Denon DHT-T110 Review

We have tested various sound bars and a fairly new category of those have emerged in recent years; the sound bars on which you can place your TV. However, the nomenclature is different for each manufacturer, and the model in this review is called a Speaker Base. We look at and listen to the Denon DHT-T110.

The sound bar, an elongated speaker that improves the audio quality of the TV, we´re all familiar with. Since 2013, however, we´ve seen a new product appear with speakers that are deeper and upon which a TV can be placed. These speakers are often equipped with a built-in (sub)woofer, which is possible due to the larger sized cabinet. However, the naming is tricky because we´ve seen different terms being used; Sound Plate, Sound Base, Sound Stand, Speaker Base, etc. Nonetheless, they are all based on the same principle; you put the TV on top of it and improve the sound quality of it.

Features & Specifications

The Denon DHT-T110 is on paper a very simple product. After all, you have one device that you place under your TV and where all the sound comes from. The Speaker Base consists of one unit with a built-in subwoofer. It is a 2-way speaker system with two 1/2" tweeters and 2 oval 2" x 5" mid / woofers.

Furthermore, the DHT-T110 is equipped with various sound modes that affects the audio playback, a Dolby Digital decoder, a night mode to reduce the dynamic range so you do not disturb the neighbors, and a special learning mode so that, for example, you can use the Speaker Base's remote control to control your TV. The speaker unit itself have several buttons, including one for the Bluetooth option, the TV sound, sound modes and volume. These buttons incidentally lights up in a certain way depending on the selected sound mode. The DHT-T110 is suitable for TVs with a size up to 50 inches (up to 60 lb), weighs 9.48lbs (4.3 kilograms) and has a dimension of 23.94 x 2.80 x 13.98 inches (608 x 71 x 355 millimeters).

Installation & Setup

Installation could not be any easier, it is indeed an all-in-one system where, in principle, one cable (apart from the power cord) is all that is needed. Just connect your TV using a digital audio cable, and if you want to connect a Blu-ray player or game console it can be done using the other digital or analog connections. As mentioned, it unfortunately lacks HDMI, something you should definitely consider.

Simple To Use

Not only is the installation a piece of cake, it´s also very simple and quick to use. The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth allowing you to stream music from your smartphone, tablet or PC to play on the speaker. Once you have already paired a Bluetooth device with the DHT-T110, it´s done. Then you just turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, press the Bluetooth button on the speaker to automatically connect the two devices, and choose the Speaker Base when you play media from your Bluetooth device.

Other than pairing Bluetooth devices there´s not much effort required when using the DHT-T110. The active input is automatically selected by the speaker and you´ll only occasionally need to make any adjustments with the remote, like switching sound modes for example. But even doing that is rare. It is very straightforward in terms of usage and capabilities. We would have liked an on-screen display though.

The most important part is of course the sound quality. At least that is one of the main concerns and the reason you spend quite some money for such a system. As with any sound bar, plate, base, or whatever the manufacturer wants to call it - know what it is you´re getting. It is not a 5.1 channel home theater system and it will therefore never sound like one. Yes, it has virtual surround sound and basically this means creating a wider sound field utilizing the room acoustics.

Also in the field of music playback from a connected source or Bluetooth, the DHT-T110 does not disappoint. Especially when you are turning on the dedicated music mode, which ensures that more space is created between the left and right channels. It is not as convincing as two big speakers placed to the left and right of your TV, but compared to other similar units, the Denon provide a reasonably good stereo effect. The DHT-T110 provides a dynamic sound with a compelling naturalness and freshness. Even when cranking up the volume the speaker holds up well without any significant distortion. It has enough power to fill a big living room with great music. Even when you stream music via Bluetooth the quality of the source material is largely preserved. The Speaker Base is a nice sound system for both the party and the romantic evening dinner.