Denon Home Soundbar 550 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Denon Home Soundbar 550 offers a compact solution for enhancing TV audio without the complexity of a full home theater system. Its sleek design and solid build quality make it a subtle yet stylish addition to any living space. While it excels in delivering clear midrange and high frequencies, the bass might not satisfy those seeking deeper sound. Featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it creates an immersive audio experience, though it may not fully replace a comprehensive surround sound system for audiophiles.

The soundbar boasts a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, but lacks HDMI passthrough, which could be limiting for some users. It integrates smoothly with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, offering hands-free control. Setup is straightforward with the HEOS app, although the remote control is basic and lacks backlighting.

Compared to competitors like Sonos Beam Gen 2, Bose Smart Soundbar 300, and Yamaha YAS-209, the Denon 550 stands out for its advanced audio format support, though it misses a dedicated subwoofer. Overall, it's a strong contender for those seeking a balanced mix of performance, features, and compact design.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Bose Smart Soundbar 900.

Introduction

Soundbars have become a super convenient way to upgrade your TV's sound without the hassle of a full-blown home theater setup. And with so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick one that ticks all the right boxes. If you're on the hunt for a compact yet powerful addition to your entertainment system, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 might just catch your eye.

This soundbar aims to deliver a rich audio experience, blending seamlessly into your living space without hogging all the attention. It's designed for folks who want great sound in a relatively small package. But does it really deliver on its promises?

Let’s face it, not everyone has the room or budget for a giant sound system. That's where a soundbar like this comes in handy. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife of sound; compact yet full of features. The Denon Home Soundbar 550 tries to punch above its weight, offering a mix of cool technology and easy usability. So, is it worth it? Let's find out together.

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Design and Build Quality

When you first lay eyes on the Denon Home Soundbar 550, you'll notice its sleek and compact design. This soundbar is designed to effortlessly fit into most home entertainment setups. Measuring just under 27 inches in length, it won't dominate your room or clash with your decor. It's like the minimalist friend who doesn't demand too much attention but still enhances the vibe of the party.

The build quality is pretty solid, featuring a sturdy metal grille that wraps around the front and sides. This not only gives it a premium look but also provides protection to the delicate drivers inside. The top of the device is where the touch controls reside, and they are surprisingly intuitive. Swiping and tapping through settings feels responsive, and it adds a modern touch to the overall design.

The soundbar’s finish has a matte texture, helping to avoid those unsightly fingerprints that seem to love glossy surfaces. However, one downside is that it lacks a bit in color variety. It mostly comes in a standard black, which might not suit everyone's taste, especially if you're aiming for a more personalized home aesthetic.

On the back, you'll find the connection ports neatly arranged, which is great for cable management. The overall design is about being user-friendly without being overly complicated. It's built to last but doesn’t scream luxury, which is a trade-off some might appreciate while others may not.

In summary, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 combines an understated design with robust build quality. It’s suitable for those who want a reliable soundbar that complements their living space without stealing the spotlight. If you’re into a minimalist aesthetic, this soundbar might just be your cup of tea.

Audio Performance

The audio performance of the Denon Home Soundbar 550 is something worth chatting about. It's not just about blasting out tunes; it's about creating an experience that feels like you're sitting in a mini-theater. This soundbar packs a punch with its Dolby Atmos support, which is like having a mini orchestra in your living room. It adds that extra dimension to your movies and music, making everything feel more alive.

Now, let's talk about the sound quality. This soundbar delivers rich, clear audio that covers a broad spectrum. The midrange and high frequencies are crisp, perfect for those dialogue-heavy TV shows. The bass won’t rattle your windows, but it’s decent enough for a compact soundbar. If you’re a bass head craving those deep, rumbling lows, you might feel a bit underwhelmed.

One thing that's cool about this soundbar is how it handles different sound profiles. Whether you're watching an action movie or a live concert, it adapts to provide the best possible soundstage. The clarity and separation of sounds mean you won't miss a beat or a whisper.

But let's be real, nothing's perfect. While the soundbar does a great job with immersive sound, it might not fully replace a more comprehensive surround sound system if you're a hardcore audiophile. Some might find that the virtual surround sound doesn’t quite hit the mark like actual rear speakers would.

