Watching movies on a laptop or computer may not be as satisfying as watching them on TV. The reason for this is that the screen is normally small on laptop screen or monitor. and it doesn’t provide the immersive experience that you would get in a movie theater. Of course, you don’t have to buy that massive screen for this reason. You may, however, have a fairly large TV to watch and relax on after work. If you do, you should understand the importance of the sound it produces.
The built-in speaker on a television is generally superior, especially when compared to a PC monitor screen or even a laptop. However, it is worth noting that a good television sound system can significantly improve sound quality. Consider this: you are watching your favorite show, and the sound is not quite right and loud as you expected. Perhaps the basses are not booming, or the dialogue sounds muddy, as if it is coming from underwater. That is why good sound is such an important aspect for a TV.
Clear and awesome sound makes all the difference. It is no longer a secret that good audio enhances the entertainment experience. Whether it is the gentle hum of a forest or the cheers of a sports crowd, great sound brings you to feel like you are there in the moment. We are not simply talking about the loudness of the audio. We are talking more about noticing all of the little details that make a scene unique, such as musical performance, quiet footsteps, crystal-clear dialogue, and the surrounding vibes.
Guides for finding the best audio system for your TV
Using a sound system, such as a sound bar, is one way to improve the immersive experience when watching TV. However, you should be aware that there are lots of sound bar options available. This can be confusing, especially for those who have just heard about this and are trying to look for one that fits for them. You do not have to worry if you find yourself lost in the wild world of sound bars. This guide will help you in your search for the ideal sound companion for your TV.
We will begin by determining what your TV needs, then move on to explore various features and price points. We are here to make things simple for you to understand. So, whether you enjoy documentaries, sports, or simply spend a lot of time watching Netflix movies, this guide has you covered. With this guide, you can turn your living room into a mini-home theater. It is time to make your TV sound as good as it looks.
Understanding Your Needs
Before moving further, it is important to note that a sound bar is probably not the most important piece of audio equipment for you. As a result, you need to evaluate the true purpose of your TV setup.
- Built-in Speakers vs. External Audio Solutions
To begin with, you are probably aware that TVs are becoming slimmer as technology advances. As a result, they lack the ability to produce louder and deeper sounds. This also means that you lose the bass when watching TV. When you increase the volume, the sound gets even worse. With this in mind, you are probably looking for a way to improve the audio quality. This is where external audio solutions can help.
If you are serious about upgrading your sound system, you have two options, either a regular HiFi sound system or a sound bar. Both can produce far superior audio quality than the built-in speakers in most TVs. They are, however, designed for different market targets.
When it comes to sound bars, they are basically superheroes in terms of audio for instantly improving the sound quality of a TV. They are stylish, simple to install, and can significantly improve your sound quality. Sound bases are also cool to look at, especially having a sound bar that sits underneath your TV. A home theater system with speakers all around can create a mind-blowing audio experience if you want to go all out. Essentially, sound bars are for people who want to improve sound quality without a complicated setup and on a limited budget.
In contrast to a sound bar, we have a regular HiFi sound system that uses speakers spread throughout the room to create a mini home theater. While this ensures the best experience in watching any type of entertainment, it requires additional effort to set it up. First and foremost, you need to get the required speaker for the specific setup you desire, such as 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1. That is the standard configuration, and it can become even more complicated if ceiling speakers are used to create a 7.2.4 surround configuration.
Of course, you can start with a simple setup of two speakers and then upgrade later. However, you also might want to consider cable management and plan of how the final setup will look like. Imagining things that don’t exist yet can be difficult, and it is not recommended for regular moviegoers who don’t enjoy planning things with their home theater setup. Sure, you can hire professionals to do the work, but it may not be worth it in the long run due to the high cost of their service. Things can certainly become extremely complicated and costly at the same time. If you consider making the same setup on a lower budget with small speakers, you will have to give up the immersive feelings, which goes the other way around of the purpose of having a mini home theater setup.
If you want to improve the sound quality of your TV, an external speaker is a great option. However, you should be aware of your ability and requirements in terms of the type of external audio system that is appropriate for you.
Basically, a sound bar is a great choice if you want something that is easy to set up, interesting looking, and simply just works on your set up. However, if you want to enjoy watching movies to the fullest without spending too much money and are willing to put in some extra time planning and setting up the system, the HiFi sound system is the superior choice.
