Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $449.95; the Denon Home 600 ranks #8, rated 3.7/5, and costs $799, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Denon Home 600 does well: The flagship of Denon’s 2026 Home range, replacing the measured Denon Home 350. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Denon Home 350 it replaces.
The JBL Authentics 500 is the better-sounding pick. A 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) 3.1 channel smart speaker with virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and simultaneous Alexa and Google Assistant support. The catch: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Denon Home 600 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Worth knowing: the Denon Home 600 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.3 to 4.0, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
The flagship of Denon’s 2026 Home range, replacing the measured Denon Home 350.
Amazon $799.00 eBay
A 7.8 kg 3.1 channel smart speaker with virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and simultaneous Alexa and Google Assistant support.
Amazon $449.95 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Denon Home 600 | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 each | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #8 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (2.4/5/6GHz) | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (HEOS) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (HEOS multi-room) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (Dolby Atmos Music) | Yes (virtual) |
| Streaming Services | HEOS app streaming, AirPlay 2 | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Drivers | 2 x 165mm woofers (opposed), 2 x 66mm midranges, 2 x 19mm tweeters, 2 x 66mm up-firing drivers | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Amplifier Power | 8 x Class D | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.9”H x 17.8”W x 8.9”D (251 x 451 x 226 mm) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| EQ | - | Yes |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | - | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Inputs | - | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
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