Technological progress does not stand still, and today, when buying this or that equipment, we are increasingly trying not to save money, but to purchase all the best and new in order to fully enjoy using it. Having bought new tv and when you see how different the picture is for the better from what we saw on the old one, you involuntarily start to think, perhaps, in addition to the magnificent image, the sound should also be improved? But you don’t want to furnish yourself with a lot of speakers that take up a lot of space and don’t fit too well into the overall interior. And this is where a device comes to the rescue, which appeared on the market not so long ago, but has already managed to establish itself as a device that allows you to make the sound capabilities of your TV much wider - this is a soundbar. It is about him and how to choose the right one that will be discussed further.
Soundbar - what is it, types
A soundbar is a fairly compact, horizontally oriented, electro-acoustic device, with or without a subwoofer, designed to enhance and enhance the sound experience. modern TVs. Previously, in order to enjoy the volume and purity of TV sound, you had to buy several speakers and subwoofers, allocate a lot of space for them and regularly trip over tangled cords, wiping the quickly accumulating dust on their surface. Now all problems are solved by purchasing a sound bar or, as it is also called, a sound bar.
All soundbars are divided into two types according to the connection method:
- Active. Connecting directly.
- Passive. Those that connect through an AV receiver.
As for the functionality, then everything is a little more complicated. Initially, soundbars were conceived as a simple acoustic addition to the TV, but over time, they have evolved significantly and their capabilities have expanded. Based on these capabilities, all soundbars can be divided into three types:
- TV speaker replacement. This is the simplest option, which does not pretend to sound of very high quality, but at the same time, listening to it, of course, is many times more pleasant than regular speakers. There is not a large set of functions and usually such inexpensive soundbars are of the active type. A subwoofer may or may not be present. Such a product is most often bought in the case when everything is fine on the TV, but the sound falls short of the “good” rating. Also, it can be used as a multimedia speaker with a PC, various players and other gadgets that reproduce sound. The configuration of such acoustics is 2.0, 2.1, 3.1.
- Home theater component. This is the most common type with a powerful and pleasant, voluminous multi-channel sound. Suitable for a small apartment to feel almost like in a movie theater. At the same time, such products are mostly very compact and perfectly complement the interior. Configuration - 5.1 or higher.
- Multifunctional full audio system. This is really equipment for connoisseurs who want not only to experience all the delights of three-dimensional sound from TV, but also listen to various audio files of no lower than Hi-Fi quality. What is a soundbar for? This is a worthy choice for those who, due to the lack of free space, cannot afford a full-size audio complex.
- Sound projector with built-in subwoofer. It is mounted on a solid surface that evens out the sound and transmits the vibrations of the low-frequency drivers with a cone directed downwards.
- With separate subwoofer. With this design, individual sounds are felt much better and brighter. The soundbar usually looks more compact than in the first case, and the sub is connected wired or wirelessly.
- Soundbase. It looks like a TV stand, which saves a lot of space. Often such models include Blu-Ray / DVD players, various Smart TV functionality, additional features, and at the same time they have a very durable case that can withstand TV of any diagonal.
- With removable columns. The speakers are located at the edges of the device, they are easily removed, and by installing them on the sides or behind the back, the effect of a real home theater is obtained.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a soundbar?
When choosing such equipment, we advise you to carefully study the characteristics of the soundbar and its capabilities. Let's take a closer look at what exactly this device deserves special attention:
- Speakers. They are present in every such device and can reproduce the full range or only a part of the frequencies that the human ear hears. Depending on this, they can be broadband with sound from 80 to 12000 Hz, low-frequency - 16-30 Hz, mid-frequency - 200-5000 Hz and high-frequency - 2000-30000 Hz. Also, they may differ in appearance, design and shape. The number of speakers installed in the panel varies.
- Subwoofer and speaker power. Of course, it is better to evaluate this indicator in a real store. There you can hear how the device really sounds, but if this option is not possible, look at the total number. In this case, the larger it is, the louder and, quite possibly, the clearer the system will be heard. Without taking into account the characteristics of the subwoofer, the total comfortable watts of speakers for a medium-sized apartment are from 80 to 100 watts, although higher can be. The maximum headroom is important, because at 85–100% of the volume, even the most best models sometimes distortion is heard.
- Number of channels. Here, the more of them, the more interesting and richer the sound will be. For example, if your configuration is 2.0, then this is an ordinary stereo system, and 4.1, 5.1 and higher already give a voluminous, rich, most realistic and detailed home theater sound.
- sound formats. There should not be any particular difficulties here. Today, even the most unpretentious panels cope with a set of standard formats.
- Panel or stand. It all depends on your wishes and where you want your equipment to be placed. Such a soundbar can be hung on the wall, placed near or, in general, under the TV.
- Built-in or external subwoofer. It should be said right away that for those who appreciate the depth and power of sound, an external one is much more preferable. Many manufacturers claim that their integrated subs are in no way inferior to stand-alone ones, but it's hard to believe. Place a good, large woofer in a compact panel on this moment, unfortunately, is unrealistic.
- Availability of various interfaces. The simplest soundbars usually have audio jacks in their arsenal and USB port, sometimes also an optical input. More advanced models have HDMI, and the more there are, the more devices, such as a tablet, set-top box or disc player, you can connect.
- Management and wireless communications. Thanks to Bluetooth, you can broadcast the audio sequence directly from your smartphone to the panel, use your phone as a remote control. But Wi-Fi will allow you to connect the device to your home multi-room system.
- Additional features. For example, is there a built-in disc player.
