Denon Home 550
Score: 76/100
Samsung HW-S61D
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Samsung HW-S61D is a compact all-in-one 5.0-channel soundbar that provides built-in Alexa, Wi-Fi, and auto-calibration while delivering virtual Dolby Atmos without a separate subwoofer. Its limitations include weaker bass due to the lack of a dedicated subwoofer and reliance on virtual height processing. It best serves Samsung TV owners who want a slim, feature-rich bar without extra speakers.
The Denon Home 550 is a 4-channel virtual-surround soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HEOS multi-room streaming, and built-in voice assistants. It omits a dedicated subwoofer and its power output is unspecified, limiting deep bass. Perfect for users wanting a sleek, all-in-one streaming bar for small to medium rooms.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4 | 5best | |
— | 200 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.3 kg | 2.7 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
65.9 cm | 67 cmbest | |
7.5 cmbest | 6.2 cm | |
12 cmbest | 10.5 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Audio Channels | 4 | 5.0 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 3.3 kg | 2.7 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 65.9 cm | 67.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 7.5 cm | 6.2 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 12.0 cm | 10.5 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Denon Home SB550 for its virtual 4-channel Atmos/DTS:X implementation, wide soundstage, and the convenience of a single HDMI eARC cable that also carries 4K HDR video. They also highlight the HEOS multi-room ecosystem and the bass boost from three passive radiators, while noting the absence of a dedicated subwoofer and calibration tools as potential drawbacks for audiophiles.
Consumers generally view the SB550 as an easy-to-set-up, space-saving soundbar that offers solid streaming options and immersive virtual surround. Praise centers on the straightforward HDMI eARC hookup and the ability to stream high-resolution music, while the lack of deep bass and unspecified power output are occasional concerns.
Professional reviewers highlight the Samsung HW-S61D's combination of a compact all-in-one 5.0-channel soundbar featuring built-in woofers, a center speaker, and virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS Virtual:X for immersive audio, optimized for small to medium spaces and Samsung TV integration.
Everyday users consistently commend the soundbar's impressive Atmos immersion, deep bass, and minimalist design, noting that setup is generally easy. The most common complaints revolve around the need for precise wall-mounting and the absence of native voice-assistant support.
