The Denon DHT-S216 positions itself as a user-friendly and affordable soundbar solution for improving your TV’s sound quality. This 2.1 channel system boasts built-in down-firing subwoofers, aiming to elevate your home theater experience without requiring a separate subwoofer. Let’s explore the key features of the DHT-S216 to see if it delivers a compelling combination of affordability and improved sound.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Brand | Denon |
| Model Name | DHT-S216H |
| Speaker Type | Subwoofer |
| Connectivity Technology | wired, wireless |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 40 Watts |
| Special Feature | Subwoofer, Dolby Enabled |
| Control Method | Remote Control |
Sound Quality
The Denon DHT-S216 offers a noticeable improvement over most built-in TV speakers. It utilizes two front-firing speakers that create a stereo effect, providing a wider soundstage compared to TV speakers. This translates to clearer dialogue reproduction and a more immersive listening experience for everyday content like movies, TV shows, and news broadcasts.
The DHT-S216 incorporates DTS Virtual:X technology to create a virtual surround sound experience. While it might not replicate a true surround sound system with multiple speakers, DTS Virtual:X aims to create a more spacious and enveloping soundstage compared to traditional stereo soundbars. This can enhance the sense of immersion for movies and certain content.
Bass
The DHT-S216 boasts built-in down-firing subwoofers, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer and simplifying setup. This is a significant advantage over soundbars without subwoofers, offering a more impactful experience for explosions in action movies, adding depth to music with strong bass lines, or enhancing the impact of other audio content.
It’s important to remember that the size limitations of the built-in subwoofers might affect the absolute depth of bass they can produce. Users seeking a truly earth-shattering bass experience for movies or music might find the DHT-S216’s subwoofers lacking. However, for everyday listening and casual use, the built-in subwoofers offer a noticeable improvement in low-end presence compared to soundbars without subwoofers.
Connectivity
The Denon DHT-S216 offers a user-friendly selection of connectivity options to connect to your TV and other devices. It features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows for a single-cable connection to compatible TVs, simplifying setup. Additionally, an optical digital input is included for connecting various devices like gaming consoles, streaming devices, or older TVs without HDMI ARC.
The DHT-S216 also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This adds versatility to the soundbar, letting you use it for music playback beyond just enhancing TV audio.
While the DHT-S216 might not offer the most extensive connectivity options of high-end soundbars, it provides the essentials for connecting commonly used devices and the bonus of Bluetooth connectivity.
Design
The Denon DHT-S216 features a low-profile and minimalist design that blends seamlessly with most modern entertainment setups. The soundbar can easily be placed in front of your TV without obstructing the picture. Mounting brackets are also included for wall-mounting the DHT-S216 below your TV for a clean and space-saving setup.
The build quality feels decent, with a lightweight yet sturdy construction. The design prioritizes functionality and affordability, offering a user-friendly experience with basic controls located directly on the soundbar or the included remote control.
Value
The Denon DHT-S216 positions itself as an attractive option for viewers seeking a simple and affordable way to improve their TV’s sound with the added benefit of built-in subwoofers. While it might not deliver high-end audiophile sound, it offers a significant improvement over built-in TV speakers with its built-in subwoofers for enhanced bass, clearer dialogue, wider soundstage, and the addition of DTS Virtual:X technology for a more immersive listening experience.
Here’s a quick breakdown for users with specific needs:
- Ideal for: Viewers seeking a budget-friendly way to improve their TV’s sound quality with built-in subwoofers for everyday listening, including movies, TV shows, and news broadcasts. Users will appreciate the ease of setup with HDMI ARC, Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, and the option for wall mounting.
- Consider alternatives if: You prioritize a truly powerful and deep bass experience. In such cases, exploring soundbars with larger, dedicated subwoofers might be a better fit. Audiophiles seeking the absolute most nuanced sound quality or extensive connectivity options might want to consider higher-end audio systems.
Conclusion
The Denon DHT-S216 carves a niche for budget-conscious users seeking a user-friendly soundbar with built-in subwoofers to enhance their TV’s sound. While it might not compete with high-end systems in terms of features or audiophile-grade detail, it delivers a noticeable improvement over most built-in TV speakers at an attractive price point.
Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:
- Improved Sound Quality: The DHT-S216 offers clearer dialogue, a wider soundstage, and a more immersive listening experience compared to TV speakers, making movies, TV shows, and news broadcasts more enjoyable.
- Built-in Subwoofers: The inclusion of down-firing subwoofers adds depth and impact to low-end audio, improving the experience for explosions and deep bass content. While not earth-shattering, they offer a significant upgrade from soundbars without subwoofers.
- DTS Virtual:X for Enhanced Immersion: This technology aims to create a more spacious and enveloping soundstage, enhancing the feeling of being surrounded by sound for movies and certain content.
- Easy Setup and Connectivity: HDMI ARC, optical digital input, and Bluetooth connectivity simplify connection with various TVs and devices.
In summary, the Denon DHT-S216 stands out as a compelling choice for viewers seeking a budget-friendly way to elevate their everyday TV listening experience with built-in subwoofers for enhanced bass. With its user-friendly design, Bluetooth connectivity, and improved sound quality, it’s a suitable choice for casual listeners who want more than what built-in TV speakers can offer. Users prioritizing a truly room-filling bass experience or the most cutting-edge features and extensive connectivity options might want to explore soundbars with more advanced capabilities.
