Denon HEOS 1 Review | 130 Data compared

The Denon HEOS 1 is a compact, upright speaker that delivers powerful, balanced audio with impressive bass that does not distort at maximum volumes. While praised for its rich sound for its size and price, the review highlights significant drawbacks regarding the slow, clunky HEOS app, which suffers from occasional crashes and notable latency. Additionally, the speaker lacks native AirPlay or general network support outside of Spotify Connect, creating a frustrating user experience heavily reliant on the flawed application.

The SoundGuys review of the Denon HEOS 1 highlights a sleek, durable, and versatile wireless speaker with strong bass and clear vocals, along with useful inputs like USB and Ethernet. While the optional Go Pack adds portability and IPX4 weatherproofing, the speaker suffers from subpar midrange performance, causing clutter in complex tracks, and a tedious, app-dependent setup process.

The Denon HEOS 1 is a well-built, moisture-resistant multi-room speaker that delivers loud, high-quality audio suitable for bathrooms or offices, offering seamless integration with various streaming services. However, the review highlights frustrating initial setup, an app that demands paid subscriptions for certain services, and the requirement of an additional $99 "Go Pack" for true portability.

The What Hi-Fi? review of the Denon HEOS 1 HS2 describes the compact wireless speaker as a solid, insightful performer capable of delivering a smooth, spacious sound with high-resolution audio support. Pros include a user-friendly app and extensive streaming compatibility, though the unit is held back by a complex setup process requiring a physical cable and a lack of rhythmic precision compared to rivals.

The Big Picture Big Sound review highlights the Denon HEOS 1 as a versatile, high-resolution capable multi-room speaker, praising its audio quality and robust physical connectivity. A major advantage is the optional Go Pack, which introduces Bluetooth and provides six hours of battery life, making the unit a splash-proof portable speaker. Conversely, the review notes that the speaker lacks built-in Bluetooth and true portability without purchasing the extra Go Pack, limiting standalone operation to Wi-Fi streaming via the proprietary HEOS app.

The Denon HEOS 1 is a 7-inch, bi-amplified, two-way wireless speaker lauded by Sound & Vision for its good sound quality, humidity-resistant design, and versatile app featuring streaming service integration. While offering extensive connectivity options, the review notes a bass-shy low end and lack of high-resolution audio support on the original version as primary limitations.

The Trusted Reviews hands-on review highlights the Denon HEOS 1 as a solid, well-built entry-level speaker with a 1.42kg design, built-in Wi-Fi, and the ability to add a Go Pack for Bluetooth and water resistance. While praised for its premium construction, the review notes drawbacks regarding the lack of native Bluetooth—requiring an additional purchase—and a total reliance on the companion app for control.

The Denon HEOS 1 offers rugged, splash-resistant sound with a user-friendly app, but its value is heavily dependent on purchasing the additional $99 Go Pack for battery and Bluetooth. While delivering good audio for its size, the base unit lacks essential portability and features, and the system faces stiff competition from rivals like Sonos with a more limited app experience.

The Denon Heos 1 is a compact, entry-level multi-room speaker that delivers a well-balanced audio performance with a smooth, rich low-mid presence for vocals, sharp high-mid attack on drums, and crisp treble. While it offers clean sound, it lacks true sub-bass depth, relying heavily on digital signal processing to avoid distortion, and its companion app can be temperamental.