- Identifying Specific Audio Issues to Address
In addition to quality, it is important to understand what irritates you the most when watching TV. Is the dialogue too quiet? Do the action scenes seem underwhelming? You are not feeling the rumble? You don’t get the immersive sensation? Identifying these issues will help you in finding the best audio solution.
If you live in a busy area where your TV room cannot block out the noises from the outside, you will undoubtedly need louder audio. Unfortunately, when you turn up the volume on your TV, the audio cracks up and becomes noisy. In this case, a louder speaker is required. To improve your audio experience, you should probably block out outside noise with sound-absorbing materials.
If you have a good room’s isolation with no outside noise but voices are disappearing, you may require a sound bar with a clear dialogue mode. This mode will help you in getting better audio for conversations, podcasts, and even movies. If you prefer watching movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer could be the missing piece. The reason for this is that it can provide a more immersive experience with rumbles and basses, even when using a sound bar. Understanding what irritates you about your current setup is the first step toward finding the ideal audio sidekick.
Common features and components
- Connectivity Options (HDMI, Optical, AUX, Bluetooth)
The sound bar functions similarly to a regular speaker and includes ports for transferring audio data from your TV to the sound bar. Connecting your TV and soundbar is similar to plugging in your phone. There are several options to do so. Using HDMI is the best way to connect your TV and sound bar for the best quality output. However, the best audio doesn’t come cheap. Even some budget sound bar options from Samsung don’t come with HDMI audio input option.
Another option available is optical. Since 1980, optical connections have been used. It is old, but it is still decent. Many sound bars include this port since it is capable of transmitting digital signals very well. The ability to support 7 channels is what makes this port different than the others.
Then there is the AUX port, which is commonly found in sound bars. It is a more common port found in many video audio devices, including smartphones. It is very simple and easily transmits various signals, making it an affordable and versatile port that manufacturers provide. However, since it still carries analog signals, the sound quality of AUX cable is inferior to that of optical cable. As a result, you may hear popping or hissing noises when it is on.
Bluetooth is the last available connection. A Bluetooth sound bar is a good option if you want a clean look in your tv cabinet. Even if it sounds like a cableless way, you still find a cable for power, which comes to the opposite way from the purpose of a fully wireless setup. You should also consider the high latency or delay. Even though it is rare, it does happen on a certain occasion.
If you want to use a sound bar to improve the sound on your TV, make sure your TV supports the connection that the sound bar provides. Otherwise, it will not connect to your TV which is just a waste of money in the end.
- Size and Placement Considerations
Size does matter, but not in the way you might think. Match the size of your sound bar to the size of your TV. If it is too large, it may block the screen, and if it is too small, it may appear odd and disproportional. Also, think about where you are going to place it. Some go in front, while others stay underneath the TV, you just need to make sure it fits your space. Some sound bars can also be mounted on the wall with a Fischer bolt anchor. You can place it underneath the TV hanging on the wall, creating the ideal combination of both devices. However, you should make sure that the sound bar you buy has this feature.
- Audio Formats Supported
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Other Surround Sound Technologies. Don’t let the names confuse you. These are sound-magic tricks. If you want to get the surround sound experience, look for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. If not, it is not a big deal either. Regular sound bars you can find anywhere else are still decent. In fact, you should not focus your searches on those characteristics. Take a look at the actual video review to see how it is demonstrated. Some sound bars that lack this fancy feature can still deliver the surround effect if the software allows the sound to gradually move from the right to the left speaker.
- Power Consumption
Power refers to how loud your sound bar can get. More power consumption equals better bass, which results in a more pleasing experience. A higher watt consumption soundbar fits better for a larger room, while the lower one is ideal for a cozy environment, which is suitable when you put it in your bedroom. Not only will it cost less electricity, but it will also prevent you from bothering other people in the other rooms.
- Subwoofer Options
Subwoofers are the key to generating deep bass. However, most low-budget sound bars exclude this feature. If you watch and listen to a sound bar review and notice that the sound is thin, harsh, and boxy, the main cause is the lack of a good subwoofer. Though some sound bars include them in the package, the quality is usually much inferior to a dedicated subwoofer. What is not to like regarding this option is it makes the setup appear asymmetrical since most sound bars only come with a single subwoofer. The external subwoofer, on the other hand, makes a significant difference in audio quality, particularly in terms of bass and volume. The built-in subwoofer is sleek, clean, and neat, whereas the external subwoofer has more power to shake the room for better audio experience.
