Choosing a soundbar for your TV: 10 important recommendations or buy quality!

Modern TVs most often have built-in speakers. But usually their power is low, and the sound from them is not very high quality. Due to the fact that TVs are becoming thinner every year, it is difficult to place speakers with high-quality sound inside them. Therefore, many users complain about poor sound. Acoustic systems and soundbars are designed to help them solve the problem and make the sound quality. Let's look at what characteristics you need to look for when choosing speakers for your TV.

Operating principle and system features

A soundbar is a sound bar that enhances the sound quality of your TV. The main feature is compactness, since decent playback does not require a subwoofer or massive speakers. This device does not have many speakers, since all components are assembled in one housing. It is worth noting that this device can replace a home theater, which takes up a lot of space.

The soundbar can work not only as an addition to the TV, but also as a separate device, if options allow. Many of them accept flash drives or disks.

Advantages and disadvantages of soundbars

The first and most important advantage of a soundbar is that, unlike a home theater, it takes up much less space. At the same time, the device is practically not inferior in functionality. In addition, the following advantages are noted:

• small dimensions and weight;
• decent design;
• high sound quality;
• presence of a remote control;
• wide range of options and functions;
• there are no special requirements for the premises;
• ease of installation.

Soundbar - a compact device with excellent sound quality

The device doesn't have many disadvantages. It is more correct to consider a specific model and determine from it whether it is suitable for a specific TV or not. For example, many devices need to be selected to fit the diagonal of the TV.

Another disadvantage is the poor sound quality compared to home theater. However, for a good home theater you will have to pay a considerable amount, and a sound bar for relatively little money includes a decent set of built-in speakers and options. Moreover, in some cases, a home theater is an unnecessary luxury. An example of this is small apartments, in which there is simply no room for a recreation center, and the power of the sound bar is enough.

Important! Home theater has the best performance due to the presence of multiple speakers and a subwoofer.

Sony HT-SF150

Soundbar from a Japanese manufacturer. The stylish black panel is made of plastic and metal. It has two powerful 60-watt speakers that provide loud sound. The speaker connects to the signal source using a wire via HDMI (ARC) ports or Bluetooth 4.2 wireless communication. There is also an optical audio input and USB. The kit includes a remote control with batteries and two cables - optical and AC. Assembly made in China.

Main characteristics of the model

• Number of speakers: 2 pcs.
• Power: 120 W.
• Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz.

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 900x64x88 mm.
• Weight: 2.4 kg.

Advantages

• + high sound quality, including at high volume;
• + high build quality;
• + the remote has 5 equalizer modes;

• + laconic and stylish design;
• + compactness.

Flaws

• — there are complaints about the lack of bass (but they are amplified when mounted on a wall, since the bass reflex is located at the rear);
• — no subwoofer;

• - overpriced.

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Types of soundbars by connection method

Modern soundbars can be connected using two methods: connecting to the TV directly (active) or connecting through an AV receiver (passive):

1. Active soundbars are the simplest and cheapest solution. They have a built-in amplifier, a set of various interfaces, a sound processor and a power supply. The device is connected directly to the TV. Some more expensive models have a wider range of options - Bluetooth, additional digital and analog audio outputs;
2. Passive devices do not have a built-in amplifier. They can only connect through the receiver.

Active soundbar Passive soundbar

Types of soundbars

Initially, this device carried an exclusively acoustic function, but over time its options expanded.

Sound projector with integrated subwoofer

This device must be installed on a hard surface that is flat. The thing is that these devices have low-frequency speakers with a diffuser directed downward, so you need a flat and hard surface that will not drown out the sound.

Only a few expensive models can boast of a good subwoofer. Basically, its quality leaves much to be desired. The main advantage is compactness, but the sound balance is not of high quality.

Soundbar with separate subwoofer

Essentially, this is the same device, but only with a separate subwoofer. The advantage of a soundbar with a separate subwoofer is the high quality of individual sounds - drums, gunshots and others. The main unit becomes more compact, but the subwoofer requires additional space. It can be connected not only using wires, but also using wireless interfaces.

Soundbase

The equipment includes a TV receiver, smart set-top box, player and many other devices. Purchased if there is a lack of space.

Important! Many consumers want to replace their home theater with a soundbase, but the second one has significantly worse sound quality.

Panel with removable speakers

Many soundbars have this feature, but Phillips is the first to introduce it. Removable speakers are located on the sides and can be removed if necessary. This technical solution allows you to install speakers anywhere in the room, making the sound more spacious. The speakers are powered by rechargeable batteries and have a wireless connection.

