Despite the huge strides that have been made in modern televisions, one thing remains their weak point: sound quality. Due to their slim design, it is not possible to integrate good quality speakers. This is where the soundbar comes in, to change your TV experience at home for the better.
In this TV Soundbar buying guide we are going to guide you through the process of choosing and explain how to buy a soundbar for your TV by analyzing the most important components of a soundbar and what you need to be aware of.
What is a soundbar?
The soundbar is a wide device, which contains several speakers inside, placed next to each other.
The soundbar can be hung on a wall, under the TV or on top of it. It connects to the TV with a cable or Bluetooth, making connection a breeze.
Think of it as the speaker that all modern TVs should have, but can’t, to keep their size as slim as possible. Of course, if you want even better sound you may need to equip extra speakers, which will connect to the main soundbar, although this is not the most common practice. (Check our guide on 8 Best Floor Standing Speakers Under $1000 if want to maximize your TV’s sound quality).
In its most common form, the system consists of a soundbar and a subwoofer, for better bass reproduction.
Before we jump to the TV soundbar shopping guide, there is a crucial question that needs to be answered…
Do I need a soundbar or will it be an overkill for me?
Very good question. Just because you can afford something doesn’t necessarily mean you need it.
For example, if you barely use your TV or don’t watch content that needs very good sound quality (like a lot of movies), then your TV’s built-in speakers will probably be enough to meet your needs.
However, if you often watch movies (especially big blockbusters), listen to a lot of music (not necessarily from the TV) and generally like to consume content that relies heavily on good quality sound, then a soundbar will help you enjoy that content even more, while saving you the hassle of setting up and the extra cost of an integrated home cinema sound system.
Now, we’ve go that out of the way, there is one more important thing that you need to understand. And that is…
What’s the difference with a home cinema?
A home cinema uses multiple speakers, each of which is separate. Although such a sound system offers true surround sound, each speaker must be placed in a different location in the room and each connected to the main speaker with a cable.
This may not be ideal if the space you want to have your TV in is large, or if you don’t want the hassle of setting up such a system.
Modern soundbars offer amazing virtual surround sound, but without the need for multiple speakers, each in a different place, and a multitude of cables to connect them to the main one.
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What should I look for in a soundbar?
Everyone’s needs when buying a soundbar differ, depending on the content being consumed and the space the soundbar will be used in. However, there are several things you can look for to not only choose the right soundbar for you, but to significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Perhaps the most suitable soundbar, according to our experts, is a 7.1, as it fully covers even the most demanding soundbars, offering a complete audio experience for whatever content you want to watch.
TV Soundbar Buying Guide: How To Buy A Soundbar For TV
Passive And Active Soundbars: What’s the difference?
The passive soundbar does not have its own amplification circuit and is essentially another speaker that needs to be connected to another amplifier.
If one has an amplifier, they will prefer a passive soundbar since it is impossible to use the conventional solution of three separate speakers (left, right, center) on one side of their room.
The active bar is based on its own amplifier, can reach quite high in volumes, has its own connections and is ready to accept sound from various other sources.
Better are active soundbars, with which you can reach high volumes and have the ability to connect to other devices. The majority of soundbars are active. In active soundbars there is no option to connect extra speakers.
External subwoofer
The subwoofer can either be integrated into the soundbar or supplied separately. If you choose a model that comes with a separate subwoofer, go for one with a wireless connection so you don’t have to pull a very long cable to place it where you want it.
That way, you won’t run the risk of accidentally pulling the cable, which could damage the speaker. You can choose between 2.1, 3.1 and 7.1 soundbars (among others), which offer different surround sound.
There are also soundbar models with extra speakers (for example 9.1 type, for more real surround sound.
BOMAKER 100W TV Sound Bar Wired&Wireless Bluetooth Home 9 EQs/Deep Bass/CEC Remote/3D Surround SoundBar PC Theater TV Speaker
Dolby Atmos
A new technology, Dolby Atmos adds a new dimension to the audio experience on TVs. This is achieved with extra speakers in the main bar, which are pointed upwards. This adds a sense of height to the sound, for an even more surround experience in sports and movies.
Bluetooth
A soundbar doesn’t have to be limited to use only with the TV. If the model you’re considering getting has Bluetooth, then you can easily connect your phone, tablet or computer and listen to your favorite songs, with the soundbar’s superior sound.
Sound control
Many soundbars can also function as smart speakers. Thanks to the built-in Google Assistant or Alexa, you can use the soundbar as your personal digital assistant. You can set reminders, ask to listen to specific songs or playlists, and even control your other smart devices (like lights) from the comfort of your couch.
HDMI 4K passthrough
HDMI 4K passthrough technology is especially useful if your TV doesn’t have multiple connection ports. Thanks to it, you can connect your console, set-top box or other extra devices to the soundbar and then connect the soundbar to the TV with an HDMI cable.
The HDMI 4K passthrough technology allows the signal to be passed to the TV, which can display the content of these devices in true quality up to 4K. This way, you’re better able to arrange the cables, but you also don’t have to stress if your TV doesn’t have all the outputs you need.
Ready to launch your home entertainment?
Now that you know what a soundbar can do for you, and what to look out for when buying one, you’re ready to dramatically upgrade your entertainment content. The right soundbar will deliver cinematic virtual surround sound, complementing the capabilities of your TV.
Furthermore, thanks to several extra features mentioned, it can act as a virtual assistant, help you keep your device cables tidier, and thanks to its sleek design, add a modern touch to your living room.
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