Sound quality: Denon's DHT-S517 has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Pure sound mode the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a bit prominent and boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat soft, hazy, and grainy, and a bit dark. Treble is extended, but is a bit smeared and sizzly and the lower to mid treble is a bit subdued. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience, and the overall sound is somewhat congested. With stereo program material the sound image extends somewhat above, but not much beyond the sides of the soundbar, and lacks depth. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. With Dolby digital and DTS multi-channel program material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material extends well beyond the height and width of the soundbar enclosure, but still lacks depth. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. The various sound modes did not have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, aux, USB and Bluetooth inputs. Dolby Atmos program material can only be played through the HDMI input and through the HDMI ARC/eARC input when it is connected to a TV that has a HDMI ARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ or a HDMI eARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ or Dolby Digital TrueHD. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