Also, when choosing, far from the last role is played by appearance and the dimensions of the equipment, because it is important that it not only pleases you with its excellent sound, but also fits well into the overall interior of the room.
Which soundbar is better to choose - rating of the best models of 2017
Having found out what a soundbar is and what it is for, you can proceed directly to the choice. Here, of course, it all depends on the needs and preferences of the owner, how much he is willing to spend, and what he expects from the purchased equipment.
To make the task a little easier, we present to your attention the ranking of the best soundbars of 2017 at an affordable price:
- LG SJ8. Nice 4.1 channel panel with wireless subwoofer, two 60W front speakers and a very compact, thin 38mm cabinet. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, thanks to which the device can play your favorite tracks with mobile devices. The declared power of the soundbar is 300 watts, separately for the subwoofer - 170 watts. Audio DAC - 192kHz/24bit. HDMI 2.0 input and output are available. Of the interesting features, I would like to note the ability to play sound in excellent quality and broadcast a 4K image to a TV screen, adaptive sound control, which significantly improves voice reproduction, eliminates distortion even at maximum volume, Auto Sound Engine technology, the ability to broadcast from applications when Google help Cast, connect to a TV without wires and automatically recognize sources by the device, support for NFC technology. High quality digital file formats such as FLAC, WAV and ALAC are played. It can be controlled by both a separate remote control and a TV remote control. The price of the LG SH7B soundbar in Russia is 29,990 rubles.
- Sony HT-CT390. Interesting 2.1-channel home soundbar with Bluetooth support. The total output power in this case is 300 watts. The device can be mounted on a wall or placed on a bedside table near the TV. There are analog and optical connection, USB port, HDMI ARC support. The proprietary S-Force PRO technology gives volume, and the wireless subwoofer complements it with powerful and deep bass, ClearAudio + independently adjusts the settings, making the sound as saturated as possible. There is a digital amplifier S-Master, which does not distort the audio signal at all. The power consumption of the panel is 45W, and the subwoofer is 20W. Remote control included remote control. A nice addition is SongPal, a dedicated smartphone app that lets you control audio settings. Sony price HT-CT390 in Russia - 24,990 rubles.
- SAMSUNG HW-K650. Soundbar with six built-in speakers, 25W power consumption and 3.1 channel sound. Each of the speakers is equipped with its own personal amplifier, which ensures the naturalness and purity of the audio sequence. There is Bluetooth support. You can listen to tracks online from various music services by installing the proprietary Samsung Multiroom utility on your smartphone. It also allows you to adjust the sound. Device power - 340 watts. The wireless subwoofer, with a speaker size of 7 inches, consumes 28 watts in operation. Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 channels, DTS Digital Surround 2ch, Surround Sound Expansion, HD Audio format. You can choose from five DSP modes - movies, music, sports, clear voice or night. There is an optical input and HDMI-in/HDMI-out. AAC, WMA, ALAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG, MP3 formats are supported. An interesting feature is TV SoundConnect, which helps to create and conveniently set up a home wireless system TV based entertainment. The price of SAMSUNG HW-K650 in Russia is 19,990 rubles.
- Philips HTL5160B/12. Soundbar with 3.1 channel sound, wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth and NFC support and a whole host of other benefits. One of the best devices in its price category clarity and beauty of sound. The center channel speaker attracts attention - it is dedicated, tuned to voice frequencies and directs the sound as close to the center of the TV screen as possible. There is an integrated Dolby Digital decoder that processes all six audio channels and creates the effect of volume, naturalness, dynamism, adding to the overall brightness of the sound atmosphere. Philips' proprietary Virtual Surround Sound technology delivers the volume of five conventional speakers and faithfully recreates all the characteristics of a 5.1-channel environment. Near Field Communications technology makes it possible to connect mobile gadgets via Bluetooth using just one touch. EasyLink technology allows you to control multiple devices with one remote control when connecting devices via an HDMI connection. Also, by connecting the A/V receiver's connector to the HDMI audio input, you can enjoy the 3D picture and the purest 5.1- or 7.1-channel sound. Through the Philips HCWeSet Manager utility, it is easy to connect the soundbar to home network, and the already pre-installed Google Cast pleases with the ability to play music from various applications installed on your gadgets. The sound can be adjusted for the night time by turning on the appropriate mode, and also, separately adjust the high and low frequencies. It is easy to control the system using the remote control, smartphone or by pressing the buttons on the convenient and sensitive touch panel located on the front of the device. The output power of the main part is 40W x 3, and the subwoofer is 200W, while its consumption rate is 30W. The frequency range of the subwoofer is 45–200 Hz. The device has five low-frequency speakers with an oval cone and three low-frequency ones. The price of Philips HTL5160B/12 in Russia is 29,990 rubles.
It would seem that just a few years ago, no one could have imagined that portable speaker systems would become so popular, and TV speaker substitutes (soundbars) would become a de facto new and very successful direction in sound technology. How is it that soundbars have easily won their place even in such an overheated audio market? Most likely, the simplicity of the solution.
In our turbulent times, there are many people who are not averse to providing a decent sound to the TV, but who do not have the desire and / or time to deal with the installation of home theaters, laying wires, allocating space for speakers. I think this fact gave birth to a whole trend of home audio devices that do not require much effort to install. It is clear that the soundbar soundbar strife. For example, relatively recently, a flat version of soundbars has appeared, placed in the form of a TV stand. They have certain advantages like a built-in subwoofer. However, they are not quite out of place if the TV is placed on the wall.
