Until recently, music lovers dreamed of putting a home theater in their home. Today, dreams are already different - more modern and technological, for example, a soundbar. What is a soundbar and how to use it?
System features
The soundbar is a soundbar, which is a compact audio system that allows you to enjoy music without massive speakers and subwoofers. The soundbar does not have a large number of speakers, since all the necessary functions are collected in one case. What is a soundbar, an inexperienced user will ask? This is the perfect alternative to your home theater, which takes up little space and allows you to enjoy great sound at optimal volume.
How does it work?
The soundbar attracts attention with its versatility: it can work in tandem with the TV, and as a standalone player, if you connect a USB flash drive to it or insert a music disc. Two types of systems are popular today : active (connection is made to the TV directly) and passive (connection of an AV receiver is required).
To better know what a soundbar is, you need to study its structure. The modern model consists of:
- player
- set of speakers;
- an audio processor that delivers full sound.
As a rule, sound panels can have up to 16 sound speakers, which are located at certain angles, as well as a bass speaker - it acts as a subwoofer. The panel is easy to use, as it can be customized to the needs of each user using the remote control.
Where to put?
If the area does not allow you to put bulky things, for example, home theaters, a soundbar will be a great solution. It is suitable for living rooms, bedrooms or small apartments, where you want to equip a recreation area. Moreover, a universal panel does not exist, so for each room you should choose a specific model. Externally, the panel is an oblong box in which drivers, digital amplifiers, circuits and connectors are mounted, so the sound is reproduced much more clearly. The specially designed housing also serves the purpose of reproducing high-quality sound.
Which is better - a soundbar or a home theater?
Today, various types of speakers are very popular . Which is better? It should be based on your own preferences. Sound panels, for example, attract attention with a variety of design options and playback quality. Moreover, they need not be selected depending on the length of the TV, because you can mount them anywhere. Most often, buyers choose soundbars, because they are cheaper and allow you to save space, which is especially true for small rooms.
Connection Features
Most often, a soundbar for a TV is selected. However, many panels are equipped with one or two digital audio connectors, as well as several analog inputs. All sources are simply connected to the TV, while all content will sound through the panel. Some expensive models have HDMI inputs that allow you to receive multi-channel audio.
Most buyers choose panels to watch TV or movies in high quality. That is why they are so popular. A typical connection option is wireless via Bluetooth, because today most types of equipment support this technology. Control panels through the remote control, which is included.
Installation Features
What is the soundbar, we figured out. Now it remains to understand where it is better to put it. Some are hung on the wall, but you should pay attention to the fact that the panel does not cover the bottom of the TV and its IR sensor. Some panels, by the way, sound better if they are removed from the TV. Wall installation is simple. The only difficulty is to remove the wires so that the interior is aesthetic. An attractive option for many is the hinge mount. This allows you to move the panel in different positions, change the angle of its inclination.
If you dream of a loud sound, then take care to complement the soundbar with a subwoofer. Some models come immediately with it; it attaches to the system wirelessly, making installation simple and convenient. With the location of the subwoofer, you can conjure to get clear and high-quality sound.
Which brand to give preference?
Which soundbar is better? To answer this question, you need to decide for yourself a number of parameters. Remember that the soundbar is an acoustic system, so make the emphasis on power, distortion and frequency when choosing. The final effect is achieved with high-quality bass, so it is important to pay attention to the type of subwoofer. This is the first.
The second is the ability to connect Blu-Ray. This is an additional device, but very necessary, especially if you like to watch movies in excellent quality. That is, thanks to this option, you get a real home theater, only compact and stylish.
The third is manufacturability. Many models are equipped with all conceivable and inconceivable options that are not always needed. Elite panels gives, for example, the ability to integrate via Wi-Fi and support for Smart TV. A modern 3D soundbar can cost 5,000, and 20,000, and 50,000 rubles.
Samsung
In the middle price range, buyers are advised to pay attention to the Samsung HW-E450. This is a classic Class 2.1 soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. The main acoustic part of the model pleases with full-fledged high-frequency emitters. Point placement of the heads allows for better positioning of sounds in space. The Samsung soundbar (reviews about it focus primarily on the affordable cost) has a minimal amount of additional functions and plays only music. There is an HDMI input. The sound quality is good, which many users note. The cost is about 9500 rubles.
