Sound Bar | Inexpensive Alternative to Multi-Speaker Surround Sound
When it comes to watching TV or a movie at home, the experience is everything. As more and more of us choose Netflix over going to the movie theater, we want to enjoy that cinema experience at home.
There’s nothing better than watching something epic like Game of Thrones on an impressive HD screen, with a crystal-clear picture that makes everything feel more real. But sound can be just as important for that immersive experience, and many people forget about sound when buying a new TV.
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Multi-speaker surround sound systems are popular for creating a rich audio experience, but could a sound bar be better for you? Easy to set up, subtle and with great sound at an affordable price, it could be a fantastic alternative to a surround sound system.
Is a sound bar the right choice for you? Find out more about the benefits of investing in one for your home.
What is a sound bar?
A sound bar is an audio device that projects audio across a wide area. It is a wide speaker system that can settle neatly underneath a television or monitor to boost the audio and create a surround sound experience.
Unlike multi-speaker surround sound systems, sound bars are just one unit, saving space, and are often much cheaper than classic surround speaker systems. They are becoming more popular because of their sleek appearance and simple installation that can improve the audio of your TV in seconds to drastically improve your media watching experience.
What kind of speakers are inside a sound bar?
Don’t let the size of a sound bar fool you, it packs a hefty punch in terms of the volume and range it can produce from a single system.
While a multi-speaker surround sound system relies on multiple speakers placed around a room, a sound bar features multiple speakers contained in a single unit. The speakers are front facing, and due to the width of the speaker, they can project audio across a wide range, that helps add to your viewing experience. Some models come with a built-in subwoofer for those beautiful bass notes, while others might have a separate subwoofer which can be placed near your TV or elsewhere in the room.
Does your TV need one?
TVs have become slimmer and slimmer over the years, and while a large flatscreen TV looks great on your wall, the built-in speakers that come with a TV have had to become increasingly smaller to fit inside. This affects the quality of sound coming from your TV, with most manufacturers taking into consideration that people willing to invest in a TV will also be willing to invest in a device that improves its audio.
A sound bar will provide better quality sound than your TV, with the wide length of the unit means you get the left and right channels that create incredible stereo sound.
More affordable than having multiple TV speakers, a sound bar is an easy way to bring your audio quality up to speed with the picture you see on your screen.
Benefits of a sound bar
A sound bar has many benefits, and it’s no surprise to see why they’re so popular. Some of the key benefits include:
They’re compact
A sound bar is a neat, compact system that looks great on your wall or TV unit. They take up very little space, and are designed to sit underneath your TV. For those who like the minimal look, you’ll have no problems with this type of speaker in your living room.
They’re easy to install
Sound bars are incredibly easy to install. Plug in your unit, and connect to your TV via the cable provided. Most sound bars also feature Bluetooth or wireless technology, which provides a wireless connection to your TV or monitor. You can even hook it up to your phone to play your latest Spotify playlist, or use it as another speaker for your Amazon Alexa system.
They provide surround sound without the need for multiple speakers
Don’t let the size of a sound bar fool you. A sound bar can create a surround sound experience without the need for multiple speakers that a home cinema system requires. Ideal if you’re short on space or don’t like the look of multiple speakers, it’s an easier way to get the sound quality you want. With no messy wires connecting everything together, a sound bar is a visually-appealing system to have in your home.
SEE ALSO: When buying computer speakers, save some money by sticking to the basics
They’re affordable
Sound bars are available for all kinds of budgets. Many retailers will sell TV and sound bar combinations to provide you with even greater value when choosing your home entertainment.
With so many choices available, you can find the perfect model for your needs and budget, helping you enjoy a much clearer, crisper sound for your home entertainment.
Sound bar recommendations
With many sound bars on the market, it’s important to do your research. Some excellent sound bar recommendations include:
Sonos Beam – Smart TV Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa Built-in
With built-in Amazon Alexa technology, this Sonos sound bar provides voice-control and incredible speech enhancement audio to provide a complete sound solution. With simple setup, Airplay 2 compatibility and a stylish, wall mountable design, it’s no wonder the Sonos Beam was named ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Rolling Stone.
Polk Audio Command Sound Bar with Hands-free Amazon Alexa Voice Control
Named ‘Best Value’ by Rolling Stone, the Polk Audio Command Sound Bar features hands-free voice control with built-in Amazon Alexa, helping you stay connected to the rest of your home. With surround sound, subwoofer, DTS and Dolby, it’s ideal for all kinds of home entertainment. Best of all, it comes in at under $200, making it an affordable but impressive piece of tech.
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control
Bose has a dedicated following, and fans won’t be disappointed with the incredible audio quality provided by the Bose Solo 5. With a universal control to power all of your devices, as well as built-in Bluetooth technology, it’s a high-quality system that will transform your TV’s audio, making it sound ‘as good as it looks’.
Worried it might be too difficult to set up your new sound bar? Watch this short video tutorial to see how easy it really is. Includes information about HDMI ARC, Optical, Toslink, Coaxial, and stereo connections.
