When your TV's built-in speakers just aren't cutting it anymore, a soundbar becomes essential. But with hundreds of options flooding the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two popular choices that take completely different approaches to solving your audio problems: the LG S70TR 5.1.1 Channel Soundbar ($399.99) and the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar ($302.34).
These soundbars represent two distinct philosophies in home audio. The LG offers a true surround sound system with physical speakers placed around your room, while the Denon focuses on virtual processing to create spacious sound from a single bar. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your space and viewing habits.
The soundbar market has evolved dramatically over the past few years. What started as simple speaker bars designed to make TV dialogue clearer has transformed into sophisticated home theater systems capable of rivaling traditional multi-speaker setups.
When shopping for a soundbar, you'll encounter several key considerations. Channel configuration tells you how many distinct audio channels the system can produce—more channels generally mean better surround sound positioning. Room size compatibility matters because soundbars need adequate power and driver arrangement to fill your space effectively. Connectivity options have become crucial as TVs add more advanced audio formats, with HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) becoming the gold standard for connecting soundbars to modern TVs.
Smart features have also become increasingly important. Many soundbars now offer TV integration that lets you control everything with one remote, smartphone apps for customization, and advanced audio processing that automatically adjusts sound based on what you're watching. Finally, there's the eternal balance of price-to-performance value—getting the features you actually need without overpaying for bells and whistles you'll never use.
Released in early 2023 as part of LG's refreshed soundbar lineup, the LG S70TR ($399.99) represents the company's commitment to creating authentic surround sound experiences that complement their QNED and OLED TV lineup. This soundbar takes the traditional approach of using multiple physical speakers placed around your room to create genuine surround sound positioning.
The "5.1.1" designation tells you exactly what you're getting: five main channels (front left, center, front right, and two rear speakers), one subwoofer (the ".1"), and one height channel (the final ".1") for Dolby Atmos overhead effects. With 400 watts of total power, this system has enough muscle to fill medium to large rooms effectively.
What makes the S70TR unique is its WOW Orchestra feature—a technology that synchronizes the soundbar with compatible LG TVs. When connected to an LG QNED or OLED TV, the TV's built-in speakers work in harmony with the soundbar to create what LG calls a "wall of sound." It's an clever approach that maximizes the audio hardware you already own, though it only works with LG TVs.
The system includes truly wireless rear speakers (though they still need to plug into power outlets) and a wireless subwoofer with a 7-inch front-firing driver. The soundbar itself features an up-firing center channel designed specifically for dialogue clarity—a thoughtful touch that addresses one of the most common complaints about soundbars.
Denon released the DHT-S517 in late 2022 as part of their effort to bring their renowned audio engineering expertise to the mainstream soundbar market. Rather than competing on channel count, Denon focused on creating the best possible sound from a streamlined setup.
The "3.1.2" configuration includes three main channels (left, center, right), one subwoofer, and two height channels for Dolby Atmos. While this might seem like fewer channels than the LG, the dual height channels actually provide more convincing overhead effects than the LG's single height channel. Denon achieves this through sophisticated virtual processing that creates the illusion of sound coming from positions where no physical speakers exist.
The DHT-S517's seven-driver array is particularly impressive for a compact soundbar. It includes dedicated 1-inch tweeters for crisp highs, racetrack-shaped midrange drivers for clear vocals, and 2.5-inch upward-firing drivers for Atmos effects. This driver variety allows the soundbar to reproduce different frequency ranges more accurately than soundbars that rely on full-range drivers for everything.
One standout feature is the Dialogue Enhancer, which offers three levels of speech enhancement. Unlike simple bass/treble adjustments, this feature specifically targets the frequency ranges where human voices sit, making it easier to understand dialogue without turning up the overall volume—perfect for late-night viewing or noisy households.
The surround sound experience represents the biggest difference between these two soundbars. The LG S70TR creates authentic surround positioning by physically placing speakers behind your listening position. When a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll hear it travel from the front soundbar, overhead through the height channel, and behind you through the rear speakers. This creates what audio engineers call "localization"—your brain can pinpoint exactly where sounds are coming from.
However, the LG's single height channel limits its Dolby Atmos precision. True Dolby Atmos works best with multiple height channels that can create the illusion of sounds moving smoothly across the ceiling. With only one height channel, the LG can indicate that sound is coming from above, but it can't create the smooth panning effects that make Atmos truly impressive.