Overall, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 provides a solid auditory experience for most users, striking a good balance between performance and convenience. It’s like upgrading your TV’s audio from a standard coffee to a fancy latte – not the most extravagant choice, but definitely satisfying.

Features and Connectivity

The Denon Home Soundbar 550 is packed with a bunch of features and connectivity options that make it a versatile choice for any home entertainment setup. This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which means you're in for an immersive audio experience that can make your living room feel like a mini-theater.

For those who love their smart assistants, you'll be happy to know that this soundbar is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. You can control the soundbar hands-free, asking it to play your favorite tunes or adjust the volume without lifting a finger. How cool is that?

Connectivity Options

Let's talk about how you can hook it up. The soundbar offers a variety of connectivity options, making it super flexible. It includes:

• HDMI eARC/ARC for high-quality audio transfer.
• Optical Input for those who prefer a classic connection.
• USB Port for direct media playback.
• Bluetooth connectivity, which is always handy for quick streaming from your phone.
• Wi-Fi for easy integration with your home network and streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL.

Not everything is sunshine and roses, though. While the variety of connectivity options is impressive, some users may find the lack of HDMI passthrough slightly limiting, especially if your TV has limited HDMI ports. However, the inclusion of eARC should cover most needs for high-quality sound transmission.

In the end, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 blends a rich set of features with multiple connectivity options, like a toolbox full of gadgets ready to tackle any challenge. Whether you're streaming your favorite playlist or watching the latest blockbuster, this soundbar's got you covered.

Setup and User Experience

Setting up the Denon Home Soundbar 550 is a breeze, even if you're not a tech guru. Just plug in the power cord, connect to your TV using the HDMI ARC port, and you're almost good to go. The HDMI ARC connection simplifies everything by allowing both audio and control signals to pass through a single cable. If you've ever tried to untangle a mess of cables behind your TV, you'll really appreciate this.

The soundbar offers a companion app that makes life easier. The HEOS app walks you through the setup process step by step. It’s like having a friendly guide next to you. You'll use the app to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network, so you can stream music wirelessly. Once connected, you can adjust the sound settings and even link other HEOS-compatible speakers for a multi-room setup.

Intuitive Controls

The top of the soundbar features a touch-sensitive control panel, which is pretty neat. You can adjust the volume, play or pause your music, and even mute the sound with just a tap. It’s responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to adjust settings without needing to reach for the remote.

Speaking of remotes, you'll find the included remote control easy to use. However, some users have mentioned that it feels a bit basic. While it covers all the essential functions, it lacks backlighting, which can be a minor nuisance in a dimly lit room. If you’re used to a more high-tech remote, this one might feel a bit old-school.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any issues during setup, the soundbar’s user manual is quite helpful. It includes troubleshooting tips for common problems, like connectivity issues or audio syncing challenges. And here's a quick tip: if the soundbar doesn’t seem to respond, try restarting it. Sometimes, a simple reboot can work wonders.

Overall, the setup and user experience are quite smooth, with just a few hiccups that could be improved. But hey, no product is perfect, right? Once you're all set up, you're ready to enjoy a quality listening experience that elevates your home entertainment.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Denon Home Soundbar 550, you'll find everything you need to get started without any fuss. Here's what you can expect:

• Denon Home Soundbar 550: The star of the show, this sleek soundbar is designed to deliver impressive audio quality.
• Remote Control: A compact remote for easy navigation. It's not overly complicated, making it simple to adjust settings and volume.
• HDMI Cable: A solid HDMI cable is included, so you won’t have to dig through your drawers or rush to the store on setup day.
• Power Cable: Pretty standard, but absolutely essential for powering up your new soundbar.
• Quick Start Guide: This handy guide walks you through the setup process. However, if you're tech-savvy, you might not need it.
• Wall Mount Template: For those who prefer a neater setup, this template makes mounting the soundbar on your wall a breeze.

So, what's missing? Surprisingly, batteries for the remote control aren't part of the package. It's a small inconvenience, but something to be aware of. Otherwise, Denon has packed in most of what you need to quickly start enjoying your soundbar. Overall, the unboxing experience is straightforward, with no hidden surprises or unnecessary extras cluttering the box.

