What is a TV soundbar, why is it needed and how to choose

The speakers built into the TV do not allow you to achieve a good soundtrack. If the user wants to enjoy not only a high-quality picture, but also a voluminous, loud sound while watching a video, you should take care of purchasing an audio system. People on a budget are better off considering buying a soundbar.

Soundbar – what it is, what it consists of and what is included in the package

Soundbar is a mini-audio system, which is characterized by high-quality sound and elegant design. A soundbar can replace a bulky
home theater . However, in order for the sound to be of high quality, you need to take care of the correct connection and installation of equipment.

What is a soundbar made of?

The structure of the soundbar is similar to that of other portable audio systems. The mini audio system consists of:

• the central audio processor – the brain of a monocolumn that generates sound;
• a system board for regulating the operation of other modules;
• sound decoders or audio converters for connecting additional speakers / speakers;
• multi-channel sound amplifiers;
• radio tuner (receiving / listening to a signal from radio stations);
• stereo balance control, which is necessary for precise channel control;
• equalizer, which is needed in order to adjust the sound quality of low and high frequencies;
• drive for playing audio files from optical discs;
• speakers needed to play analog audio.

The soundbar body is elongated. It has connection / power ports, as well as an LED display, control and settings buttons on the front side. On the back are the on/off buttons. The principle of operation of the soundbar can be compared with the operation of an ordinary speaker. The audio signal is transmitted through the port interface from the TV to the audio processor. Next, the sound is recoded by the central audio processor, which, after conversion, transmits sound signals to the speakers, from where it comes out in analog form.

What types of soundbars are there

There are several classifications of soundbars. Below you can learn more about each of them. Manufacturers produce soundbars that differ in the way they connect to a TV. Devices can be:

• active soundbars;
• soundbars connected directly to the TV;
• systems with passive soundbars;
• soundbars connected by connecting via an AV receiver.

Active soundbars have built-in not only sound amplifiers, but also speakers and a digital processor. However, experts say that the highest quality, surround sound can only be achieved from passive-type devices that are not equipped with a digital processor. Passive soundbars allow you to connect a receiver/external amplifier, experimenting with settings and combining a soundbar with a subwoofer. According to another classification, mini-audio systems are divided into:

• standard replacement of the TV speaker system;
• speaker system with soundbar;
• acoustic component of the DC in a compact case, pleasing with high-quality surround sound;
• acoustic component;
• multifunctional speaker system with which you can listen to music, play it from various sources.

Note! Modern models of soundbars perform the functions of Smart-TV. They can work with smartphones and sync via Bluetooth.

Functional features

Manufacturers equip the best modern soundbar models with an integrated Blu-ray player and FM radio. Additionally, it is possible to use the device as a docking station for iPod. Most models are capable of playing streaming audio files from the Internet. Some models allow you to separately adjust the upper and lower frequencies. It is allowed to use various audio interfaces by type:

• optical input (connecting a PC / set-top box / BluRay player);
• HDMI port I (TV/PC/set-top box/BluRay player connection);
• stereo RCA input ;
• TRS connector (TV/portable player/vinyl player connection);
• coaxial S/PDIF input (PC/DVD/BluRay player connection).

Any of the interfaces listed above can be used to connect the soundbar to equipment.

Do I need a soundbar for a TV at all – what bonuses does a soundbar give

Often people are perplexed – is it necessary to buy a soundbar for a TV at all. The answer to this question depends on the preferences of the viewer. Most TV owners are satisfied with the sound that the built-in audio system produces. It is enough to watch a traditional TV series or listen to the news. At the same time, lovers of high-quality Internet content undoubtedly need to purchase a good soundbar, since the lack of surround and loud sound will not make it possible to fully enjoy watching a movie masterpiece or clip. Why do you need a soundbar for a TV, what opportunities it allows you to open: https://youtu.be/D7QjsHqFgVY

How to choose a soundbar – what to look for

Most buyers do not understand what technical characteristics to look for when choosing a soundbar. Experts advise when buying a mini-audio system to consider:

