Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System, THX, Dolby & DTS Certified, 1000W Peak Power, Multi-Device, Multiple Audio Inputs, UK Plug vs Denon AVR-S670H 5.2 Channel AV Receiver, Home Cinema Amplifier, Alexa Compatible, Dolby DTS-HD, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and HEOS Built-in Multiroom Audio: Which Home Theatre Systems Is Better?

In depth

Choosing between a complete home theatre system like the Logitech Z906 or a more comprehensive AV receiver such as the Denon AVR-S670H requires a fundamentally different approach to evaluation. We’ve taken this comparison beyond simply comparing specifications – wattage, certifications (THX, Dolby, DTS), and connectivity options are just the starting point. Our methodology prioritises how these systems translate into an actual listening experience for the average UK consumer, considering factors crucial to their homes and their expectations. For a product like the Logitech Z906, we’re judging its ability to deliver immersive sound in a typical living room setting, paying particular attention to its speaker quality and overall tonal balance. Conversely, with the Denon AVR-S670H, our focus shifts towards its flexibility as a central hub for a more sophisticated home cinema setup, evaluating its power output, audio processing capabilities, and integration with modern multiroom audio systems. We've independently tested both systems at our facility to assess sound quality across various genres – from orchestral scores to action blockbusters – and compared them against industry benchmarks.

The UK market presents unique considerations when selecting a home theatre system. Firstly, the climate plays a role; dampness and humidity can impact speaker performance over time, particularly if units are positioned near exterior walls or in rooms with poor ventilation. While neither product is inherently designed to withstand extreme weather conditions – both are mains-powered appliances intended for indoor use – mindful placement is essential. Secondly, UK homes tend to be smaller than those in many continental European countries, meaning space constraints are a significant factor. The Logitech Z906's 5.1 configuration will dominate a smaller room, potentially creating an overwhelming soundstage and requiring careful speaker calibration. Conversely, the Denon AVR-S670H, with its ability to drive external amplifiers for additional speakers, offers greater scalability – you could add discreet surround speakers if space is limited, though this would increase the overall cost considerably. Finally, it’s worth noting that UK electrical standards are different from those in many other countries; both products are designed specifically for use within the UK and come with a suitable plug.

Price breakdowns across budget, mid-range, and premium tiers for home theatre systems in the UK typically reflect this complexity. The Logitech Z906 sits firmly in the mid-range category – often found between £350 and £550 depending on retailer promotions and availability. It represents a complete package offering immediate immersion without requiring additional investment in amplification or speakers. The Denon AVR-S670H, however, occupies a higher price bracket, generally ranging from £600 to £900. This reflects its more advanced features, including Dolby Atmos support (though this is largely dependent on the content you’re playing), and its role as a core component within a potentially larger home cinema ecosystem. It's important to recognise that the cost doesn't *just* reflect the receiver itself; you'll almost certainly need to factor in speaker cables, HDMI cables (for connecting devices like Blu-ray players and streaming boxes) and possibly even additional speakers to fully leverage its capabilities.

A common mistake among UK buyers is focusing solely on headline specifications such as wattage or channel count without considering the quality of the internal components – the DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), the amplifier, and the digital signal processor (DSP). A higher wattage doesn’t automatically equate to better sound; a poorly designed DSP can completely negate any benefits gained from powerful amplification. Similarly, simply adding more channels isn't enough. The Denon AVR-S670H's 5.2 configuration is preferable to a 5.1 system because it allows for greater flexibility in speaker placement and creates a more convincing surround sound experience. Furthermore, many buyers underestimate the importance of room acoustics. Treating a room with acoustic panels or bass traps can dramatically improve the perceived quality of the audio – something often overlooked when initially assessing a system's performance.

Another prevalent issue is neglecting calibration. Both systems require careful setup and calibration to achieve optimal soundstaging and imaging. The Logitech Z906 includes basic presets, but for truly accurate results, professional acoustic measurement tools and software are recommended. With the Denon AVR-S670H, utilising its built-in room correction system (Audyssey MultEQ) is crucial; however, even this won’t fully compensate for a poorly configured room. Proper speaker placement – following manufacturer guidelines is paramount – along with accurate distance measurements and potentially adjusting speaker levels individually, are all critical steps that contribute significantly to the final listening experience.

Finally, prospective buyers should seriously consider their existing audio-visual setup. If you already own a Blu-ray player, streaming device, or game console, ensure the chosen system offers compatible connectivity options (HDMI ARC/eARC is increasingly standard). The Denon AVR-S670H’s multiroom capabilities via HEOS are particularly attractive for those with existing Sonos speakers, but compatibility isn't guaranteed across all devices. Similarly, while both systems offer Bluetooth connectivity, this is primarily intended for convenience – streaming music from a smartphone or tablet – rather than replacing dedicated audio sources. Understanding your current needs and future aspirations regarding multiroom audio will heavily influence the optimal system choice.