This test includes classic soundbars that can be placed both on the wall and on the shelf. In our opinion, this sample well demonstrates the diversity in the market segment under consideration, and the reader will be able to evaluate and understand what type, and maybe model, of a soundbar is preferable for him.
Criteria for evaluation
The first and main purpose of a soundbar, by definition, is to improve the sound quality of television programs. Therefore, I paid the most attention to evaluating this characteristic. And first of all, this is the ability to recreate a clean, spacious stage with well-distinguished sound sources and accurate transmission of timbre information. Of course bass is important. Its presence is for films, and its quality is for musical material. For models without a subwoofer, I will use a third-party subwoofer and will not focus on bass quality. All these characteristics will be reflected in the assessment of the overall sound quality. The soundbar can represent both elementary acoustic system, and rather complex music Center, sometimes capable of replacing the entire home theater at once. Someone will be more comfortable with a simple device, while someone will prefer multifunctionality. This can be determined by evaluating the functionality of the device. The price of the model, of course, will also be taken into account to assess the availability and price / quality ratio of the device.
Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-SSA5 (Favourite Prize)
Soundbar Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-SSA5 Advantages:
- Natural timbres
- Clean uppercase
Flaws:
- Bass depth is limited
Ratings:
Sound: 5
Functions: 3
Price: 4
The American company Definitive Technology, among other products, offers two very actual lines: XTR - acoustics with a small thickness and SSA - soundbars. As you can see from the name of the model, it is a soundbar with a small thickness (slightly more than 4 cm). The number 5 means 5-channel solution, that is, surround sound. The formation of a three-dimensional scene by a soundbar occurs without the participation of walls, and therefore does not depend much on the size and shape of the room. This technology uses two ways to deceive the human ear: the first is based on the crossfading of the left and right channels and a sharper focus on time-shifted information, and the second method uses filters based on the psychoacoustic perception of human sounds coming from the back. Since the Mythos soundbar is passive, it has five high-level inputs, which are filtered into three channels (left, right and center).
Soundbar Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-SSA5 with protective grill removed Each channel is played by two proprietary XTDD speakers and an aluminum dome tweeter. To achieve maximum sound quality, the designers did not hesitate to use aluminum dome tweeters, borrowed from the flagship Mythos ST SuperTower. The unusual XTDD speakers were developed specifically for the flat speakers of the XTR series, and in view of their small thickness, they received not a cone as a cone, but an aluminum dome with a catenary profile. There are six active speakers in the soundbar, the remaining four radiators are passive radiators that improve bass response. The cabinet is made from aircraft-grade extruded aluminum, and to make it even thinner, the speaker magnets were allowed to pass through the holes on the back wall to the outside.
Back panel of the Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-SSA5. Here you can see the switching module with green terminals. It is made removable for easy connection to the wire (which, by the way, is included). All five inputs are clearly labeled, and there are no connection problemssound
The model captures the listener's attention with the detail of the presentation of musical material. Expressive dynamics perfectly conveys the nature of the work, captivating the listener with interesting musical moves. The upper case is fully present and at the same time quite clean and saturated. Instrument timbres are lively and natural. The rhythm is very clear, the attack is good. Low frequencies without an additional subwoofer are clearly not enough. The developer himself recommends using a SuperCube 2000 or ProSub 800 subwoofer with the soundbar, and setting the receiver to a cutoff frequency of 100-120 Hz.
Focal Dimension
Soundbar Focal Dimension Advantages:
- Good detail
- 3D scene
- Setting the installation location
Flaws:
- Failed middle
- Bass is a bit out of touch with the overall sound
Ratings:
Sound: 5
Functions: 4
Price: 4
The Dimension is the French company Focal's first foray into soundbar design. It is an active model with a fairly powerful 320W 6-channel amplifier and good functionality, including support for Dolby Digital decoding, DTS, support for the reverse channel of ARC and CEC commands via HDMI, as well as surround sound, adjusting the sound characteristics to the location of the device and the listener , subwoofer output. The audio signal can be received both via ARC and from the HDMI input, optical or line (minijack) inputs. This model has a special passive subwoofer Focal Dimension Sub (additionally about 20,000 rubles), which connects to the soundbar via a high-level input. But you can use any other subwoofer, as the model is equipped with a standard LFE output. As emitters, five branded patented ultra-flat (26 mm) 100 mm paper cone drivers are used. The horns of the phase inverters are removed from the left and right ends of the device. You can control the model both from the body of the device ( touch buttons), and from your own remote control, as well as through a TV connected via HDMI (CEC commands).
Organs are located on the right side of the Focal Dimension body touch control and indications sound
The soundbar has an unusual sound character. Sound material is presented lively and emotionally. True, at the same time, the timbres of the instruments are noticeably embellished, acquiring a special flavor. The musical scene is spacious and voluminous, but the localization of sound sources is sometimes difficult. The smallest details are perfectly worked out, which also contribute to a better spatial perception of the audio track.
Rear panel of the Focal Dimension soundbar The mid frequencies are relegated to the background. Very bright, loud upper register. If there is a feeling of fatigue from accentuating the high frequencies, then you can reduce their level by setting the room type control to a non-muffled room. The bass is tight and fast, but not too deep (no subwoofer). The nature of its sound is slightly different from the supply of medium and high frequencies. The resulting soundbar sound is quite idiosyncratic but interesting as it is emotional, detailed and dynamic. The model boasts a fairly high maximum volume, but the most even, balanced sound is observed at low volumes.
