How to choose a soundbar?
In the past decade, TVs have greatly improved in terms of picture quality, size options, settings, ease of use sleek design. However, the sound quality has noticeably suffered due to the constraints of fitting powerful speakers into slim TV cases.
To address this technological disparity, manufacturers introduced soundbar systems that complement the TV's aesthetics while enhancing its sound quality. The soundbar, a sleek and stylish device, blends seamlessly with the TV's appearance while accentuating its strengths.
Initially, soundbars were seen as a compromise between conventional speakers and full home theater systems, especially when space or installation limitations were a factor. However, the popularity of soundbars has grown to the extent that they have become the preferred option for many. Their compact size, seamless integration into the space, convenience, and excellent sound quality make soundbars highly desirable.
Now, let's delve into the process of selecting the best soundbar from the numerous options available in the market. It's crucial to approach this decision with some background knowledge. In this guide, we will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed choice. So, get ready, sit back, and let's go!
What does the market offer?
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Most models are designed for a room area of no more than 50 square meters, which is usually enough for home use. There are two types of soundbars on the market:
- Passive ones that require a tuner, AV receiver or amplifier. Such systems are more expensive. They are more difficult to set up and install, but they have better sound.
- Active — autonomous, which have all the necessary electronics to output a high-quality sound signal from a TV or other source.
The latter are the most common. The difference between offerings from different manufacturers can be in components, pairing methods, and playback quality.
Some models are equipped with subwoofers. This is a practical solution, since such systems come pre-configured. But the shape, the size of the room, and even the features of the interior affect the sound. On the other hand, a wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere. With wired, you need to run signal and power cables.
By choosing a soundbar without a subwoofer, you don't have to think about placing an additional component, and this is the best choice when space is limited. You will not get outstanding low frequencies, but for a small room the sound will be quite acceptable.
There is also an intermediate option — soundbars with a built-in subwoofer, but it's important to note that such a solution cannot fully replace a standalone subwoofer. Additionally, opting for a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer significantly increases the device's cost, in most cases.
Also, the set may include several satellites, which will also need to be placed and connected. Some models are equipped with DVD or Blu-ray disc drives. But this is already a rarity, since these formats are becoming a thing of the past.
What to look for before buying
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To ensure a satisfying soundbar purchase that meets your needs, it's essential to put in some effort. Let's start with the most important.
Sound
The best approach is to personally test the soundbar in a physical store to ensure you like its sound quality. Relying solely on video reviews, especially when viewed on a smartphone with limited speaker quality, is not recommended. Take your time during the testing process, listen from different positions, and pay attention to any distortions or artifacts at high volumes. If you enjoy karaoke, consider testing the soundbar's performance in this aspect as well. Once you have done the initial testing, refer to the user manual and check the following specifications:
Frequency range
If the device does not support frequencies below 40 Hz, you will feel a lack of bass. The upper range below 18,000 Hz will indicate insufficient detail and treble brightness. Be cautious when considering soundbars with excessively wide frequency ranges, such as 5 — 40,000 Hz. The human ear can only perceive sounds within the range of 20 — 20,000 Hz, and this range diminishes with age. Soundbars boasting wider frequency boundaries may indicate a marketing ploy or an attempt by the manufacturer to justify a higher price, rather than providing a meaningful improvement in audio quality.
Another useful aspect to consider is the frequency response graph of the soundbar. A smooth frequency response curve indicates more natural sound reproduction. Any dips or rises in the curve can indicate missing or emphasized frequencies. However, this information may not be readily available in the user manual, so it's advisable to search online and read reviews on forums to gather this information.
Size and number of speakers
The sound impression will not disappoint you if the frequency range is divided into channels, and there are several speakers for each of them. In this case, it is important to estimate the diameter of the low-frequency ones. The larger it is, the more powerful and voluminous the sound will be.
CPU
Check whether your TV supports Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS+, DTS Digital, DTS VirtualX, and Dolby Atmos audio formats before purchasing a soundbar. This ensures that you don't pay for functionality that your TV cannot use.
Multichannel
The more channels, the better the sound quality and balance:
- 2.0 — two channels without a subwoofer;
- 2.1 — two channels with one subwoofer;
- 3.1 — three channels with one subwoofer. The third channel contributes to the clarity and intelligibility of speech dialogues;
- 5.1 — the same + two rear speakers;
- 7.1 — seven channels with one subwoofer. Two side channels are added to the panel, usually virtual ones;
- 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 — five or seven channels with one subwoofer and two "ceiling" channels.
Some may wonder if it's better to opt for a traditional speaker system instead of a soundbar, considering that more channels in a soundbar generally translate to a higher cost. Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, it's important to remember that the main advantage of a soundbar is its design, created specifically for TVs. In terms of compatibility and aesthetics, a soundbar is a straightforward choice for enhancing TV audio. For other purposes like portable music, computer speakers, or vinyl systems, different types of speakers are more suitable.