The Denon DHT-S517 takes a different approach entirely. Its dual height channels provide better overhead positioning than the LG, even though they're virtual. Denon's processing analyzes the audio signal and uses psychoacoustic principles—basically, tricks that exploit how your brain processes sound—to create the illusion of surround speakers that don't physically exist.
In practice, the Denon creates a surprisingly wide and tall soundstage that extends well beyond the physical soundbar. While it can't match the precise rear positioning of the LG's physical speakers, it offers more convincing height effects and doesn't require you to run power cables to rear speakers.
Bass response reveals another key difference between these systems. The LG's subwoofer uses a 7-inch front-firing driver supplemented by a 3-inch rear bass port, powered by a substantial 220-watt amplifier. This configuration can produce deep, room-shaking bass that you'll feel as much as hear. The front-firing design means bass waves travel directly toward your listening position rather than bouncing off walls, creating tighter, more controlled low-end response.
However, all that power can become problematic in smaller spaces. Several users report that the LG's bass can overwhelm apartment-sized rooms, requiring careful adjustment of the bass levels. The wireless connection also introduces occasional dropouts, though these are rare and usually resolve quickly.
The Denon's 5.25-inch subwoofer with its 100-watt amplifier produces more controlled, musical bass. While it can't achieve the room-shaking impact of the LG, it integrates better with the main soundbar for a more cohesive sound. The bass feels tighter and more accurate, particularly with music. For most TV content—dialogue-heavy shows, news, streaming services—the Denon's bass response is more than adequate.
Since most of us spend more time watching TV shows and movies with dialogue than we do with explosive action sequences, speech intelligibility often matters more than thunderous bass or precise surround effects.
The LG addresses dialogue through multiple features. Its up-firing center channel focuses specifically on the frequency ranges where human voices sit, while AI Sound Pro automatically analyzes content and adjusts the sound balance accordingly. If the system detects high vocal levels, it automatically reduces bass to prevent speech from getting muddy. The Clear Voice Plus feature goes further, analyzing audio output in real-time to enhance voice clarity through the center speakers.
But here's where the LG's complexity can work against it. The WOW Orchestra feature, while impressive when it works correctly, can sometimes muddy dialogue by combining the TV's speakers with the soundbar in ways that create phase cancellation—when sound waves interfere with each other and actually reduce clarity.
The Denon takes a more focused approach with its Dialogue Enhancer. This feature specifically targets the 1-4kHz frequency range where human voices are most intelligible, offering three levels of enhancement without affecting other aspects of the sound. The dedicated 1-inch center channel driver handles vocals exclusively, rather than sharing duties with other frequency ranges.
In practice, users consistently praise the Denon for dialogue clarity, even at low volumes. The Pure Mode eliminates all processing artifacts, delivering uncolored dialogue reproduction that many find superior to the LG's more aggressive processing.
For gaming enthusiasts, the LG S70TR offers clear advantages. It supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) up to 120Hz, ensuring that audio stays perfectly synchronized with fast-paced gaming visuals. The multiple sound modes—including a dedicated Game mode—optimize audio processing for different content types.
The LG also handles 4K passthrough with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, making it future-proof for next-generation gaming consoles and streaming content. USB playback capability adds versatility for playing local media files.
The Denon focuses on simplicity with three preset modes (Movie, Music, Night) plus the Pure Mode for unprocessed audio. While it lacks gaming-specific features, its low-latency processing ensures that audio sync isn't an issue for most gaming scenarios. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with A2DP 1.3 support provides high-quality wireless music streaming, making it versatile for casual listening.
Setting up the LG S70TR requires more planning than most soundbars. While the rear speakers are "wireless" in that they don't connect to the soundbar with cables, they still need power outlets. This means you'll need available wall outlets behind your seating area, or you'll need to run extension cords—potentially creating the cable mess that wireless speakers are supposed to eliminate.
The included wall mounting brackets and TV mounting options provide flexibility, and the room correction feature through the LG Soundbar app helps optimize sound for your specific space. However, the initial setup process involves pairing multiple wireless components and positioning them correctly for optimal surround effects.
The Denon DHT-S517 exemplifies plug-and-play simplicity. The subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar, and the single HDMI eARC connection to your TV handles both audio input and control functions. The compact design (41.3 inches wide compared to the LG's 37.4 inches) fits under most TVs without blocking IR sensors or looking disproportionate.