Soundbar - replacement of television acoustics

The simplest version of this technique. They do not have high sound quality, do not have a wide range of options, but they are low cost and are active acoustics. The main advantage is the audible increase in speech frequency.

There are options with a built-in or separate subwoofer, as well as without it. Purchased if the TV has poor sound or requires an addition to a computer, player or other device.

Soundbar as an addition to your home theater

This option has high sound quality, which is close to a full-fledged home theater. The best option when there is not a lot of space in the room, and the standard sound from the TV leaves much to be desired.

Complete multi-functional audio system

The most expensive soundbar option. It has a wide range of options and excellent sound. You can listen to music in Hi-Fi quality. Ideal for a small apartment.

Samsung HW-K450

A stylish and compact soundbar with a free-standing wireless subwoofer allows you to create high-quality sound for your home theater. You can connect to your TV using TV SoundConnect technology and Bluetooth wireless technology. Dolby Digital technology provides surround sound and helps create a fully immersive experience when watching videos. Wall and floor installation possible. There are AUX and HDMI inputs. Made in South Korea.

Main characteristics of the model

• Number of speakers: 4 pcs.
• Speaker/subwoofer power: 160/140 W.
• Frequency range: 40-20,000 Hz.

• Dimensions panel/subwoofer (WxHxD): 909x54x71/179x361x300 mm.
• Speakers/subwoofer weight: 2/4.6 kg.

Advantages

• + 3D support;
• + ability to customize sound;
• + excellent sound, deep, clear and loud;
• + wide selection of sound effects;
• + there is a 3.5 mm mini-jack headphone input;

• + control from a smartphone is possible;
• + supports all popular audio formats;
• + the absence of wires improves the overall appearance of the equipment, which harmoniously fits into the interior of modern interiors;
• + compactness;
• + high build quality.

Flaws

• — limited capabilities of the remote control — it can only turn on/off the soundbar and control the volume;
• — there are complaints about the lack of sound depth;

• — the subwoofer, according to many users, does not have enough power;
• — there are problems when connecting wirelessly, including with Samsung products.

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Main selection criteria

If you have already made your choice, then the next step is to study the technical characteristics of the device.

Power

The overall power output of a soundbar is abbreviated as RMS. It is expressed in Watts. The sum of power ratings (CRO) is indicated by a single number.

For information! There are only 4 power indicators. The total output power is designated as RMS and is measured in Watts. The power rating for each channel is designated CPO. Maximum Power Output (MPO) is the value at which the sound quality will be minimal. The PMPO rating is the maximum volume at which speakers will burn out.

The more powerful the soundbar, the better and cleaner the sound will be. This is especially noticeable when sounding voices or bass. But high power does not always pay off. If the room is small, then it is better to select a device in which there is no need to increase the sound above 70%. In this case, the device will not “wheeze” and distort the sound.

Multichannel audio

The ability to reproduce different sound schemes plays a big role. Devices with a length of more than a meter are capable of reproducing not only stereo, but also surround sound.

A soundbar more than a meter long is capable of reproducing stereo and surround sound.

Among the budget models, there are options with version 2.0 (having two channels), 2.1 (models with two channels and a subwoofer) and so on. The most expensive models include more than 9 channels.

Thanks to well-thought-out circuitry and design, the compact size device is capable of producing surround sound. Inside the case there are speakers that are directed not only straight, but also at different angles. Thus, the sound is correctly distributed throughout the room. The sound combining algorithm is located at one point, and it is able to position the signal source from different places. This technology gives volume to the sound and if any actions occur from the viewer’s back, then the sound is transmitted accordingly, if this is provided for in the playing soundtrack.

This option is available only in expensive models. Basically, all soundbars produce sound in 2.1 or 3.1 format. The most budget options do not even include a subwoofer.

Sound quality

Fans of high sound quality argue that it should be assessed not by technical characteristics, but by ear. In general, this statement is true, since the sound is selected to meet certain requirements. However, the characteristics cannot be completely ignored. For example, the narrower the frequency range, the lower the sound quality will be.

Important! Experts advise paying attention to the power output indicator. The higher it is, the louder and better quality the sound will be, especially when it comes to speech or low-frequency sound.

Chasing kilowatts is also not always the right path. The volume level should be set to 70%. In this case, the sound will maintain quality, will be clear and without “wheezing”. Manufacturers most often offer options with power from 100 to 300 W.