Power
Experts say that the higher this parameter, the easier it is to choose the optimal volume. Indeed, a powerful model can be used at a lower volume to get clear and crisp sound without rattling or distortion. But why overpay?
Power must be selected based on the size of the room. When choosing, keep in mind that manufacturers often indicate the total value, but the subwoofer is usually twice as powerful as the panel itself. You can roughly calculate the required power by multiplying the footage of the room by 5. The table below shows some calculations for rooms with a standard ceiling height (2.4 ─2.5 m)
| Area (sq.m) | Required power (W) |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 | Up to 50 |
| Up to 20 | Up to 100 |
| Up to 30 | Up to 200 |
| 50 or more | 300 or more |
For example, for a very small room, the DEX SBM 030 with 2.0 sound format and 30 W is quite suitable. For the middle ─ Yamaha YAS-209 supporting surround sound and a very wide frequency range. For a large room, a good option would be the JBL Bar 5.1 with 5.1 sound format, Ultra HD support and 510 W of power.
Subwoofer
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Deep bass is crucial for creating a powerful and immersive sound experience. Small speakers often struggle to deliver sufficient low-frequency response, which is why a subwoofer becomes essential. The choice of connectivity technology for the subwoofer depends on its distance from the main soundbar. Opting for a wireless subwoofer can eliminate potential placement issues and provide flexibility in positioning.
Bluetooth offers lower time delay and is suitable for smaller rooms, while Wi-Fi performs well over longer distances and provides a more interference-resistant signal. It is worth noting that for optimal compatibility, it is recommended to have the soundbar and TV from the same manufacturer when using Wi-Fi connectivity.
Ways to connect to TV
The soundbar offers multiple connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or wired connections to the TV. It's important to consider compatibility with other devices as well. When selecting a soundbar, ensure it has the necessary types and number of connectors required for your setup. It's worth noting that the combinations of connectors may vary depending on the manufacturer and cost:
- AUX — analog mini-jack 3.5 mm. The sound quality is poor. More often used for headphones or regular speakers;
- S/PDIF — optical output. The signal is almost unaffected by interference, but the transmission speed and sound quality are lower than HDMI;
- HDMI ARC — the best connection option. The signal is transmitted without loss, multi-channel audio is supported.
Wireless connection methods are convenient as they preserve the aesthetics of the room. However, it's important to note that they may introduce quality degradation due to compression, potential interruptions, and signal delays.
Additional features
In the absence of a smart TV, it's important to consider whether the soundbar supports smart boxes and potentially karaoke devices. Verify the sound forwarding capabilities through the TV and the quality of the CEC functionality. If the soundbar seamlessly integrates with Wi-Fi, you can maximize the potential of DLNA technology.
Dimensions and mounts
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The width of a soundbar affects the separation of channels and the spatial quality of the sound. However, it is commonly chosen based on the width of the TV for a more harmonious appearance and to ensure that the perception of objects in the picture aligns with the video sequence. The table below illustrates the optimal ratio between the diagonal of the TV and the width of the soundbar.
| TV screen size | Soundbar width |
|---|---|
| 32" | 72 cm |
| 43" | 96 cm |
| 50" | 112 cm |
| 55" | 123 cm |
| 65" | 145 cm |
| 75" | 168 cm |
| 85" | 190 cm |
For example, for a small TV, the Samsung HW-Q950A model is suitable. And for the most popular 55-inch TV, the Samsung HW-Q900A is a great choice with high power, subwoofer, 7.1.2 sound support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The best place for a soundbar is under the TV. Components need to be disassembled. If you plan to mount the soundbar on a wall, ensure that the design supports this option.
Manufacturer
We probably won't share anything new with you here. Cheap noname brands and other Chinese alternatives may attract with their low prices, but there is a risk of encountering poor quality or even defective products, ultimately leading to disappointment.
For an initial introduction or if you have a small TV and room, soundbars from brands like Xiaomi, Hisense, DEX, and Sharp can be considered as options worth exploring.
Samsung, Sony, JBL, LG, Phillips are already better and approximately the same in quality in their segment, so here the choice can be safely based on personal sympathy for the brand and impression of the model.
Yamaha, Denon, Sonos, Klipsch, Bose are top in every way.
By the way, a large section is devoted to soundbars in the E-catalog, and convenient filters will help you quickly navigate the choice of models that are suitable in terms of cost and key characteristics. Most importantly, do not forget to go to the nearest audio equipment store later to listen to them “live”.
Outcome
It is essential to personally visit the store in order to choose the right soundbar. This allows you to have a firsthand experience with the device, feel its quality of workmanship, verify its appearance and most importantly, evaluate the sound it produces. If you are satisfied with all these aspects, then that particular soundbar may be the right choice for you. However, it is important to also consider the other points we have discussed, as the initial impression can sometimes be misleading.
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