Harman Kardon Saber SB35
Soundbar Harman Kardon Saber SB35 Advantages:
- Optimal functionality
- Nice design
- Compactness
Flaws:
- Reduced detail
- Irregularities in frequency response
- Slow bass
Ratings:
Sound: 3
Functions: 5
Price: 4
The Harman Kardon Saber SB35 set consists of a very thin soundbar with a thickness of only 32mm and a flat 86mm (100W) wireless subwoofer. Harman proves once again that it can make futuristic, interesting devices, which is also confirmed by the Red Dot Designaward 2014 received by the Saber SB35. However, the model has not only a stylish compact design, but also quite advanced functionality. All sound emitters are divided into three groups: left channel (4x20 W), right channel (4x20 W) and center channel (4x15 W). A powerful sound processor with the help of these emitters is able to generate surround sound with eight independent channels. it does not use wall reflections. The device has a built-in Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD decoder. The sound mode is selected between classic stereo, Virtual and WAVE, developed by the company's specialists. The subwoofer volume can be adjusted separately. On the subwoofer itself, there is a crossover filter cutoff frequency adjustment (100-250 Hz) and phase switching (0-180 °). For communication, you can use three HDMI inputs and an HDMI output with ARC support.
Rear panel of the Harman Kardon Saber SB35 soundbar. There are line, optical inputs, a power connector, an output for an IR repeater, three inputs and one HDMI output.Line and optical inputs and Bluetooth connection are also provided. The USB connector is only used to update the firmware of the device. The device is controlled by buttons on the case, its own remote control and can be trained to work with other remotes. You can download the application for mobile devices and control the soundbar via Bluetooth. The settings are displayed on the built-in large dot display using clearly visible letters and numbers, as well as on the TV screen.
sound
In stereo mode, the kit showed a neutral sound with medium detail. Instrument timbres are simplified a bit. The dynamics are quite smooth, musical works sound quite predictable, right. There is no lack of bass, but its intelligibility is low, as is its speed.
Crossover filter cutoff control and phase switch on the Harman Kardon Saber SB35 subwoofer It is more suitable for cinema use. In Virtual mode, the frequency range is noticeably expanded, the scene is noticeably enlarged, acquiring volume, depth and width. Upper and lower registers become more expressive. The WAVE mode is similar in effect to Virtual, but has the ability to select the volume of the scene (small, medium, large).
The manufacturer advises to try all these modes to find the most suitable one. acoustic design specific room.
Jamo Torsten
Soundbar Jamo Torsten Advantages:
- Clean scene
- High detail
- Natural timbres
- Consistent bass
- Ease of controls
Flaws:
- Few inputs, no DTS support
Ratings:
Sound: 5
Functions: 3
Price: 5
The Danish company Jamo offers a very simple and convenient set consisting of a stereo soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. The speaker accepts a signal from a linear (RCA) input, an optical digital input, or via a Bluetooth connection with NFC support. There is support for downmixing a Dolby Digital stream to stereo (DTS is not supported).
Each channel has a 19mm soft dome tweeter, as well as two 76mm long-throw drivers, located, of course, along the edges of the front panel. The subwoofer uses a 254mm composite cone driver placed on the side wall and driven by a slotted bass reflex port on the back of the cabinet. The subwoofer volume control is provided on the rear panel, which is quite enough for a fairly accurate adjustment to the sound of the soundbar. The total power of the kit is quite decent - 250 watts.
To control, you can use the buttons on the device itself, the included remote control, or teach the soundbar to obey any other remote control. The set of functions is the most basic: input selection, volume control, mute. The only addition that brings the soundbar to the Jamo 360° range is the 360° surround sound mode, which is activated from the remote control.
sound
A feature of the sound of all Jamo acoustic systems was a light, airy supply of musical material. The Torsten Soundbar continues this good tradition. The music scene comes to life from the very first notes. The transparency of the stage makes it easy to separate the instruments. Their timbres are close to natural. No extraneous overtones spoil the detailed musical picture.
Line and optical inputs, power connector and switch - that's all that can be found on the rear panel of the Jamo Torsten soundbar. The model uses an optional external power supply The bass is neatly woven into the main frequency range, without standing out too much, but making a significant contribution to the formation of the low-frequency basis of the piece. There is also no lack of upper case. The 360° mode somewhat scatters the localization of sound sources, which significantly expands the musical scene.
Quiet sounds, as expected, fade into the background, but are not lost. True, a little loudness can appear at medium frequencies. The soundbar is able to play quite loudly without noticeable loss in sound quality.
KEF V720W
Soundbar KEF V720 W Advantages:
- Energetic feed
- High detail
- Tonal Neutrality
- Clean upper case
- Easy to set up
Flaws:
- Tone simplification
Ratings:
Sound: 5
Functions: 3
Price: 3
An unusual model assembled in a narrow steel case (53 mm) is offered by the British company KEF. The fact is that the V series is positioned solely as a replacement for television speakers. This is evidenced by the absence of a line-in and control exclusively by CEC commands from the TV via an HDMI connection. No additional functions, decoders, modes are provided, except for adjusting the volume of the subwoofer and the sound optimization button depending on the installation (on the wall or on a shelf). To achieve the low thickness of the apparatus, KEF engineers have developed new drivers with flat cones. With a diameter of 115 mm, their thickness is only 30 mm. The soundbar reproduces only two channels - left and right, which account for two flat speakers and a branded tweeter with an aluminum ventilated dome and petal diffuser.
