denon has included a variety of presets and, unsurprisingly, music works better with music, but when it comes to watching TV, it also proves quite efficient. The explanation for this is that the preset, delivering a well-defined and transparent delivery, is free of any processing. As a consequence, Denon manages the audio of most TV shows with great ability, and the soundbar provides the voice-over, music and effects with precision and consistency while watching The Great British Bake-Off.

Sadly, when it comes to more complicated soundtracks, where the lack of rear speakers results in a front-heavy soundstage, the S516H is less impressive. The racing scenes lose some of their impact while watching a film like Le Mans' 66, although the sub does a commendable job of adding a guttural roar to the engines. The movie mode appears to raise the bass, but the music mode is more balanced and therefore ideally suited to the strengths of the sound bars.

VerdictAn experienced soundbar, the Denon DHT-S516H has an expansive front appearance that profits from width and depth. In its consequence, the experience is distinctly two-channel, but the high-quality speakers deliver the items, while the sub produces some deep bass.It's a shame that the S516H does not support an immersive audio format like Dolby Atmos when you consider the price, but it does not even support lossless audio - which is a little disappointing.The lack of a remote control is also irritating, but thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Denon's excellent Heos multi-room system via the app, at least there's the opportunity to enjoy high-resolution audio.In this regard, considering the lack of a central speaker, the S516H is an outstanding artist, handling music or your favourite TV shows with expertise and offering simple dialogue. Overall, this is a well-made 'bar-and-sub combo, but with similar requirements, there are more affordable options available.

Also consider

Vizio SB36512-F6

A perfect example of the kind of sound bar for the same price you can get. This unique kit includes a highly immersive Dolby Atmos surround system for overhead effects, with a wireless sub, wired rear speakers, and upward-firing drivers. It's best suited to smaller screen sizes and spaces, but it's difficult to fail otherwise and provides outstanding money value.

Sharp HT-SBW800

If you have a tighter budget, but still like the Dolby Atmos concept, then this is an ideal option. Due to the lack of rear speakers, the output is somewhat front-heavy, but the sub provides the goods, while the side- and upward-firing drivers ensure a soundstage with enough width and height to boost your sonic experience.