Sound Bar Buying Guide:
How to Choose the Perfect Audio Companion for Your Home

Six Crucial Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Sound Bar:

1. Installation Location
2. Sizing Harmony 
3. Active or Passive
4. Audio Channels
5. Connectivity Options
6. Controlling Your Sound Bar

Before purchasing, determine where you intend to place your sound bar. Will it be in front of the TV, mounted on the wall, or a dedicated media cabinet? Your chosen setup will dictate the appropriate Design and size, seamlessly blending with your space.

Sizing Harmony:

Your sound bar’s dimensions must complement your TV’s. Oversized or undersized sound bars can disrupt the harmony of your audio-visual experience. Be mindful of your TV’s width and the room’s dimensions where it will find its home.

Active or Passive:

Sound bars come in two primary types: active and passive. Active soundbars feature built-in amplifiers, making them more straightforward to set up. On the other hand, passive sound bars require an external amplifier, allowing for more customization. Choose the type that aligns with your needs.

Audio Channels:

The number of audio channels a soundbar offers is a significant consideration. This is usually indicated by a figure such as 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1. The first number signifies the primary channels for regular audio output, while the second number indicates the presence of a subwoofer for bass. Generally, more media lead to a more immersive audio experience.

Connectivity Options:

Verify that the sound bar possesses the necessary inputs and outputs to match your devices. Whether it’s HDMI ports for your TV and gaming console or Bluetooth functionality for streaming music from your phone, ensuring compatibility is crucial.

Controlling Your Sound Bar:

Reflect on how you intend to maintain the sound bar. While some sound bars have dedicated remotes, others can be managed through smartphone apps, and some can even be integrated into universal remotes. Opt for the control method that suits your convenience.

Quick Guide to Sound Bar Purchase: Key Takeaways for Swift Decision-Making

Aim for 3+ Channels:

Opt for a sound bar with at least three channels. While two-channel options are akin to mini-stereos, a good bar with three or more channels can emulate a more encompassing surround sound experience.

Prefer Active Over Passive:

Choose an active soundbar that includes built-in amplifiers. They’re simpler to set up and maximize space utilization, providing an efficient two-in-one solution for your audio requirements.

Location Significance:

Determine where your sound bar will be positioned – whether wall-mounted or placed on a table. To achieve a polished appearance, ensure that the sound bar doesn’t exceed the width of your TV. Considering available space, it should be centered either above or below your screen.

Emphasize Connectivity:

Prioritize Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities to facilitate seamless streaming from any device. If your setup entails multiple HDMI devices, contemplate a sound bar with HDMI-switching capability to simplify audio source changes.

Choose Authorized Dealers:

When purchasing your sound bar, opt for authorized retailers to guarantee receipt of the manufacturer’s warranty and ongoing support. This choice ensures peace of mind and quality assurance.

Skip the Research:

Select from our recommended “Best Sound Bars of 2023” list when pressed for time. We’ve done the groundwork, and these options come highly endorsed.

Have Queries? Experts Are Available: Our experts are at your service if you have questions. Feel free to give us a call for assistance.

Pause for Thought: Are Sound Bars Worth the Investment?

For many, sound bars present an attractive choice due to space limitations that hinder the possibility of a full-fledged home theater system. Good bars offer a streamlined, unobtrusive solution, fitting seamlessly into compact spaces. In contrast, establishing a genuine home theater entails a separate amplifier, a minimum of five speakers (center, left, right, and two rear speakers), and a subwoofer – often demanding a more substantial budget than a soundbar.

The bottom line: A comprehensive home theater system can provide an unmatched auditory encounter if you have ample space and a generous budget. While a top-tier sound bar can significantly elevate your TV’s audio, a complete home theater setup can transport your viewing experience to a new dimension. However, a sound bar undoubtedly delivers a substantial upgrade for those seeking a more straightforward, budget-friendly means of enhancing TV audio.

The Dual Choices: Sound Bars vs. Sound Bases

Though this guide primarily centers on sound bars, it’s important to note that two main types of audio devices can enhance your TV’s sound: good bars and sturdy bases. Both are equipped with speakers designed to achieve a common goal – improving TV audio quality to provide more explicit dialogue, nuanced sounds, and a richer listening experience. In brief, they transform the auditory landscape, allowing you to hear the subtle chirping of crickets or sense the palpable tension when a movie’s protagonist loses their composure.

However, they do differ in some key aspects:

What is a Sound Bar?

A sound bar is a sleek, elongated rectangle housing speakers and advanced audio technology. Think of a quality sound bar as high-quality eyeglasses for your ears: it clarifies and sharpens what you hear. The result is remarkably distinct and transparent dialogue, allowing you to catch even the softest whispers without increasing the volume or turning on subtitles. Soundbars, being more comprehensive than sound bases, also possess the capability to disperse sound more extensively, achieving a limited form of pseudo-surround sound.

In terms of placement, sound bars offer versatility. They can be mounted beneath your TV, positioned on a table in front of the TV, or even placed on a shelf above or below the TV if it’s within an entertainment center. Many modern sound bars also come with a separate wireless subwoofer, adding an extra layer of depth and resonance to your auditory experience.