Best HEOS Compatible Speakers: Review and Guide
Although HEOS makes it easier to work with multiroom audio, the sound could be improved further with dynamics. You can choose HEOS wireless speakers based on your room size and setup scenario. There are several options to arrange a setup. You can pair two HEOS 1 or 3 for stereo and then connect multiple HEOS 5 in different rooms for seamless sound throughout the house.
It always not necessary to pick HEOS compatible speaker. HEOS Link will work with any receiver or amplifier which you can use to set speakers in different rooms. in most cases, HEOS 1, 3, 5 or 7 speakers will result in easier setup and seamless audio playback. Although user experience may tell you about interruptions, this is mostly due to weak Wi-Fi signal.
Denon and Marantz also have receivers with built-in HEOS. With that you can create multiroom sound based on the number of zones. HEOS and Alexa works together that makes controlling speakers quite easy. If you want a soundbar for TV, you can also do this with HEOS. Once you setup the soundbar, use HEOS to connect surround or rear speakers.
What is HEOS and How does it work?
HEOS stands for Home Entertainment Operating System. This is a system that allows multi-room speaker setup wirelessly and is a platform made by Denon. Along with Denon, Marantz receivers also support HEOS feature. Denon has several wireless speakers, soundbars and receivers with HEOS compatibility. You will need internet connection as HEOS will work via Wi-Fi.
Working over Wi-Fi allows transmission of uncompressed audio files. This is a better option than streaming with Bluetooth. It supports MP3, AAC, Apple, DSD, FLAC, wav, wma. Along with streaming from internet or Bluetooth, you can play songs from CD/turntable in HEOS compatible wireless speakers via HEOS amplifiers.
Create stereo or surround sound with HEOS. Make sure to pair speakers of same model or brand for stereo like two HEOS 5 speakers. You can also use HEOS for rear speakers. In case you want HEOS surround, make sure the receiver supports this. If you don’t have a HEOS receiver, then you can also use the HEOS Link. This is a preamplifier via which you can connect non-HEOS receiver or soundbar.
Control Option:
Download the HEOS app in iOS or Android. Install it and you are good to go for installation. The following devices will work with HEOS app: iPhone, iPad, or iPod running iOS 7 or higher, Android Smartphone or Tablet running Android 2.3 or higher and Kindle Mobile device.
Best HEOS Compatible Speakers:
HEOS wireless speakers are available for different use cases. Based on your room size you can choose the wireless HEOS speaker, or you can also pick a soundbar. HEOS system is quite versatile as you have the option to go for a complete home theater system.
Denon Home 350 Wireless Speaker Review and Guide To Use:
[amazon box="B0837K2MMR" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
Supports ALAC, FLAC and WAV files up to 192kHz/24-bit
6 class D amp
USB and Aux in
Dimension: 380 x 225 x 180 mm
Supports Hi-res audio
Denon Home 350 is a one of the HEOS built in speakers that supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It works with voice assistants. It consists of 2 0.75” tweeters, 2 2” mid-bass drivers and 2 6/5” woofers. Wi-Fi makes it easy to stream from Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, etc. This speaker with Denon HEOS and Alexa makes it easier to control different options with Alexa.
Built-in microphone helps in this case to pick you voice even in noisy environments. It has a glass top and mesh like grille. Build quality is decent. If you are an Apple user, use Aiplay 2 or simply pair with other Aiplay supported speakers. Precise tuning of the speaker ensures balanced audio profile. Although the bass is decent, it is futureproof as it supports sub with built-in HEOS like the Denon DSW-H1.
If you are using the DHT-S716H soundbar, you can use this speaker as surround. You can also use two of these 350 Home speakers as HEOS rear surround speakers. This 350 Home speaker has an average soundstage, and it can get quite loud. If you want a small speaker, then check the Denon Home 150
[amazon box="B0837K4WXB" title= " "] [/amazon]
It has two Class D amplifiers and a total of 4 drivers. If you want to broaden the sound, place it nearby walls. You can pair two of these but, if you use Airplay mostly, you won’t get stereo.
