Sony HT-Z9F vs Denon DHT-S517 review

vs

The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Sony HT-Z9F vs Denon DHT-S517 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HT-Z9F has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 5.4 for DHT-S517. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up 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-Z9F has 3.1 versus 3.1.2 for the Denon DHT-S517. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the HT-Z9F versus 40 (overall) W for the DHT-S517. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Sony HT-Z9F got our rating of 7 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 is available on the HT-Z9F.

Connectivity

Only the Sony HT-Z9F can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-Z9F has 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Denon DHT-S517. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. For connectivity, the HT-Z9F received a rating of 8/10 versus 7/10, respectively. App control is available for the DHT-S517. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-Z9F.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-Z9F. For multichannel surround Sony HT-Z9F got a rating of 8, and Denon DHT-S517 7 out of 10.

Advantages Sony HT-Z9F over Denon DHT-S517

Advantages Denon DHT-S517 over Sony HT-Z9F