The output power of a soundbar is understood as the main indicator of sound volume. The characteristic is collected by summing all channels. Some models indicate the power of each individual channel. In this case, it will be designated, for example, “2 × 50 W”.

Frequency range is another characteristic that is important when choosing a quality soundbar. The idea is that the frequency should overlap any others that a person can hear, and this is from 20 to 20,000 Hz. But even this does not guarantee high sound quality. In addition to good power and range, it is also important that the device has Digital Theater System, Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital decoders. These three options form the correct sound reproduction.

If it is necessary to reproduce sound simulating a stadium or concert hall, the soundbar is supplemented with an equalizer. This option allows you to process audio in certain frequency ranges.

Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a must-have for fans of action movies, rock music, or other noisy works. It is advisable to purchase a subwoofer with a separate module, since the built-in version will not be able to clearly convey the sound of engine rumble, explosions, and so on.

Opt for a free-standing subwoofer

The subwoofer can be connected in two ways - wired and wireless. The wired method is classic, but wireless is increasingly in demand. The first option is connected using wires and looks unaesthetic. In addition, they can get confused and interfere. The wireless option can be installed in any convenient location. It has no wires and connects via Bluetooth. At the same time, there is practically no loss in the quality of the reproduced sound. The price of wireless subwoofers is slightly higher.

Integration into modern networks

Progress does not stand still, and serious competition encourages us to improve the products we sell. Models in the middle and premium price segments have support for various networks and Internet access. If the device has Wi-Fi support, then in 95% of cases it will support DLNA and Smart TV. More expensive models can be connected to smartphones, tablets or laptops.

You can control the soundbar not only using the remote control, but also using your smartphone. This option can be useful when controlling speakers or for redirecting a call to headphones.

Note! In addition to wireless networks, any soundbar includes various connectors (tulip, optical, HDMI).

Speakers

Speakers can reproduce almost any frequency range that a person can hear. There are options that can reproduce the sub-band (partially). Models that can reproduce the entire frequency are called broadband. They are capable of operating from 80 to 12,000 Hz. Speakers that reproduce a range of frequencies are divided into three groups:

1. The woofers have a reproduction rate of 16 to 30 Hz;
2. Midrange speakers can reproduce sound from 200 to 5000 Hz;
3. High-frequency models reproduce sound from 2000 to 30,000 Hz.

Speakers are divided into three groups based on frequency reproducibility

The indicators given above are not strict rules. In reality, they may vary slightly.

Supported Formats

The more formats the soundbar supports, the better. True, you don’t have to focus too much on this indicator and choose models with those formats that are needed by a particular consumer. The cheapest options can only support a few formats - MP3 and WMA. These formats are sufficient to replace the TV speaker system.

More expensive models can support many more formats:

1. Audio formats are designated MP3, WMA, CD, AC3, DTS and many others;
2. There are even more video formats - MPEG2, DivX, MKV, WMV, TS, 3GP and so on;
3. There are currently only three formats for viewing photos supported by the soundbar: JPEG, GIF and PNG.

Connectors

Modern devices have many different connectors:

1. HDMI. Almost any soundbar has this connector. A universal modern connector responsible for transmitting sound and image. Using it you can connect almost any device. Most models also support the ARC function, which makes the device part of the TV. This allows you to turn the device on or off without additional control. It is also important to have a good HDMI cable, since a low-quality one can significantly reduce the sound quality;
2. Analog ports. RCA ports have a special shape that resembles a tulip, which is why it is called the tulip. These ports are already outdated and are gradually losing their relevance. They are used only by those consumers who have old, but working and in-demand equipment;
3. Digital connector. The digital connector has a positive effect on the quality of the music being played. It is significantly superior to analog and HDMI connectors. These connectors can be provided in coaxial or Toslink form. There is no functional difference between them, so it is selected based on the set of connectors on the TV. When using these connectors, please note that the ARC function will not work when transmitting audio;
4. 3.5 mm jack. A 3.5 mm jack is available in almost any other device. It is necessary to connect headphones, phones, MP3 players and other devices;
5. USB or MicroUSB. Manufacturers often forget about USB or MicroUSB ports, but in vain. This option allows you to connect a flash drive or external drive to the soundbar to listen to your favorite music or watch a movie;
6. Wireless interfaces. Almost every soundbar has Bluetooth. More expensive models boast Wi-Fi or even NFC. This set of options expands the functionality of the device and makes it much more convenient, since connecting many other devices does not require inconvenient wires.

Different types of soundbar connectors

Important! If you use RCA ports, then remote control of the remote control will be impossible. It is also impossible to transmit images from the player, only sound.