What can you do with HEOS?
With the HEOS app you can tweak bass and treble settings. While using the app, make sure to update it to the latest firmware in order to use Amazon Alexa. With HEOS you can connect two of the speakers or can create You can also pair two speakers together to create a multi-room audio by connecting several speakers in different rooms.
For adding several speakers in a group, use the Room option of the app. Then give the group a name so that it’s easier to understand. The app gives you group volume control or individual volume sliders as well. While setting up speaker using HEOS app, go to the back side and check for a Connect button. A step-by-step instruction is given below as well.
Denon Home 250 Wireless Speaker Review and Guide To Use:
[amazon box="B0837JNX9T" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
4 class D amps
Has proximity sensor
3 quick preset buttons
Dimension: 295 x 216 x 120 mm
What if Denon Home 350 is too large and Home 150 is too small for you? Well, Denon has got your back. You can see this Denon Home 250 wireless speaker which falls between 350 and 150 in terms of size and sound. Inside the speaker there are two 0.75” tweeter, two 4” mid-bass driver and a 5.25” passive radiator. It has crystal clear treble and precise midrange.
Similar to Denon 350, it works with Alexa and supports streaming through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The performance is adequate if placed in mid-sized rooms. You can use it to play music and it can get quite loud. It is better to use it as front speaker near walls rather than rear. Before you feel too much disappointed, understand that these are mono speakers. Pairing two of them might improve the sound.
Speaker placement plays a huge role in the audio quality. Denon HEOS speaker manual suggests placing it 3 to 12” from the wall and around 12” from TV or PC. Make sure to place it nearby your listening position and within Wi-Fi range for stable connection. In case you want to play music from PC or NAS, use the app, go to Music option and select Music Server.
Denon Home 250 Bluetooth compatibility allows you to stream files from Bluetooth enabled devices. You can also stream content from iPhone, iPad or iPod if it is upgraded to iOS 10.0.2 or later versions.
What can you do with HEOS?
HEOS app and system works in the same way as in Home 350 speakers. The app is user-friendly and is easy to use. Creating multiroom is simply a press away. You will experience True multiroom audio with HEOS. You can the same song in all rooms or different songs in each room. Connect additional wired speakers with Ethernet cable and the speaker’s name will appear on the app.
If you want to add wireless speakers, go to Settings in the app and click on Add device. With HEOS, this Denon Home 250 speaker can connect to 100000 internet radio through TuneIn. For changing the speaker performance, go to the EQ settings in the app to adjust bass or treble.
Denon HEOS 5 Review and Guide To Use:
[amazon box="B00KJJW39I" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
4 Class D amp
Picture formats: PG, PNG, BMP and GIF
Audio formats: WMA, AAC, MP3, WAV, ALAC and FLAC
Dual band Wi-Fi
Dimensions: 209 x 294 x 166 mm
Denon HEOS 5 has a neutral audio profile. It delivers sound with optimum clarity. It has two tweeters, two woofers and a passive radiator. It is best for medium sized spaces in living room, bedroom or offices. If you prefer stereo sound or have a large space to cover, it is best to use HEOS to connect two of these HEOS 5 speakers.
Acoustical processing algorithms enhance the audio quality. Use Alexa to control audio playback with your voice. Go to Alexa app and press on Skills options. Add and enable the HEOS Home Entertainment. In the Smart Home option of Alexa app, find out your speaker. You can use Alexa to control other HEOS compatible speakers as well.
You can also use Google Assistant with HEOS. With the help of Google Home, app or device with built-in Google Assistant to use and control options with voice. HEOS speakers have very easy setup and installation procedure. They excel in producing sound from these compact speakers due to intelligent engineering.