The subwoofer control of the KEF V720 W is quite standard. The only input is linear Each channel is amplified by a 50W digital amplifier. Digital filters optimize the signal for the used emitters in order to improve the sound quality. To connect a subwoofer, a 2.4 GHz wireless channel or a linear LFE output is used. The V720W comes with a 200W wireless subwoofer specially sized for this soundbar. In terms of size and control, it is quite similar to a conventional subwoofer with a 200 mm speaker on the front wall. The only difference is that he can take sound signal over a wireless channel.
Adjustable feet allow you to change the angle of the soundbar. There are only two inputs: HDMI and optical. Provides an LFE output to a subwoofer and a switch to adjust to the location of the devicesound
The set sounds lively, energetically. The dynamic range is wide, with no signs of signal compression. The bass of the subwoofer is well integrated into the overall sound picture. It is delivered just as legibly and energetically as the rest of the frequency range. Characteristic of KEF speakers is a wide and clean upper register. The detail of the sound matter is quite high, however, complex timbres are sometimes significantly simplified. In rich compositions loud sounds may obscure small details. The set keeps the rhythm very well, active music starts with half a turn. Musical preferences are not detected in the model - any music sounds as intended.
Q Acoustics Media 4 (sympathy prize)
Soundbar Q Acoustics Media 4 Advantages:
- Detail
- Natural timbres
- Smooth dynamics
- Wide frequency range
- Built-in subwoofer
Flaws:
- Few inputs
- Multi-channel audio not supported
Ratings:
Sound: 5
Functions: 3
Price: 5
The approach of the British company Q Acoustics to the creation of a soundbar is special. While many companies take advantage of the convenience of digital signal processing to include all sorts of surround and frequency "enhancers", Q Acoustics remains true to the idea of the most faithful sound reproduction. The company also found out from statistical data that the typical listener tries to avoid using additional devices and connections. Therefore, a separate subwoofer is not offered for the Media 4 model, but it is simply built into the soundbar itself (however, an output to an external subwoofer is still provided). Of course, the thickness of the device (142 mm) suffered from this, but it is just as easy to place on the wall as any other soundbar. Two 65x65mm BMR drivers and one 120x150mm dual coil bass driver are used. Amplification power distribution respectively 2x25 W + 50 W (total power 100 W). The device receives the audio signal from the line input (RCA connectors and minijack), from the optical input (PCM only) and via Bluetooth connection 3.0 with NFC support and aptX codec (the highest quality codec for iOS and Android devices with volume control).
Mini jack and RCA work as one line input. An optical input is provided. The panel is not recessed because it sits on a beveled back plane and does not interfere with wall mounting Management is minimal: input selection, volume control, mute, on / off. The buttons on the soundbar itself are enough for this, but a simple remote control is included, and even some Philips remotes can be configured.
sound
Yes, indeed Q Acoustics holds its own brand even in the production of soundbars. The sound of the system can be compared with the sound of a good Hi-Fi stereo pair. The presentation of the material is carried out naturally and naturally. The model shows excellent detail and clean, natural timbres.
Built-in subwoofer makes Q Acoustics Media 4 thicker than other testers The range of reproducible frequencies is wide. Dynamics and microdynamics are even. The model demonstrates a very clean top and fast, legible bass of medium depth. Just a little lack of air. However, the music scene is well distinguishable, clear. Apparently, due to the limited power of the amplifier at maximum volume, the bass sometimes chokes, however, for 50 watts at low frequencies, it sounds very energetic. The model perfectly plays complex acoustic and electronic music - very informative, with all the nuances. There is no lack of stereo width.
Triad OnWall Nano LCR 3.0
Soundbar Triad OnWall Nano LCR 3.0 Advantages:
- Wide dynamic range
- Good legibility
- Compact dimensions
Flaws:
- Tone simplification
- Reduced expressiveness at low volume
Ratings:
Sound: 4
Functions: 3
Price: 3
The passive soundbar from the American company Triad is the most compact in the test, as well as in the entire line of soundbars of the company itself. Initially, the entire line of Triad soundbars is focused on a full-fledged home theater with natural surround sound and a subwoofer. Therefore, the soundbar itself does not focus on bass reproduction, instead providing a fairly large output power (75-125 watts per channel).
In total, three channels are integrated into the soundbar, as you can see from the name LCR 3.0. each of them has two specially designed 58mm Scan-Speak drivers and a 25mm soft dome tweeter. The tweeters are spaced as wide as possible to provide the largest possible stereo base.
The body is made of aluminum, it is carefully damped and reinforced. All speakers operate in a closed volume and are protected in front by a strong metal grille. The name of the model indicates that it is designed specifically for wall placement, and therefore no stands for installation on a shelf are provided.
Triad OnWall Nano LCR 3.0 with grill removed. Interestingly, the company offers a custom-made soundbar with exactly the right width for the desired TV up to size 2 (more precisely, up to 82 inches). On request, you can also paint the case in the desired color or according to the sent sample.
sound
Even without a subwoofer, the model sounds quite holistic and balanced. Bass is present, but certainly not too deep. In general, the sound of the soundbar is neutral, with good detail. The timbres sound quite natural, even despite some simplification. At low volumes, the speaker is somewhat clamped, but the dynamic range of the system expands noticeably with increasing volume, the sound becomes freer, more direct.
Terminals for three channels are made in the form of a separate removable block for easy cord attachment. Each contact is clearly signed The frequency balance is close to neutral, except that the mids are slightly raised. On any musical material, the soundbar plays stably, without distorting the author's ideas and without adding color or additional emotions. Even on complex compositions, intelligibility remains at a good level.
