As more and more people are leading a busy life due to increasingly tough competition, spending quality time at home is of apex importance for most of us. So, the demand for various electronic devices and systems that enables us to enjoy cinematic scale of entertainment is on the rise. For a complete audio experience, the sound bar is quintessential. A sound bar allows you to enjoy a quality of sound which hardly any other speaker system can match at a similar price range.
What Is A Sound Bar?
Also known as the media bar, a sound bar is a special loudspeaker enclosure that enables the creation of a reasonable stereo effect from only one cabinet. As the shape of these sound bars is rectangular, mainly due to the acoustical techniques, they can also be installed anywhere such as above or below any display screen, including a home theatre, computer or a television.
In 1998, Altec Lansing introduced ADA106 or the “Voice of the Digital Theatre” all over the country. ADA106 is a multichannel sound bar that includes a powered speaker system. This speaker system offered various types of sound such as AC3 surround sound, Dolby Pro-Logic and the Stereo in order to entertain the users. There are many advantages of purchasing and installing the sound bar in places such as the office and home. Due to its compact size, the best sound bars are easy to set up, can be positioned under any display screen, and the cost is affordable for most.
What Is A Subwoofer?
Also known as a complete loudspeaker or a woofer, the main function of a subwoofer is the reproduction of bass or the low-pitched audio frequencies. For consumer products, the normal frequency range of any subwoofer is from 20 to 200 Hz; for professional live sound, it is below 100 Hz and for a THX-approved system, it is below 80 Hz. The main function of a subwoofer is the augmentation of low-frequency range of loudspeakers that covers higher frequency bands.
Normally, the subwoofers are constructed from wood as it resists deformation while withstanding air pressure. Mounted in an enclosure of the loudspeaker, they include one or more than one woofer. With increasing demand in the market, subwoofers are available in various designs that include bandpass, horn-loaded, infinite baffer and bass reflex.
First introduced in the 1960s, subwoofers were used to add bass response for home stereo systems. With the introduction of Sensesurround in various movies, the subwoofers became very popular with consumers. To decide whether sound bar offers a better performance than Home theatre systems, it is necessary to make the comparison.
Sound Bar vs Surround Sound System
Below is a comparison of sound bar and surround sound system.
Sound Bar
The best features of any sound bar include easy connectivity and installation so that the consumer does not require the help of any technician. The installation of the sound bar requires minimal wires and with modern design, it complements the decoration and is suitable for small or medium sized rooms. Some of the best sound bars also have the capability of the best virtual sound. However, the consumer may require purchasing a separate subwoofer for augmenting the audio experience.
Further, the consumer needs to consult an experienced technician for perfect placement of the device at home. He should also remember that the sound bar does not have a capability for complete surround sound when compared with surround sound system.
Surround Sound System
There are many advantages of a Surround Sound system when compared with the best sound bar. This system has various innovative features such as the availability of full range of surround sound and maximum bass.
Also, for optimal acoustics, you can place speakers in multiple stations as per requirement. However, there are some issues with this system such as the expense, requirement of special technicians for installation and the requirement of more space.
Should I Buy A Sound Bar With Subwoofer?
Subwoofer is a speaker that is designed especially for playing the low frequency sounds in the range of 20 to 200 Hz. It means that the sounds in any video or movie such as dogs barking, dripping water and explosion can sound better with the connection of a subwoofer. If you want to enhance a movie experience, you should buy a Sound Bar with Subwoofer.
Yamaha YAS-203 Sound Bar with Bluetooth and Wireless Subwoofer
(By: Yamaha )
Install one of the best sound bars and make TV shows and movies come alive with clear sound. In addition, this model also has various user-friendly features such as wireless connection and Bluetooth facility so that you can stream music from Android, iPad and iPhone devices; it has a a single cable connection and low-profile design so that you can place it on a TV Stand or mount it on a wall. You can control it from your tablet as well as with a TV remote.
VIZIO SB4051-C0 40-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers (2015 Model)
(By: VIZIO )
With this sound bar system, you are free to enjoy home theatre experience anytime at your leisure. Exquisitely engineered, this system features a premium an all-metal construction, and delivers incredible audio with surround sound experience. With in-built Bluetooth facility, it becomes easy for you to enjoy best audio enhancement for TV and other electronic devices. An intuitive LCD display remote with rear satellite speakers and 6” subwoofer enables you to enjoy movies at home
LG Electronics LAS551H Sound Bar (2015 Model)
(By: LG )
One of the best sound bar systems in the market, the latest model offer many innovative features such Sound Sync Wireless, 2.1 channels and Bluetooth. With wireless subwoofer, you can add thunderous power and a sharp sonic kick to entertainment. Impress your guests with wireless control and the best audio enhancement for TV. Enjoy streaming music from your smartphone or tablet with this product.
Klipsch R-10B Bluetooth Soundbar
(By: Klipsch )
There are numerous requirements when anyone chooses to purchase the latest and the best sound bar in the market. It should be something more than just the latest TV speaker. In addition, the sound system should enhance the quality and the clarity of sonic details specially, in the midrange frequency area. This is the best sound bar from this company that fulfills every expectation of the listener and in fact, exceeds it
SONOS PLAYBAR TV Sound Bar/Wireless Streaming Music Speaker
(By: Sonos )
This is a versatile product that offers a simple set-up with multiple options for any TV. With nine amplified speakers, this is the best sound bar that offers powerful yet realistic sound for your TV. The sound bar has the capacity to double as a wireless speaker and can easily stream music directly from a computer. With addition of Sonos rear speaker and SUB, it is possible for you expand it to 3.1 or 5.1 surround sound with one of the best sound bars.
Bose Solo 15 Series II TV Sound System
(By: Bose )
A one-piece speaker, this product delivers amazing clarity of sound. The reproduction of mid-range, high range and even low range is excellent. With impressive bass, it is the best audio enhancement for tv shows. The set-up of the system involves just one connection to TV. Slick and compact, it increases the elegance of the system and room. It can be easily controlled with free apps on your tablet and smartphone.
With increasing popularity of the home theatre systems in the modern homes, the popularity of the sound bars is also increasing as its compact, offers a range of features and is affordable. It blends in well, requires less space and is portable as well. This makes soundbars a great addition to your living room, PC or for listening to music from your smartphone.