The speaker size is different from others and although it isn’t a battery powered portable speaker, it comes with a handle. We presume its because you can hold it to carry it from one place or room to another. On the rear side you will see the following ports: USB port, 3.5mm audio jack and Ethernet. HEOS 5 speaker is powerful than the HEOS 3 but HEOS 7 is much better than the 5.
What can you do with HEOS?
With HEOS app, you can stream content from Spotify, TuneIn, SoundCloud, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, etc. You can also play files from USB, NAS, smartphone or tab. It supports multiroom and Hi-res audio. Once the setup is complete, the speakers will become available in different music streaming apps like Spotify, TuneIn or others.
HEOS app integrates quite well with those music services. If you face any connection interruption with HEOS, or feel discouraged by reading other user feedback, understand that each user has a different setup. If the Wi-Fi network faces a barrier by travelling through walls or too many devices are connected that makes it congested, playback might be interrupted. So, make sure your internet has strong signal and is stable.
Denon DHT-S716H Home Theater Soundbar Review and Guide:
[amazon box="B07XPF1BNM" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
6 Class D amp
Supports WMA, AAC and MP3, FLAC, WAV and ALAC
JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF
72 x 1100 x 148 mm
Denon DHT-S716H is a 3.0 soundbar that has a total of 9 drivers. There are three tweeters and six mid-range cones. This Denon HEOS soundbar delivers rich and deep audio. Its warm sound profile ensures movies are engaging. Just because it is a standalone soundbar doesn’t mean it is poor sounding. It is futureproof so if you want you can add wireless sub and surround sound.
With a length of 43.3”, you can easily place it under 55 or 65” smart TVs. If you aren’t satisfied with single soundbars, you can always check Denon HEOS 5.1 home theater system. For smaller setup, a 3.1 home theater system is also available. It supports the following surround sound formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Decoding.
However, you won’t find Atmos of DTS: X. if you want 3D sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you can check the Denon Home 550 compact soundbar:
[amazon box="B08RMKR4PC" title= " "] [/amazon]
It has 4K HDMI Input and HDMI Output so connection with TV is much easier. Four HDMI input is much better than one or two and will be an advantage for people with several devices to connect.
You will also find analog line in, USB, optical (Toslink) and RCA digital audio in.Controlling this Denon HEOS soundbar is easier with knobs on the bar itself, or the remote. Remote isn’t backlit but with few buttons, it is user friendly. The remote has few buttons that includes 6 presets. You can save customized inputs with different sound mode and volume level. Similar to other Denon HEOS speakers, this soundbar doesn’t support Airplay.
What can you do with HEOS?
Similar to other Denon speakers, this soundbar supports HEOS multiroom audio. So you can play music files or TV audio to other HEOS compatible speakers. With HEOS expand this 3.0 system to 3.1 or 5.1 home theater system. Connect HEOS built-in speakers like HEOS 3 speakers along with a HEOS subwoofer like the DSW-11 model.
HEOS outdoor speakers:
[amazon box="B01CTUJQL2" title= " "] [/amazon]
HEOS 1 is a Denon wireless outdoor speaker that you can use in indoor as well. It is humidity resistant to suit well in outside environment. Splashguard protection ensures that it remains protected against water splashes. This compact speaker can deliver a punch and you can enjoy music by streaming through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. it has a good battery life of around 6 hours.
Heos compatible Devices for Speakers:
Multiple speakers throughout the house need a media to connect each other. For this, HEOS amplifier and receivers will help. The Drive HS2 is a HEOS multi zone amp with which you can create a 4-zone multi-room speaker system. If you have wired speakers and want a multiroom setup with Bluetooth, you will need a HEOS Amp HS2.
Denon HEOS LINK Wireless Pre-amplifier User Exprience:
[amazon box="B00VKCGZNI" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 100 kHz: +1, -3dB
Dual band Wi-Fi
S/N ratio: 100 dB
74 x 155 x 150 mm
With Denon HEOS Link preamplifier, you can connect any receiver, amplifier or home audio and create multiroom wireless system. On the front panel there is a status LED and on the top section you will find volume and mute button. The rear panel is flooded with ports: IR out, Trigger out, Coax out, optical out, optical in, USB, aux in, analog pre out, subwoofer connector, etc.