1. Appearance and dimensions of the device . Manufacturers produce equipment in the form of a TV stand, recumbent models that are installed near the TV and hanging options fixed to the wall.
2. Complete set . Manufacturers produce soundbars in various configurations: with a subwoofer, without a subwoofer, with a separate subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers, a variant with powerful multi-channel surround sound.
3. Number of channels (2-15) . It is best to give preference to two-channel (2.0-2.1) or optimal options (5.1). Advanced models with support for Dolby Atmos or DTS: X (5.1.2) are also suitable.
4. Switching . Most models are equipped with only optical and analog inputs. Modern soundbars have an HDMI connection.
5. Device power , representing the total output power of the entire speaker system. It can be calculated by summing the power of all the speakers that are installed in the equipment.
6. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support . Manufacturers produce models that can only decode the Dolby Atmos audio format. However, there are many models that can handle both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X at the same time.

How to choose a soundbar – what parameters you should pay attention to before you buy: https://youtu.be/MdqpTir8py0 The presence of additional features will be a nice bonus for the buyer. On sale you can find models that are equipped with a built-in Blu-Ray player with karaoke / FM tuner / Bluetooth and AirPlay wireless interfaces.

The best soundbars for TV – rating of the TOP 10 best soundbars

Hardware stores offer a wide range of soundbars, which makes it difficult for customers to make a choice. Below you can find a rating of the best models of mini-audio systems for TV.

Bose SoundTouch 300

The Bose SoundTouch 300 is a premium device with a wide range of features and flexible settings. Modern design, compact size and surround, high-quality sound are considered the main advantages of this model. The only drawback is the inflated cost, which reaches $690-700.

YAMAHA YAS-107

YAMAHA YAS-107 is one of the best budget models, which has wide functionality and good sound. Connecting the device to the TV is quite simple. The model is equipped with DTS Virtual:X surround sound technology. Please note that the package does not include an HDMI cable.

Samsung HW-R550

The Samsung HW-R550 is a popular soundbar model that the manufacturer has equipped with an HDMI connection and a wireless subwoofer. The device can be connected via Bluetooth. The sound is voluminous, the assembly is of high quality, the design is modern. The kit includes fasteners.

JBL Bar 2.1

JBL Bar 2.1 is considered a quality soundbar with a subwoofer that will delight you with JBL signature sound with a bright emphasis on low frequencies. The device produces powerful bass. To connect a mini audio system, you can use Bluetooth, an audio cable and a USB flash drive. The sound model does not support DTS.

YAMAHA YSP-1600

YAMAHA YSP-1600 is a compact soundbar that supports a variety of connection options. The functionality is rich, the sound is loud and voluminous, the design is modern. Please note that the package does not include an HDMI cable.

LG SJ3

The LG SJ3 is considered a quality soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. The sound is optimized depending on the content, there is a special mode for movies. The design of the device is modern, the sound is surround. The only drawback is the lack of HDMI connectivity.

Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar

Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar is a soundbar made in China. The assembly of the budget model is decent, the design is modern. The sound is good, however, the device produces less bass due to the fact that there are no low-frequency emitters. Several connection options are available. The package does not include optical cable and remote control.

Sonos Beam

Sonos Beam is a good soundbar that pleases the audience with loud and high-quality sound. The soundbar can be used as a music center. The functionality is wide, the design is stylish, the assembly is of high quality. There is no Bluetooth, the fabric is quite easily soiled.

YAMAHA YSP-2700

YAMAHA YSP-2700 – a model with a subwoofer, featuring high-quality surround sound. The appearance is beautiful, the assembly quality. The decoders are modern, the functionality is rich. The package does not include an HDMI cable.

