Can also be part of an Alexa multi-room system
Entertainment and audio specialist Denon has expanded its home cinema range with the new Sound Bar 550, a compact speaker that delivers both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound.
Just the thing for making the most of all the extra TV and films we’re currently watching while staying at home.
Those of us used to Amazon’s smart home ecosystem will be pleased to learn that the bar contains built-in microphones, and a firmware update expected in April will enable it to work as a standalone Alexa smart speaker (the microphones will not be enabled without explicit user permission).
We’ve also had confirmation that when Alexa does arrive on the sound bar, it will make the 550 compatible with Alexa Multi-Room Music systems, just like the recently announced JBL Bar 5.0.
If you prefer to watch your movies with the lights off, you’ll particularly appreciate that the control panel lights up when an outstretched hand approaches, and allows you to adjust volume, play/pause, skip and more.
Like its Atmos-packing rival, the Sonos Arc, it boasts eARC HDMI connectivity and it also has HDMI-in, optical and Ethernet connections.
It’s not just about TV audio though, and the bar will also make your music sound pretty darn great, allowing you to stream high-resolution music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD and Tidal, as well as files stored locally via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Apple AirPlay 2.
The Sound Bar 550 has a six-driver array and can be used as a standalone bar or together with other Denon speakers or subwoofers for an even more cinematic experience.
If you’ve already invested in HEOS, Denon’s wireless multi-room audio ecosystem, then the 550 will fit right in, attaching to the system as a separate wireless zone.
The HEOS compatibility means you can play different music in different rooms or use Party Mode to stream the same music throughout your home.
The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 costs £599 and will be available to buy from February 2021.