Yamaha YSP-43 (sympathy prize)
Advantages:
- Autotune
- Rich functionality
- Support for multi-channel audio
- The integrity of the musical picture
Flaws:
- Medium detail
- Tone simplification
Ratings:
Sound: 4
Functions: 5
Price: 3
Perhaps any electronic devices The Japanese company Yamaha can be called a work of technical art. Reliability, functionality and unusual solutions always accompany this name. The same can be said about the top model YSP-4300 digital sound projector. A complete list of its capabilities deserves a separate article, and a rather big one. Let's try to list them briefly.
The set consists of a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar is capable of reproducing 7-channel sound both due to reflection from the walls and using alternative algorithms. Precise sound beams are generated by 22 (28mm) 2W drivers and two 65mm 75W bass drivers. The subwoofer uses a driver (160mm) placed on the side of the cabinet. The port of the phase inverter is directed forward.
Switching: four HDMI inputs (4K and 3D support), one HDMI output with ARC and CEC support, two optical inputs, coaxial input and line input. Decoders: Dolby Digital TrueHD, DTS-HD, HD Audio. Built-in FM tuner and USB media player. No Bluetooth, but a separate 2.4 GHz AirWired module for iPod/iPhone/iPad and PC (USB sound card). The module is good in that it transmits a digital signal up to 48 kHz without quality loss.
The model provides 10 DSP signal processing modes and 9 options for forming a surround sound stage using the IntelliBeam system. UniVolume automatic volume control and compressed (MP3) music recovery system are provided.
Yamaha YSP-43 Soundbar Patch Panel The device is controlled from the remote control and can learn how to control third-party remotes. A small screen reflects the current state of the soundbar and the main functions. A more serious setting is only possible using the on-screen menu on the TV. Well, another very important function is the proprietary soundbar calibration system for the room using a microphone.
sound
I would like to note right away that auto-tuning using a microphone is not Waste time. After this process, the soundbar sound became noticeably more balanced and powerful. The musical material is presented sweepingly, but somewhat rudely, with a slight simplification of timbres. The detail of the sound matter is not bad. The bass is in good agreement with the main frequency range, forming a coherent sound picture. It is slightly softened, its speed characteristics are average.
The "stereo" mode is characterized by a limited frequency range and a rather narrow and close stage. More preferable is the "BM stereo" mode, which showed a more even and wider frequency range, as well as a spacious stage moved away from the listener with a lot of air. In this case, the soundbar sounded like a good stereo system.
The "surround" mode brings the effect of being near the stage, participating in the action. Many details of sound are manifested, space is felt. The frequency range is good, but the balance in this mode leans noticeably towards the high frequencies. According to the general feeling, the set is designed and more effective for theatrical use.
results
The first thing you should pay attention to when evaluating the abilities of the participants in our test is the passive or active scheme of execution. Passive soundbars, requiring a power amplifier, in fact, began the first wave of distribution of this type of speaker systems. Now they are increasingly being replaced by active soundbars with all sorts of additional features equipped with wireless subwoofers. Nevertheless, passive models are still on the market, but are more focused on serious multi-channel installations, such as the Triad model. But the passive model from Definitive Technology claims to replace all home theater acoustics (except for the subwoofer). Bringing all five channels to it, you can get not only surround sound, but also its very decent quality. However, the model differs slim body, which pairs perfectly with any modern flat-panel TV, especially when placed on the wall. The Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-SSA5 model is awarded with a sympathy prize for true Hi-Fi sound, multi-channel sound support, design and a relatively modest price.
A passive soundbar can indeed sound very good, but it also requires good amplifier for a certain amount of money, and additional wires. Let's try to find among our participants a simpler, but high-quality solution for those who do not need a large set of functions and connection complexity. The model from KEF is just right for this role. With good sound, wireless subwoofer and easy connection, it doesn't even have its own remote control, everything is controlled through the TV. However, the use of HDMI-out and internal DSP made the model more expensive than some competitors. Very simple devices were also presented by Jamo and Q Acoustics. They are in the same price range, both sound great and have very similar features. The Jamo model is equipped with a wireless subwoofer and the ability to decode a Dolby Digital stream. The Q Acoustics soundbar has a built-in subwoofer, which is even more convenient. In addition, we must admit that this model has the highest quality sound in our test. And therefore, in the fierce competition, Q Acoustics Media 4 earns itself a sympathy award.
Three different models soundbars - three different approaches to choosing. Everyone is good in their own way
A special conversation will be about multifunctional soundbars. We can talk about this for a long time and in detail, listing almost all modern technologies for manipulating sound. Focal, Harman Kardon and Yamaha models fall into this category in the test. The possibilities of the first of these are limited to relaying the HDMI signal, Dolby Didital and DTS decoding with support for surround sound and corrective filters to adjust the location of the soundbar. The sound of the soundbar is powerful and interesting even without a subwoofer. The model from Harman Kardon sounds somewhat more modest, but at the same time it comes with a wireless subwoofer and has some additional features: the device is equipped with additional HDMI inputs, an IR repeater, Bluetooth support and interesting surround sound modes. For someone, it may be important to have HD versions of Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, they are also provided here. Convenient screen, nice design - quite a workhorse for a reasonable price.
Well, ahead of everyone, thanks to an exceptionally rich list of features, the Yamaha soundbar. Here you will find all the most popular connectors, and a wireless subwoofer, and decoders for HD versions of digital streams, and many surround sound modes, and a USB media player, and an on-screen menu and an automated calibration system. And these are just the main features. The calibration system allows you to get a confident, balanced sound from the soundbar, although without audiophile frills. As a result, the Yamaha YSP-4300 model is a very interesting device, for which it also receives a sympathy prize.
