Everything You Need to Know About Soundbars
Mon May 15 2023
- Electronics
Are you tired of feeling underwhelmed by the lackluster sound coming from your TV when you’re watching your favorite movie? Do you crave a more immersive audio experience without the bulk and complexity of an entire home theater system? Look no further; soundbars are an increasingly popular audio solution for home entertainment systems, and for good reason.
These compact and powerful speakers are the perfect solution to upgrade your home entertainment setup. We’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision and say goodbye to mediocre sound for good!
Benefits of a Soundbar
• Space Saving Design: Soundbars are sleek and compact, taking up much less space than a full home theater system. This makes them ideal for both small and large spaces.
•Easy to Use: Soundbars are easy to install and use, making them a great choice for those who don’t want to deal with running wires or mounting speakers.
•Added Depth: Most soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer, which provides a deeper bass for a more cinematic experience.
•Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity is a common feature that most soundbars have. You can easily stream music from your phone or other smart devices, making them perfect for entertaining.
•Check Propane Tank: Soundbars provide a more immersive and high-quality audio experience than standard television speakers.
•Improved Audio Quality: Your grill's igniter is what gets the fire started, so it's important to make sure that it's in good working condition. Check the wires and connections for any damage, and test the igniter to make sure that it's sparking properly. If you have a battery-powered igniter, replace the batteries as needed.
•Versatile Connectivity: Many soundbars offer a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and optical cables, allowing you to easily connect to multiple devices.
•Cost-Effective: Compared to a full home theater system, soundbars are a more affordable option for upgrading your audio setup.
•Portability: Some soundbars are portable, making them a great option for those who want to take their audio setup on the go or to different rooms in the house.
How to Pick the Right Soundbar
Head to our blog “ Finding The Best Soundbar For Your TV”, an in-depth soundbar buying guide, to get more guidance on how to pick the right soundbar. Here are several factors to take into account when considering which soundbar is right for you:
Sizing
Consider the size of the soundbar itself. You want to choose a size that fits well with your TV, but not so large that it becomes a visual distraction. When it comes to sizing, it's also important to think about the size of the room you plan to use the soundbar in. A larger room may require a larger soundbar to perfectly fill the space with the right amount of sound.
Number Of Channels
Look at the number of channels that a soundbar has, a channel refers to a separate audio source. For instance, a 2.1-channel soundbar has two speakers and one subwoofer, while a 5.1-channel soundbar has five speakers and one subwoofer.
The more channels a soundbar has, the more immersive the audio experience will be. Keep in mind that a higher channel count typically comes with a higher price tag.
Sound Quality
When shopping for a new soundbar, look for ones that have a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and a wide frequency response range. This will ensure that the sound is clear and crisp with no distortion or interference. Multiple soundbars also include built-in audio processing technologies such as Dolby, Atoms, or DTS:X, which are meant to further enhance the audio experience.
Connectivity
Search for soundbars that have multiple input options, such as DDMI, optical, and RCA. This allows you to connect the soundbar to a variety of entertainment devices, including your TV, favorite gaming console, and music player. Most models also include Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can stream music and other audio content directly from the internet.
Brand and Pricing
There are many reputable soundbar brands on the market for you to choose from, such as Sonos and Yamaha. Make sure to do your research and go for a brand name that you know and trust. We also recommend determining your budget ahead of time to filter out unlikely options. This way, you can focus on looking for a soundbar that meets your needs within your set price range.
Top Soundbar Brands
Here are our favorite and most reliable soundbar brands that deliver excellent sound quality and a powerful performance to meet your home entertainment needs:
• Sonos: Sonos is an American audio electronics company that was founded in 2002. Their mission is to fill every home with music and make it easy to listen to any song, in any room. Sonos specializes in wireless speakers and soundbars that can be connected to a variety of devices and controlled with a mobile app.
• LG Electronics: LG Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics company that has been in business since 1958. Their mission is to provide innovative products and solutions that make life easier and better. LG offers a wide range of audio electronics products, including soundbars and speakers, that are known for their high-quality sound and sleek design.
• Yamaha: Yamaha Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that has been in business since 1887. Their mission is to enrich people's lives through music and sound. Yamaha offers a wide range of audio electronics products, including speakers and soundbars, that are known for their powerful sound and innovative features.
• Sonance: Sonanc is an American audio electronics company that was founded in 1984. Their mission is to provide high-performance audio solutions that enhance the listening experience. Sonance specializes in in-wall and in-ceiling speakers that are designed to blend seamlessly with any room decor.
