Denon have launched HEOS, home entertainment operating system? to a large clamour of acclaim from press and trade alike.
HEOS APP
This is a streaming range with a room amplifier, a preamplifier to connect to your existing hifi system, and three stand-alone table-top units. Remind you of anything?
There will be a streaming soundbar and a wireless subwoofer to follow, like anything you have heard of?
Sounds like a direct Sonos competitor to me!
Short history lesson, 10 years ago a small american company launched a streaming amplifier and preamplifier investing millions in the software to make an advanced control and wifi mesh system. Adding table top solutions and a soundbar later would need more investment with the capital raised rumoured to be over US$ 90 million! This has resulted in growth to a 600 million US$ company in the forefront of streaming multi-room music. This is Sonos, and Lyric Hifi were the first in Ireland to stock it and see the future.
Specialist manufacturers such as Linn saw the potential for an ultimate performance using similar principles and the hifi market was turned on it's head again.
Many manufacturers have coveted the success of Sonos, but no-one has had the investment needed to take them on. Some have elements but no-one has the complete head-on solution, until now
Denon Heos is the first head-on competitor with an almost model for model line-up and even more to follow.
HEOS 5
So which to buy if you are ready to build a streaming system?
Finish on the Heos is classy and clever, although the Sonos metal grille is easier for cleaning.
Both can stream from your PC, napster, spotify, and online radio
Both have APPS for iPhone and Android
Denon uses your existing wifi and the range includes extenders to make it solid if your wifi is a bit iffy. Sonos has it's own mesh so your wifi is irrelevant.
Both can be easily added to room by room.
Both can use 2 tabletops in one room in stereo mode
The Denon has an auxiliary tv input, for Sonos you need a Playbar
Denon doesn't have a soundbar but will have next year
Sonos tabletops are £ 169, £ 249, and go to £ 349. Denon has models at £ 249, £ 349 and also a heavily upgraded version soundwise at £ 499. £ 179 version to follow
Really it comes down to sound, price, and also how easy is the APP to use?
HEOS AMP
HEOS 7
Production models will arrive in August to make sure but the Denon sounds really good and will certainly take a slice of Sonos's action
At launch there will be Heos 3 £ 249, Heos 5 £ 349, Heos 7 £ 499, Heos Amp £ 399, Heos Link pre £ 299, Heos Extender £ 79
Can't wait to hear the real production versions and the head on competition!
In a growing market there is undoubtedly room for both, and don't forget Sonos have a 10 year headstart, but this is also the first time they have seen real competition, excellent for everyone
HEOS LINK REAR