Modern man is becoming more and more accustomed to comfort and this applies to all spheres of life, including work and leisure. It is especially important that after a busy working day there is an opportunity to properly relax, relieve stress, and disconnect from problems. Many people prefer to spend their leisure time watching TV, but even this type of entertainment can be diversified by using a soundbar for this purpose, which improves the sound quality and makes watching a movie even more enjoyable and interesting.
Samsung is a world-class brand, so we will not describe in detail its advantages over other manufacturers. Let's just say that this South Korean concern very harmoniously combines an innovative approach to production and...
The Korean company LG Group does not need additional introduction - its production equipment is used all over the world. And it produces not only household appliances (which, by the way, is considered one of the highest quality), but also electronics. ...
If you want to improve the sound of your TV and increase the comfort of watching it, we recommend purchasing a soundbar. This small device can significantly amplify the sound and give it more volume. In this review, we...
When choosing electronics and household appliances, we usually first of all turn our attention to a high-profile brand and only then look at the characteristics. Of course, this is not so much the merit of the manufacturer as of professional marketers who ...
In order to enjoy watching TV, this device alone is not enough; it is also advisable to purchase an acoustic system. Previously, massive speakers were purchased for this purpose, which gave a good sound, but took a very...
If you have never encountered such equipment and do not know what the best soundbar of 2018 will be, we recommend purchasing the Samsung HW-F350 - this model is the highest quality in all respects. The soundbar has a stylish, attractive design that will look harmonious even with the most original and creative interior. Its power is 120 W, which is enough to hear every sound and dialogue even in a spacious room.
A huge advantage of this model is the presence of a subwoofer, which allows you to adjust the low frequencies, thereby giving the sound maximum depth and volume. Most soundbars of this type have similar characteristics and differ only in power and the presence / absence of a soundbar. All of them have a similar oblong shape, and the weight of such a device, as a rule, does not exceed 3 kilograms. But still, the best soundbar of 2018 is the Samsung HW-F350 - it has a crystal clear sound, and its cost is quite reasonable, on the Internet this model can be purchased for 6-8 thousand rubles.
Soundbar or home theater?
A few years ago, the only way to improve the sound was to buy a complete audio system, which included several massive speakers and was loudly called a home theater. Of course, this system made a great sound, but it also took up a lot of space, so not every family had the opportunity to place such units in their apartment.
And then thin, compact panels began to appear on sale, which were immediately dubbed “soundbar”, which in English means a sound bar. Despite the small size of such a panel, it is a multi-channel audio system that is housed in one case, and some models also have a subwoofer.
The soundbar connects to the TV via bluetooth or directly, providing the video image with a clear and voluminous musical accompaniment. Watching licensed films on such a system is a pleasure - you can hear all the shades and details, and the dialogues seem almost real.
Today, almost every well-known company is launching its own sandbars, for example, Philips has released a fairly high-quality model HTL3140, which allows you to adjust low and high frequencies, thereby achieving almost perfect sound. Panasonic does not lag behind competitors with the SC-HTB170 soundbar, which stands out from other models with its silver color, although it does not differ from them in other characteristics. Here is what Yaroslav Panchenko from St. Petersburg writes about this model:
The Panasonic soundbar has an attractive silver finish, easy switching, and a three-way audio system delivers high-quality sound. The dual subwoofer only enhances this effect.
Many experts recommend buying a soundbar of the same brand as the TV, and this is actually the case, because some models allow you to connect via optics only in this way. There is also a special HDMI connector through which you can connect a soundbar from another manufacturer. This rule is not mandatory, rather it is just a recommendation, which it is advisable to follow if you want to get high-quality and full-fledged sound.
One of the most powerful and reliable soundbars is LG's NB2540. It gives the effect of dolby digital and can be connected to a TV of the same brand without wires, through optics. This model, like all the others, can be mounted on the wall so that the device takes up as little space as possible. Controlling the soundbars is very convenient with the remote control, which can also change TV channels and adjust the volume. But this will only be relevant if your TV and soundbar brands match.
Soundbars without subwoofer
Most models are produced by manufacturers with a subwoofer that takes over the bass and thus combines the sound. But there are also more simplified panels that are designed for low power and do their job quite well. Of course, you won’t listen to music on them, but the voices in the cinema will sound just fine. One of these models is the JBL SB100 soundbar, here is what user Valery Ignatiev from Moscow writes about it:
The sound quality is quite high, despite the power of only 60 watts. If someone needs an additional subwoofer, it can be connected through the existing connector. But I'm personally quite satisfied with the sound.
In fact, even without a subwoofer, the bass will still be heard, albeit not as juicy as from an external speaker. I am very pleased with the unusual design and compact dimensions of this model, it has all the main functions and at the same time its cost is much lower than other analogues.
In general, the JBL SB100 can be safely called the most budget option which is currently on the market. Its cost ranges from 5-6 thousand rubles, which, compared with more powerful models is practically a penny (soundbars from Sony or Yamaha will cost 50-80 thousand rubles).
If you are interested in this technique and you are a convinced movie fan, then you should definitely buy the best soundbar of 2018 Samsung HW-F350, which will suit you both in terms of sound and price.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
The perfect combination of ease of use and sound quality? Manufacturers, of course, prefer you to think that way.
The thinner TVs become, the thinner the "voice" of their built-in audio system becomes, since the laws of physics cannot be deceived.
While some AV manufacturers are urging you, and sometimes not without success, to purchase 5.1 multi-channel audio systems, others offer more convenient placement and connection options.
