Soundbars

How to Choose a Soundbar?

A soundbar can transform your living room into a cinema or concert hall, offering you rich, deep, and immersive sound. Whether you’re looking for a simple and affordable soundbar for your TV, a more sophisticated soundbar for a home theater experience, or a high-end soundbar for studio-quality sound, you’ll find all the necessary information here.

How Do Soundbars Work?

Soundbars are designed to provide a superior audio experience compared to the built-in speakers in TVs. Unlike built-in speakers, which generally have limited power, soundbars use multiple speakers to create a wider, clearer, and more immersive sound. They use advanced technologies to produce virtual surround sound (without rear speakers), which can give the impression that sound is coming from different directions around the room. Some models include directional speakers like Yamaha, which help create an even more immersive experience. A dedicated subwoofer is often used to add more depth. The most high-end models are even compatible with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for true 3D surround sound. They can also offer additional features such as customizable audio settings, enhanced bass, and extended connectivity options. In general, they are compatible with a wide variety of devices, including TVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles, smartphones, and tablets. Some models are even multiroom compatible like Sonos and allow, via a dedicated app, the playback of your streaming sources like Deezer or Spotify.

Entry-Level Soundbars

Entry-level models are the simplest and cheapest on the market. They are perfect for those looking to improve their TV’s sound quality without the hassle of a subwoofer or rear speakers. Basic features and functionalities often include average output power, limited connectivity (usually an HDMI Arc input and an optical input), a simple and sleek design, and thus easy and intuitive use without any particular setup. While these models don’t offer as many features as high-end soundbars, they provide superior sound quality compared to TV speakers. They can also be used to listen to music from your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. However, entry-level soundbars also have their limitations. They are not as powerful as high-end models and may lack clarity or depth in the bass. Additionally, their limited connectivity can make it difficult to add other peripherals, such as a Blu-ray player or a game console. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable soundbar to improve your TV’s sound quality, an entry-level soundbar might be a good choice for you. However, if you’re an audiophile or looking to create a sophisticated home theater system, you might want to consider higher-end models.

Mid-Range Soundbars

Mid-range soundbars offer superior sound quality compared to entry-level models. They also have more features and better connectivity for a more immersive and versatile listening experience.

The characteristics and features of mid-range soundbars often include higher output power, more advanced connectivity, multiple HDMI inputs, optical, Bluetooth, WiFi, and even multiroom capabilities. A more sophisticated design with higher quality materials. Additional features such as equalization modes, voice control, or a separate subwoofer.

Mid-range models are perfect for those looking to create a complete home theater system or enhance their music listening experience. They are also suitable for video games thanks to their extensive connectivity.

However, mid-range soundbars can sometimes be expensive, and their size may not fit all spaces. Additionally, some advanced features may be unnecessary for users simply seeking basic sound improvement.

If you’re looking to enhance your listening experience and benefit from more advanced features, a mid-range soundbar could be a good choice for you. However, if you’re seeking even better sound quality or a wider variety of features, you might consider high-end models.

High-End Soundbars

High-end soundbars are the most advanced and expensive models on the market. They offer exceptional sound quality and advanced features for a superior listening experience.

The characteristics and features of high-end soundbars include high output power, advanced connectivity (multiple HDMI inputs, WiFi, Airplay, Bluetooth, optical, multiroom…), an elaborate design with premium materials, advanced features such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X compatibility, automatic calibration, or a dedicated control app for streaming platforms, web radios, or multiroom management.

High-end soundbars are perfect for audiophiles and cinephiles seeking an immersive and superior quality listening experience. They have advanced connectivity, and their features are customizable with a dedicated app.

However, high-end soundbars can be very expensive and often require a more complex setup. Additionally, their size can be cumbersome for small spaces.

If you’re looking to invest in a superior listening experience, a high-end soundbar can be an excellent choice. However, if you’re simply looking for basic sound improvement, an entry-level or mid-range soundbar might be more suited to your needs and budget.

How to Choose the Best Soundbar?

When choosing a soundbar, it’s important to consider some key criteria to ensure you get the best possible sound. Here are the main criteria to consider:

Sound Quality

Sound quality is one of the most important criteria to consider when purchasing a soundbar. It is determined by several factors, including power, clarity, and sound precision. It is important to choose a soundbar that offers high-level sound quality to achieve the best listening experience possible.

Compatibility

It is important to choose a soundbar that is compatible with the devices you use, such as your TV, Blu-ray player, or gaming console. Make sure to check the available connections on the soundbar and ensure they match those of your devices.

Features

Some soundbars offer additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC connectivity, support for voice assistants, etc. These features can enhance your listening experience and make the soundbar more versatile.

Design

The design of the soundbar is also important, as it should blend with your interior decor and be easy to integrate into your setup. Make sure to choose a soundbar that suits the aesthetics of your room.

Budget

Price is an important factor to consider when purchasing a soundbar. Make sure to choose a soundbar that fits your budget and offers good sound quality and features suited to your needs. By considering these criteria, you should be able to find a soundbar that meets your needs and offers a high-quality listening experience. Don’t forget to read user reviews and comments to get an idea of what others think about the soundbar you are considering buying.

How to Install a Soundbar?

Once you have chosen the model that best suits your needs, it’s time to install it. Here are the steps to follow to install your soundbar:

Step 1: Positioning

First, you need to determine the ideal location. You can place the bar directly in front of your TV, on a piece of furniture, or mount it on the wall. Ensure the soundbar is placed at the appropriate height for comfortable listening.

Step 2: Connection

Once you have found the ideal location for your soundbar, you need to connect it to your TV. Most soundbars connect using an HDMI cable with the TV’s Arc or eArc function or an optical digital link. Make sure to properly connect the soundbar using the appropriate cable based on your TV.

Step 3: Configuration

After connecting the soundbar to your TV, you can configure it for optimal use. Some have additional features such as equalization settings, surround modes, or wireless connectivity options. Follow the user manual instructions to configure your soundbar according to your preferences.

Step 4: Test

Finally, once your soundbar is connected and configured, it’s time to test it. Play a movie or TV show and adjust the volume and settings accordingly. If necessary, make additional adjustments until you achieve the sound that suits you.

Using the Soundbar

Once your soundbar is installed and set up, it’s time to use it to enjoy a superior audio experience. Here are some tips for using your soundbar optimally:

Use the Soundbar Remote

Most soundbars come with a dedicated remote control for adjusting volume, inputs, and audio settings. Use the provided remote to control your soundbar, as it offers greater flexibility and a better user experience.

Use the Audio Modes

Some soundbars have specific audio modes for different types of content. For example, there might be a “movie” mode for an immersive movie-watching experience or a “music” mode for better sound quality when playing music. Explore the different modes available to find the one that best suits your needs.

Adjust Your Soundbar Settings

Your soundbar may have equalization settings to adjust bass, treble, and midrange levels. Explore the available options to adjust the settings according to your listening environment and personal preferences.

Connect Your Soundbar to Other Devices

Some soundbars can be connected to other devices such as smartphones or laptops via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows you to stream music from your device directly to your soundbar wirelessly. By following these tips, you can use your soundbar optimally to enjoy a superior audio experience at home.