Sitting just below the $299 DHT-S316 in Denon's soundbar lineup, the new DHT-S216 ($249) announced this week promises to deliver much of the bang for a bit less buck, and also one less box. Since the S216 features two down-firing three-inch woofers built in, it is designed to deliver full-range performance without the need for a subwoofer. Virtual surround sound processing also comes by way of DTS Virtual:X, with other supported processing including Denon Dialogue Enhancer, as well as a Pure Mode that eliminates any and all sound processing altogether.

Read on for more details directly from the press release:

Denon today announced its first full-range sound bar with DTS Virtual:X, the DHT-S216 ($249). The slender and powerful sound bar leverages advanced psychoacoustic algorithms developed by DTS to realistically simulate a multi-channel soundtrack played on a home theater surround sound system. The DHT-S216 is easily connected to any TV and media player via 4K UHD HDMI with Audio Return Channel or Optical/Auxiliary inputs for exceptional sound clarity.

At only 2.35-inches tall, the Denon DHT-S216 has been precisely tuned by Denon sound masters to deliver superb playback quality using two 3-inch down-firing subwoofers, two 1 3/4 x 3 1/2-inch dual mid-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters for a dynamic theater-quality experience from a sleek, low-profile design. New to the Denon sound bar lineup, the DHT-S216 features Pure Mode, which eliminates surround processing and removes any adjusted characteristics associated with Movie, Music or Night mode for a more precise and open sound. Listeners can also pair their smartphone or tablet with the sound bar via Bluetooth to stream their favorite music with ease.

"The latest sound bar from Denon has been engineered to deliver the most lifelike listening experience, including detail, balance and bass extension far beyond other sound bars in this size and price range," said Michael Greco, Global Sr. Director of Brand Management for Denon.

"The DHT-S216 leverages partnerships with the industry's leading virtual surround sound manufacturers like DTS and Dolby to provide people with a simple way to experience the excitement of cinematic sound quality at home."

The wall-mountable Denon DHT-S216 can be set up in minutes. Compatible with all HD and 4K TVs, use the provided HDMI cable to send audio from Smart TVs and other connected sources via the HDMI Audio Return Channel (1 in / 1 out with ARC) supporting 4K/60 Hz and HDCP 2.2. Once connected via HDMI ARC, the sound bar is seamlessly controlled with a TV remote. If HDMI ARC isn't available, the sound bar offers an optical input and can be wirelessly paired via Bluetooth to stream music, podcasts and other audio content.

Additional DHT-S216 Features:

• • Low-profile design: At 2.35-inches tall, the DHT-S216 fits most spaces and won't block a TV's bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
  • Denon Dialogue Enhancer: Improves dialogue intelligibility with 3 different modes. Users can also turn up dialogue without adjusting overall volume level.
  • Three Preset EQ Options: With three different sound modes -- movie, night, and music -- users can optimize their sound for the desired occasion.
  • DTS Virtual:X: The immersive surround format delivers an exceptionally lifelike sense of dimensionality without the need for additional speakers.
  • Dolby Digital Decoding: Plays back discrete multi-channel Dolby surround sound information with improved clarity and realism.

The DHT-S216 ($249) is currently available via authorized Denon retailers. For more information please visit www.usa.denon.com/us.