Control

The soundbar can be controlled in three different ways:

1. The most budget models are equipped with touch or mechanical buttons. Such devices have little functionality and often buttons are only needed to turn the soundbar on or off, as well as volume control;
2. The second, more convenient option includes a remote control. Available in almost every device. Using the remote control, you can turn it on/off, adjust the sound, set up satellites, control the equalizer, player, and so on. Some devices can be controlled using a universal or television remote control;

   
   Controlling with the remote control is more convenient than using buttons

3. More expensive models can be controlled using a smartphone. Is the most convenient option.

Dimensions

The main advantage of soundbars is their compactness. Thanks to modern technologies, designers were able to reduce the size and include many useful options in a small oblong space.

The most expensive models, which have a wide range of options, have rather modest dimensions - 200x400x300 mm.

In order for the soundbar to look harmonious with the interior, it is important to choose its length to match the size of the TV.

What types of TV speakers are there and what you need to know about the connectors

Along with the trend to make thin LCD panels, the sound has also begun to deteriorate.
Most new TVs do not sound as loud, high-quality and with bass as you expect from them. The reason is the thin body of the equipment, where little space is allocated to the speakers.

When active, they vibrate and “push” air, thereby spreading sound throughout the room, but this maneuver requires free space, and that is limited. As a result, the sound wave turns out to be thin and does not complement the picture on the screen.

Along with the trend to make thin LCD panels, sound has also begun to deteriorate. The TV speakers themselves are small and low-power, and are not directed towards the viewer, but down or towards the wall, which further aggravates the sound situation.

A TV audio system is what will help you enjoy the content to the fullest. Moreover, the choice is rich, it can be inexpensive small speakers or a full-fledged home theater.

Before heading to the store, you should examine your TV for stereo jacks. There are these:

• SCART – wideband 21-pin plug, European standard, obsolete (still found in DVD players). Used to transmit audio, video and control signals;
• RCA jack (composite, also outdated) - colloquially “tulip”, since one connector housing is painted red for the right speaker, the other white for a mono signal or left channel. There are multi-channel inputs, which are usually found on high-quality Blu-ray players. For a 5.1 setup, there are separate connections for left and right front, surround, and center channels. The 7.1 system also adds a connection for surround left and right;
• coaxial digital cable - used to transmit a digital audio signal (usually used with home theater receivers);
• analog output (right, left);
• TRS jack;
• HDMI – high definition multimedia interface;
• S/PDIF is an interface for transmitting digital audio between audio equipment components. There are coaxial and optical cables. The advantage of the latter is resistance to electrical interference. A special feature of the interface is the transmission of a signal from one device to another without conversion to an analog signal, so the sound quality does not deteriorate.

HDMI connector
Analog output and TRS connector are used to connect active speakers with an amplifier. But, as a rule, the best audio system for a TV is equipped with an HDMI port, which is better adapted than others to stereo systems and professional-level home theaters.

Signal transmission can also be wireless, because technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have received a serious impetus for development. Today on the audio market there are different models of systems that work via Bluetooth.

Xiaomi products especially stand out. But you have to pay for the absence of wires - the sound quality is not far from the level of CDs, and these systems are more portable and are not capable of producing truly high-quality sound.

Many TV speakers do not connect to an external power source, so you will need a power amplifier. And to transmit the sound itself - suitable cables.

Simple columns

The shape of the speakers is round, square, long flattened, and so on.
Even if you replace the built-in speakers with small external speakers, the difference will be noticeable. Huge-sized acoustics are not needed, the main thing is that it comes with an amplifier. The shape of the columns is round, square, long flattened, and so on.

Their material also varies: chipboard, MDF, fiberboard, plastic. Models with a built-in amplifier are equipped with a power cord. At the same time, they have a democratic price tag - affordable to the average buyer.

The sound amplifier improves the quality of sound transmission. If the speakers do not have it, they are passive, then when buying they look at their power. The main thing here is that the value is higher, but not lower than that of the TV, otherwise the speakers “will not hold up” and will fail. Also, when connecting, take into account the polarity (symbols “+”, “-”; if they are not there, the polarity is determined by the battery).

In what cases are simple columns good:

• give a loud sound, without surround sound;
• it is important for the viewer to hear dialogues, not music;
• there is little free space where you could install a full-fledged stereo system;
• I don't want to mess around with cables.

The easiest way to improve the sound of your TV is to connect stereo speakers (RCA connector). Through these outputs there is two-channel stereo, which is “understood” even by simple passive speakers.

