While I found that the feature accomplished its goal, it also created an artificial sensation that became extremely noticeable at the medium and high settings. The Denon Heos HomeCinema HS2 package is neatly laid out with everything you need. Audio performance is enhanced by Waves’ MaxxAudio processing, which uses “psychoacoustic science” to provide intelligent volume control, multi-band equalisation, bass extension and spatial expansion. Loren Allred’s vocals on “Never Enough” were clean and intelligible, but lacked a bit of the warmth that comes forth on higher-end systems. There is also a soundbar, amp and pre-amp to which you can add your speakers. Dynamically, the Denon really hits the spot, attacking snare drums with vigour and lending anthemic crescendos pleasing scale and drama. The Heos 5 HS2 is second from the top in the lineup. The Heos HomeCinema HS2 has lots of inputs. Best Buy has honest and unbiased customer reviews for Denon - Heos 3 HS2 Hi-Res Wireless Speaker with Integrated Amplifier - Black. The app is basically split into three sections, which you can select using the tabs at the bottom. The layout is simple but attractive, with judicious use of icons and logos. Soundbar placement has an inevitable impact on the speaker’s acoustics. I haven't tried Bluetooth function as I don't like the lower sound quality bluetooth offers. Denon has made an extensive update to the HEOS HomeCinema soundbar we reviewed in 2017. The included wireless sub is also driven by a Class D amp. This speaker performs so well without dialog enhancement that I think most people will be better off leaving it disabled—with one exception, which I’ll get to next. It’s a very slick feature, especially if you live in a smart home filled with devices you can control with voice commands using Amazon’s digital assistant. To group Heos speakers together, just drag and drop them onto one another – the music is magically zapped to all the speakers involved. We were highly impressed by the original version’s killer design, slick multiroom streaming and muscular sound, but the lack of built-in Bluetooth or Hi-Res Audio support denied it the top accolade. Your … However, fans of a warm, bassy sound will love the out-the-box settings. The HS2 does yeoman’s work with music, delivering well-balanced performances from top to bottom. Switch up to Hi-Res files and the Denon makes the most of its new-found talent. Reviews. We may earn a commission if you click a deal and buy an item. The tight fusion of thumping kick drums and a live bassline in “Something About You” by Sean McCabe results in a remarkably cohesive sound. This week we got to see the latest HEOS multi-room audio products. Flashing LEDs at the bottom of each product shows its condition – green during set-up, blue for a secure connection. Even played in 2.1-channel stereo, the classic T-Rex scene came through with all its impact. If you’re looking for earth-shattering bass, the HS2 might or might not satisfy, depending on the content you’re playing. We get to … You can adjust the soundbar’s treble and bass as well as the subwoofer’s volume from the HEOS app. Get performance ratings and pricing on the Denon Heos 7 HS2 wireless & bluetooth speaker. Volume controls are found on the raindrop-shaped right-hand side, a headphone jack on the left. The last scene of that movie features the song “From Now On” with a full-cast choreography. If you’re not already familiar with HEOS, the you’ll likely encounter a speed bump or two while setting up this soundbar—you can’t just plug it in and go. There’s a single HDMI input (with 4K UHD passthrough) on the back of the unit, along with one HDMI out with ARC (Audio Return Channel) support. The all-new HEOS HomeCinema HS2 doesn’t look radically different, but there are lots of features under the hood that render this a significant update. Learn More. The speaker initially creates its own Wi-Fi network, so I opened my iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings, selected the HS2 from the list (it appeared as an AirPlay speaker), and followed the prompts to connect it to my home’s wireless network. It easily fills a large room with sound, offering silky detail, deep bass and a robust mid-range. Denon HEOS HS2 review – hands on with Sonos rivals and stylish new AV Receiver. You’ll need to download and install the HEOS app (available for Android and iOS), create an account, and then go through the Denon setup wizard. The process was completed in less than 30 seconds: simple, straightforward, and flawless. Copyright © 2020 IDG Communications, Inc. Being a member of the Denon HEOS family, this soundbar can be integrated with other components in Denon’s robust multi-room audio ecosystem. Alternatively, you can hang the speaker on the wall, using the keyholes on its back. We’ll always tell you what we find. Heos 5 HS2. Read our, Integrate with HEOS—or AirPlay 2—components, Supports both Denon's HEOS and Apple's AirPlay 2 multi-room streaming technologies, Amazon Alexa digital assistant integration, No physical remote control included (you must use the HEOS app or you voice), Soundbar doesn't provide any visual feedback (here