Competitor Comparison

The home soundbar market is bustling with options, and it's easy to get caught up in the choices. Let's take a look at how the Denon Home Soundbar 550 stacks up against some of its main competitors.

Sonos Beam Gen 2

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a popular choice with its sleek design and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. It offers excellent sound quality, with a focus on clarity and balance. However, the Denon 550 shines with its more robust DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support, giving it a slight edge in creating an immersive audio experience. Yet, if you're already a Sonos user, the Beam Gen 2 might fit more seamlessly into your setup.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Next up is the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, known for its voice control capabilities and streamlined design. Both soundbars offer Alexa and Google Assistant integration, but the Denon 550 goes a step further with its inclusion of HEOS multi-room audio, allowing for more flexible home audio configurations. Bose excels in delivering a rich and full sound, but some might find Denon's support for advanced audio formats a compelling reason to choose it over Bose.

Yamaha YAS-209

The Yamaha YAS-209 offers a great combination of sound quality and features, including a wireless subwoofer and Clear Voice technology for enhanced dialogue clarity. While Denon 550 lacks a dedicated subwoofer, its compact form factor and integrated audio technologies still deliver a solid performance. Yamaha’s subwoofer might give it a bass advantage for those who crave rumbling lows, but Denon competes well in terms of overall sound immersion.

To summarize, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 stands out with its impeccable build quality and sound versatility. It might not have all the bells and whistles, like a dedicated subwoofer, but its support for cutting-edge audio formats makes it a strong contender. Each of its competitors presents unique strengths, so your choice might just boil down to what fits your current setup and personal preferences.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our thoughts on the Denon Home Soundbar 550, it's clear that it offers a solid mix of features and performance, making it a strong contender in the soundbar market. If you're after a compact device that punches above its weight in sound quality, this one’s worth considering.

Audio performance is where it shines, delivering rich and detailed sound that can elevate your home entertainment experience. It's like inviting a mini orchestra into your living room.

The design and build quality are also impressive, offering a sleek look that fits well in most setups without dominating your space. However, as with any product, it's not without its quirks. The soundbar’s size might limit its ability to produce the deep bass some audiophiles crave. If booming bass is your jam, you might want an additional subwoofer or consider a larger setup. Connectivity options are fairly robust, supporting modern wireless standards, but there could be a learning curve for those not tech-savvy. Once you get the hang of it, though, everyday use is a breeze.

In terms of value for money, it sits at a decent price point, offering features that are competitive with other models in its range. Just like a Swiss Army knife, it packs a lot into a small package. Ultimately, if you're looking for a well-rounded soundbar that balances size with performance and a host of smart features, the Denon Home Soundbar 550 is a worthy addition to your home theater arsenal. It may not be the biggest, but it certainly aims to be one of the mightiest in its category.

Video by: Denon

FAQ

• Can the Denon Home Soundbar 550 be wall-mounted?
  Yes, it can be wall-mounted. However, you'll need to purchase a separate wall-mount kit. If you're a fan of the minimalist look, this soundbar fits right in.
• Does it support Dolby Atmos?
  Nope, the soundbar doesn't support Dolby Atmos. However, it does support Dolby Digital Plus and DTS, which still deliver solid audio performance for most users.
• What voice assistants are compatible?
  The soundbar is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can easily control your music or adjust the volume with just your voice. Who needs a remote, right?
• Is there an app for controlling the soundbar?
  Absolutely! The Denon app allows you to control the soundbar using your smartphone. It's pretty handy for when your remote magically disappears into the couch cushions.
• How does it connect to other speakers?
  You can connect it wirelessly to other Denon Home products. Setting up a multi-room audio system has never been easier. Well, maybe not "never," but pretty close!
• What about HDMI connections?
  There’s an HDMI eARC port, ensuring you get high-quality sound from your TV. But don't forget to check if your TV supports eARC to make the most of this feature.
• Is the size suitable for small spaces?
  Yep, this soundbar is compact enough to fit into smaller spaces without dominating the room. It's perfect if you don't want your soundbar to hog the spotlight.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications