An all-in-one speaker system, delivering high-quality TV sound without the expense of a home theatre and sound speaker setup.
This long, slender cabinet has two or more speakers, providing either stereo or surround sound. Their(generally) sleek shape and design have earned them the name ‘SOUNDBARS’.
Soundbars are compact, horizontal speaker boxes that sit in front of your TV (below the screen) and “pinch hit” for any TV audio. A TV might have two of what are called “midrange drivers.” They are a speaker type that is a jack of all trades, but they simply don’t have the components to produce satisfying bass or treble frequencies.
One can get by with speakers like this, but, sonically speaking, it is also why the audio in commercials can sound jarring, or a movie’s score or sound effects can often obscure dialogue: there isn’t enough “room” for everything encoded into the audio to exist with enough separation.
For improved audio from movies or better-sounding music for social gatherings, a soundbar is a great way to do both.
A soundbar solves these problems, though how it does so will differ from product to product. Some soundbars are a standalone bundle of midrange speakers alongside speakers that specialize in bass or treble sounds. Some soundbars have an external “subwoofer,” which is a separate box that houses a single very large driver that specializes in the deepest bass sounds. As we dive into the world of soundbars and hope for improved audio from movies or better-sounding music for social gatherings, let’s take a look below at some of the great soundbars.:
1-LG – SL10YG
The LG SL10YG, a decent 5.1.2 soundbar system with a sound profile of overemphasized bass and treble ranges. It performs well at max volume and has multiple connection options. The SL10YG soundbar supports Atmos and other object-based sound formats. The bar can also be used as a hub for other devices.
Specifications
General
Bluetooth Yes
Configuration 5.1 Channel
Power Source AC Adapter
Power Output (RMS) 570 W
Frequency Response NA
Impedance 3
Color Black, Grey
Wired/Wireless Wireless
Wall Mountable Satellite Yes
Built-in Fm Radio Yes
Outdoor Usage No
Product Details
Display Type LCD
Battery Alkaline
USB Ports 1 USB Ports
Bluetooth 4.2 with Bluetooth Codec SBC
Audio Features
Maximum SPL 83 dB
Other Audio Features Chrome Cast, Sleep Timer, Automatic Power On/Off, Wireless Rear Speaker Ready, Dolby Digital Plus, Smart Phone File Playback, Built-in Google Assistant
Other Details
Chassis Material No, Plastic Chassis
Controls Volume, Play, Pause, Track Control
Remote Control Support Wireless
Dimensions
Width 144.3 cm
Height 6.3 cm
Depth 14.6 cm
Reasons to buy
- Good max volume.
- A decent number of connectivity options.
- A well-built design.
Reasons to avoid
- The V-shaped sound profile.
- A narrow soundstage.
- Possesses an excited sound profile, changing drastically with Atmos content.
Where to Buy
https://www.lg.com/in/audio/lg-SL10YG
2-Sonos Arc soundbar
The Sonos Arc is a standalone soundbar, that can be easily upgraded with Sub + One SL Speakers. The addition of a wireless subwoofer and surround satellites for an even more immersive experience. It supports Atmos content. This soundbar is versatile and well-built with a sleek design, also features built-in Google Assistant and Alexa.
Technical Details
Product Dimensions 8.64 x 114.3 x 11.43 cm; 11.16 Kilograms
Special Features Radio
Audio Output Mode Surround
Speaker Amplification Type Active
Speaker Connectivity HDMI
Connector Type HDMI
Mounting Type Wall Mount
Item Weight 11 kg 200 g
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Has a sleek and very well-built design.
- It is good for mixed-use and supports Atmos.
- Has a great stereo soundstage.
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Compression artifacts at max volume.
- No full EQ.
- Lacks some low-bass & the immersive experience
Where to Buy
https://www.sonos.com/en/shop/arc.html
—————————————————————————-
3-Bose Smart Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 delivers excellent quality sound along with some unique functions. The Smart Soundbar 700 has an attractive, elegant premium design with fantastic sound output. It supports eARC, Alexa, and comes with a universal remote control.
Specifications
Device Type Smart Speaker
Device Configuration Smart Wi-Fi Speaker
Device Configuration Detail Soundbar
Connectivity/Inputs USB | Bluetooth | WiFi
Physical Attributes
On-Device Control Type Touch Controls
On-Device Controls Music Mute Button | Power Button
Speaker Dimensions In cm (W x D x H) 97.81 x 10.81 x 5.72
Speaker Weight 4.76 Kg
Other Body Features Elegant Light Bar | Sophisticated Design | Glass-top Finish | Wrap-around Metal Grille
Mic Specifications
Microphone Availability Yes
No. of Microphones 8
Microphone Type Built-in Mic
Microphone Features Superior Voice Pickup
Smart Functions
Smartphone Application Controls Bose Music App
Voice Guidance Yes
Smart Assistance & Control Alexa Supported
Additional Smart Functions Apple Airplay 2
Network Connectivity
WiFi Supported Yes
Bluetooth Supported Yes
USB Types Supported Micro USB (Type-B)
Number of USB Ports 1 x Micro USB (Type-B)
HDMI Type HDMI (ARC) Output
Number of HDMI Ports 1 x HDMI (ARC) Output
Coaxial Digital Port Yes
Other Ports & Slots eARC | CEC | Optical TOSLink | Power Input
Remote Control TypeIR
Body Material Glass | Metal
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Has an elegant design and can be upgraded.
- Provide a great sound output.
- Comes with a Universal remote, HDMI & optical cable.
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Does not support Dolby, Atmos or DTSX
- The Alexa voice controls can get buggy at times
- Does not have any HDMI Pass-through
Where to Buy
4-Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
The Ambeo Soundbar is cutting-edge, with features such as Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi streaming support.
It simulates Atmos surround from a single bar, achieving this effect with a combination of 13 high-end drivers firing from the front, sides, and top of the unit. , enabling the system to reach down to a claimed 30Hz.
Specifications
Presets Movie, Music, Sports, Neutral, AMBEO off, on (Light, Standard, Boost)
Number of channels 5.1.4
Speaker type 6x 4″ longthrow woofer, cellulose sandwich cone
5x 1″ tweeter, aluminium dome tweeter
2x 3.5″ fullrange driver (top-firing)
Total number of speakers 13
Frequency response 30 Hz to 20 kHz (-3 dB)
Weightapprox. 18.5 kg
Temperature Range operation: +10 °C to +40 °C
storage: -20 °C to +70 °C
Dimensions approx. 126.5 x 13.5 x 17.1 cm incl. feet
126.5 x 12.5 x 17.1 cm w/o feet
Power consumption 250W (Sinus), 500W (Peak) Standby Power Consumption: ECO
Standby ON = 1.9W, ECO
Standby OFF = 5.5W
Voltage 100 – 240 V~ 50/60 Hz
Amplifier max. 500W
Display Graphic OLED with brightness sensor, status LED, AMBEO LED
Inputs 3x HDMI In (v.2.0a), 1x
HDMI Out (v.2.1 eARC)
1x Optical In
1x AUX In (Stereo RCA)
1x USB (for Service/Update)
1x Ethernet
1x Subwoofer Pre-Out (Mono-RCA, max. 2V)
1x Mic Input (2.5mm jack)
Bluetooth
Google Chromecast
Media (UPnP)
WiFi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Network Services Google Chromecast, UPnP
HDMI compatibility 4K Video-passthrough
Dolby Vision-passthrough compatible
Bluetooth Version 4.2, class 1, BR/EDR, BLE Supported Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC
Supported audio/
surround formats LPCM 2 Channel, LPCM 5.1 Channel, LPCM 7.1Channel
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby True HD
Dolby Atmos – Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos – Dolby Digital Plus
DTS
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
DTS 96/24
DTS-HD LBR
DTS:X
DSD, MPEG-H
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Offers the most realistic emulated surround
- Offers advanced connectivity, including HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi.
- Offers Exceptional bass without a separate subwoofer
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Its size doesn’t fit under most TVs.
- Doesn’t come with a subwoofer(lacks in immersive experience).
- Music & TV audio can be a little harsh.
Where to Buy
—————————————————————
5-Sony HT-G700
Sony has created a virtualized 3D audio with the HT-G700. This 3.1-channel soundbar delivers immersive 3D audio using not one, not two, but three competing audio technologies. The HT-G700 simulates height and surround cues using virtual 3D solutions from Dolby, DTS, and Sony itself.
While it lacks the firing drivers that most Dolby Atmos- and DTS: X-enabled soundbars employ for height effects, the HT-G700 simulates height and surround cues using virtual 3D solutions from Dolby, DTS, and Sony itself. The HT-G700 makes for an impressive showcase for how far virtualized 3D audio has come in recent years, yet it also betrays its weaknesses, particularly when it comes to Sony’s aggressive—perhaps too aggressive—implementation.
The HT-G700’s $500 price tag might sound enticing given its array of 3D audio functionality, but it’s also missing one huge feature: a Wi-Fi adapter. That means many of the wireless capabilities we’ve come to expect from soundbars in this price range—including multi-room audio, AirPlay 2 or Chromecast connectivity, direct support for streaming music services, and voice assistant support—are missing.
Specifications
General Information
Model HT-G700
Brand Sony
Amplifier Details
Amplifier Included Yes
Amplifier Power Output 400 Watts
Sound Related
Dolby Digital Yes
Connectivity Details
4K Compatibility Yes
HDMI (ARC) Yes
3D Compatibility Yes
Synch with TV Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Optical Cable Port Yes
No. of USB ports 1
No. of HDMI ports 2
USB Yes
HDMI Yes
Physical Dimensions
Soundbar Size 98 (W) x 6.4 (H) x 10.8 (D) cms
No. of Channels 3.1 Channel
Soundbar Weight 3500 grams
Sub-woofer size 19.2 (W) x 38.7 (H) x 40.6 (D) cms
Sub-woofer Weight 7500 grams
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- It supports virtual 3D modes from Dolby, DTS, and Sony
- Has a crisp, punchy sound
- Has additional night and voice enhancer modes
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- The virtual 3D modes sound harsh at times
- There is no Wi-Fi support(lacks AirPlay 2 or Chromecast connectivity, streaming music services, and voice assistant support)
- The Remote is not user friendly
Where to Buy
https://www.sony.co.in/electronics/sound-bars/ht-g700/specifications
6-Samsung HW-Q950A
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a premium soundbar, with new features, including an Auto EQ room correction feature and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. The Auto EQ feature offers a neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for lots of different types of audio content. It also supports Dolby Atmos content, and its dedicated surround speakers offer an immersive listening experience.
This soundbar comes with left, center, and right channels, two surround channels on the right, two surround channels on the left, and two satellite speakers. There are also side-firing drivers on each of the satellites.
Specifications
Audio Category
Device Configuration 9.1 Channel
Total Power Output 546 Watts
Connectivity/Inputs Bluetooth | WiFi
Sound
Audio Technology Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, ATMOS, DTS:X
Audio Decoder AAC, MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF
Subwoofer Type Wireless
Subwoofer Output 28 W
Sound Modes Standard, Game Pro, Adaptive, Surround Sound Expansion
Physical Attributes
Speaker/Woofer Features
Number of Speaker : 20,
Center Speaker, Up-firing Speaker Full
Range, Side-firing Speaker : Full Range,
Wireless Rear Speaker
Other Body Features Wide Range Tweeter, Textile by Kvadrat
Smart Functions
Smartphone Application Controls Smart Things App
Voice Guidance Yes
Smart Assistance & Control Alexa Built-In
Additional Smart Functions Q-Symphony, Tap Sound, Spotify Connect, Game Mode Pro
Video Output Specifications
HDR Type HDR 10 Plus
Additonal Video Specifications 4K Video Pass
Network Connectivity
Bluetooth Supported Yes
Bluetooth Codec SBC, Bluetooth Power On
Ports & Slots
HDMI Type HDMI (ARC) | HDMI Input | HDMI Output
Number of HDMI Ports 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x HDMI CEC
Other Ports & Slots 1 x Optical In
Plug Details
Power 47 W
Power Consumption (Standby) 0.45 W
Product Dimensions (Open)
Dimensions in cm (WxDxH) 123.20 x 69.50 x 13.80
Dimensions in Inches (WxDxH) 48.50 x 27.36 x 5.43
Weight 27.8 kg
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Dialogue enhancement feature.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility.
- Active Voice Amplifier feature that makes voices more clear and crisp
- Night Mode setting that balances out the volume level
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Doesn’t support Chromecast built-in
Where to Buy
https://www.samsung.com/in/audio-devices/soundbar/q950a-black-hw-q950a-xl/
——————————————————-
7-Vizio 2.1 Soundbar and Sub (SB3621NS-H8)
The Vizio V Series 2.1 Sound Bar is a 2.1 soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer, fair for mixed usage. Its sound profile is well-suited to listening to bass-heavy music as well as action-packed TV shows. There are even an HDMI ARC port and a dedicated AUX port for connecting to voice assistant speakers.
Specifications
Sound Bar Size 36″ (914.40mm)
Subwoofer Size 5″ (133.35mm)
Sound Pressure Level 100dB
Sound Bar Buttons Power, Input, Volume Up, Volume Down, Bluetooth
Remote Yes
Total Number of Speakers 2
Sound Enhancement Technology DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Volume
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Gets loud.
- Four EQ presets.
- A balanced mid-range keeps the dialogue
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Doesn’t support Atmos content.
- Some distortion at max volume.
- Downmixes surround content into stereo
Where to Buy
https://www.vizio.com/en/sound-bar/s-series/SB3621ns-H8
————————————————————
8-Yamaha YSP-5600
The YSP-5600 delivers an exciting, immersive performance with superb overhead surround sound and plenty of great features. Using multiple array speakers and proprietary IntelliBeam technology to precisely aim discrete channels of sound around the room.
The YSP-5600 simply adds upward-firing drivers into the mix to support Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
Specifications
General
Output Channel 7.1.2-channel
Output Power 128W total power: 88W array speakers + 40W woofers
Standby Power Consumption 0.3W (HDMI control OFF, Network Standby OFF), 1.6W (HDMI Control OFF, Network Standby ON, Wi-Fi ON)
Beam Drivers Array speaker for Vertical Sound Beam: 2.8 cm (1-1/8”) x 6 beam drivers x2 (L/R), Array speaker for Horizontal Sound Beam: 4.0 cm (1-1/2”) x 32 beam drivers
Woofers 11 cm (4-1/2”) x 2 woofers
Dimensions (W x H x D) [without stands] 1,100 x 212 x 93 mm; 43-1/4” x 8-3/8” x 3-5/8”, [with stands] 1,100 x 216 x 122 mm; 43-1/4” x 8-1/2” x 4-3/4”
Weight 11.7 kg; 25.8 lbs.
Input / Output
HDMI 4 in (Input1: HDCP2.3) / 1 out (HDCP2.3, ARC)
Digital Optical 2 in
Digital Coaxial 1 in
Analog Audio 1 in
Subwoofer output Yes
HDMI 4K Pass-through Yes (60p)
x.v.Color Yes
3D Pass-through Yes
ARC Yes
CEC Yes
Auto Lip-Sync Yes
Sound Technology
Surround Technology Digital Sound Projector
CINEMA DSP Movie 3 (Sci-Fi, Adventure, Spectacle)
CINEMA DSP Music 3 (Music Video, Concert, Jazz Club)
CINEMA DSP Entertainment 4 (Sports, Talk Show, Drama, Game)
Listening Mode 3D SURROUND, SURROUND, STEREO, TARGET, My Surround
Compressed Music Enhancer Yes
Wireless Music Streaming Yes (with Bluetooth)
Wi-Fi Yes (IEEE802.11b/g/n, Radio Frequency Band 2.4GHz)
AirPlay Yes
Bluetooth Version/Profile (Version) Ver. 2.1 + EDR (Codec) Receiving: SBC, MPEG4-AAC / Transmitting: SBC
Ethernet Yes (100base-T, 10base-T)
Other Features IntelliBeam Yes
On-Screen Display Yes
On-Screen Display Languages English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Turkish, Japanese
ECO Mode Yes
App Control Yes
Accessories (Optional) Wall Mounting Bracket SPM-K30
Dolby Atmos Yes
DTS:X Yes (possible with a firmware update)
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Excellent surround sound
- A good impression of height
- Expansive, open sound field
- Plenty of streaming features
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Could have more insight and dynamic subtlety
- The large design won’t suit all spaces
Where to Buy
https://in.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/sound_bar/ysp-5600/index.html#product-tabs
—————————————————–
9-Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar is an entry-level 2.0 soundbar. This bar performs well with dialogue-heavy content like podcasts and TV shows, thanks to its fairly neutral and well-balanced mid-range. It has some sound customization features, including four EQ presets a dialogue enhancement feature, and an auto volume setting.
Specifications
Technical Details
Brand Name Roku
Item Weight 5.5 pounds
Product Dimensions 3.9 x 32.2 x 2.8 inches
Country of Origin China
Item model number 9101R
Batteries 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
Colour Name Black
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Gets loud.
- Adjustable dialogue enhancement feature.
- Voice assistant capabilities.
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Doesn’t support Atmos content.
- Lacking sub-bass.
- No dedicated subwoofer.
Where to Buy
https://www.roku.com/en-gb/products/audio_roku-smart-soundbar-archive
10-Klipsch Cinema 400
The Klipsch Cinema 400 is a 2.1 setup from the company’s 2020 lineup. It comes with a dedicated subwoofer, which helps reproduce a present and punchy bass. it has a very neutral sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content.
Specifications
Product Dimensions 101 x 7.3 x 8.6 cm; 12 Kilograms
Batteries 2 AA batteries required. (included)
Special Features Subwoofer
Mounting Hardware Wireless subwoofer, Sound bar, Wall mount template, Wall mounts, Power Cords, Remote, HDMI Cable
Number Of Items 1
Speakers Maximum Output Power 400 Watts
Speaker Amplification Type Active
Speaker Connectivity HDMI
Audio Wattage 400 Watts
Wattage 400 Watts
Batteries Included Yes
Batteries Required Yes
Speaker Output Channel Quantity 3
Connector Type Wireless, HDMI
Includes Rechargeable Battery No
Remote Control Included Yes
Item Weight 12 kg
Reasons to buy ( 3 )
- Subwoofer level adjustment.
- Subwoofer level adjustment available.
- Bluetooth-compatible.
Reasons to avoid ( 3 )
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos.
- Downmixes surround content into stereo.
- Compression at max volume.
Where to Buy