Denon soundbar 550 vs sonos beam: unraveling the secrets of immersive sound
What To Know
- The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, offers a clear and balanced sound with Dolby Atmos support.
- The Denon Soundbar 550 is constructed with a metal grille and a fabric cover, while the Sonos Beam features a durable plastic exterior.
- The Denon Soundbar 550 offers a more immersive and dynamic sound with its Dolby Atmos and DTS.
The world of home audio has witnessed a fierce rivalry between two giants: the Denon Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam. Both soundbars promise immersive sound experiences, but which one emerges as the true champion? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Features
Denon Soundbar 550
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive surround sound
- 5.1.2-channel configuration with up-firing speakers
- HDMI eARC and HDMI CEC for seamless connectivity
- HEOS multi-room audio support
- Built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant
Sonos Beam
- Dolby Atmos support
- 5.0-channel configuration
- HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC for connectivity
- AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth support
- Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants
Performance
Sound Quality
The Denon Soundbar 550 delivers a powerful and dynamic sound with its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The up-firing speakers create a convincing overhead soundstage, while the dedicated subwoofer adds depth and impact to bass frequencies. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, offers a clear and balanced sound with Dolby Atmos support. Its wide soundstage and precise imaging create an immersive listening experience.
Surround Sound
The Denon Soundbar 550’s 5.1.2-channel configuration provides a wider and more immersive surround sound experience compared to the Sonos Beam’s 5.0-channel setup. The up-firing speakers effectively bounce sound off the ceiling to create a sense of height, while the dedicated subwoofer enhances the overall bass response.
Connectivity
HDMI
Both the Denon Soundbar 550 and Sonos Beam offer HDMI eARC and HDMI ARC connectivity for high-quality audio transmission from TVs and other devices. eARC supports uncompressed audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring the best possible sound quality.
Wireless
The Denon Soundbar 550 supports HEOS multi-room audio, allowing you to connect it with other HEOS-compatible speakers for a whole-home audio system. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
Voice Control
Amazon Alexa
Both the Denon Soundbar 550 and Sonos Beam feature built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistants. This allows you to control music playback, adjust volume, and access other Alexa skills hands-free.
Google Assistant
The Sonos Beam additionally supports Google Assistant, providing users with a wider range of voice control options.
Design
Size and Aesthetics
The Denon Soundbar 550 is slightly larger than the Sonos Beam, measuring 43.3 inches in width. Both soundbars have a sleek and modern design that complements most home interiors.
Materials
The Denon Soundbar 550 is constructed with a metal grille and a fabric cover, while the Sonos Beam features a durable plastic exterior.
Value
Price
The Denon Soundbar 550 typically retails for around $599, while the Sonos Beam is priced at $449.
Features vs. Price
The Denon Soundbar 550 offers a more immersive surround sound experience, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and a dedicated subwoofer at a slightly higher price point. The Sonos Beam provides a balanced sound, AirPlay 2 support, and a lower price tag.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Denon Soundbar 550 and Sonos Beam depends on your specific needs and preferences.
For a truly immersive surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support: Denon Soundbar 550
For a balanced and clear sound with AirPlay 2 support at a more affordable price: Sonos Beam
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?
A: The Denon Soundbar 550 offers a more immersive and dynamic sound with its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, while the Sonos Beam provides a clear and balanced sound with Dolby Atmos.
Q: Which soundbar has more connectivity options?
A: The Denon Soundbar 550 supports HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, and HEOS multi-room audio, while the Sonos Beam supports HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth.
Q: Which soundbar is better for voice control?
A: Both the Denon Soundbar 550 and Sonos Beam feature built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistants, while the Sonos Beam additionally supports Google Assistant.
