Small but a simple element in an ecosystem
Good sound bar, compact, powerful, but can't break the laws of physics. I installed it on a TV in my 20m² bedroom and it worked perfectly. I think it has its limits when it comes to providing sound in large rooms, such as a large open-plan living room of over 50m².
In terms of sound, it's no miracle either, the lack of bass makes itself felt, which is why it's often sold with its dedicated subwoofer (the Denon home sub), this sound bar is just one element in the Denon home 550 sound bar, Denon home sub and Denon home 150 ecosystem if you really want to enjoy a rewarding surround experience. On its own, this soundbar can do the job, but the dedicated subwoofer sold separately takes this soundbar to a higher register and the experience changes completely.
This sound bar is intended to be versatile, but it pulls more into the home cinema experience with its rich treble; you can hear the details of sound effects, the tiniest details in footsteps, or the sound of the breeze on leaves and twigs for example, it's quite remarkable. For watching a film or playing games, this really is a very good sound bar. Unfortunately, there's a dip in the midrange, which makes listening to music a little narrow and less rewarding despite the stereo mode, which is a shame.
In terms of software, I'm a fan of plug n play, and I've lost a bit of patience with this bar. You have to go through a series of configurations and pairing, and that requires patience, long updates, Bluetooth not recognised at the first attempt and the fact that you need an internet connection to configure the bar. Alexa integrated into the soundbar is a big plus, as it saves you having to fiddle with the remote control.
