Without question, one of the hottest categories in consumer electronics audio this year is sound bars. Not everybody wants a clumsy 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system for their bar. A good majority want a sleek and good solution that fits under their HDTV and yet produces a very good sound. This is exactly where the best sound bar comes in.
Stereo or surround sound?
Some sound bars will simply provide a good stereo sound — a broad soundstage, with a clearer and more defined audio than you’ ll ever be able to get with a TV’ s built- in stereo speakers. These models usually have a built- in amplification, so you won’ t need a receiver or an amp separately. The other sound bars can provide you with spicy surround effects that will place you in the center of the on- screen action. A surround sound means that at least five speakers and a subwoofer are located strategically around the listening area.
Built- in amplification?
The majority of sound bar models fall into the category of powered sound bars. They usually won’ t require a separate home theater receiver. They just need to be connected to your TV or other audio components, and you’ re all set. But still there are some virtual surround and LCR sound bars which don’ t have a built- in amp. They connect instead to a separate home theater receiver. These passive sound bar models which don’ t have a built- in amplification will make you enjoy a higher- quality sound because they are more sophisticated audio processing devices.
Where to place it?
Even if sound bars are usually pictured below a wall- mounted TV, because the majority of them are shoal enough to fit on a TV stand, in front it. If this is your choice too, double check the sound bar’ s depth to be sure that it will sit safely on your stand. But if you plan to wall- mount your sound bar, don’ t forget about cable management. It’ s an important part that requires your attention. You can run through the wall or just use a cable- hiding raceway that will cover them.
Best sound bar system
There are several good products, but some can be categorized as champs:
1. Definitive Technology Mythos SSA- 50: this system raises the “bar” for sound bar speakers’ design and sound quality, taking a unique approach to the sound bar design. The result of this amazing design is a more accurate and refined sound, like a good quality five-channel satellite system.
2. Polk Audio SurroundBar IHT 6000: this system sounds great with both music and movies, improving on the company’ s earlier single-speaker surround offering which doesn’t compare to this one. The Polk Audio SurroundBar IHT 6000 is one of the best sound bar systems.
3. Canton CD 90 SB: This sound bar has unique three channel CD 90 SB, combining good looks with above- average sound quality, perfect for movies and music.
4. ZVOX Z-Base 580: A very interesting product. The overall sound from this ZVOX sound bar is quite impressive, considering the fact that everything is in one box.
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