Denon DHT-S514 review

The DHT-S514 can also stream audio via Bluetooth, and can make use of the high-quality aptX codec should you have a compatible phone or tablet. We had no trouble playing files from our smartphone and connecting it was as simple as going into our phone’s Bluetooth Settings menu, pairing it with the DHT-S415 and hitting the Bluetooth button either on the remote or the soundbar itself. Admittedly, higher frequencies didn’t sound quite as fleshed out as low and mid-range sounds, but adjusting the subwoofer volume allowed them to come through more fully.

It’s a shame the simplistic remote control doesn’t have any subwoofer controls on it, as reaching round the back of the subwoofer every time was a bit of a pain. However, the remote does a good job of replicating the controls on top of the soundbar, and we particularly like the way the controls on the soundbar light up as you adjust the volume.

The remote control is also handy for switching over to Night Mode, which cuts bass on the subwoofer so it won’t annoy your neighbours when you’re watching a late-night film. In this mode, there was still a decent amount of bass present, but higher range sounds sounded a little thin for our liking.

The Denon DHT-S514 is a good all-round soundbar and its powerful subwoofer certainly makes it stand out from other combo systems. It’s not without its flaws, though, and we think it’s a little expensive. Some cheaper soundbars, such as the Pioneer SBX-N500, do a lot more. The SBX-N500, for instance, can stream video wirelessly, but if all you want is a simple yet great sounding speaker system, the £220 Philips HTL5120 is a better buy.