again, you must rely on the app), Setup might seem daunting to the non-technical user. An EQ menu allows you to adjust the bass and treble, while an icon at the top calls up the playback queue, where you can delete tracks or create a playlist from queued tracks. The soundbar can be installed in various ways, comes with a wireless subwoofer and has a suggested retail price of 799 euros. Vocals are clearly projected and laden with texture, while instruments such as flutes and guitars have a natural, well-rounded tone. No Manufacturer HEOS by Denon Item model number HEOS 5 HS2 Product Dimensions 29.46 x 16.51 x … In the HEOS app you … But it’s hardly fair to compare an $800 soundbar/sub combo with a $2,000 subwoofer. Sensibly, Denon has revisited the Heos 7 and incorporated Bluetooth into the unit itself, rather than throwing in a USB dongle. This review is for its multi-room speakers. The leap in quality sounds obvious through the Denon.Related: What is Hi-Res Audio? The rear socketry selection is the same as before, with a 3.5mm analogue input and USB port allowing you to play music from portable devices, an Ethernet port and ‘Connect’ button that comes into play during setup. Elsewhere, the Heos 7 HS2 comes with the same dizzying array of streaming functionality and hi-fi technology. The triangular design may prove a little divisive, but we rather liked it. But it couldn’t quite reproduce the deepest bass notes generated by the Recognizers’ thrusters in Chapter 4, “The Grid.” And when Sam Flynn enters the grid at the immediate start of Chapter 4, there’s a deep, rumbling bass that higher-end subs--such as the SVS SB16-Ultra--will reproduce but that the Denon couldn’t. Denon’s HEOS app supports all the major streaming services: Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, SiriusXM, Deezer SoundCloud, Mood:Mix, Napster, Tunein, and iHeartRadio. I chose HDMI, and I applaud Denon for explaining that in order for HDMI ARC to work, you must first enable CEC on your TV. You can select from three intensity levels or turn it off altogether. That’s because it’s designed to fill big rooms using the largest driver array of any Heos speaker – seven to be precise. We use industry standard tests in order to compare features properly. Its very loud and can easily fill up a large room, but the bass is sometimes too strong. The combination of deep, beefy bass and a full-bodied mid-range give everything solidity and warmth. I gave the HS2 a good test run with the 4K UHD version of The Greatest Showman. The Heos 5 HS2 is best thought of as a scaled-down version of the Heos 7, and includes many of its best qualities, from its good looks to its easy setup. The Denon HomeCinema HS2 is a dynamic soundbar and subwoofer package that brings excitement to any content. FEATURES - HEOS 7 HS2 Bigger is better when it's time to party. I applaud Denon for including an ethernet port, because that is the most reliable means of connecting the speaker to your home network, provided you have the infrastructure in your walls to take advantage of it. 3rd party ones are just ok. This is one step that confuses consumers who don’t read manuals and then get frustrated when HDMI ARC doesn’t work. Thankfully, you can reduce the level in the EQ menu, which offers better integration if you want it. You’ll find it easy to stash the vertically oriented subwoofer anywhere in the room, as it has just a 6.75- by 13.06-inch footprint and is 12.25 inches tall. This takes away a lot of the risk that comes with shower raving, or having your tunes play by the pool. Read helpful reviews from our customers. In terms of audio quality, the HEOS 7 HS2 is no slouch. While HDMI will be the preferred method for most people, coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink optical, USB, and analog inputs are all available. Rubber strips on the bottom provide excellent grip and vibration control when placed on a tabletop. HEOS is Denon’s entry in the fiercely competitive multiroom speaker range, which is dominated by Sonos. Unlike other delicate speakers, you won’t have to worry about a little bit of water or humidity getting to your speaker, as the HEOS has a silicone splash guard to seal the jacks and the device from damage. Denon Heos 7 HS2 review: The Heos 7 HS2 is the wireless speaker the Heos 7 should have been, combining room-filling sound and slick streaming with built-in Bluetooth and Hi-Res Audio support. However, some of the integrated apps, such as SoundCloud, allow you to do it. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The feet have a rubberized coating that will protect delicate finishes from scratches, and they will also prevent the speaker from sliding around the surface. A third screen displays the current song alongside a range of playback controls and a volume slider. As director Steven Spielberg intended, I felt the T-Rex approaching long before it made its ferocious entrance, and when its gaping maw opened to issue that guttural roar, I was struck with terror. As previously mentioned, no physical remote control included, but you can train the speaker to respond to basic commands from an existing remote—but only after you’ve set it up with the app. Overall, the new and improved Heos 7 gets a big thumbs-up. At the end of March Denon announced the successor of the Heos HomeCinema soundbar to. The grouping of devices will only work if the source is being streamed. Unpacking the HS2 was an easy and pleasant experience. The Heos 5 HS2 is relatively compact, but comes across as a well-balanced mid-ranger. It works well with my Denon HEOS amp and HEOS 1 HS2 speaker in the other rooms providing music throughout the house. The system supports lossy MP3, WMA and AAC files, lossless FLAC, ALAC and WAV up to 192kHz/24-bit, and DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz. Denon HEOS HS2 review – hands on with Sonos rivals and stylish new AV Receiver . Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Denon Heos 3 HS2 New Hi-Res Audio, Compact, Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Amazing Sound (Updated Version), Black, Works with Alexa at Amazon.com. It worth noting here that you can’t currently use Alexa voice commands to stream from Spotify or SiriusXM (such support is labeled as “coming soon” in this Denon FAQ). The Heos 7 HS2 is the wireless speaker Heos 7 should have been, combining room-filling sound and slick streaming with built-in Bluetooth and Hi-Res Audio support. It’s still one of the most impressively made wireless speakers I’ve encountered, with a weighty, robust enclosure that fully justifies the price tag. Most of these are natively integrated into Heos, but Spotify requires the dedicated app. An IR-blaster and input will retransmit infrared signals should the soundbar’s profile block the IR receiver on your TV. Pulling out the soundbar and wireless subwoofer was a piece of cake. Indeed, Denon pumped a seemingly endless supply of new tech into this product, transforming it into smart speaker in the process via Amazon Alexa. At the heart of the Heos multiroom system is a smartphone app that enables you to stream music from Spotify, Deezer, Napster, Tidal, SoundCloud, TuneIn radio and Mood:Mix. The bodywork is mostly clad in a white cloth grille (also available in black), topped off by an eye-catching brushed metallic apex. The HEOS app quickly finds the music on our Naim servers, as well as offering to strea… But I already own a Denon HEOS equipped AV Receiver and two HEOS 1 HS2 speakers. Denon’s HEOS HomeCinema HS2 soundbar and wireless subwoofer is a solid, feature-rich audio system that's also a smart speaker. The subtle wind chimes that open “Rainbow Seeker” by Joe Sample have an airy quality; likewise the percussion that tinkles throughout the track. It did a superb job  with Tron: Legacy, for example, rendering the chest-thumping dynamics of the fireworks that let you know you’re watching a Disney Blu-ray disc, and again with the the Daft Punk score accompanying Chapter 10, “Castor.”. Initial testing was performed with the Cambridge CXA80 amplifier and Monitor Audio Silver 2 bookshelf speakers, but the LINK has potential … Denon provides a template and pads that will prevent marring, but you’ll need to provide your own screws. This Denon provides a good, wide sweet spot with both types of material, which is what you want from a soundbar. It packs a huge punch and goes extremely loud. The Heos app hasn’t changed since we reviewed the original Heos 7, and it remains one of the best around. In 2016, Denon introduced the 2nd Generation of HEOS (HS2) which added the following features, which are not available owners of HEOS HS1 products. I used an iPhone and iPad for my setup and testing, and I connected the speaker to an Oppo UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player via HDMI. He's also a passionate audiophile and home theater aficionado. Heos 7 HS2 heads up a four-strong multiroom speaker range that also includes the £349 Heos 5 HS2, £249 Heos 3 HS2 and £135 Heos 1 HS2 – all of which have also been updated to include Bluetooth and Hi-Res music playback. During this process, you choose how to connect your TV to the HS2 (HDMI with ARC, Toslink, digital coax, etc). Albums are displayed with cover art thumbnails; another example of the app’s attractive presentation. Denon HEOS HS2 review - hands on with Sonos rivals and stylish new AV Receiver . The Good Housekeeping Institute tests and reviews the best speakers for your home, including the Denon Heos 7 HS2, which scored 80/100. It’s also added support for Hi-Res Audio files and tweaked the electronics to improve sound quality. Once you’ve activated the HEOS Home Entertainment Skill on your Alexa account (read here for details on that), you’ll be able to say things like “Alexa, play Steely Dan in the living room” or “Alexa, pause the living room” or “Alexa, volume down in the living room,” and so on. The spec may have changed but, thankfully, Denon has left Heos 7’s design well alone. Freelance contributor, It feels well made and the surfaces are clutter-free. The night mode feature, on the other hand, is outstanding, reducing both dynamics and bass. Sample’s dazzling piano solos are crisp and precise. It works with other Heos-compatible components, including the Heos HomeCinema soundbar and select Denon