Top Features to Look For
- Voice Control and Smart Home Integration
Smart home integration is available on some newer and more advanced sound bars. That is, they can be linked to your home network and controlled via a smartphone or home assistant such as Alexa. One of the models is, for example, Yamaha YAS-209 sound bar.
A dedicated sound bar can replace your Alexa’s lame speaker with louder and clearer audio quality. If you want to start your day with high-quality audio, you can ask your home assistant to make the sound bar sing for you.
- EQ Settings and Sound Modes
Consider EQ settings to be the mode buttons on your sound bar. Do you want more bass for your movie night? There is an option for it. How about adjusting the treble for music? There is also another dedicated button for this function. Sound modes are just like specific configurations, and there are three modes available, which are movie mode, music mode, and game mode. A sound bar’s EQ settings are usually fixed from the factory. As a result, you cannot adjust each frequency individually as you would with a parametric equalizer. However, in some premium models, graphic EQ is available, which is slightly better.
- Remote Control and App Compatibility
You can easily turn up the TV volume for a louder sound using the TV remote. However, if you have a sound bar, you should always increase the volume from it instead of the TV. The reason for this is it reduces unwanted noise from the TV to the sound bar. Let the sound bar do the job, which you can do with a remote if it includes one.
If you don’t want to constantly go back and forth to change the volume of the sound bar, you should seriously consider buying the one with a remote control included in the package. Some sound bars with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can even be controlled by a smartphone. This is extremely convenient because you don’t have to worry about losing your remote control as usually happens to some people.
Budget Considerations
The budget is undoubtedly the next aspect to consider when selecting the sound bar for TV. For less than $15, you can get a sound bar that sounds like a Bluetooth speaker, you cannot expect much from this price. If you want the top tier product, Sennheiser produce a super pricey premium sound bar, Sennheiser Ambeo, which is quite large but lacks a subwoofer.
Basically, you need to find a balance between the price, features, and quality of the device. The sound bars are priced at three common price points for common users:
- Budget-Friendly: These will not break the bank, usually costing less than $50. Good for a simple boost in TV sound, yet only come with basic features.
- Mid-Range Magic: Costing between $50 and $300. You get a mix of quality and features, such as a smart and stylish sound bar.
- Premium Picks: Coming with the price of $300 and up. Considered as the top tier with all the features included. If you are looking for the ultimate sound experience, this is the one you want.
It is important to find a balance between value and cost. That way, you will not regret your purchase as you are getting the most value for the money you spend. To do so, you must first understand the current market value of the product you are looking for, as well as the features available within the price range. When weighing features and costs, consider the following criteria:
- Look at the Features: See what you can get for your money. Spending a little more money can sometimes get you extra features like voice control or fancy sound modes. When the price is doubled, you should consider whether the quality or features are worth twice as much. If not, it is not the best deal to make.
- Read Reviews: What do people say about the specific mode? Reviews reveal whether or not a sound bar is worth the money. A video review is a better reference instead of the written one. The reason for this is that you need to listen to the sound bar yourself rather than simply reading articles which cannot describe the details of the sound.
- Future-Proof: Always consider the long-term investment. Spending a little more now could prevent you from upgrading too soon. However, you should be aware that the development of sound bars is slower than other technological devices like monitors, laptops, and many other items. Basically, you can just get older models as long as they meet your needs and preferences.
Potential Trade-Offs with Budget Options
That is fine if you are keeping an eye on your wallet. But let us be honest, budget options may have some downsides that you might want to think about.
- Sound Quality: Never expect mind-blowing bass or insane surround sound from this price point. Budget sound bars are okay, but not exceptional. Most affordable sound bars have thin, harsh, boxy audio with little to no bass. This decreases the experience quality, particularly if you enjoy watching movies.
- Build and Design: Sturdy build materials and sleek designs may not exist on this price point. It is more about function rather than design. Most modern sound bars already have a minimalistic look that fits well in a modern living room. Weight and material quality are the two obvious aspects you will notice. The material is thinner, and the device weighs lighter. You should hand it with care because it normally doesn’t last long.