• Seura: ura is an American electronics company that was founded in 2003. Their mission is to create products that seamlessly integrate technology into everyday life. Seura offers a range of audio electronics products, including outdoor speakers and soundbars, that are designed to withstand the elements while still providing high-quality sound.
How to Connect a Soundbar to a TV
1. First, determine what type of audio output your TV has, and then turn off both your TV and soundbar.
2. Next, connect the soundbar to the TV using the appropriate cable. For HDMI ARC, use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI ARC port on the soundbar to the HDMI ARC port on the TV.
3. For optical audio, use an optical audio cable to connect the optical audio output on the TV to the optical audio input on the soundbar.
4. For a headphone jack, use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect the headphone jack on the TV to the audio input on the soundbar.
5. Power on both the TV and the soundbar, then go to your TV's audio settings and select the audio output that corresponds to the soundbar. This will usually be labeled as "external speakers" or "soundbar."
6. Enjoy your enhanced audio experience!
Soundbar Placement
Soundbar placement can have a significant impact on the quality of your audio experience. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding where to place your soundbar:
•Center It With Your TV: Ideally, your soundbar should be centered with your TV to ensure that the sound is coming from the same direction as the visuals on your screen. This will create a more immersive and realistic audio experience.
•Avoid Blocking the Soundbar: Make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the soundbar, such as decorative objects or furniture. This can cause the sound to be muffled or distorted.
•Mount It On The Wall: If possible, consider mounting your soundbar on the wall to free up space and create a more streamlined look. Just make sure to use the appropriate mounting hardware and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
•Consider the Room Layout: The layout of your room can also impact the placement of your soundbar. If your room is large, you may want to add a separate subwoofer to enhance the bass response. If your room is small, you may need to adjust the placement of your soundbar to avoid overwhelming the space with too much sound.
Our Favorite Soundbars
Soundbar: LG 9.1.5 ch High Res Audio Sound Bar
Why We Love It: This LG High Res Audio Sound Bar with Dolby Atoms and Surround Speakers delivers a truly immersive audio experience. This powerful soundbar boasts a whopping 9.1.5 channel configuration, which means you'll be surrounded by dynamic, crystal-clear sound from every direction. With Dolby Atmos technology, you'll feel like you're right in the middle of the action, with sound that moves and flows all around you.
This LG soundbar also comes with surround speakers, which further enhance the audio experience by adding depth and dimension to your favorite movies, TV shows, and music. And with high-resolution audio support, you'll enjoy the highest-quality sound possible, with every detail and nuance clearly audible.
Soundbar: Sonos - Arc: The Wireless Atmos Home Theater Soundbar
Why We Love It: This Sonos soundbar is designed to fill your room with immersive, multidimensional sound that brings your favorite movies, TV shows, and music to life. Dolby Atmos technology brings the on-screen experience to life as sound strategically flows all around you.
It has an easy setup and can be controlled using the Sonos app, where you can easily stream your favorite content from your phone or smart device. To top it off, this Sonos speaker uses Trueplay turning technology, which optimizes the Atmos soundbar’s performance to fit the unique acoustics of your room. You can also conveniently control your soundbar with your voice using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as your remote control.
Commonly Asked Questions: Soundbars
Can I Connect My Soundbar To My TV Wirelessly?
Yes, many soundbars support wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows you to easily stream music from your phone or other devices as well as connect to your TV without the need for cables.
Do I Need a Subwoofer With My Soundbar?
It depends on your personal preferences and the size of your room. A subwoofer can enhance the bass response of your soundbar and provide a more immersive audio experience, but it is not always necessary. Many soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer or have the option to add one later.
What Is The Difference Between a Soundbar and a Home Theater System?
A home theater system typically includes a receiver, several speakers, and a subwoofer, while a soundbar is a simpler and more compact speaker system that is designed to provide better audio quality than the built-in speakers on most TVs. Home theater systems are generally more expensive and complex to set up, while soundbars are easier to install and use.
Transform Your Entertainment Set-Up
Whether you frequently host Monday night football with the boys or movie marathons with your friends, the right soundbar will transform your screening experience. At Silica, you can buy the best soundbars and other entertainment electronics such as turntables, speakers, HT systems, LED TVs, OLED TVs, and more.
Stop by one of our electronics store locations in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, Wisconsin, to browse our extensive inventory and build your dream home entertainment system today!
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