Modern TV audio is becoming increasingly expensive, with high-end soundbars like the Marshall Heston 120 jumping in price due to factors like tariffs. However, consumers don’t need to overspend to achieve excellent sound quality. A budget AV receiver paired with a set of speakers can deliver superior performance for less money.
The Denon AVR-S270BT: A Smart Alternative
Denon’s AVR-S270BT receiver, currently priced at $299 at Costco (around £220), presents a compelling solution. It supports 5.1-channel surround sound, offering a more immersive experience than many soundbars. Crucially, it includes HDMI connectivity with 4K video passthrough and Bluetooth streaming, making it fully compatible with modern TVs and devices.
While it lacks Dolby Atmos decoding, the AVR-S270BT still supports high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It also features five 4K HDMI inputs with HDR passthrough, alongside HDMI ARC for seamless streaming from services like Netflix and Disney+.
Building a Better System: Speakers Matter
To complete the setup, consider pairing the receiver with affordable bookshelf speakers, such as the Debut 3.0 series. This combination can rival or surpass the audio quality of high-end soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra – all for a fraction of the cost.
The AVR-S270BT represents the latest iteration of Denon’s AVR-Sx70 line, indicating a long-term commitment to this receiver class. Previous Denon receivers have been praised for their balanced, music-friendly sound profile.
The receiver is also available directly from Denon.com for $399.
Ultimately, consumers seeking high-quality TV audio without breaking the bank should strongly consider a budget AV receiver and speaker setup. This approach offers superior flexibility, performance, and value compared to overpriced soundbars.
