Denon DHT-S316 review

The Denon DHT-S316 soundbar offers a practical solution for enhancing TV audio without the complexity of a full surround system. It features a sleek design that fits comfortably in front of most TVs, complemented by a wireless subwoofer that provides deep bass and flexible placement. The soundbar is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI ARC, and an optical input, ensuring versatile connections for various devices. While it lacks smart assistant integration, its Dolby Digital and DTS decoding deliver a rich, immersive sound experience.

Setup is straightforward, with included HDMI and optical cables simplifying installation. The soundbar supports different audio modes, such as Movie, Music, and Night Mode, catering to diverse listening preferences. Despite its simplicity, the Denon DHT-S316 competes well against alternatives like the Yamaha YAS-209 and Samsung HW-T450, offering solid performance at a competitive price. Overall, it provides good value for those seeking a user-friendly, effective audio upgrade for their home entertainment system.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Denon DHT-S517 or Denon DHT-S218 or Sony HT-S2000.

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Are you considering upgrading your TV's sound without breaking the bank? The Denon DHT-S316 might be exactly what you're looking for. This compact soundbar is designed to deliver a solid audio experience, perfect for those seeking a little more depth from their TV's built-in speakers. With its sleek design and promising features, this soundbar is geared towards enhancing your home entertainment setup.

Soundbars have become a popular choice for those who want better sound without the hassle of setting up a full surround system. The Denon DHT-S316 stands out by offering a combination of simplicity and performance. It's designed to be user-friendly, so you don't need to be tech-savvy to get it up and running. Plus, it claims to bring cinema-like sound to your living room, making movie nights more immersive.

But does it live up to the hype? We'll explore its design, features, and performance to see if it truly delivers on its promises. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated audiophile, this review will help you decide if the Denon DHT-S316 is the right fit for your audio needs.

The Denon DHT-S316 features a sleek and understated design that effortlessly blends into any home entertainment setup. It is crafted with a minimalist approach, featuring a low-profile design that sits comfortably in front of your TV without blocking the screen's bottom edge or IR remote sensor. The soundbar's matte black finish gives it a modern and polished look, making it a stylish addition to your living room.

Build quality is where Denon shines, and this soundbar is no exception. It's constructed with durable materials that feel solid and well-made. The subtle branding on the front doesn't scream for attention, which is a nice touch if you prefer your tech to be more on the discreet side.

The subwoofer, which comes as part of the package, is compact yet robust. It’s wireless, allowing for flexible placement around the room, which is a huge plus if you're short on space or want to hide it away. The combination of the soundbar and the subwoofer gives this setup a balanced look, ensuring neither part feels out of place.

However, the lack of a display on the soundbar itself could be a downside for some. Without a visual indicator, adjusting settings might require a bit more guesswork. But it keeps the design clean and simple, which many people will appreciate.

Let's chat about the features and connectivity of this soundbar. It's got quite a bit to offer, especially if you're looking to simplify your home audio setup without compromising on quality. First off, the Denon DHT-S316 packs a punch with its Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can easily stream your favorite tunes straight from your smartphone or tablet without dealing with any pesky wires.

The soundbar also comes with an HDMI ARC port, which is a pretty nifty feature. This allows you to connect it to your TV with just a single cable, and it even lets you control the volume with your TV remote, thanks to CEC compatibility. No need for juggling multiple remotes If your TV is a bit older, don’t worry—there's an optical input as well, so you're covered. Additionally, there's a 1/8" jack for connecting other audio sources.

For those who enjoy a bit more bass, the package includes a wireless subwoofer. It connects seamlessly with the soundbar, adding depth to your movie nights or music sessions. Plus, since it’s wireless, you can place it virtually anywhere in your room without worrying about cables all over the place.

Now, while the connectivity options are solid, you won't find any fancy smart assistant integration here. So if you're looking to shout commands at Alexa or Google Assistant, you might need to look elsewhere. But if you’re just after straightforward audio enhancement, this setup does the trick nicely.

