It is almost impossible to fit high-quality acoustics into the thin bodies of modern TVs. Therefore, many models cannot boast of good sound quality, while the transmission of images is carried out at a high level. One way to solve the sound problem is to use a soundbar, which is a speaker system for use with a TV. These devices are available in a wide range, with different technical characteristics. Choosing a suitable model will not be difficult if you read our rating of popular soundbars and reviews from real users in advance.
Do I need a soundbar for my TV?
A soundbar is an acoustic panel or an entire system designed to enhance volume and improve sound quality. These devices are used in conjunction with televisions and essentially replace a conventional home theater.
A classic soundbar includes a subwoofer, amplifier and TV speaker panel. Together, these components create surround sound effects. Connecting the device is very simple, after which the speakers can be used in any room.
Which speakers to choose for your TV - Rating of acoustics for TV
Typically, a TV soundbar is used by those who don’t want to bother with installing a home theater. Another reason is the lack of space for large equipment. As a result, the user receives high-quality surround sound at a relatively low cost. The device is very easy to operate, and energy consumption is low and economical. Thanks to its compact size, the soundbar is very easy to transport from an apartment to a country house or to any other place.
How to choose a soundbar for your TV
Each TV soundbar has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when purchasing. First of all, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- Configuration _ Determined by the number of channels in the speaker system. The marking includes two numbers: the 1st indicates the number of channels, the 2nd means the presence of a channel with low frequencies. Budget speakers are available in 2.0 configuration. More often, 2.1 devices are found in a combination of two channels and a subwoofer. Devices 3.1, 5.1, etc. are considered more advanced.
- The presence of a subwoofer . This component provides the necessary clarity and power of low-level audio frequencies. Conventional acoustics in most cases simply cannot reproduce them normally. A subwoofer is necessary to create surround sound and presence when watching or listening to content. Speakers can be built-in or free-standing, connected via cable or via a wireless network. Not all soundbars are equipped with these devices.
- Interfaces and inputs . This includes HDMI and USB ports, an RJ-45 (Ethernet) connector, inputs for connecting audio equipment and transmitting digital signals, Wi-fi and Bluetooth modules.
- Output power . Determines the maximum volume of the acoustics. In a small room up to 20 m², 100 W is sufficient; in a room of 50 m², devices from 300 W and above will be required.
- Case material . Has a direct impact on sound quality. Good materials have high sound-absorbing properties. Plastic or glass do not absorb sound well, and increased volume can cause a resonance effect.
TOP 10 best models
The rating below includes speakers that are in highest demand among buyers and receive the most positive reviews.
Best budget model
Defender Aurora S20. This is a system of a pair of two-way computer speakers with a power of 10 W each. Dimensions - 7.6x25 cm, frequency range - 20-20000 Hz. The speaker is connected using a mini-jack connector and is powered from the network with standard parameters. The speakers are made of MDF panels, equipped with two controls - for volume and timbre of low-range frequencies. They are suitable for small rooms.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| High-quality assembly, good loud sound, low cost, long wires. | Excessively bright LED on the front panel, inconvenient location of the power button (at the back), easily soiled glossy surface of the case. | 1550 |
The most powerful model
LG SK10Y. This is a 5.1 system. (soundbar) with a total speaker output power of 550 W. It can be connected in several ways: in addition to the line input, there is an HDMI connector and an optical audio input. The subwoofer connects via Bluetooth. There is an Ethernet socket and mini-jack, Wi-Fi support. The kit includes a horizontal panel (for wall mounting), a subwoofer and a remote control. This is ideal for LG TVs.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Volume, high-quality sound at all frequencies, fast connection. | High cost, large intervals in settings. | 54990 |
Best wireless model
Edifier R2730DB. The speaker includes a pair of three-way speakers, the total power of which is 136 W. They can be connected via Bluetooth, RCA, optical or coaxial input. There are adjustments for high and low frequencies, as well as the ability to connect a subwoofer. The kit includes a remote control.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Clear and loud sound, easy connection, channel settings, wireless connection. | Outdated design, heavy weight. | 14700 |
Best Active Model
JBL Bar 2.1. This is an active audio system that is capable of creating surround sound thanks to two elements: a soundbar and a subwoofer. Output power - 300 W. Connectors: USB, optical and analog. The subwoofer connects via Bluetooth. The panel can be placed on a shelf or attached to a wall. Control is from the remote control.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Small size, rich sound, ability to connect external devices (for example, flash cards) for direct playback. | Poor placement of connectors (rear center of panel). | 14650 |
Best floor model
YAMAHA NS-777. These are two passive three-way speakers with an impressive frequency response of 30Hz to 35kHz and an input power of 100W. High and low channels are connected separately using a screw connector. The height of the speakers is 1.1 m, each weight is 24.4 kg.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Volume, sound and build quality, stylish appearance. | Impressive weight and size, difficulties in selecting an amplifier and tuning. | 20450 |
The best speakers with optical input
Edifier S760 D. These are speakers with a 5.1 optical input configuration and a power of 540 W. This system, in addition to RCA connectors for audio and video, has three jacks for connecting using an optical cable, which allows you to connect the speakers to several high-quality sound sources at once. The model is equipped with two remote controls: wired and wireless.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Loud but clear and realistic sound, works with multiple playback devices. | Heavy weight of components, especially the subwoofer (22 kg). | 36330 |
Best 5.1 model
Sony BDV-E3100. This is a home theater that is ideal for working with Sony Bravia TVs. In addition to five speakers and a subwoofer (total power 1000 W), the kit includes a receiver that is capable of playing popular video and audio formats, as well as playing several types of discs and receiving radio in the FM range. You can connect a keyboard (via USB port), external hard drives and an iPod to the device. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth supported.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Multifunctionality, rich bass, clear high tones, interaction with external devices. | A short cable for connecting a subwoofer, plastic speaker housings, an inconvenient menu. | 20160 |
Best 7.1 model
YAMAHA YSP-5600. This soundbar's small and powerful 128W drivers easily rival a set of eight separate speakers. Connection options include linear, coaxial, optical, HDMI or Bluetooth inputs. The speaker is characterized by support for common digital formats, AirPlay and Wi-Fi. There is an Ethernet connector.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Balanced bright sound, a set of different speakers under one housing. | Weak bass, expensive. | 107990 |
Best frontal model
YAMAHA NS-6490. This is a pair of passive three-way stereo speakers for front placement. Their rated power is 70 W, frequency range is 45 Hz-23 kHz. The speaker is a classic, time-tested option.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Deep sound, high quality build. | Large dimensions, weight (6 kg), archaic appearance, difficult to connect and configure. | 4390 |
Best wall model
JBL Bar Studio. This is a lightweight (1.4 kg) and compact soundbar that can be easily attached to a wall or placed on a shelf. The power of 30 W allows you to use the model for TV sound in a small room, in particular in the kitchen. Connections via HDMI, optical cable, line-in or Bluetooth are provided. There is a remote control and a wall mount.
| Positive aspects | Negative points | Initial cost, rub. |
| Compact, good combination of price and quality, fast connection, simple control. | Weak bass. | 6580 |
So, external speaker systems are optimal for solving sound issues when used with a TV, PC and other devices for playing music. Taking into account the size of the room, connection features, interests and capabilities of the buyer, the acoustics will last for many years without complaints or calls to professionals.
Which is better, a soundbar or a home theater music center?
The main function of the first sound projectors was to replace the weak acoustics of LCD televisions. This problem is still relevant, even for the most modern TVs. Therefore, sound systems are often used in conjunction with televisions, providing high-quality surround sound.
Most modern soundbars support all known sound formats. Their power provides surround sound and high quality playback. Modern soundbars have become truly multifunctional devices. Often they generally work autonomously, supporting mobile connections and external storage devices through which content is received for viewing and listening on TV. In many respects, they have long surpassed home theaters.
The operation of soundbars is based on the creation of sound waves, which are subsequently reflected from the ceiling and walls of the room. The built-in speakers are mounted at specific angles, so they project sounds precisely to their intended destination. Such actions completely simulate a multi-channel speaker system with high-quality surround sound.
If the area of the room is too large, then even a powerful device may not have enough resources. The sound will be dissolved in a large volume and its quality will decrease. In such cases, home theaters are more suitable.
Compared to a soundbar, it is an entire acoustic system consisting of several devices. The main components are a subwoofer, a player, an AV receiver, and a set of speakers. They are placed evenly around the perimeter of the room and create real surround sound.
Previously, in the absence of sound panels, cinemas were installed even in small rooms, where they looked very cumbersome and uncomfortable. With the advent of soundbars, a division occurred: sound panels began to be used in small rooms, and spacious halls began to be equipped for cinemas.
Thus, a direct comparison of these devices would be incorrect. Each of them occupies its own niche and successfully performs its functions. Proper use guarantees high efficiency of each system.
What to look for when choosing
Sound panels are especially popular, which means there are countless offers on the market. But how to choose a good model? What to look for when choosing new television acoustics? Let's start with the characteristics.
Soundbars are usually considered according to the following parameters:
- Audio system type;
- Speaker power;
- Frequency;
- The presence of a subwoofer element;
- Connection type.
All soundbars are multi-channel devices, but each model is implemented in its own way. There are systems that have 2 stereo speakers (2.0), there are those that have 2 speakers and a subwoofer (2.1), you can choose different systems: 3.1, 5.1 and even 9.1. Anything, depending on your financial capabilities.
But how can one straight, long-shaped speaker create surround sound? After all, even if several speakers are placed in it, the sound will still come from one zone. The secret lies in the internal design of the soundbar.
All the speakers inside the panel are controlled by separate amplifiers and they are located differently: the central speaker is directed strictly forward, the others are deployed at a certain angle and have their own tilt trajectories. Thanks to clear and well-calculated algorithms for adding sound level and strength, the result is voluminous and versatile.
Sound quality depends not only on the technical characteristics and design features of the sound panel; much is determined by the level of the audio track.
The power of a soundbar is a parameter that determines the volume range: the higher its value, the louder and better quality the sound will be reproduced. However, this does not mean at all that you need to start only from kilowatts. The optimal parameter for a soundbar is 100-300 W.
Frequency is another important characteristic for a speaker: the larger the range of frequencies your soundbar can reproduce, the cleaner and clearer its sound will be. The human ear perfectly perceives the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Subwoofers are speaker drivers designed to reproduce low-frequency sound, such as booming bass, exploding bombs, helicopter blades, etc. If you are a big fan of action movies or movies with epic music, then you are better off choosing a speaker with a subwoofer.
One last thing about connectivity: you'll likely only need one cable to connect your soundbar to your TV. Some soundbars use optical cables, but HDMI interfaces are preferred.
HDMI supports more audio formats than optical digital input, which effectively means you'll get higher quality audio.
