Achieving audiophile-level performance usually means having a collection of AV components that not only takes up space but often clashes with the interior décor. However, choosing a home entertainment product based on aesthetics alone can result in sub-standard performance. Denon recognised that there was nothing on the market that combined ultimate performance and elegant design in a single package – and set to work developing the S-5BD.

The surround sound amplification draws heavily on Denon’s high end receiver designs, offering 5.1-channels of surround sound with the ability to run two different sources in two separate zones in the house. For example, a concerto can be played in the kitchen while a movie thunders away in the living room. All the latest surround sound formats are supported, including high-def Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD master audio formats.

The Blu-ray player has many of the same leading-edge technologies and features as Denon’s top of the line DBP-4010UD Blu-ray player, including the same high-end drive mechanism to eliminate vibration, profile 2.0 capability for interactivity with Blu-ray titles, and AL24 processing to recreate the original analogue audio waveform as it was originally recorded, ensuring that every delicate nuance is reproduced faithfully.

Denon engineers made connectivity a top priority in designing the S-5BD. The unit features convenient front-panel HDMI (3 inputs/1 output, all certified for HDMI 1.4) and SD card inputs, as well as iPod direct connectivity via the USB port (with connectivity for Denon’s networked control dock for iPod as well).

For seamless integration into the home, there are audio and video outputs for a second zone as well as RS-232 connection (with Crestron and AMX support), infrared input and output and a 12V trigger output, making the S-5BD extremely easy to integrate into a wide variety of custom installations. Additionally, in the event of future firmware updates and possible upgrades, owners of the S-5BD can download them directly via its Ethernet port.

From the moment it is plugged in, the S-5BD makes things easy. A ‘first setup’ function automatically calibrates the unit to the room’s acoustics using the supplied microphone. The unit is equipped with Audyssey MultEQ as well as Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ – all designed to deliver perfect sound without the user needing to perform any technical adjustments.

The S-5BD also features plug’n’play to automatically begin playback as soon as an iPod or USB stick is connected. The built-in compressed audio restorer automatically operates when compressed music sources such as MP3s are played to recreate the original detail in the music. Users will also appreciate the automatic sound mode that automatically switches to stereo sound for music sources, or to surround sound for video programmes.

Finally, the remote control is designed for utmost simplicity, with large buttons for key functions, a ‘one touch play’ button for instant movie playback and a hidden back panel that conceals additional buttons for less-used functions.