Overall, the Denon DHT-S316 offers a practical and easy-to-use set of features that cater to the average user looking to elevate their TV sound experience. It's all about that simple, effective connectivity.

Let's talk about the audio performance of this soundbar, because that's what really matters, right? The Denon DHT-S316 doesn’t just look good; it sounds pretty awesome too. This soundbar is all about delivering a rich, immersive sound experience that makes you feel like you're sitting right in the middle of the action. First off, it packs a punch with its 2.1 channel system. That means you get two channels of audio plus a wireless subwoofer that really kicks things up a notch. The bass is deep and resonant, perfect for those action-packed movie nights or when you're just vibing to some tunes.

Now, one thing that stands out is its Dolby Digital and DTS decoding. These features ensure that the sound is crisp and clear, enhancing every detail, whether it's a whisper in a drama or an explosion in an action flick. It’s like the sound just wraps around you, making everything more lifelike.

For those who enjoy tweaking their sound settings, the soundbar offers different sound modes like Movie, Music, and Night Mode. Each mode tailors the audio output to suit what you're listening to. Movie Mode amps up the dialogue and effects, Music Mode balances everything nicely for songs, and Night Mode keeps the sound clear without waking up the whole neighborhood. However, if you're a hardcore audiophile, you might notice that while the sound is excellent, it doesn't quite reach the level of some higher-end models. The soundstage is good, but not as expansive as some might hope for.

But hey, for most of us, it’s more than enough to make our favorite shows and tracks come alive. Overall, the Denon DHT-S316 does a fantastic job of bringing quality audio to your living room without breaking the bank. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster or just chilling with some music, this soundbar has got you covered.

Setting up the Denon DHT-S316 is a breeze, even for those not too tech-savvy. The soundbar comes with an easy-to-follow manual that guides you through the process. You'll have it up and running in no time, so no need to spend hours fiddling with wires and settings.

Connecting the soundbar to your TV is straightforward. You can use either the HDMI ARC or the optical cable, both of which are included. For most TVs, the HDMI ARC is the way to go, as it allows the soundbar to turn on and off with your TV and even lets you control the volume with your TV remote. How cool is that?

Once connected, the soundbar automatically syncs with your TV, which is a nice touch. No messing around with settings or configurations. The Bluetooth connectivity is also solid, making it easy to stream music directly from your phone or tablet. Just pair your device, and you're good to go!

The included remote control is intuitive, though a bit basic. It covers all the essentials like volume control, input selection, and sound mode adjustments. Speaking of sound modes, this soundbar offers a few, including movie, music, and night mode, which adjust the audio output to suit your viewing experience. However, some users might find the remote lacks advanced features.

Overall, the user experience is pretty smooth. Setup is hassle-free, and the controls are simple enough for anyone to grasp. If you're looking for a soundbar that's easy to install and use, this one ticks the right boxes.

So, you’ve got your hands on the Denon DHT-S316 soundbar, and you're probably itching to set it up. Let’s take a look at what's in the box to get you started.

• Soundbar: Of course, the main attraction here is the sleek and compact soundbar itself. It's designed to fit snugly in front of your TV or can be wall-mounted if you're short on space.
• Wireless Subwoofer: This component is what gives you those deep, rumbling bass notes that make action movies and music really pop. It's wireless, so you won't have to deal with any annoying cables running across your room.
• HDMI Cable: You don’t need to go hunting for cables because Denon includes an HDMI cable, making it super easy to connect to your TV.
• Optical Cable: If HDMI isn’t your thing, you’ve got an optical cable as an alternative. It’s all about giving you options!
• Remote Control: A handy, compact remote is included so you can kick back and control everything from your couch. It comes with a set of AAA batteries.
• Power Cords: One for the soundbar and one for the subwoofer. These are pretty standard, but it's always nice to have them included.
• Wall Mount Template and Spacers: If you're planning on mounting the soundbar, this template and spacers will make the process a breeze.

