Denon Heos 5 HS2

High-res audio and Bluetooth meet multi-room.

When Heos by Denon arrived in 2014, the world of wireless multi-room audio finally had a convincing alternative to market leader Sonos. For here was a product that was just as easy to set up as its better-known rival, and offered comparable product choice and performance.

Choosing between the two brands’ products was as much a decision based on aesthetics and brand loyalty, as anything else. But Denon clearly wasn’t content to be a me-too multi-room brand. It’s second generation Heos line, dubbed HS2, expands compatibility beyond active speakers and improves sonic performance.

The £349 ($399) Heos 5 HS2 featured here is the everyday workhorse of the range. It sits above the compact Heos 1 and desktop Heos 3, but under the Heos 7, which is a bigger, beefier proposition. It works with other Heos-compatible components, including the Heos HomeCinema soundbar and select Denon AV receivers, most notably the 9-channel AVR-X4300H and the 11-channel AVR-X6300H.

Measuring just 294x166x209mm, the Heos 5 HS2 has a form factor that’s easy to accommodate, with a suffix that denotes compatibility with en vogue High Res Audio files, something Sonos doesn’t offer.

Build quality and setup

The Heos 5 HS2 is relatively compact, but comes across as a well-balanced mid-ranger. The triangular design may prove a little divisive, but we rather liked it. Curiously it comes with a carry handle on the rear, but it isn’t battery powered. At 3kg Heos 5 HS2 is also reassuringly weighty, and undeniably well built.

Connectivity comprises a USB port, 3.5mm audio socket and Ethernet. The only on-body controls are volume and mute.