- Features: You may miss out on important features such as voice control or Wi-Fi connectivity. The cables are typically non-modular and stick out like a sore thumb. Generally, the ports are only for the optical cable or AUX. There is no HDMI port available on most budget sound bars.
After all, when looking for a sound bar, it is vital to seek the best balance based on your current needs and budget. That way, you can enjoy the best audio quality possible while staying within your budget. Now, for your reference, we have selected sound bars in each price range. Let us find out.
The Best Sound Bar of Each Price Range
Sonos – Arc Soundbar (Best Premium Sound Bar)
It is simple to set up, reliable, has a sleek design, and is powerful despite its small size. Those are the first thoughts that come to mind when thinking about the Sonos Arc Soundbar. This high-end sound bar is full of features, including Wi-Fi, which allows you to stream music from your phone to this sound bar via the Sonos app.
Another interesting feature of this sound bar is the compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can basically use it as a home assistant to play music, check the news, set an alarm, answer random questions, and so on. The capability to easily expand the system if you have other Sonos speakers is what makes this sound bar awesome.
Some users provide positive comments on this sound bar for the excellent sound quality when playing highs, mids, and lows. Even if you only have one unit installed, the audio roll off can create amazing surround vibes. That is, the audio smoothly transitions from right to left and vice versa. This model is highly recommended for those who demand a high-quality audio setup with a clean, minimalistic look and setup.
Yamaha Audio SR-C30A Compact Sound Bar (Best Mid-Range Sound Bar)
Yamaha has one of their sound bar products that is highly recommended for less than $300. The build quality is undeniably solid. When paired with a sleek subwoofer, this dynamic duo is designed to seamlessly blend into your space. The sound bar is only 23 inches wide which is quite compact, and the wireless subwoofer can be positioned differently as your preference, either vertically or horizontally.
We are aware that size matters, but this sound bar refuses to sacrifice sound quality. The C30A is packed with cutting-edge features like virtual 3D surround sound, Clear Voice, and Adaptive Low Volume, all neatly packed into a compact design designed for flexibility.
Yamaha Audio SR-C30A has four different sound presets. They are Standard, Stereo, 3D Movie, and Game. 3D Movie mode provides realistic virtual surround sound, while Game mode optimizes audio for an incredible gaming experience.
Bluetooth connectivity in this device is dependable for streaming music and podcasts. With multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and aux connections, this model is simple to set up and has various ways to connect to your TV or other device. The unisex look and a corded electric power source prove that this sound bar is designed for everyone.
Many reviewers also love this product because it is not so expensive. It is ideal for budget-conscious customers. Because of its compact size, it can be easily installed beneath the TV. In the end, the sound quality is excellent, especially with the subwoofer added.
Philips B5106 2.0-Channel Sound Bar (Best Budget Sound Bar)
It is a great investment, particularly for international brands. This 60W sound bar can improve the audio quality of your favorite media. You can enhance voices, music, and movies using one of the three preset modes available.
This sound bar’s seamless integration with Roku TV allows for a simple setup, quick access to sound settings, and compatibility with your Roku remote. For an enhanced audio experience, you can simply just connect your preferred devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets into it.
Say goodbye to remote searching because this sound bar connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, allowing unified control with your TV remote. The unique geometric design adds a simple yet distinctive touch to your home, whether you put it on a TV stand, wall, or any flat surface. A power cord, two AAA batteries, a power adapter, a remote control, a wall mount bracket, a quick start guide, and a warranty card are all included in the package.
A sound bar is highly recommended if you want to improve the audio quality output from your TV even at higher volumes. When watching your favorite movies, an additional subwoofer can provide a more immersive experience. It is important to note, however, that you should find the sound bar that fits your needs and budget. In general, you should look for a sound bar that is large enough to produce loud and clear sound, as well as volume from its integrated or external subwoofer.
With a simple plug-and-play setup, you don’t need a professional to help you install the device onto your TV. Starting at $50, you can improve the audio quality while keeping your TV room looking stylish. If you are looking for one, make sure your TV’s audio connector is compatible with the sound bar. Otherwise, it will be just a waste of money.