Nowadays, televisions are becoming more and more sophisticated. Today, some models are designed to make us feel like we’re in the cinema. However, despite all the technologies deployed to improve our TVs, there is still a problem that manufacturers need help finding solutions to. We are considering the sound, which remains mediocre on specific television models.
Luckily, some alternatives provide good sound quality. The soundbar is one. Buying a soundbar can be challenging. With the many models on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to see clearly. To help you choose a soundbar, specific criteria should be considered. This article explains how to choose a soundbar and which models are known for their sound quality.
What Is A Soundbar?
For some time now, soundbars have been an enormous success. As its name suggests, it is a bar you position at the foot of your television screen. This device will help you improve the sound quality of your TV. There are many benefits to using a soundbar. Unlike an amplifier and speaker, it’s easy to set up and space-saving.
On the other hand, soundbars are multifunctional. What’s more, today, some of them allow you to have “3D” surround sound thanks to technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. As for the connection to your TV, some soundbars have an optical input and an HDMI ARC port. Others have a mini-jack input or an RCA subwoofer output. If you opt for wireless, there is also the Bluetooth option. So the choice is yours.
How To Choose A Soundbar?
Several parameters should be considered when selecting a soundbar to choose the suitable soundbar. To get started, you’ll first need to think about where you’ll put it. If you want one to accompany your hanging TV, you’ll have to look for a soundbar with a wall mounting system.
On the other hand, if you want to place it in front of your TV, you will have to take its measurements. This will help ensure enough room between the cabinet your TV is on and the bottom of the TV frame. If you are demanding the sound quality offered by a soundbar, you can turn to models with an integrated subwoofer.
This device will allow you to gain in quality (provided that it is efficient). Some are wired, some wireless. Another criterion to take into account: is the functionalities. While some models have the bare minimum, others offer more or less useful features.
Indeed, some high-end so-called “connected” sound bars generally provide the integration of a voice assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant, but also access to certain music streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, etc. or even multiroom compatibility (Chromecast, Airplay 2 or DTS Play-Fi).
Sonos ARC
If you’re looking for quality and performance, why not go for the Sonos Arc? At first glance, this soundbar will win you over with its sleek design. It has straight and clean lines, making it the ideal model to accompany your television. As for colors, the Sonos ARC comes in black or white.
From a technical point of view, the Sonos ARC is equipped with 11 Class D amplifiers, eight elliptical woofers and three silk dome tweeters. These devices allow this sound bar to offer you a sound rendering in 3 dimensions. Moreover, it displays native compatibility with the Dolby Atmos format, allowing sounds to be distributed in space for a 3D effect.
Connectivity level, the Sonos ARC has an HDMI eARC port (ARC compatible) and an optional Ethernet port. It is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect. The only downside with this soundbar is the lack of Bluetooth connection. As for the price, it will be around 990 euros.
LG SP11RA
Still, in the category of soundbars combining quality and performance, we find the LG SP11RA. This model of the LG brand is ultra-complete. It comes with an external subwoofer and two side speakers. Together it supports 7.1.4 ch output.
In terms of design, the LG SP11RA will appeal to lovers of modernity and minimalism. This soundbar will integrate perfectly with your TV. Regarding sound quality, the LG SP11RA is equipped with audio technology by Meridian. It also displays Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility. With this model, you can therefore enjoy an immersive sound experience.
You can connect this soundbar to your TV using the HDMI eARC port or optical input. If you prefer a wireless connection, you can also opt for Bluetooth. One of the particularities of the LG SP11RA is that it embeds an AI. With it, the soundbar can convert any audio format into a full multi-channel format.
Finally, Google Assistant is built into the LG SP11RA. This option is handy as it will allow you to control your smart devices and play music with your voice. To acquire this little technological gem, it will take 1299 euros.
Sonos Beam (GEN 2)
If you’re looking for a compact, modern soundbar to equip your TV, why not set your sights on the Sonos Beam (GEN 2)? Just like its predecessor, the Sonos Beam (GEN 2) is compatible with the Sonos ecosystem. The Sonos Beam (GEN 2) consists of four woofers and a tweeter. Dolby Atmos support enables it to provide you with the best sound quality.
Very practical, the soundbar comes with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integrated. This will help you control the volume and connected devices in your home with your voice, among other things. Regarding connectivity, the Sonos Beam (GEN 2) has an HDMI eARC output. Some will see this as a disadvantage.
However, let’s remember that with the Sonos app, this sound bar can be compatible with Apple AirPlay2 and Spotify Connect and works with most smartphones and PCs via Wi-Fi. This soundbar is accessible at a fairly reasonable price. Acquiring the Sonos Beam will cost around 499 euros (GEN 2). No products were found.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
Bang & Olufsen is renowned for its experience in acoustics. It is, therefore, not surprising to see us offer its homemade sound bar. Called Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage, this soundbar seduces with its minimalist and contemporary design. What is certain is that this two-tone model will not go unnoticed in your interior.
The Beosound Stage is a model designed” to bring Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound to your TV “. This soundbar comes with 11 speakers. Each of them is powered by 50W amplification. It is Dolby Atmos compatible and offers sound quality with nothing to envy its competitors.
Regarding connectivity, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage has an HDMI input, an HDMI eARC output, a 3.5 mm mini-jack input and two RJ45 ports. It should be noted that it supports Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and Atmos. If you want to opt for a wireless connection, you can choose between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The price of this luxurious soundbar is around 1599 euros.
Samsung HW-T550
Small budgets who want a soundbar can turn to the Samsung HW-T550. It’s an entry-level soundbar that offers good sound quality at an unbeatable price.nThe design of this Samsung HW-T550 is relatively simple. Black in color, it will blend in perfectly with your decor.
The Samsung HW-T550 display has 2.1 sound rendering. It is a model that comes with a wireless subwoofer. For connections, it is equipped with two HDMI ports. The first is an HDMI ARC port. The second is an HDMI port that transfers a 1080p/60 signal to your TV. Thanks to a remote control, you can connect it via Bluetooth. The Samsung HW-T550 is sold at around 300 euros.
LG QP5 Lightning
If you prefer sober, discreet and compact devices, you will find what you want at LG with the LG QP5. Despite its small size (30 cm wide), this soundbar offers excellent sound performance. And it has nothing to envy the competition. On the design side, it displays a sober and minimalist style. The LG QP5 is clad in acoustic fabric and textured aluminum in white.
The LG QP5 is a soundbar that displays native compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Note that its box is 30 cm high and 40 cm wide. The LG QP5 has a wireless subwoofer and two dedicated height speakers. The whole forms acoustic equipment in 3.1.2.
If we look at the connection side, the LG QP5 has an HDMI input and output, an optical S/PDIF input and a Bluetooth interface. Note that the HDMI output is compatible with eARC. It will take an average of 400 euros to buy the LG QP5 Eclair.
Bose TV Speaker
Finally, we finished with another entry-level model from the Bose brand, the Bose TV Speaker. Compact, modern and powerful, this soundbar is ideal for small rooms. It has three speakers, an integrated subwoofer, a 3.5mm jack, an HDMI ARC, and an optical input.
In terms of features, expect something other than miracles because, at this price, you will have the bare minimum. First, the Bose TV Speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you, for example, to pair your smartphone and listen to music or podcasts wirelessly.
In addition, we will also note that it has two modes: bass and dialogue. The first increases the bass, while the second improves the rendering of voices. Count around 240 euros for this Bose TV Speaker soundbar. Now that you see it more clearly, all you have to do is choose the speaker of your choice.
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