HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD SOUND BAR? Picking the right soundbar can enhance your viewing and listening experience, if you are watching a movie, playing games or listening to Music. To keep it simple a good soundbar must have beautiful sound and scope to connect every gadget we require within our comfort zone with less wiring. Any sound bar will improve your TV’s traditional sound quality but you need to know the key features before choosing a sound bar that will make your content consuming more enjoyable. Selecting the right soundbar with many options might be a daunting task and we will guide you to make an informed decision.

The important points to consider before buying a soundbar

How many speakers or channels are needed in a soundbar?

The number of speakers in a sound bar represents how it produces surround sounds.This is key factor to choose a good sound bar

2.0 Channel soundbar has two speakers left and right

2.1 channel has 2 speakers left and right and a subwoofer which adds thunder low end in your music

Both 2.0 and 2.1 channels are basic sound systems that do not offer a surround experience.

5.1 channel has 5 speakers (left, Center, right, back left and right) and 1 subwoofer. For a basic surround experience, this gives you a good cinematic feel.

5.1.2 channel here “.2” indicates that 2-channel sound comes from the ceiling which are known as atoms(Dolby atoms) channels. These two channels are included in a sound bar itself pointed towards the ceiling where sound bounces from the ceiling to your ears.

For a more immersive experience, you can go for 7.1 or 7.1.2, 9.1 or 9.1.2, 11.1 or even higher.

Sound Quality:

Audio Performance: Pay attention to the sound quality, including clarity, bass response, and overall balance. Look for soundbars with a good frequency range of 20hz-20000HZ (Sub-woofer frequency range below 38 HZ is a good factor to consider and anything below or equal to 30HZ is excellent and you can feel the rumble and shakes the house.) and clear dialogue for movies and TV shows.

Dolby Atmos or DTS:X: If you want a more immersive audio experience, consider soundbars that support formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which provide three-dimensional sound.

Size and Design:

Make sure the sound bar size and design fit your TV and the room’s aesthetics. Sound bars come in various sizes, so choose a sound bar that complements your TV without interrupting the screen. Before buying a sound bar check your tv size.

Connectivity options

HDMI port: Most of the sound bars will have HDMI ports to connect with multiple devices like TVs, Projectors, gaming consoles and more. Before buying a soundbar look for enough HDMI ports for your requirements.

HDMI ARC and EARC: Look for HDMI ports with at least 1 port with EARC or ARC support. DTSX and Dolby atoms will work only by connecting with these ports. Normal HDMI cannot pass through these

Bluetooth or WIFI: Make sure your soundbar has the support of Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi connectivity which enables wireless streaming audio from your smartphone or tablet.

Remote Control and App:

Check the included remote control and any accompanying apps for ease of use and functionality. Some soundbars can be controlled via smartphone apps, making it more convenient to adjust settings.

Subwoofer:

With Subwoofer: If you choose a Sound bar that come with a separate subwoofer are typically capable of producing deeper and more powerful bass. This is especially important for those who enjoy action movies, video games, or music with heavy bass elements. A subwoofer can provide a more immersive audio experience.

Without Subwoofer: If you prefer a clean and clutter-free setup or have limited space, you can opt for a standalone soundbar. While standalone soundbars may not deliver as much bass as those with a subwoofer, they can still provide improved sound quality compared to your TV’s built-in speakers.

2-in-1 Soundbars: Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, which can be a good compromise if you want better bass without the need for a separate subwoofer unit.

Sound Modes and Equalization:

Some soundbars offer inbuilt sound modes for different types of content (e.g., movies, music, sports) and different room sizes and environments. Look for models with equalizer options to customize the audio to your liking.

Compatibility:

Make sure that the soundbar is compatible with your TV Model. Some soundbars work seamlessly with specific TV brands, while others are more universal.

Establish a budget based on your specific requirements

Budget-friendly option

For those with budget constraints, there are numerous wallet-friendly options available in the market that provide good sound quality for basic TV and movie viewing, making them an excellent choice for those with limited funds.

Mid-Range Option

If you seek a balance between cost and sound quality, consider midrange soundbars. These models offer a range of options with features like Bluetooth connectivity, multiple HDMI ports, and the ability to customize sound settings to suit your preferences.

High-end option in choosing a sound bar

For those who prioritize the utmost in sound quality and advanced features such as DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, along with premium construction and the inclusion of wireless subwoofers. High-end soundbars are the top choice, especially if budgetary constraints are not a concern.

Here are some tips for choosing a good soundbar:

Read reviews before you buy. This is a great way to learn about the pros and cons of different soundbars and to see what other people think of them.

Listen to different soundbars before you buy. If possible, go to a store where you can listen to a variety of soundbars side-by-side. This will help you to choose a soundbar with the sound quality that you like best.

Consider the size of your room. If you have a small room, a small soundbar may be sufficient. But if you have a large room, you’ll need a larger soundbar to fill the space with sound.

Think about how you will use the soundbar. If you are primarily using it for watching TV, you may not need a soundbar with as many features as if you are using it for listening to music or gaming.

Set the connections properly

Once you have chosen a soundbar, be sure to set it up properly. This will ensure that you get the best possible sound output. Most soundbars come with instructions on how to set them up.

Why to buy a sound bar instead of AVR

To keep it simple soundbar gives you a comfort zone of space saving, simplicity Convenience and it is cost-effective when compared to AVR you can plug and play with integrated features. But if you want only sound quality then AVR is the only choice. But there is a way in between sound bars and AVR there is an option called powered speakers or active speakers but they cannot possess surround sound. So every music system has its pros and cons, depending upon our needs we have to choose the product.

Conclusion

In the end, the ideal soundbar for your needs will be influenced by your specific requirements, personal preferences, and budget. If possible, it’s advisable to personally audition various models to assess their sound quality and explore their features before making a final decision