Home multimedia center (music center)

Home multimedia center
The advantage of these centers is that they are active speakers with built-in power amplifiers, so they provide an improved dynamic range, significantly increasing the comfort when watching TV.

At the same time, you don’t need a lot of power, the sound will be of high quality. As for the acoustic design, it is legible and clear. Some models have a channel for the central speaker - a subwoofer.

PC speakers are also active audio devices. They are powered from the network, so they do not require additional cables.

Home cinema

Home cinema
Complementing an HD TV with a home cinema is the best solution if you need to combine high-quality pictures with surround, clear sound. And we are not talking about good quality speakers, a cinema is a full-fledged sound-reproducing devices, several of which were made so that the viewer could enjoy the video materials without leaving the couch. The sound in them is distributed so correctly that you inevitably become immersed in what is happening on the screen.

The design of a home theater varies depending on the area of ​​the room it is designed for. There are audio systems 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and so on. Devices included in the system:

• speakers (center, rear, front). They are placed on the floor or mounted on the wall;
• subwoofer. Responsible for the reproduction of bass (low frequencies);
• satellites. Small speakers paired with a subwoofer therefore reproduce the entire frequency range;
• soundbar. Soundbar with multiple speakers in a housing. A simple but significantly improving sound system.

And the more elements a home theater includes, the better it transmits sound, especially if multi-channel communication is used.

Stereo system

Stereo system
This technique has been available for a long time and is still in demand, despite the development of new acoustic systems. The peculiarity of classical stereo transmission is minimal sound processing and the shortest signal path.

It sounds as if the sound is coming from several directions at once, volumetrically, as with natural hearing. To achieve this, a stereo system uses 2 or more independent audio channels.

The audio system in the form of stereo sound panels is suitable for LCD, OLED and plasma TVs. Soundbars are somewhat similar to them, but in them a wide sound field comes out of one housing. And in a stereo system for a TV, there are at least 2 speakers - for the left and right channels. However, there are “sophisticated” models: with side speakers and a central subwoofer speaker.

Stereo systems are installed on the floor, attached to the wall, at the foot of the TV. They are autonomous and passive. This does not affect the sound, but the connection methods to the panel change.

Additional features

Depending on the cost of audio equipment, it is endowed with various useful features:

1. An important option is the ability to read various media. These include CDs and DVDs, memory cards, flash drives and other external storage media. Thanks to this option, you can watch your favorite movies or listen to music;
2. HDTV upscaling improves picture quality even if it is lower than the TV screen;
3. A less popular option is the built-in FM receiver. For many, it is still important, since you can turn on your favorite radio station in the background or listen to the news;
4. For lovers of singing, there is a karaoke option, which will be very useful when a group of cheerful guests gathers.

Model rating

Which reliable soundbar to choose from a huge range of products? A rating of popular models compiled by experts based on reviews from real users will help answer this question.

Budget models

Advice! You should not pay attention to the cheapest soundbars, since such a purchase can spoil the impression of this equipment as a whole.

Middle price segment

Premium segment

JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One

Powerful, compact and easy-to-use soundbar from the American brand JBL. Produces professional sound when connected to a signal source via an optical cable or HDMI ARC. Music can also be streamed via Bluetooth. The soundbar is equipped with Dolby Digital technology, providing surround and deep sound. The immersive experience is supported by JBL Surround Sound technology, which makes the sound more realistic.

Main characteristics of the model

• Number of speakers: 2 pcs.
• Power: 40 W.
• Frequency range: 70-20,000 Hz.

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 614x58x90 mm.
• Weight: 1.61 kg.

Advantages

• + high-quality, loud, deep and realistic stereo sound;
• + transfer music from gadgets;
• + rich low frequencies;

• + compact design;
• + convenient remote control included.

Flaws

• — there is no operation indicator (many users, on the contrary, like this - their glowing/blinking LEDs are annoying);
• — only one device is remembered via Bluetooth;

• - dark gray color - less universal than black;
• — price.

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Recommendations when choosing

1. The first question to answer is, do you need a soundbar? It can be replaced by a home theater with better sound quality. However, the soundbar has a number of advantages, including compactness and a lower price. Therefore, in a small room with limited space, a soundbar is an ideal option;
2. A small built-in subwoofer cannot fully replace the same option, but in a larger version, so it is recommended to buy a separate one for the soundbar;
3. It is important to know for what purposes it will be used and what to pay more attention to - sound quality or broad functionality. The cost of the soundbar will depend on this.

Watch a video on how to choose a soundbar