Sonos Arc

Sonos Arc is considered the best soundbar today, which will delight you with rich functionality and high-quality sound. The design is quite stylish, the dimensions are compact, the assembly is of high quality. The Android app lacks Trueplay settings.
How to choose a soundbar for your TV – rating of the best models for the end of 2021-beginning of 2022: https://youtu.be/rD-q8_yVhr0

Best Budget Soundbars

Not every person can allocate an impressive amount from the family budget for the purchase of a premium soundbar. However, on sale you can find various models of budget soundbars that are distinguished by high-quality assembly and can please users with voluminous and loud sound and modern design. The best budget soundbars today are:

1. Sony HT-CT290/HT-CT291 . The power of the device is 300 watts. Thanks to the optical input, you can receive sound from external sources. The subwoofer is connected wirelessly.
2. LG SJ3 – the device reproduces the sound that was received via the optical / line input. The power of the soundbar is 300W. Wireless subwoofer connection available.
3. Samsung HW-M360 is a popular model that pleases with good sound and modern design. Auto on/off available. The soundbar is equipped with a Bluetooth module.
4. Sony HT-NT5 is a 6.1 soundbar with a large number of connectors. Bluetooth is supplemented with an NFC chip. The subwoofer is connected wirelessly.
5. The Denon DHT-S514 is a 400W multi-port device. The subwoofer is connected via Bluetooth. The sound is loud and spacious.

Also in the budget category, you should pay attention to models such as Harman / Kardon HK SB20, Bose SoundTouch 300 and YAMAHA YAS-207.

How to connect a soundbar to a TV

There are various ways to connect a soundbar to a TV. Most often, users prefer to connect via HDMI. Step by step process: Step 1 Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (TV ARC) jack.
Step 2 Plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI ARC TV input.
Stage 3 Turn on the TV.
Step 4 The soundbar then turns on automatically.

In cases where, after the above steps, the sound plays from the TV speakers, you need to go to Menu, select the Settings folder and click on the Audio / Sound section. In the sound source category, select external speakers.
You can also use a Bluetooth connection. However, for this you need to check if the TV and the soundbar have Bluetooth. The connection process is similar for all TVs, however, some points may differ depending on the manufacturer of the equipment.

1. Press the Bluetooth button on the soundbar. The indicator will start blinking blue.
2. After going to the TV menu, select the Settings folder and click on the “External Device Connections / Bluetooth” section. After that, select the command search for devices.
3. In the list that opens, click on the name of the soundbar.
4. After that, the sound will start playing from the soundbar.

How to connect and set up a soundbar to a TV using the LG soundbar as an example: https://youtu.be/C0FdyNYMEPc

Headphone connection

There are times when there are no audio inputs and the digital connection fails. It is at this moment that you can give preference to connecting through the headphone jack on the TV (TRS jack 3.5 mm). It is worth remembering that only analog audio will be available through this connector. This kind of audio signal will be transmitted slower than digital, and as a result, there may be problems with the synchronization of sound and image. Is it possible to connect additional speakers to the soundbar and how to do it: https://youtu.be/bN4bu7UjXHg

Which is better: soundbar, music center or speaker system

Quite often, users are interested in what is better: a music center, a speaker system or a soundbar. Experts unambiguously recommend purchasing a soundbar for the TV. The soundbar is pretty easy to connect. The price of a soundbar is lower than the cost of a music center or a good speaker system. In addition, the use of soundbars is possible not only in large houses, but also in one-room apartments. The device, when properly configured, will delight with high-quality, surround sound.

Mini subwoofer for TV

To enhance the sound, you can connect a subwoofer to the TV in addition to the soundbar. This will make it possible to achieve a decent level of sound and change the timbre of the sound. Connecting a subwoofer will make the sound deep and full. To connect an active subwoofer to a TV, you need to use an RCA cable. Tulips that match the color scheme are connected to the output sockets on the TV case. Gone are the days when, in order to create loud, surround sound when watching movies at home, you had to purchase home theaters or expensive speakers. It is enough to buy a good soundbar and the problem will be solved. When choosing a device, it is important to pay attention to the technical specifications. By reviewing the rating of the best soundbars, you can avoid buying a low-quality soundbar.