How to choose a quality soundbar

Soundbars have become widespread not so long ago, but have already managed to gain popularity and ardently fall in love with loyal fans of high-quality sound. As a rule, those who want to make the sound of the TV more powerful and surround without buying a home theater are willing to buy a soundbar. Despite the fact that the device itself is not very complicated, its choice often confuses, especially those who buy the soundbar for the first time. If you decide to equip your TV with a sound panel and get lost in the diversity of the range, check out our recommendations.

Main characteristics

If you are wondering how to choose a soundbar, then you are most likely familiar with the basic properties of this device.The word "SoundBar" in translation from English means "sound bar", and if literally - "sound bar". This is not surprising: the appearance of the body of the Sanudbara resembles elongated oblong bar with a subwoofer (or without it). A soundbar is a rather compact thing that will become an element of a modern interior, without taking up much space. Usually it is placed under the TV, playing high-quality sound while watching your favorite movies and TV programs.

The very first sound projectors (they are also soundbars) appeared in 1998 and were presented by the manufacturer Altec Lansing. Even then, they looked like a closed acoustic stereo system, although the subwoofer was purchased separately. The speakers were located on the frontal surface and due to the interference of sound waves created the effect of spatial, deep sound. Soundbars have become the best option, combining excellent picture quality and surround sound, which only enhances audio and visual effects. After all, to buy a real home theater, you have to spend a lot of money, moreover, such a system takes up a lot of space and requires long installation and installation.

Today in the electronics market there are many types of soundbars. All of them have different characteristics, design, functions, have different purposes, support for media formats, connection type and equipment. Below we briefly consider the different types of sound panels, because the choice of home soundbar depends primarily on its technical characteristics and purpose.

Types of soundbars

The first classification of devices: by connection method to your tv:

1. Directly to the TV. Such sound panels are called active type sound bars.
   

2. By connecting via an AV receiver, these are passive-type soundbars.
   

The first method of connection, of course, much easier. In addition, active soundbars are ready systemwhere all necessary components are built in: speakers, digital processor and direct sound amplifiers. But, in the opinion of most buyers, only passive-type devices are capable of providing the highest quality sound reproduction. They are not equipped with a digital processor.

The advantage of passive type panels is thatthat in this case you can use your receiver or external amplifier to connect and experiment with the settings at your own discretion, combine with the subwoofer as you yourself want.

Second Classification: by purpose and set of functions. As you know, the very first acoustic systems assumed the expansion of the sound capabilities of a television set and were acquired by consumers exclusively for one purpose. But times are changing rapidly, and modern manufacturers equip technology with new features and chips, making the devices truly multifunctional. Thus, the latest models often interact perfectly with memory cards and disks, come with built-in Wi-fI, perform Smart-TV functions, synchronize via Bluetooth, and work together with smartphones and other gadgets. In general, sound bars can be divided into three categories:

1. Standard replacement of the TV speaker system.
   
2. The acoustic component of a home theater in a compact package with high-quality surround sound.
   
3. Multifunctional speaker system, with which you can listen to music, playing it from different sources.
   

The main criteria when choosing a soundbar

When buying a soundbar, pay attention to the following characteristics:

Multi-channel sound: for or against

Any number of dynamic components equipped with special amplifiers can be placed in one small soundbar case. As a result, the soundbar, technically remaining at one point, is able to provide any distribution of sources. It may seem to us that the sound is moving - approaching or moving away - depending on what the image shows us.

On how many channels the soundbar design provides, depends on its final cost.

The simplest and most inexpensive are models. with two channels: they have the ability to decode multi-channel audio technology Dolby Digital / DTS. Quite acceptable option can be considered and three-channel soundbar. More advanced versions are equipped with five and seven channels. They use DSP technology and correction for the room or a combination of these processes for the formation of spatial sound.

Subwoofer availability

It is high-quality and powerful bass, as a rule, create a spectacular acoustic sound.A soundbar with a subwoofer is the subject of frequent debate among audio lovers. Many argue that for the formation of excellent sound speaker with low frequencies is not needed. In addition, some manufacturers have begun to use the technology of Atlantic Tech H-PAS, which significantly improves the low-frequency hail of small-sized speakers.

There are models with a built-in subwoofer - just keep in mind that the dimensions of the panel itself are significantly increased.

Nevertheless, if we consider the range of electronics, preference is given to models with an additional subwoofer, most often wireless. Wireless subs are connected to the main body of the device using various technologies, such as Bluetooth. In any case, a soundbar with a traditional or modern wireless subwoofer is simply necessary if you are a true connoisseur of high-quality bass when playing movies or music.

Sources of Connection

If you are using active device types (i.e., directly connected), determine the information from what sources you are going to reproduce. The type and number of connectors on the soundbar depends on this.The combinations of connectors can vary depending on the type, manufacturer and cost: digital audio input and output, two optical and as many coaxial, mini-jack.

To synchronize with smartphones, it is best to use soundbars equipped with USB ports, as well as Bluetooth and other types of wireless connectivity.

Modern models almost everywhere use Bluetooth technology in conjunction with various gadgets and portable devices.

Control

The soundbar can be controlled in various ways: by mechanical or touch buttons on the case, using the remote control and even a mobile phone. The most common is management using the remote. You can adjust the volume of the satellite, subwoofer, change the settings of the equalizer, FM tuner, turn the device on and off.

Dimensions

Not the most important, but also an important criterion. The soundbar should not take up much space and pull attention to itself. It is best if it is compactly placed directly. under the body of the TV. In terms of design, in most cases, sound bars do not differ much in appearance,although there are different colors and shapes - try to device correctly fit into the style of your interior.

Additional features

Optical drive, Blu-ray support is not the most mandatory, but still very useful features if you want to go beyond the usual speaker system connected to the TV.

Availability of Wi-Fi and support for Smart-TV, a device with karaoke. Integration into the network via Wi-Fi means the ability to connect DLNA devices and provide the Smart TV function. For most modern TV models, this is not entirely relevant, but if your device is not equipped with such wide capabilities, you can easily “upgrade” it with the help of the same soundbar.

Conclusion

Devices such as soundbars are gaining increasing popularity every year. Of course, they are not able to replace a full-fledged speaker system. But if there is a desire to reproduce high-quality sound, to achieve the maximum spatial effect when watching movies and TV programs, the answer is one: choose a soundbar, and preferably with a subwoofer. Currently, a huge number of various models of different manufacturers are being produced, the price range is also impressive.Pay attention to the main points mentioned above, and then it will be much easier for you to decide on the choice of technology. Enjoy the shopping!