Sound quality:
Denon's DHT-S218 has acceptable overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Pure sound mode the bass has good impact, but is a bit tubby and doesn’t go deep. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat soft, hazy, congested, and dark, and slightly grainy and echoey. Treble sounds fairly extended, but is a somewhat subdued, smeared and a bit sizzly. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience which can be further obscured by the echoey quality of the midrange and sounds somewhat congested. With stereo program material the sound image extends somewhat above, but not much beyond the sides of the soundbar, and lacks depth. Individual instruments and voices can be identified, but have a two dimensional quality.
Sound Modes (With Stereo Content)
The various sound modes (Movie/Night/Music) have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Multi-channel
The sound image extends a bit higher then with stereo program material, and somewhat further to the sides of the soundbar, but still lacks depth. Individual instruments and voices can be identified, but have a two dimensional quality.
Sound Modes (With Multi-channel)
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
The Voice Enhancement - (Low/Med/High modes available) In the Low mode it has a subtle effect, however, in the High mode it had a noticeable effect on voice clarity.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend somewhat to the sides and up and above to the front 1/3 of the room depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are somewhat two-dimensional.
bassMidrangeTreble
TV ease of use: excellent overall.
Features ease of use: acceptable overall.