AV receivers, most notably the 9-channel AVR-X4300H and the 11-channel AVR-X6300H. I opted to accept a firmware update, which took about 30 minutes to complete, and then began the setup wizard. Tricky rhythms are handled with great agility, and the tweeters tease out plenty of detail. Whether or not these features should have been included the first time round is a moot point – what matters is that they’re here now and turn the Heos 7 into a formidable multiroom proposition. For starters, the Denon delivers one of the biggest and most powerful soundstages of any speaker in this price bracket. The HEOS looks like many other sound bars: a black cloth-covered rectangle with a logo on the front, and yet there are a couple of design flourishes that keep it interesting. The Denon Heos HomeCinema HS2 is a soundbar that comes with current trends and developments in all areas. The sub comes pre-paired to the soundbar right out of the box. Features - HEOS LINK HS2 The HEOS Link is part of the HEOS wireless multi-room sound system that enables you to enjoy your favourite music anywhere and everywhere around your home. Design Sarah Tew/CNET … TechHive |. The original Heos 7 came with a Bluetooth dongle, but it felt like a hasty workaround – having it built in is much more convenient and frees up the USB port. The major ding is that you must use the HEOS software to navigate and pick what gets played, and it is not feature complete for Amazon Music, missing "My Music", weak Search. The big news on the features front is the addition of integrated Bluetooth and support for Hi-Res Audio. This large speaker is top of the line, for those who demand the best, biggest, loudest. But you’re not limited to Denon’s tech on that score. TLDR: the HEOS Link HS2 (current version at time of writing) is capable of sending full rez (up to 24-bit / 192) digital signal to my external DAC and the sound quality is glorious. You enter in your subscription credentials through the app in order to play content from a particular service. I used my Roon music server, connected via the Oppo, for all my sources. Admittedly, it loses composure and bass control when you push it over 70%, but it will be plenty loud enough before you even get that far. You can also access music stored on NAS drives and PCs on your home network. The soundbar weighs in a few ounces shy of 17 pounds and measures 40.125-inches long by 2.78-inches tall by 4.125-inches deep. From there, you can opt to rename the speaker (I suggest something simple, such as “Living Room” or “Theater,” because “HEOS HomeCinema HS2” is quite a mouthful when you’re spouting Alexa commands), create rooms, and combine this speaker with any other HEOS-compatible products in your setup. I also tested streaming content via Tidal. If you have a wide couch, everyone will get a good experience. If you’re looking for a soundbar that with superior late-night performance, this is it: It won’t disturb the neighbors or wake up the kids. As the LINK HS2 is primarily a hi-fi component when used in isolation, we picked out good quality gear to match. You cannot play a source that is connected directly to a unit in another room (so Bluetooth to a HEOS cant be played in another room). The sound is most excellent and even more important, they don't upset my wife with their looks in the living room. Tell us what you think - send your emails to the Editor. HEOS is one of the few HiRes-capable multi-room systems. Denon and Marantz are now offering their latest AV Amps with HEOS integrated as standard with is great. So I appreciate it when the manufacturer provides a contour switch to address these sonic consequences. It will sound different on the wall than it does on top of a credenza or placed inside a cabinet. What’s more, Heos is a superb multiroom system, offering an extensive range of online services and streaming music from NAS drives with ease and sophistication. It’s a classy, distinctive speaker with a teardrop side profile and minimal front clutter, apart from a discreet Heos badge. If you're using an ad-blocker you might miss out on seeing the deals. I played a variety of music and movies on it … The only downside is the overpowering bass, which could be an issue for those who prefer a leaner sound – but that isn’t a major issue if you like that sort of thing; if not, the EQ settings provide a decent remedy. Tech-Net-Game News. On the back there's a range of connections for getting at music: an ethernet jack for a more stable connection than your wi-fi connection, a USB Type A connection that supports 24bit/192kHz hi-res files, and a 3.5mm aux input. However, there is one important new addition – a Bluetooth pairing button, which takes the place of original Heos 7’s reset button. The only niggle Denon hasn’t ironed out is the inability to jump into the middle of song using the track timeline when streaming from a NAS drive – you can only play it from the start. The Denon Heos HomeCinema soundbar appears as a new AirPlay speaker in the iOS app during setup. The Denon HomeCinema HS2 is a dynamic soundbar and subwoofer package that brings excitement to any content. Wish Denon would provide native