The LG's smart features are impressive but come with significant limitations. WOW Orchestra creates a genuinely enhanced audio experience, but only if you own a compatible LG TV. If you have a Samsung, Sony, or any other brand TV, you're paying for a feature you can't use. The TV Sound Mode Share feature, which automatically synchronizes soundbar settings with your TV's picture modes, is similarly limited to LG TVs.
The smartphone app allows for 3-band equalizer customization and provides feedback on settings changes, which is helpful for fine-tuning the sound to your preferences. Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) updates ensure the soundbar can receive new features and improvements over time.
Denon's approach prioritizes universal compatibility. The HDMI eARC connection enables single-remote control regardless of your TV brand, and the straightforward interface means you won't need to download additional apps or create accounts to access basic functionality.
At $399.99, the LG S70TR sits in the upper-mid-range soundbar category. You're paying for true 5.1.1 surround sound, substantial power output, and integration with LG's TV ecosystem. If you own an LG TV and have a medium-to-large room, the value proposition makes sense. The authentic surround positioning and powerful bass create an immersive experience that justifies the premium over simpler soundbars.
However, if you don't own an LG TV, you're essentially paying extra for features you can't fully utilize. The complexity of setup and the need for rear speaker power outlets also add hidden costs in terms of time and potentially additional electrical work.
The Denon DHT-S517 at $302.34 represents exceptional value for most users. Its dialogue clarity, ease of setup, and universal TV compatibility make it suitable for the majority of soundbar buyers. While it can't match the LG's room-filling power or authentic surround positioning, it excels at the tasks most people actually need: making TV dialogue clearer and adding reasonable bass enhancement.
The LG's higher power consumption (40W operation vs. the Denon's similar power draw) and more complex wireless system create more potential points of failure. Multiple wireless components increase the chances of connectivity issues, though LG's implementation is generally reliable.
The Denon's simpler design philosophy extends to reliability. Fewer wireless components and a more straightforward signal path mean fewer things can go wrong. The brand-agnostic compatibility also means you won't lose functionality if you switch TV brands in the future.
After extensive testing and consideration, here's how to choose between these two excellent soundbars:
Choose the LG S70TR ($399.99) if you:
Choose the Denon DHT-S517 ($302.34) if you:
Both soundbars excel at different things, and your choice should align with your actual viewing habits rather than theoretical capabilities. The LG S70TR creates a more immersive experience for movie nights and gaming sessions, but requires more setup complexity and works best with LG TVs. The Denon DHT-S517 delivers superior dialogue clarity and universal compatibility in a simpler package that works well for everyday TV watching.
In my experience, most people underestimate how much they'll appreciate clear dialogue and overestimate how often they'll use complex surround sound features. Unless you're setting up a dedicated home theater room, the Denon's focus on speech intelligibility and ease of use often provides more daily satisfaction than the LG's impressive but occasionally overwhelming immersive capabilities.
The soundbar market continues evolving rapidly, with both manufacturers regularly updating firmware and introducing new features. Either choice will serve you well, but understanding these fundamental differences in approach will help ensure your investment enhances rather than complicates your viewing experience.
| LG S70TR 5.1.1 Channel Soundbar ($399.99) | Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar ($302.34) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound immersion and speaker placement | |
| 5.1.1 channels with physical rear speakers | 3.1.2 channels with virtual surround processing |
| Total System Power - Affects room filling capability and bass impact | |
| 400W (suitable for medium-large rooms) | 140W (40W soundbar + 100W sub, ideal for small-medium rooms) |
| Rear Speaker Setup - Critical for true surround vs. convenience | |
| Physical wireless rear speakers (require power outlets) | No rear speakers (uses virtual processing) |
| Subwoofer Configuration - Impacts bass depth and placement flexibility | |
| 7" front-firing driver, 220W amp, wireless | 5.25" woofer, 100W amp, wireless |
| Height Channels for Dolby Atmos - Affects overhead sound positioning | |
| Single up-firing channel (basic Atmos effects) | Dual height channels (better overhead positioning) |
| TV Integration Features - Brand-specific advantages | |
| WOW Orchestra (LG TVs only), TV Sound Mode Share | Universal HDMI eARC, single remote control (any TV brand) |
| Dialogue Enhancement - Critical for TV show and movie clarity | |
| AI Sound Pro, Clear Voice Plus, up-firing center | Dedicated Dialogue Enhancer with 3 levels, Pure Mode |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gaming | |
| VRR/ALLM up to 120Hz, dedicated Game mode | Basic gaming compatibility, no specialized features |
| Setup Complexity - Time investment and technical requirements | |
| Moderate (rear speaker placement, room correction) | Plug-and-play (automatic subwoofer pairing) |
| Sound Modes - Flexibility for different content types | |
| 7 modes (AI Sound Pro, Bass Blast+, Cinema, Game, Music, Sports, Standard) | 4 modes (Movie, Music, Night, Pure) |
| Connectivity Options - Future-proofing and device compatibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi | HDMI eARC, Optical, 3.5mm, USB-A, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Best Value For - Who should choose each option | |
| LG TV owners with large rooms prioritizing movie immersion | Any TV brand users wanting dialogue clarity and simplicity |
The Denon DHT-S517 ($302.34) offers better overall value for most buyers. At $100 less than the LG S70TR ($399.99), it delivers excellent dialogue clarity and universal TV compatibility. The LG only justifies its higher price if you own an LG TV and have a large room that benefits from its physical rear speakers.
