Denon Home 350 vs Sonos Five: Which Wireless Speaker is Right for You?

In today’s world of smart audio, choosing the right wireless speaker can be overwhelming with so many options available. Two of the top contenders in the premium speaker market are the Denon Home 350 and the Sonos Five. Both of these speakers promise superior sound quality, a sleek design, and an immersive listening experience, but they each come with their own set of features and capabilities. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a tech-savvy home theater fan, or someone looking to build a multi-room audio setup, the decision between these two could come down to a few key factors. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the sound quality, connectivity, design, and overall value of both the Denon Home 350 and Sonos Five to help you make the best choice for your needs.

1. Denon Home 350 Wireless Smart Speaker

The Denon Home 350 Wireless Smart Speaker impresses with its powerful, high-resolution audio, combining deep bass and crisp highs to deliver a remarkable listening experience. With its impressive design and solid build quality, this speaker easily integrates into a modern home setup. It boasts a wide variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HEOS, allowing you to stream from a range of popular services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music HD. The inclusion of Alexa voice control enhances the user experience, making it easy to play your favorite tracks or control the speaker hands-free. Additionally, its multi-room capabilities via HEOS support mean you can synchronize music across different rooms or enjoy unique music in each space.

While the Denon Home 350 excels in sound quality and versatility, it’s not without a few drawbacks. Some users report issues with the app, including setup difficulties and occasional connectivity problems. The price point may be a consideration for those seeking more affordable options, and despite its impressive audio, it doesn’t offer a waterproof rating, which limits its outdoor usage.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. High-resolution audio with dynamic tweeters and powerful woofers.
2. HEOS Built-in for multi-room audio synchronization.
3. Voice control via Alexa, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth support.
4. Compatibility with streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
5. Option to build a wireless home theater setup with Denon products.

Pros:

1. Exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear highs.
2. Easy integration with smart home systems.
3. Wide streaming support from various services.
4. Multi-room audio capabilities with HEOS.
5. Premium, sleek design and build quality.

Cons:

1. Some users experience issues with the HEOS app and connectivity.

2. Sonos Five Wireless HiFi Speaker

The Sonos Five Wireless HiFi Speaker delivers an impressive sound experience, offering clear and dynamic audio that’s perfect for music lovers. Tuned by renowned producer Giles Martin, this speaker excels in providing room-filling sound with its deep bass and crisp highs. The acoustic design features three high-excursion woofers, eliminating unwanted reverb and echo, and ensuring powerful, immersive sound. The ultra-wide soundstage is achieved through two side tweeters, creating an expansive stereo experience, while the center tweeter ensures that vocals are crisp and clear. Whether you place the speaker horizontally for stereo sound or pair two in an upright position for enhanced stereo separation, the versatility of the Sonos Five is notable. Additionally, its easy integration with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and the ability to connect external devices via the line-in port make it an excellent choice for users who want high-quality sound with flexibility.

Despite its impressive sound performance, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users report connectivity issues, particularly with the Sonos app and Bluetooth functionality. Additionally, while the speaker offers excellent audio quality, its price point may be a concern for those looking for more budget-friendly options. Some customers also note that the setup process could be smoother, and the build quality doesn’t feel as premium as some may expect for the price. Still, for those seeking a speaker with exceptional sound quality, flexibility in placement, and integration into a smart home system, the Sonos Five is a solid choice.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. High-quality, room-filling sound with deep bass and clear highs.
2. Tuned by renowned producer Giles Martin for optimal audio performance.
3. Ultra-wide soundstage with two angled side tweeters and a center tweeter.
4. Ability to connect external devices via the 3.5mm line-in port.
5. Integration with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and other smart home systems.

Pros:

1. Dynamic and clear sound with deep bass and well-balanced audio.
2. Versatile placement options for stereo sound and detailed separation.
3. Easy integration with smart home systems and streaming services.
4. Quality acoustic design that reduces reverb and echo.
5. Line-in port for connecting external audio devices.

Cons:

1. Connectivity issues with the Sonos app and Bluetooth functionality.

Denon Home 350 vs Sonos Five: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to high-quality wireless speakers, both the Denon Home 350 and the Sonos Five stand out as premium options that promise powerful sound and sleek designs. However, each speaker has unique features that might make one more suitable than the other depending on your needs.

Sound Quality

Both the Denon Home 350 and Sonos Five offer exceptional sound quality, but they approach audio performance in different ways.

• Denon Home 350: With its dual 0.75-inch tweeters, dual 2-inch mid-bass drivers, and dual 6.5-inch woofers, the Home 350 delivers a balanced and immersive sound experience. The speaker is specifically designed to provide deep bass, clear highs, and full-range sound from a single unit, offering a premium audio experience for music lovers. The large woofers contribute to impressive low-end performance, while the sound tuning ensures that the highs remain sharp and clear.
• Sonos Five: The Sonos Five is equally impressive in terms of audio. It features three high-excursion woofers that provide deep, resonant bass and reduce unwanted reverb and echo. The ultra-wide soundstage is achieved with two precisely angled side tweeters, which create rich stereo sound and spatial extension. Additionally, the center tweeter is optimized for vocal clarity, ensuring crisp and clear audio across all frequencies. It’s known for its dynamic sound, capable of filling even large rooms.

Winner: Both speakers provide fantastic audio, but the Sonos Five has a slight edge due to its more sophisticated soundstage and acoustics, which result in a richer, more detailed stereo experience.

Connectivity & Smart Features

• Denon Home 350: The Home 350 excels in its wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and HEOS, which allows for seamless streaming from popular services like Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, and more. The integration with HEOS means you can create a multi-room audio system by pairing it with other HEOS-enabled devices. Additionally, the speaker comes with Amazon Alexa voice control, making it easy to adjust volume or change tracks hands-free. It also includes USB and network support for wired connections.
• Sonos Five: The Sonos Five, on the other hand, focuses heavily on seamless integration within the Sonos ecosystem. It supports Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, as well as the Sonos app for control. The speaker does not have Bluetooth support, which can be a drawback for some users who prefer a more flexible connectivity setup. However, the Sonos app is intuitive, and the speaker can integrate into a Sonos multi-room system with ease. It also has a line-in port, which allows for the direct connection of external devices like a turntable or CD player.

Feature	Denon Home 350	Sonos Five
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HEOS	Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Line-In
Voice Control	Amazon Alexa Built-In	No native voice control
Multi-Room Support	HEOS Built-In	Sonos ecosystem multi-room support
External Connections	USB, Network	3.5mm Line-In

Winner: Denon Home 350 wins in terms of versatility and flexibility with Bluetooth support, Alexa integration, and multiple connection options.

Design and Build

• Denon Home 350: The Denon Home 350 has a sleek, modern design, crafted with high-quality materials. It’s available in black or white, and its design allows it to blend seamlessly into any room. However, it’s a bit bulkier compared to other speakers in its category, making it less ideal for smaller spaces. Its solid build is designed to ensure durability, but some users might find it a little large for tighter spaces.
• Sonos Five: The Sonos Five is similarly sleek and minimalistic, with a focus on functionality. Its design is more compact and versatile compared to the Denon Home 350, allowing it to fit easily on a tabletop or shelf. While it is a bit longer than the Denon, it’s generally less imposing and can easily complement a modern home decor. The matte black or white finish gives it a premium feel, but some users may find the Sonos Five’s build quality a bit less robust than the Denon.

Winner: Sonos Five wins for a more compact and versatile design, though both are premium products.