A more advanced model is the Samsung HW-E450. It costs about 32,000 rubles. It's all about the expanded functionality: an optical wire that supports Blu-Ray and other interfaces, Wi-Fi network integration, and connecting to mobile devices via Bluetooth. Sound quality and decent for a medium-sized room.
LG
An interesting and inexpensive model is the soundbar LG HLT55W 5.1. It has separate rear speakers, so we can’t say that we have a compact system. In general, the audio system is not bad in sound quality, has advanced features in the form of an FM receiver and karaoke. The cost of the model is about 9500 rubles.
More modern and stylish soundbar - LG BB5530A. It reproduces sound in 4.1 format, without the need for additional speakers. The device itself converts any video to excellent resolution. There is a Wi-Fi Direct function, so you can transfer any multimedia content. Soundbar LG is characterized by excellent sound that will delight connoisseurs of high quality.
Philips
The company offers a truly democratic device - for only 8,200 rubles you can get a high-quality system. Of course, there are no advanced functionalities in it, but nevertheless for home use it is quite enough. Bluetooth connects to smartphones so that you can listen to music. Sound quality, according to users, corresponds to the price, so you should not expect excellent characteristics from this technique.
Mystery
Not only large brands, but also small companies, which attract attention to their products through a low price, seek to gain customer confidence. A vivid example of this is the Mystery MSB-115W soundbar model. It has an average playback quality, wireless technologies are not available in it, but the price is economical. In user reviews, it is noted that the device creates significant interference with the operation of the home Wi-Fi network. Therefore, this model for 4800 rubles can be purchased exclusively as a way to improve sound for an inexpensive TV.
Jbl
Soundbar SB100 brand JBL costs about 10,000 rubles. This manufacturer is not at the hearing, but has already created several noteworthy models for its customers. JBL SB100 is not equipped with a wireless subwoofer, the networks are fully integrated. At the same time, the cost of the models is affordable. The system has full speakers that are mounted inside, so the sound level is decent. In addition, the SB100 has a stylish design solution, which is not inherent in all budget models. And even the quality of the plastic in this model, users note as a good distinguishing feature.
Sony
The Sony HT-CT660 soundbar costs 15,000 rubles, while its class is 2.1. Users note that at such a high price, the model does not justify either its quality or additional functions. Among the advantages of technology, high-quality sound is noted, but other options are limited. The HT-CT660 can only be used to listen to music from various sources or connect to phones via Bluetooth.
Soundbar Sony HT-GT1 - a more advanced configuration model 2.1. This audio system costs from 14,000 rubles, suitable for daily watching a movie and listening to music. The body of the panel and subwoofer is made of wood, so there is no noise and rattle when playing, the sound is excellent even at high volume. The presence of special Sony Clear Voice technology ensures that the sound is clear even during dialogs.
To wirelessly transfer high-quality music, just touch the panel with a smartphone or tablet that supports Bluetooth and NFC. The free application allows you to control the audio system again via Bluetooth. There is also an original BASS BAZUKA button: it instantly turns on the bass level, while the sound does not lose either clarity or purity.
Panasonic
The Panasonic SC-HTB520 soundbar is a 1-in-1 option. For about 14,000 rubles, you can purchase a full-fledged home theater equipped with a wireless subwoofer. Users note that with excellent sound quality, the network features of the device are minimal. However, in some cases it is advisable to use just such a system. Basic adjustments are provided in the most accessible way.
Yamaha
Yamaha is one of the leading soundbar manufacturers. The YSP-1400 model costs about 17,500 rubles, while it looks non-standard, and this already attracts attention. The front panel contains 8 speakers that form sound beams. They are reflected from the furniture and thereby create a real surround sound. Users note a convenient interface, the ability to configure the device independently and to their requirements. Minus - there is no subwoofer in the kit, instead of it two low-frequency speakers are mounted in the panel stands .