Sony HT-X8500 vs Denon DHT-S517 review

vs

The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Sony HT-X8500 vs Denon DHT-S517 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HT-X8500 has a total rating of 6 out of 10 versus 5.4 for DHT-S517. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-X8500 has 2.1 versus 3.1.2 for the Denon DHT-S517. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-X8500 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the Denon DHT-S517 5 for its audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.

Connectivity

Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. For connectivity, the HT-X8500 received a rating of 8/10 versus 7/10, respectively.

Features

App control is available for the DHT-S517. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-X8500. For multichannel surround Sony HT-X8500 got a rating of 10, and Denon DHT-S517 7 out of 10.

Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over Denon DHT-S517

Advantages Denon DHT-S517 over Sony HT-X8500