The LG S70TR uses 5.1.1 channels with physical rear speakers placed behind you, creating authentic surround positioning. The Denon DHT-S517 uses 3.1.2 channels with virtual processing to simulate surround effects. While the LG has more physical speakers, the Denon's dual height channels actually provide better overhead Dolby Atmos effects.
The Denon DHT-S517 is ideal for small spaces. Its 140W power output won't overwhelm compact rooms, and you don't need to find space for rear speakers. The LG S70TR with its 400W output and physical rear speakers is designed for medium to large rooms and can be too powerful for apartments.
The Denon DHT-S517 works equally well with any TV brand through HDMI eARC or optical connection. The LG S70TR also connects to any TV, but its premium WOW Orchestra feature only works with LG TVs, limiting its value for other brands.
The Denon DHT-S517 excels at dialogue clarity with its dedicated Dialogue Enhancer feature offering three adjustment levels. Users consistently praise its speech intelligibility. While the LG S70TR has AI Sound Pro and Clear Voice Plus, its more complex processing can sometimes muddy dialogue compared to the Denon's focused approach.
The Denon DHT-S517 offers plug-and-play simplicity with automatic subwoofer pairing and single cable connection. The LG S70TR requires moderate setup complexity, including positioning rear speakers near power outlets and pairing multiple wireless components, though wall mounting brackets are included.
The LG S70TR is superior for gaming with VRR and ALLM support up to 120Hz, dedicated Game mode, and 4K passthrough with Dolby Vision. The Denon DHT-S517 handles basic gaming well but lacks specialized gaming features and higher refresh rate support.
The LG S70TR delivers more powerful bass with its 7-inch subwoofer and 220W amplifier, capable of room-shaking impact. The Denon DHT-S517 provides more controlled, musical bass with its 5.25-inch subwoofer and 100W amplifier that integrates better with the main soundbar for tighter, more accurate low-end response.
It depends on your priorities. The LG S70TR uses physical rear speakers for authentic surround positioning, which is ideal for immersive movie watching. The Denon DHT-S517 creates surprisingly effective virtual surround through processing, which works well for most content without requiring additional speaker placement.
The LG S70TR provides more customization with seven sound modes, 3-band EQ through its smartphone app, and room correction features. The Denon DHT-S517 keeps it simple with four modes including Pure Mode for unprocessed audio, focusing on getting the fundamentals right rather than extensive tweaking options.
Both soundbars offer reliable wireless subwoofer connections. The LG S70TR has more wireless components (rear speakers and subwoofer) which creates more potential connection points but is generally stable. The Denon DHT-S517 has fewer wireless components, reducing complexity and potential issues while offering Bluetooth 5.0 for music streaming.
For a dedicated home theater, the LG S70TR is the better choice with its true 5.1.1 surround configuration, 400W power output, and immersive movie-focused features. The physical rear speakers create authentic positioning effects that enhance the cinematic experience. The Denon DHT-S517 is excellent for everyday TV watching but lacks the power and surround immersion needed for serious home theater use.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - mynavyexchange.com - rixaudiovideoappliance.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - howards.siteontimedev.com - bestbuy.com - appliancestogousa.us - techradar.com - consumerreports.org - crutchfield.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - pocket-lint.com - abt.com - manuals.denon.com - connectedmag.com.au - bestbuy.com - forum.flirc.tv - bhphotovideo.com
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