Until recently, music lovers dreamed of putting a home theater in their home. Today, dreams are already different - more modern and technological, for example, a soundbar. What is a soundbar and how to use it?
System Features
The soundbar is a soundbar, which is a compact audio system that allows you to enjoy music without massive speakers and subwoofers. The soundbar does not have a large number of speakers, since all the necessary functions are collected in one case. What is a soundbar, an inexperienced user will ask? It is an ideal home theater alternative that takes up little space and allows you to enjoy great sound at optimal volume.
How does it work?
The soundbar attracts attention with its versatility: it can work both in tandem with a TV, and as a standalone player, if you connect a USB flash drive to it or insert a disc with music. Two types of systems are popular today: active (connection is made directly to the TV) and passive (requires connection to an AV receiver).
To get a better idea of what a soundbar is, you need to study its structure. The current model consists of:
- player;
- speaker kit;
- audio processor that delivers full sound.
As a rule, soundbars can have up to 16 sound speakers, which are located at certain angles, as well as a bass speaker - it acts as a subwoofer. The panel is easy to use as it can be customized to suit the needs of each user via the remote control.
Where to put?
If the area does not allow you to put bulky things, such as home theaters, a soundbar will be a great solution. It is suitable for living rooms, bedrooms or small apartments where you want to equip a recreation area. Moreover, there is no universal panel, so for each room you should choose a specific model. Externally, the panel is an oblong box in which drivers, digital amplifiers, circuits and connectors are mounted, so that the sound is reproduced much more clearly. The specially designed cabinet also serves the purpose of reproducing quality sound.
Which is better - soundbar or home theater?
Different types of speaker systems are very popular today. What is better? It should be based on your own preferences. Soundbars, for example, attract attention with a variety of design options and playback quality. Moreover, it is not necessary to choose them depending on the length of the TV, because you can mount them anywhere. Most often, buyers choose soundbars because they are cheaper and save space, which is especially true forsmall rooms.
Connection Features
Most often selected soundbar for TV. However, many panels are equipped with one or two digital audio jacks, as well as several analog inputs. All sources are simply connected to the TV, while all content will sound through the panel. Some expensive models have HDMI inputs for multi-channel audio.
Most buyers choose panels to watch TV or movies in high quality. That is why they are so popular. A typical connection option is wireless via Bluetooth, since most types of technology today support this technology. The panels are controlled via the remote control included in the kit.
Installation Features
What is a soundbar, we figured it out. Now it remains to understand where it is better to put it. Some hang on the wall, but you should pay attention to the fact that the panel does not cover the bottom of the TV and its IR sensor. Some panels, by the way, sound better if they are removed from the TV case. Wall installation is simple. The only difficulty is to remove the wires so that the interior is aesthetic. An attractive option for many is the hinged mount. This allows you to move the panel to different positions, change the angle of its inclination.
If you dream of loud sound, then make sure to complement the soundbar with a subwoofer. Some models are immediately supplied with it, it is attached to the system withoutwires, making installation simple and convenient. The location of the subwoofer can be fiddled with to get clear and high-quality sound.
Which brand do you prefer?
Which soundbar is better? To answer this question, you need to decide for yourself a number of parameters. Remember that the soundbar is a speaker system, so when choosing, focus on power, distortion and frequency. The end effect is achieved by high-quality bass, so it is important to pay attention to the type of subwoofer. This is the first one.
Second - the ability to connect Blu-Ray. This is an additional device, but very necessary, especially if you like to watch movies in excellent quality. That is, thanks to this option, you will get a real home theater, only compact and stylish.
Third - manufacturability. Many models are equipped with all conceivable and unthinkable options that are not always needed. Elite panel gives, for example, the ability to integrate via Wi-Fi and support for Smart TV. A modern 3D soundbar can cost 5,000, 20,000, and 50,000 rubles.
Samsung
In the middle price range, buyers are advised to pay attention to the Samsung HW-E450. This is a classic 2.1 class soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. The main acoustic part of the model pleases with full-fledged high-frequency radiators. The point placement of the heads allows you to achieve better positioning of sounds in space. Samsung soundbar (reviews about it emphasizeprimarily at an affordable cost) has a minimum number of additional features and only plays music. There is an HDMI input. The sound quality is good, which is noted by many users. The cost is about 9500 rubles.
