I traded my Sonos Era 300 for Denon's new home speaker - and see no reason to go back

2026-04-17 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Consumer Electronics & Home Audio · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

The Denon 400, a mid-tier smart speaker priced at $599, is part of Denon's second-generation lineup, which also includes the Denon 200 and 600. Designed to compete with the Sonos Era 300, it features a similar form factor, up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and smart streaming capabilities built on the HEOS multi-room audio platform. The speaker supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz natively and can play FLAC files via its USB-C port, a capability that surpasses the Sonos Era 300's downscaling of hi-res input. It includes six drivers, each with a dedicated Class D amplifier, and offers multi-room integration, stereo pairing, and wireless surround sound options with the Denon Sound Bar 550. While its EQ settings are vague and the app's navigation can be unintuitive, the Denon 400 delivers excellent sound quality and robust smart features.

Key takeaway

For product managers evaluating smart speaker offerings, the Denon 400 presents a compelling alternative to the Sonos Era 300, particularly for users prioritizing native 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio and true Dolby Atmos. While its higher US price point of $599 compared to the Era 300 might be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers, its superior audio fidelity and robust multi-room capabilities via HEOS could justify the investment for audiophiles or those building a comprehensive Denon home theater system.

Key insights

The Denon 400 offers competitive smart speaker features and superior hi-res audio playback compared to the Sonos Era 300.

Principles

• Dedicated amplification enhances sound control.
• Physical up-firing drivers improve Dolby Atmos.
• Native hi-res playback offers fidelity.

Method

The HEOS multi-room platform manages streaming, app experience, and multi-room grouping, supporting various music services and AirPlay 2 for Apple Music.

In practice

• Pair two Denon 400s for stereo playback.
• Use as wireless surrounds with Denon Sound Bar 550.
• Connect via USB-C for FLAC file playback.

Topics

• Denon 400
• Sonos Era 300
• Dolby Atmos
• Hi-Res Audio
• HEOS Platform

Best for: Product Manager, General Interest, Marketing Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.