Ease of Setup and Use

• Denon Home 350: Setting up the Denon Home 350 is relatively straightforward with the HEOS app, though some users report occasional issues with connectivity during the initial setup. The app itself can be buggy at times, and users have reported mixed experiences with the overall setup process. Once it’s connected, it provides an intuitive interface, and multi-room setups are easy to manage through the app.
• Sonos Five: Sonos speakers are known for their user-friendly setup process, and the Five is no exception. The Sonos app is intuitive and guides users through the setup effortlessly. Although it lacks Bluetooth for initial setup, once connected to Wi-Fi, it integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, making it a hassle-free experience for those already using other Sonos products.

Winner: Sonos Five wins for a smoother and more reliable setup experience.

Price and Value for Money

• Denon Home 350: Priced slightly higher than other wireless speakers in its class, the Denon Home 350 justifies its cost with premium sound quality, versatile connectivity, and the ability to integrate into larger multi-room setups. However, some users may find it less competitive in terms of value compared to similar options.
• Sonos Five: The Sonos Five is similarly priced in the high-end wireless speaker market. While it lacks Bluetooth, the overall sound quality, design, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem provide a compelling package for users who want a system that grows with their needs. The higher cost can be justified by its premium sound and the Sonos brand’s reputation for reliability.

Winner: It’s a tough call, but Sonos Five might offer slightly better long-term value, particularly for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.

FAQ

Which speaker offers better sound quality: Denon Home 350 or Sonos Five?

Both the Denon Home 350 and Sonos Five offer outstanding sound quality, but the Sonos Five has a slight edge when it comes to the depth and clarity of the sound. With its three high-excursion woofers and well-tuned side tweeters, the Sonos Five delivers a broader soundstage and clearer vocals, making it a top choice for those who want rich stereo sound. The Denon Home 350, while also excellent, leans more towards delivering a well-rounded sound with deep bass and clear highs, but it might not provide as detailed a soundstage as the Sonos Five.

Can I use these speakers in a multi-room setup?

Yes, both speakers support multi-room audio, but they work within different ecosystems. The Denon Home 350 uses HEOS, which allows you to sync it with other HEOS-enabled devices for a fully integrated multi-room setup. This is a great option if you plan to build a system with Denon or other HEOS-compatible products. The Sonos Five, on the other hand, integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem. You can group multiple Sonos speakers together and enjoy synchronized audio throughout your home. If you are already using other Sonos devices, the Sonos Five will fit in effortlessly.

Does the Denon Home 350 have Bluetooth support?

Yes, the Denon Home 350 supports Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your devices wirelessly without relying on Wi-Fi. This makes it a more flexible option compared to the Sonos Five, which does not include Bluetooth functionality. If you prefer connecting your phone or other devices directly via Bluetooth for streaming music or audio, the Denon Home 350 would be the better choice.

How easy is the setup process for these speakers?

The Sonos Five is generally regarded as having a smoother and more intuitive setup process, thanks to the Sonos app. The app guides users through the process effortlessly, and the integration with other Sonos devices is seamless. The Denon Home 350, while straightforward, can have occasional issues with its HEOS app and Wi-Fi connectivity, which may result in a slightly more cumbersome setup experience for some users.

Can I connect a turntable or other external devices to these speakers?

Yes, both speakers offer ways to connect external devices, but they do so differently. The Denon Home 350 includes a USB and network support, which allows you to hook up various audio sources. It also features a more flexible connection option with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Sonos Five, while not supporting Bluetooth for external devices, does include a 3.5mm line-in port, which allows you to connect a turntable, CD player, or other analog devices directly to the speaker. If you’re looking to integrate a turntable into your setup, the Sonos Five’s line-in port makes it a more straightforward choice.

Conclusion

Both the Denon Home 350 and Sonos Five offer outstanding audio performance and smart features, but the right choice depends on your priorities. If you want more connectivity options, including Bluetooth, and a versatile multi-room setup, the Denon Home 350 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a sleek, user-friendly design with exceptional sound quality and integration into a larger smart home system, the Sonos Five is the winner.

In summary, the Sonos Five is better for users seeking a compact, high-quality sound system with effortless integration, while the Denon Home 350 offers superior connectivity and flexibility for a more diverse set of needs.