Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos, Black (Each)

The Denon DHT-S517 is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer that turns a single bar under your TV into a noticeably spatial soundstage.

Seven drivers, including two upward-firing speakers for the Atmos height channels, deliver from a single bar what used to require several boxes. The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the bar and can go wherever the bass makes the most sense.

Why the DHT-S517?

Because it's the top model of the series, and it shows: 3.1.2 channels instead of the usual 2.1, plus native processing of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio. Effects noticeably move above and around you, not just from left to right. HDMI eARC transmits sound losslessly from your TV, and one optical and one analogue input bring older sources on board too.

What you hear and get

Explosions and rain feel like they're above you, dialogue stays intelligible thanks to the Denon Dialog Enhancer, even when Lake Zurich drizzle patters on the window outside instead of movie rain from the speakers. Three sound modes (Movie, Music, Night) adapt the sound to film, music or late hours – Night Mode tames the dynamics when the neighbours are already asleep.

Who is the DHT-S517 for? (and who isn't it for)

Ideal for anyone who wants a noticeable Atmos experience without running ceiling speakers. Straight talk: despite being the top model, the DHT-S517 doesn't come with HEOS multiroom or Wi-Fi streaming – streaming is Bluetooth only. If you want to link your system across the network, take a look at the streaming speakers category or ask us about HEOS-capable alternatives.

Our verdict

The DHT-S517 is the right choice when a single bar needs to get as close as possible to genuine cinema. Hand on heart: at this price, nobody expects Atmos with height channels – the DHT-S517 delivers it anyway. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we're happy to advise you on whether this is enough for you or whether a separate speaker setup makes more sense.

Technical data

• Type: 3.1.2-channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer
• Drivers: 7 (incl. 2× upward-firing for Dolby Atmos height channels)
• Output power: 150 W (total system)
• 3D audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus
• HDMI: 1× input, 1× output with eARC (4K passthrough)
• Other inputs: 1× optical (digital), 1× 3.5 mm analogue
• Bluetooth: version 5.0, approx. 10 m range
• HEOS/Wi-Fi streaming: not available (Bluetooth only)
• Soundbar dimensions (W × H × D): 1050 × 60 × 95 mm
• Soundbar weight: 2.5 kg
• Subwoofer dimensions (W × H × D): 172 × 370 × 290 mm
• Subwoofer weight: 4.3 kg
• Included: soundbar, wireless subwoofer, remote control, power cable, HDMI cable, optical cable, 3.5 mm cable

Frequently asked questions

Does the Denon DHT-S517 have real ceiling speakers for Dolby Atmos?
No, the height channels come from two upward-firing drivers in the bar itself, which reflect sound off the ceiling. For a truly installed ceiling system, you'd need separate height speakers – but the bar remains the much simpler solution.

Can I integrate the DHT-S517 via Wi-Fi or HEOS?
No, streaming runs exclusively over Bluetooth. If you want multiroom or network streaming, we have suitable alternatives – just ask us, we'll show you what fits your setup.

Is the single HDMI input enough for a console and a Blu-ray player at the same time?
Mostly yes indirectly: sources usually run through your TV's HDMI inputs, and the bar pulls the sound back via eARC. For several sources directly on the bar, the one input isn't enough – we're happy to sort that out together.

Why buy the Denon DHT-S517 at HD Zürisee?
Because we tell you honestly what the bar can and can't do – no HEOS, for example. We advise you on placement, connecting it to your TV setup, and deliver directly to Wädenswil and the surrounding area on request.

Goes well with

For clean 4K/eARC sound, a high-quality HDMI cable is recommended, plus a TV with eARC support. If you want network streaming after all, you'll find alternatives in the streaming speakers category.