More advanced model - Samsung HW-E450. It costs about 32,000 rubles. It's all about advanced functionality: an optical cable that supports Blu-Ray and other interfaces, network integration via Wi-Fi, connection with mobile devices via Bluetooth. Sound quality and decent for a medium sized room.
LG
An interesting and inexpensive model is the LG HLT55W 5.1 soundbar. It has separate rear speakers, so we cannot say that we have a compact system. In general, the audio system is not bad in terms of sound quality, it has advanced features in the form of an FM receiver and karaoke. The cost of the model is about 9500 rubles.
More modern and stylish soundbar - LG BB5530A. It reproduces sound in 4.1 format without the need for additional speakers. The device itself converts any video to excellent resolution. There is a Wi-Fi Direct function, so you can transfer any multimedia content. The LG soundbar is characterized by excellent sound, which will delight connoisseurs of high quality.
Philips
The company offers a truly democratic device - for only 8200 rubles you can get a high-quality system. Of course, it does not have advanced functionality, but still it is quite enough for home use. By usingBluetooth connects with smartphones so that you can listen to music. The sound quality, according to users, corresponds to the price, so you should not expect excellent performance from this technique.
Mystery
To win the trust of customers, not only large brands strive, but also small companies that attract attention to their products through a small price. A vivid example of this is the Mystery MSB-115W soundbar model. It has an average playback quality, wireless technologies are not available in it, but the price is economical. In user reviews, it is noted that the device creates significant interference with the operation of a home Wi-Fi network. Therefore, this model for 4800 rubles can be purchased solely as a way to improve the sound for an inexpensive TV.
JBL
The JBL SB100 soundbar costs about 10,000 rubles. This manufacturer is not well known, but has already created several noteworthy models for its customers. JBL SB100 is not equipped with a wireless subwoofer, networks are fully integrated. At the same time, the cost of models differs in availability. The system has full-fledged speakers that are mounted inside, so the sound level is decent. In addition, the SB100 has a stylish design solution, which is not inherent in all budget models. And even the quality of the plastic in this model is noted by users as a good distinguishing feature.
Sony
The Sony HT-CT660 soundbar costs 15,000 rubles, while its class is 2.1. Users note that with suchThe high price of the model does not justify either its quality or additional features. Among the advantages of technology, high-quality sound is noted, but other options are limited. The HT-CT660 can only be used to listen to music from various sources or connect to phones via Bluetooth.
The Sony HT-GT1 soundbar is a more advanced 2.1 configuration model. This audio system costs from 14,000 rubles, suitable for daily movie watching and listening to music. The body of the panel and the subwoofer is made of wood, so there is no noise and rattle when sounding, the sound is excellent even at high volumes. The presence of special Sony Clear Voice technology ensures that the sound will be clear even with dialogue.
To wirelessly transfer music in high quality, just touch the panel with a smartphone or tablet that supports Bluetooth and NFC. The free application allows you to control the audio system again via Bluetooth. There is also the original BASS BAZUKA button: it instantly turns on the bass level, while the sound does not lose any clarity or purity.
Panasonic
The Panasonic SC-HTB520 soundbar is a 1-in-1 option. For about 14,000 rubles, you can purchase a full-fledged home theater equipped with a wireless subwoofer. Users note that with excellent sound quality, the network functions of the device are minimal. However, in some cases it is advisable to use just such a system. Basic adjustments are provided in the most accessible way.
Yamaha
Yamaha is one of the leadersfor the production of soundbars. The YSP-1400 model costs about 17,500 rubles, while it looks non-standard, and this already attracts attention. On the front panel there are 8 speakers that form sound beams. They are reflected from the furniture and thus create a real surround sound. Users note the user-friendly interface, the ability to configure the device independently and according to their requirements. Minus - there is no subwoofer in the kit, instead of it, two low-frequency speakers are mounted in the panel stand.