True multi-channel audio is now the preserve of true home cinema enthusiasts, while the soundbar market (the latest in TV stand audio systems) is growing exponentially. We are still advocates and advocates of 5.1-channel (and more) systems, and we recommend choosing them whenever possible, but we are sympathetic to the difficulties that can arise when placing so many speakers in the living room.
The main advantage of soundbars is that they allow you to easily and simply improve the sound quality of your TV, and their installation and configuration does not require engineering education. With that in mind, you may want to ditch the idea of purchasing a true multi-channel system in favor of a more convenient and practical soundbar. In any case, the sound quality of the built-in acoustics of flat-panel TVs does not stand up to criticism, and something needs to be done about it. Of course, we are aware of the efforts of some TV manufacturers to improve their sound quality, but even the most modestly priced soundbar will easily outperform the Sony W955 top-of-the-line TV audio system, which was specifically designed for the best sound performance.
Most soundbars follow the Plug and Play principle.
Do I need to choose a soundbar with HDMI input
The short answer to this question is "no". The longer version is "not necessarily" - although such a model would have certain advantages. If, for example, your TV has an HDMI input with Audio Return Channel (ARC) - and most models released in the last 4 years have, then you can control the volume of the soundbar from the TV remote.
In fact, there are a few LG TVs now that allow you to adjust the volume of the soundbar when connected via S/PDIF, but according to our data, this is the exception to the rule. Another alternative solution The task of controlling the soundbar from the TV remote control is the function of teaching it the commands of the latter, provided in many models of audio systems. In this case, you can also mute the TV's built-in speakers in the TV's menu, and perform other operations.
The presence of the ARC function also allows you to transmit an audio signal to the soundbar from any sources connected to the HMDI inputs of the TV. For example, if a BD player, a satellite tuner and a pair of game consoles, then as soon as you switch the TV input to work with any of these devices, the sound signal from it will automatically be broadcast to the soundbar.
The disadvantage of using a single HDMI connection is that multi-channel audio is converted to two-channel when transmitted through this interface in most cases, and the soundbar's Dolby Digital / DTS decoders will be left out. There are exceptions here too - for example, some models Sony TVs- therefore, the presence of this feature must be clarified in the specifications for the corresponding model. The possibility of receiving an encoded multichannel digital signal, of course, is important in cases where the soundbar has the appropriate built-in decoders.
Some soundbars have multiple HDMI inputs to bypass the limitations of a single connection, but it is more likely and practical to use S/PDIF via optical or coaxial cables. In the figure below, optical connectors are shown on the left and coaxial electrical connectors are shown on the right.
This direct digital connection from the soundbar to the signal source will allow you to transmit a 5.1-channel signal and receive best quality sound than an ARC channel can provide. So don't neglect S/PDIF just because it's an older audio technology than HDMI.
Since different manufacturers of TV equipment differently see the implementation of ARC in their models, about the possibilities of this type connection (if you plan to use it) in your chosen TV is better to know in advance.
Soundbar or AC stand?
If you think that the already familiar soundbar is the most convenient audio system to place, then you are mistaken. A new and very fashionable trend in today's AV market is the so-called soundbar TV stands (or speaker stands). In any case, the TV is installed directly on such a speaker, the dimensions of which are not much larger than the area of a standard TV stand.
Despite the certain novelty of this class of technology, there are already quite a few models of soundbar-stands on the market from LG, Denon, Panasonic, Maxell and Camridge Audio. As we could see, each of them copes well with its task, at least the sound is perceived as coming from the center of the TV screen, and not from under it. However, due to their reduced dimensions compared to traditional soundbars, such "audio stands" provide a narrow sound stage, lower bass level (of course, if they are not equipped with an external subwoofer).
For example, an inexpensive soundbar with a Sony CT60BT subwoofer significantly outperforms any of the above models-stands in sound quality, but costs less. However, the latter, in turn, sound much better than the built-in TV speakers (which they are intended to replace), and are recommended for use in cases where you are very limited in free space for placing an AV system.
Music and Bluetooth
Since you have decided to place the soundbar in the living room, why not use it to listen to music? Almost all models in this class produced today are equipped with a Bluetooth receiver, and many of them support the improved aptX audio codec. Thanks to this, at wireless transmission music, you can get sound quality approaching that of CD-Audio. And the relatively recent NFC technology allows you to automatically "pair" an Android smartphone with a soundbar, if there is a corresponding logo on its case.
To be honest, we can't recommend any speaker stands for serious music lovers, but some of the soundbars we've tested have sounded pretty good. For example, Philips HTL5120 (about the model) is very good in terms of music playback quality and is equipped with proprietary Sound Retriever technology to improve the sound of compressed audio files. The Philips HTL5120 sounds comfortable and natural, especially on acoustic recordings. Both of these models are equipped with built-in subwoofers, so they do not take up much space in the room.
But if the quality of music playback is very important to you, then we recommend abandoning any soundbars or AC stands in favor of systems such as Ruark MR1 or Roth Oli POWA 5. Of course, given that these models have a classic 2.0 layout and the same stereo sound.
One of the very successful models worthy of our recommendations is the Philips HTL9100 (we talked about this model earlier). This soundbar and subwoofer system has an elegant appearance and excellent sound quality. In addition, there is one very interesting design feature. If desired, the ends of the soundbar can be detached and used as independent speakers for the rear channels of the surround sound system, and wirelessly. Thanks to this, the HTL9100 sounds good at low volumes, which will certainly appeal to those who are used to watching movies and listening to music late at night.
If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to ask them on our forum.