apps for Windows and OSX. A strip of light at the bottom not only looks cool but also provides crucial status information in lieu of a text-based display. Denon instead provides separate treble and bass EQ for the soundbar (in addition to a separate volume for the sub) to tailor the soundbar to your particular taste. In order to connect the speakers to your wi-fi network you need to load up the HEOS app and either plug an ethernet cable into the back of the product or use a 3.5mm jack to transfer data from your smartphone or tablet to the device. I played a variety of music and movies on it and noticed that it automatically switches between it’s predefined cinema mode and music mode. Not a cheap one, mind you, since the Bar itself costs $899, the Sub runs $599, and wireless speakers start at $199 for the HEOS 1 HS2. But why should you buy this instead of wireless speakers from the likes of Yamaha, Panasonic or Cabasse? The Music screen displays available sources and streaming services on a black background. The soundbar comes with a dialog-enhancement feature that’s designed to render onscreen speech easier to hear. To alleviate this, you can adjust the bass levels with the HEOS … Turning our attention to the audio spec, Heos 7 HS2 is equipped with five active drivers – two tweeters, two mid/bass drivers and one subwoofer – plus two passive radiators. Unlike other sites, we thoroughly test every product we review. Just like the original Heos 7, the HS2 delivers a huge, muscular sound that would have no trouble filling a village hall, let alone a living room. Editor's note Sep 26, 2017: Since the review was written, the Denon Heos 1 has been updated to version HS2 which adds both Bluetooth and hi-res support. Richard Easton. The HS2 Link works well. TechHive helps you find your tech sweet spot. The HEOS HS2 is. They’re driven by five channels of class D digital amplification (there’s no mention of power output). The Heos 7 HS2 is an updated version of the Heos 7, Denon’s flagship wireless speaker. This speaker also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2, enabling you to set up multi-room configurations with other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers, such as Apple HomePod and Sonos Beam (note that I did not evaluate this feature). Another nifty feature is the ability to use two Heos 7s as left and right channels in a stereo pair. Linking the Heos 7 to your home network is a largely automated process through the helpful Heos app. The Denon drives the tune along with great energy and a superb rhythmic sense, making head-nodding compulsory. It sits above the compact Heos 1 and desktop Heos 3, but under the Heos 7, which is a bigger, beefier proposition. There’s no faulting the HEOS 7 for build quality. It doesn’t go overboard with flashy graphics and animations like some apps – ease of use is the priority here. Driver configuration remains the same as the previous generation: Two soft-dome tweeters and a pair of 2- by 5-inch full-range drivers driven by a four-channel Class D amplifier. Cinema mode adds some noticeable bass boost. HEOS users only need to subscribe to an Amazon Music HD subscription and can enjoy uncompressed streaming with resolutions up to 24/192. Should something happen to the pairing down the road, re-pairing the sub to the soundbar is a simple and straightforward process involving appropriately marked buttons. In addition to Bluetooth, the HEOS HS2 soundbar provides both Wi-Fi and hardwired ethernet connectivity. Theo Nicolakis is a C-Level technologist and digital communications professional. AaronStuart Jun 10, 2016. Besides, the Denon HS2 didn’t miss a beat with the new 4K UHD version of Jurassic Park, remastered with a DTS:X soundtrack. The Heos 7 by Denon stands out as the largest and most expensive speaker in the Heos line, dwarfing the Heos 3 and Heos 5 and carrying a hefty $599.99 price tag. Update.. The original Heos 7 was already a superb wireless speaker, but the addition of integrated Bluetooth and Hi-Res Audio support takes it to the next level. For more of the best speaker reviews, go … This speaker excelled at preserving the song’s dynamics and raw energy; though bass lines and the cast’s foot stomping during the routine betrayed mild midbass bloat. What’s more, it’s quick to react and doesn’t get flustered when swiping quickly through long lists of albums or tracks. HEOS 5 HS2 Aspect Ratio Unknown Batteries Included No batteries required No Wireless Standard Bluetooth Connector Type Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Auxillary, USB, Ethernet Device interface - primary Buttons Contains Liquid Contents No Includes Rechargable Battery No Remote Control Included? The speaker’s metal feet have a backing to protect sensitive surfaces from scratches. The first allows you to control your multiroom system. 10 Jun 2016. facebook; twitter; google+; email; Advertisement. It flashes green during setup and solid blue when connected.Chunky volume and mute buttons are placed on the side, while at the other end is a 3.5mm headphones output, not found on any other Heos speaker.
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