If you’re wondering about the difference between a soundbar and a home theatre system, or if you’ve never heard of either, this guide will help you figure out what to buy. We’ll cover everything from what they are and what they do to how much they cost. A soundbar can be one of the best investments in your home theatre setup. Let’s find out why:
What is a soundbar?
They are a relatively new type of audio device that sits on top of or below your TV, but they can be used to improve the sound of your TV—or as standalone speakers. They have one or more tweeters and woofers, the components that make up the stereo image. It usually connects to your TV via an HDMI cable (though some varieties use Bluetooth).
Do you need a subwoofer?
While it is possible to use a soundbar without a subwoofer, most people who want better sound quality will want to add one. They don’t produce bass—they send the audio from your device, like a TV or video game console, through their speakers and then out into the room. If you’re looking for more bass in your home theatre experience, you’ll need something to produce those low frequencies.
When do you need a receiver?
A receiver is required for surround sound setups. A receiver will let you do this easily if you want additional speakers to your system. Most receivers offer more inputs and outputs than the average audio card does. They also provide more HDMI connections to connect multiple devices, like cable boxes or game consoles.
What features should I look for?
There are a few features you should look for when considering one for you. These features will help you find the best one for your needs.
- Built-in subwoofer: If it has a built-in subwoofer, it will improve the bass response and reduce distortion.
- Multiple connections: Make sure you choose one with multiple options to connect various devices simultaneously.
- Bluetooth connectivity: If possible, get one that lets you stream music from your mobile devices wirelessly, so there’s no need for wires tangled up around your living room or bedroom!
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound support: Surround sound is an immersive experience where audio appears to come from different directions in three dimensions (height, width and depth).
Can a soundbar replace home theatre speakers?
It can’t replace a home theatre system. While it’s true that most of them provide an excellent combination of surround-sound emulation and powerful bass, they still need to have the same versatility as a full-fledged home theatre setup. Most models are designed to be placed in front of your TV, with limited options for mounting them on walls or stands.
They also lack some key features you would find in an all-in-one home theatre system:
- They usually don’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound processing (although some do).
- They require HDMI connections between devices rather than analogue connections, like optical cables used by many home theatres. This means it’s tough—if not impossible—to connect older devices using this standard protocol without buying an additional adapter or converter.
How much should I expect to pay for a quality soundbar?
You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 for a quality one. In general, the more you spend, the better it will sound. The best part is that sometimes the differences in quality between different price ranges are not very noticeable to the average person.
So, there you have it. The basics of what you need to know about such. They’re an excellent option for home entertainment systems and can be used to replace your old speakers or supplement them. And while they don’t offer all the features of a traditional home theatre system, they provide clear sound that will make watching TV or listening to music more enjoyable.