It also has two buttons: Bluetooth and Connect. Place the preamp close to the device through which you will connect speakers to create multiroom. It could be a receiver or amp. Also, make sure to be within strong Wi-Fi range. It supports the following files: WMA (192kbps), AAC and MP3 (320kbps), WAV, ALAC and FLAC: (24-bit/192kHz) and DSD (2.8MHz, 5.6MHz).
Looking into consumer feedback, we didn’t encounter any app bugs. Use the free app, create an account and go through any available firmware update. When connected to a good quality device, the sound is pleasing and impressive. It can transfer high-res digital file to external DAC or vintage stereo receiver. Whether you are connecting an old school receiver or speakers, the audio is glorious and noteworthy.
Connect the receiver or amp through preout, coax out or optical out. To achieve a HEOS multiroom system you can connect wired or wireless speakers. For wired speakers you need Ethernet cable. You can stream content from external device and play it through the network to multiple speakers. Use the EQ settings to adjust bass and treble. For changing the sound, you can select either Normal or High.
Denon HEOS Link allows streaming from music services, via Bluetooth, or connecting other devices. This HEOS preamplifier will work with both Denon and Marantz receivers but make sure they are sold after 2010.
Denon (AVRS540BT) 5.2 Receiver User Experience and Review:
[amazon box="B07C49F2LD" title= " "] [/amazon]
Spec:
Stereo RMS power: 70W
Discrete power amp
Supports HEOS Link
Built in Bluetooth
Dimension: 17.2x6x13.4”
While we talk about Denon or Marantz receivers, Audyssey room calibration software is something that we look into. Denon AVRS540BT doesn’t support Audyssey or AirPlay. It supports DTS HD Master, Dolby TrueHD. For wireless multiroom audio, you need to connect it to Denon HEOS Link. The front panel is made of metal and quality of construction is very good.
It has 5 HDMI In, I HDMI out, composite in, analog in, optical in, sub out, etc. It can smoothly drive high quality speakers. Audio quality is rich and detailed with excellent dynamics. It supports 4k @60Hz input and output. If you connect it to a 4k Ultra HD TV, you can enjoy high resolution images. With HDR 10, HLG, DV and BT.2020, you will view vibrant colors.
As it supports 3D video passthrough, you can connect it to 3D-compatible Blu-ray, games and broadcast devices to 3D-compatible HDTVs. Multiple HDMI inputs allow you to connect different devices like Blu-ray Disc players, game consoles and etc. Go wireless with Bluetooth connection and stream through smartphone or tab.
GUI and setup assistant make the installation easier. The remote control has several buttons and you can use it to adjust channel level button, select sound mode and etc. You can create a 5.1 home theater system and also connect additional sub with sub out. Multiple subwoofers are better than a single one. Two or four subwoofers deliver broader sweet spot in terms of lower frequencies.
This receiver is packed with several settings and adjustment option. You can select room EQ or set Surr. Parameter. For Auto setup use the Sound Calibration microphone and place it on listening position. Use the Manual setup option if you want to set each option like crossover, distance, bass, levels, manually.
Marantz Receptor AV 8K Ultra HD SR5015 User Exprience:
[amazon box="B08F9ZHQTF" title= " "] [/amazon]
Specs:
Supports voice assistants
4k and 8k signal passthrough
Multiple HDMI ports
Power output: 100 W (8-ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2ch Drive)
Unlike Denon, this is a Marantz receiver with built-in HEOS. It also has several basic features that are missed out in Denon. It supports Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Dolby Atmos. This Marantz NR1510 Slim 5.2 Channels supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homepod.For multichannel surround, it supports DTS HD Master, DTS:X, DTS Neutral:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization.