All in all, Denon seems to have thought of everything to get you up and running with minimal fuss. The inclusion of both HDMI and optical cables is a nice touch, catering to different preferences and setups. So, no need to make any extra trips to the store If there’s any downside, it might be the simplicity of the remote, which some might find a bit too basic. But hey, it does the job!

In the crowded soundbar market, the Denon DHT-S316 faces stiff competition from several brands. Let's take a peek at how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

Yamaha YAS-209

The Yamaha YAS-209 offers built-in Alexa, which is a neat addition for smart home enthusiasts. It also has a slight edge with its virtual surround sound capabilities, giving a more immersive experience. However, the Denon holds its ground with a sleeker design, which might appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics in their living room setup.

Samsung HW-T450

The Samsung HW-T450 is another contender in the same price bracket. It provides a solid audio performance with its Dolby Audio feature, but lacks an HDMI input, which the Denon includes. This might be a dealbreaker for those who want seamless connectivity with their TV and other devices.

Vizio V-Series 2.1

Vizio's offering, the V-Series 2.1, comes at a slightly lower price point and includes a wireless subwoofer like the Denon. While both offer great bass response, the Denon’s overall sound clarity might edge out the Vizio, especially for those who enjoy crisp dialogues and detailed soundscapes.

Sonos Beam Gen 2

On the higher end, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 brings in Dolby Atmos support and integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem. This makes it a strong choice for those who already own Sonos products. Nevertheless, the Denon delivers solid performance without the premium price tag, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality sound.

While each of these competitors brings something unique to the table, the Denon DHT-S316 finds its sweet spot by offering a balanced mix of features, performance, and price. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some high-end models, but it certainly delivers where it counts.

When considering value for money, the Denon DHT-S316 holds its own in the soundbar market. It's not the cheapest option out there, but it's certainly not the priciest either. What you do get is a pretty solid mix of features and performance that justifies the price tag for many users.

Looking at the audio performance, this soundbar delivers a rich and immersive sound experience that rivals some higher-end models. For the price, the sound quality is impressive, especially if you're upgrading from basic TV speakers. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer adds depth to the bass, which is a bonus for movie and music enthusiasts.

In terms of features and connectivity, the DHT-S316 offers a decent array of options. It includes HDMI ARC, optical, and a 1/8" jack for connecting various devices. Bluetooth connectivity is also available, allowing for easy streaming from your phone or other devices. However, some might find the lack of smart assistant integration a bit limiting, especially if they're looking for a more connected home experience.

When you weigh the design and build quality against its price, it’s clear that Denon has put thought into creating a sleek and unobtrusive piece of equipment that fits well with most home setups. Its simplicity might not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a more flashy design, but it’s practical and functional.

Overall, the Denon DHT-S316 stands out as a value-packed option for those seeking to enhance their home audio without breaking the bank. It offers a solid balance of performance and features, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their viewing or listening experience.

Video by: Simon's Reviews

In wrapping things up, the Denon DHT-S316 is a solid choice for those who want to elevate their home theater experience without breaking the bank. Its sleek design and user-friendly setup make it a great fit for most living rooms. The sound quality is impressive, especially considering its price point, offering a rich and immersive audio experience thanks to its Dolby Digital and DTS decoding capabilities. The wireless subwoofer adds a nice punch to the bass, deepening the overall sound spectrum. It's not the most feature-packed soundbar out there, but it covers the essentials pretty well with features like HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth connectivity. If you're looking for something with more advanced features like voice control or an app, you might want to look elsewhere.

However, if your main goal is to enhance your TV's audio with minimal fuss, this soundbar delivers. It stands strong against its competitors in the same price range, providing good value for money. Whether you're watching movies or streaming music, it does a commendable job of bringing your audio to life. In short, if you're on the hunt for a reliable and straightforward soundbar setup, the Denon DHT-S316 won't disappoint.

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