Denon’s new S-302 promises big sound in a compact package

Technology has proven time and time again that bigger isn’t always better, and that seems to be a view that audio/video specialist Denon subscribes to with the introduction of the S-302 compact Smart Theatre system - a little unit that promises a big sound and a wide array of features crammed into its compact body. Denon says the S-302 creates a true surround sound experience from just two speakers and a subwoofer (2.1), a feat that usually requires a 5.1 channel speaker system. The unit’s built-in 1080p DVD/CD player will scale content - including up-conversion from all analogue sources - to 1080p outputting via HDMI and also perform I/P conversion from interlaced to Progressive Scan from all video sources.

The S-302 features Dolby Virtual, dts Virtual, the new Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Bass XT for greater bass response as well as Denon’s proprietary AL24 processing, which offers greater resolution and detail from CD and other sources and is normally reserved for the company’s audio/video receivers. Although Denon have packed the unit with features, one of the ways Denon were able to keep the size of the control unit down was by housing a 3-channel amplifier, which provides 50 watts to the front channels and 100 watts to the subwoofer, within the subwoofer.

The addition of an Ethernet port and built-in Wifi allows the S-302 to be Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified – the DNLA is an international, cross industry collaboration of electronics, communication and computer industries that support a wired and wireless network between PCs, A/V home entertainment products and mobile devices, enabling a seamless environment for sharing digital media and content services. Thus the S-302 can stream Internet radio as well as music from network attached storage devices.

The S-302 is able to decode popular MP3 and WMA, the new WMA Lossless formats and also AAC (Non DRM files), WAV plus FLAC. Additionally, the S-302 integrates a new GUI for ease of use as well as the ability to view the cover art from an iPod or other streaming media.

Connectivity shouldn’t be a problem with 1 x Component, 2 x S-Video and 2 x Composite video inputs, plus 1 x HDMI, 1 x Component, 1 x S-Video and 1 x Composite video outputs. It also features 3 x Analogue audio inputs, 1 x Digital OPT, 1 x Digital Coax, 1 x USB port and 1 x iPod (AR-P100 terminal).

The S-302 retails for US$1699 and is available now.

For further info visit Denon.