Denon have launched HEOS, their whole-home wireless audio system, to take on Sonos at its own game. In true
Denon style, they've done a fine job of it too. Sound quality is excellent, and the design breaks the mould of your typical black boxes. Oh, and they're available in white too.
The HEOS range consists of three wireless speakers - the HEOS 3, 5 and 7, the HEOS amp (to drive existing speakers) and HEOS Link (to connect to an existing amplifier). There's also a wireless range extender for people with enormous houses.
How does it sound?
In a word - surprising! Surprisingly good in fact, given the compact size of each model. Bass response is outstanding in all models from the HEOS 3 up and they have an overall well balanced sound, provided you consider placement. Too close to a wall and the bass can become a little too strong.
An important feature is the synchronisation when a pair are used for stereo playback. Some wi-fi audio systems have a latency effect which results in the left and right channels being slightly out of synch, muddying the sound and shrinking the soundstage. Not the case with HEOS, which offers an industry-leading 25 microsecond latency.
Key features
- Incredibly simple setup and operation
- Streaming from iOS and Android apps
- Serious sound quality with surprising bass response
- Play any music in any room
- Supports Spotify, Pandora, Deezer and TuneIn Radio, with more coming soon
- Plays music on your phone or tablet, via USB storage and from analog sources
HEOS 3 - $449 RRP
HEOS 3 is a compact wireless audio system designed for small to medium-sized rooms.
Features:
- Dual custom full-range drivers powered by a two-channel class-D amplifier
- Two full-range drivers pump out rich, clean sound
- Configure two HEOS 3 speakers to work together as a stereo pair
- Stream from your favourite music service such as Spotify, Pandora or TuneIn
- Free HEOS app for iOS and Android
- A USB jack and auxiliary input jack allow playback from these sources to one or more HEOS players, perfectly synchronised
- Built-in dual band wireless connects to standard home wireless networks
HEOS 5 - $599 RRP
Ideal for medium to large rooms such as dining rooms, larger bedrooms and offices or smaller living rooms.
Features:
- Two custom tweeters, mid-woofers and a passive radiator
- Four dedicated class-D digital amplifiers
- Free HEOS app for iOS and Android
- Stream from your favourite music service such as Spotify, Pandora or TuneIn
- Stream music stored locally on your ios or android smartphone or tablet.
- A USB jack and auxiliary input jack allow playback from these sources to one or more HEOS players, perfectly synchronised
- Stream music from devices on your home network such as NAS drives and computers
- Built-in dual band wireless connects to standard home wireless networks
HEOS 7 - $899 RRP
Ideal for large rooms and open areas such as living rooms, patios, or open-floor-plan homes.
- Two custom tweeters and two mid-woofers; large subwoofer and two passive radiators
- Five dedicated class D digital amplifiers
- Free HEOS app for iOS and Android
- Stream from your favourite music service such as Spotify, Pandora or Iunein
- Stream music stored locally on your iOS or android smartphone or tablet.
- A USB jack and auxiliary input jack allow playback from these sources to one or more HEOS players, perfectly synchronised
- Stream music from devices on your home network such as NAS drives and computers
- Built-in dual band wireless connects to standard home wireless networks
The HEOS range will be in store from early September. Please get in touch if you have any questions or drop in to our Brisbane showroom to have a play with this very exciting new product!
