The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Polk Audio React vs Denon DHT-S517 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, React has a total rating of 4.8 out of 10 versus 5.4 for DHT-S517. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, source, volume down, volume up and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Polk Audio React has 2.0 versus 3.1.2 for the Denon DHT-S517. The output power is different and equal to 30 (overall) W for the React versus 40 (overall) W for the DHT-S517. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The React has a wired connection to separate subwoofer, and the DHT-S517 - wireless. The Polk Audio React got our rating of 4 out of 10, and the Denon DHT-S517 5 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify support is available on the React.
Only the Polk Audio React can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Polk Audio React has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Denon DHT-S517. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. For connectivity, the React received a rating of 5/10 versus 7/10, respectively.
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the React. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the DHT-S517 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Polk Audio React got a rating of 6, and Denon DHT-S517 7 out of 10.