FACTORS TO BE REMEMBERED WHEN BUYING A SOUNDBAR

We can generally term soundbar as an all-in-one speaker system that delivers first-class TV sound irrespective of space, convolution, surround sound speaker setup, and expense of a home theater receiver. This device is featured with a slender long cabin that comprises two or more speakers and offers the setup of surround sound or stereo. So, soundbars are a cost-effective substitute for stereo sound systems that can considerably improve the quality of audio in your home theater, living room, or conference/meeting room. If you are expecting better audio from movies or improved music sound for social gatherings, a soundbar is considered as the ideal choice.

In appearance, soundbar is an extended speaker system that can repeat a broad sound field where a number of built-in mini speakers are arranged. The system is outfitted with an amplifier to run these speakers that are arranged with various connectivity options to make your equipment and TV functional. This unique arrangement can also be made operational with a wireless subwoofer system. The average soundbar can be made fitted on the wall under the TV or placed on the furniture of the TV.

While designing Televisions, manufacturers give utmost importance to graphics, whereas they give only little consideration to sound systems. So, you need extra devices to make your entertainment complete. This is the reason why you want a soundbar for your TV. Soundbars are featured with incredible design, and they do not require space like home theater speakers. Moreover, they are capable of providing an absolute surround sound, particularly when you merge the system with some mini speakers. This is the reason why soundbars have become the preferred choice.

Soundbars are the suitable way to bring forth better audio quality for your TV as they are very simple to install. While most soundbars are not capable of generating sound as good as separate speakers, they are still greatly better than the built-in speakers of your TV. So, purchasing a soundbar is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve the sound system of your television. However, there are some important factors which you need to consider before purchasing a soundbar.

Unboxed Soundbar

While searching soundbars, you can come across a narrow long speaker bar together with a subwoofer. Soundbars are also available without a subwoofer. It has got the unique quality to amplify the sound, and make it even better to hear. Here, the width of the soundbar is very significant as it produces the virtual surround sound effect. The single soundbar is generally featured with a range of speaker drivers, and a built-in amplifier.

Subwoofer

If the soundbar is constituted with a subwoofer, you can either connect it with a cord or use it wirelessly. If it is a wireless subwoofer, you can keep the device out of the way such as beneath the furniture, whereas a corded subwoofer requires an additional power socket. All soundbar models are not often featured with an extra subwoofer. There are also premium soundbars available with in-built subwoofers, so that in such a case you need not purchase an additional subwoofer for your sound system.

Remote control

Soundbars are also available with a remote control, and the arrangement can be used to regulate the volume and other purposes on the entire device. If you are choosing a soundbar system without a remote, you will have to rely either on your TV or Blu-ray player to manage the speaker.

Wall mount or TV stand

If the sound bar is launched with a bracket like arrangement, you get the unique option to mount your soundbar under your TV. On the other hand, if the soundbar is not providing this option, you have to arrange it on your TV stand. As there are diverse TV brands with various display options, it is up to you to decide whether you want to get the soundbar mounted to conserve the space or want to keep it on the surface. Some soundbars are available with their own wall mount, and if you want to arrange the device in that manner, you may try to get one such soundbar. It is imperative for you to check and see whether it is compatible with a wall mount facility. There are also soundbars which are strictly designed to arrange it on a stand. However, mounting the bracket arrangement is the easiest way.

Connectivity

One of the main advantages of soundbar is that the same can be used wirelessly. Trendy soundbars are often launched with either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This wireless facility enables you to connect your smart devices such as iPad, TV, Smartphone, etc. In soundbars without these options, there are connection ports such as RCA, HDMI, and 3.5 mm, which support you to plug in with your wires. If you are looking to attach your soundbar to an AV receiver, you are in need of an HDMI cord, and you can use these cords to connect your TV with the soundbar.

Active or Passive

Before deciding to buy a soundbar, it is important for you to select from either an active or passive model. In active soundbars all the required gears including the speakers and amplifiers are constituted in one system. On the other hand, an extra amplifier is required in a passive soundbar. In this case, you are in need of an AV receiver which is used to connect with the wires of the adjoining speaker.

Compared to passive soundbars, active soundbars are very easy to arrange. On the other hand, a complete surround sound arrangement can be obtained with passive soundbars.

Price

While planning to purchase a soundbar of your choice, it is better to consider the price of the same predominantly. In general, almost all soundbars are reasonably priced. However, it is not sensible to compare the features of superior quality soundbars with that of the cheaper models. You can never expect an excellent sound quality from cheap soundbars available in the market. Even though, the premium soundbars promise a quality surround sound, you can expect only a virtual sound effect from less pricey models. The more you pay, the more superior its features will be. So, if you want to get a soundbar with perfect sound quality, you will have to pay some additional amount.

Dolby Atmos and DTS: X

Another vital thing you need to consider when buying a soundbar is its support for the most recent Dolby technologies. This is essential, as it adds to your television viewing experience. You cannot expect this unique feature in all available such soundbars. It supports you with the required surround sound effect when viewing your media. If your soundbar has adequate support from these technologies, you can customize your sound system properly. You will also have the right of entry through its settings to control the effect of music. Dolby is well known for offering great sound quality for both movies and music.

Smart features

In the market you can come across different types of soundbars. Apart from regular type devices, there are also soundbars with excellent smart features. In the regular type soundbars, the main focus is on the quality of audio, whereas in a smart soundbar, you can enjoy added features such as voice recognition. These features are particularly beneficial for people who work virtually, because these qualitative aspects are very much supportive for your video calls live-streaming. If you are deciding to buy a soundbar, it is better to make sure that the soundbar of your choice exhibits these features before deciding to go ahead with buying the same. Smart soundbars generally come between the mid-range and high-range models. You will not be able to find these features either in reasonably priced soundbars or budget ones.

Go through this valuable information on soundbars before moving to purchase one. As there are affordable and costly sound bars available in the market, remember to buy the apt one as per your requirements. Never decide to compromise on quality for the sake of an affordable price. Since this is a long term investment, I try to choose only the best quality product.