- Picture: Denon
Unpack, plug in and switch on – that’s how most consumers would like to start using their new HiFi and entertainment equipment. Installing a home cinema system is exactly the opposite though, as each speaker needs to be optimally placed for a good quality sound, and many people would also like them to be inconspicuous – quite a job all in all. Denon has launched its compact DHT-FS5 system to go with flat screen TVs, which should achieve good surround-sound quality without needing satellite speakers.
As opposed to the DHT-FS3, the new system is made up of just one unit with six specially placed inbuilt speakers. These are controlled over a calculated algorithm, which should create realistic surround-sound effects by overlapping sound waves. This distinguishes it from other SoundBar systems, such as Yamaha’s YSP-4000. With the YSP-4000, echoes from the walls become an important part of the surround-sound, making the location of the speakers a critical factor.
Test listeners from the German online home cinema “Area DVD” found that the DHT-FS5 does give brilliant lifelike sound reproduction and a dynamic performance, and succeeds as a surround-sound system.
The system is compatible with Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1.