All these means you will receive an engulfing, room filling audio with overhead effects when connected to speakers or soundbar. This means movies will be immersive, realistic with enveloping sound. It uses Audyssey MultEQ XT room calibration software and supports Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. Aydyssey is one of the most reliable software for room calibration.
It is one of the best HEOS multizone receiver that is suitable for any type of content. With this 7.2 channel HEOS receiver, you can create a 5.1.2 home theater. Dedicated Atmos speakers will produce powerful sound. If you want to create multiroom audio, you can create a 5.1 system and use two channels to play audio in another room.
HEOS multiroom integrated feature allows two zones. In terms of connectivity, it has 6 HDMI In and 2 out, there are other basic ports like composite in, analog in, optical, coax, 2 sub out, USB, etc. With built-in phono in, you can also connect turntable. Support for HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR makes images clearer and richer.
Picture adjust and noise reduction improves picture even more. The receiver wins in terms of dynamic range and excellent clarity. choose any one of the audio enhancements as per the content: DRC, Cinema EQ, etc. HDMI 2.1 with the support for VRR, ALLM and QFT makes it the best HEOS built-in receiver for gaming. Lower lag and faster response time make the gaming scenes clear.
How to setup HEOS?
Follow these steps to establish HEOS connection. The image will give you an idea of on screen prompts:
Plug in the speaker to the power outlet and place it in desired position.
Take you smartphone, go to HEOS app
Use the audio cable to insert into Aux in of the speaker and headphone out of the smartphone
Tap on next and check LED light on the speaker to see if its yellow.
Then press on the Connect button on the speaker
See whether the light glows green continuously
On the app, select Next. The light will be solid green
Then select ‘light is solid green’
Connect the speaker to the Wi-Fi
Since you have multiple speakers, give a name for the speaker and the room
HEOS vs Sonos:
[amazon bestseller="Sonos multiroom speakers" template="bestseller_table" items="5"]
Comparing Sonos and HEOS, the HEOS supports 5GHz band of Wi-Fi which isn’t available in Sonos. Sonos supports multiroom as well where you can connect speakers in different rooms over Wi-Fi. Some of the best Sonos multiroom speakers are Sonos Play 1, Play 3, etc. Denon HEOS is comparatively pricier than Sonos systems.
Bluetooth function is available in all Denon HEOS compatible speakers or receivers. With Sonos, this isn’t the case. It’s rare to find a speaker with Bluetooth, Sonos Move is one of them. Sonos app is simple and easy compared to HEOS app. Consumers sometimes complain about lag or bug issues of HEOS app. For others HEOS app worked smoothly.
HEOS app has more function, features and options. If you get to know them you won’t find it harder to use. Setup or installation is easy for both but with Sonos it might be easier.
Parting words:
Are you looking for a HEOS compatible speaker? Some of the best HEOS compatible speakers are HEOS 5 and Home 350. If you want a HEOS compatible outdoor speaker, you can use HEOS 1. Denon HEOS gives you the freedom to spread audio throughout your house in the easiest way possible. Streaming via music services and Bluetooth is the best way to listen to music.
Denon HEOS is a versatile multiroom platform with unlimited possibilities. Consumers also use Sonos for audio in multiroom and it is a competitor of Denon. Denon is best for home theaters. This is because they excel in making the best receiver or amplifiers. If you want a home theater and multiroom audio, this is possible with Denon receiver with HEOS built-in.
HEOS app works well but some may experience few issues as well. Grouping different speakers for different rooms and naming them makes it easy for you to understand. User manual will help you understand each option and how to use the HEOS app. Most HEOS compatible speakers work support Airplay or you can connect smartphone with 3.5mm port.
What is HEOS Link?
Instead of selecting a HEOS compatible speaker, you can choose HEOS Link. This preamplifier with HEOS will work with receivers or amplifiers that doesn’t support multiroom audio.
Which HEOS speaker is right for me?
HEOS 5 and 7 wireless speakers are best for large spaces, HEOS 3 speaker is best for medium sized rooms. In space limitations, use the HEOS 1.
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