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If you’re not familiar with soundbars, you’re not alone. They’ve become increasingly popular over the last few years due to how advanced speaker systems have become. At one point, a speaker system was a cumbersome assembly that required a lot of space, many wires, and a dedicated installation by someone who really knew what they’re doing. We’ve come a long way since then. So what exactly is a soundbar anyway?
Soundbars, essentially, are easy-to-install speaker systems that are typically placed right underneath a TV. They work by replacing a TV’s built-in speaker system with a better external speaker. Make sure you do your research first to make sure they’re right for you.
A lot of users question whether a simple soundbars, like the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama, for instance, is enough to replace a surround speaker system, in fact, we’ve already explored that question before. While a soundbars is a great way to drastically improve your home theatre without a lot of work, a dedicated surround sound system is still a lot better. Regardless, there’s a lot to learn about soundbars and whether they’re right for you.
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Soundbars such as the Yamaha YAS-109 were designed as a replacement for the globally popular surround systems. We’ve got to admit, people were pretty sceptical at first.
They found it hard to imagine how seven (or more) small, internal, speakers can produce similar high-quality audio produced by a surround system. Over the years this has changed, and soundbars are a popular component in many home entertainment setups.
Along with giving listeners a surround sound experience, the small audio components are easier to connect to other devices. Most TVs are not built for sound. The thin design makes it difficult to add robust sound so the only option is to wire in external speakers.
Not only is this time-consuming but you’re also adding cables to your setup. With a soundbar, you eliminate the need for extra cables.
Until soundbars entered the market, your only options for audio were the onboard speakers that came with the components or wiring in external speakers.
Complete surround sound systems are expensive, especially if you want to hear immersive audio. Soundbars are the middle ground between tiny speakers and a pricey sound system.
Soundbars were invented to solve the problem consumers had choosing between poor audio quality and a costly surround sound system. The components produce better sound quality than built-in speakers and some external ones. It’s also less expensive and easier to install than a surround system.
As a consequence of filling this underserved niche, soundbars have rapidly rose in popularity. The audio components are replacing surround sound systems in many homes and are often the first option consumers chose when they’re looking to boost sound quality.
The growing consumer interest in soundbars has led to advances in the components’ technology. It also has a downside for external speaker fans.
Some surround speaker manufacturers have begun decreasing the quality of their products. The internal components are often not as robust as previous models. The reason for the decrease in speaker quality is manufacturers presume customers are going to purchase a soundbar and not a surround system.
So why not check out Distinction Audio‘s sound bars for sale today?
A soundbar is a long, thin component that houses multiple speakers and a lot of technical magic. It’s the technology that makes it possible for a small soundbar to replace the large speakers that typically come with a surround system. In a surround system, the speakers are strategically placed around the room.
It ensures all of the sound waves reach every corner which makes you feel like you’re enveloped in sound. Soundbars have their speakers placed in a single row and where they point depends on where you place or mount the soundbar.
A soundbar can replace your surround speakers with its internal technology, especially if there are multiple parts to the soundbar which are easy to install with our guide.
It fools the senses into believing the sound is coming from everywhere, including from behind, and while it isn’t technically delivering immersive surround sound, your senses, especially your ears, tend to think that it is.
Put simply, a soundbar is a less expensive way of imitating the benefits of a surround sound system and deep and strong bass, and because they’re inexpensive and easy to install, they’ve grown in popularity to the point where they’ve almost outshined surround systems.
You can enjoy both audio experiences with a soundbar that comes with external speakers. Soundbars with surround speakers give you the best of both components and you’ll get true surround sound with the installation and set-up ease soundbars are known for. A soundbar with surround speakers comes with subwoofers and satellite speakers that you can place throughout the room.
The number of subwoofers and speakers depends on the model you choose. For example, comes with a soundbar housing nine internal speakers, along with two subwoofers and four satellite speakers. For many users, this is enough to imitate what a surround sound system can do.
Not only do you get surround sound quality and an easy installation, but soundbars with surround speakers also come with a few unique features including the following:
You might not think about it until you realise your TV remote controls the volume on both devices. When you do, it’s a hassle to fix. Remote controls are standard with these soundbars. You can control the speakers, subs, and soundbar, without affecting the volume on your TV.
You won’t find this option on standard soundbars, but these models come with HDMI and USB ports, along with ones for auxiliary, optical, and coaxial.
However, not all soundbars with surround speakers setups come with the same number of types of ports. Some soundbars with speakers have a video pass-through. You will need to connect the two devices, but as long as there is a port you won’t have a problem.
Bluetooth connectivity and in some instances, streaming capabilities, is another great feature. You can stream audio from your compatible devices to the soundbar and speaker combo.
It’s not standard on all models, but if you do choose to purchase a unit with this capability, it can come in handy in a number of ways. For example, Bluetooth connectivity saves you a lot of time, and also use it for your phone if needed.
All soundbars support some types of sound but models that come with surround speakers are compatible with most sources. It includes all types of Dolby sound, along with DTS-X, DTS-HD, Master-Audio, and others.
Soundbars come with a lot of technology that does more than drive the internal speakers. The component works by sending different waves or beams of sound that bounce off of walls, also referred to as virtual sound.
Some soundbars have technology that presumes the room is a standard size and shape so the audio waves bounce accordingly. If the room has an odd configuration, it can lead to dead zones since the audio beams have nothing to bounce off.
Some soundbars allow you to set the calibrations to accommodate the room’s dimensions which means you’ll avoid dead zones and enjoy great audio as a result. The same thing can be achieved with EQ settings as well.
There is a corresponding channel on the soundbar for each audio wave. You’ll have channels for both front and surround left and right, along with a centre one. These five channels are what give you surround sound.
You want your soundbar to have at least those five channels, but you can also find ones with seven. The two extra channels come from splitting the rear and surround channel information into four.
It essentially gives the audio a little boost. If you want to max out your surround sound experience, the Dolby Atmos soundbar is worth taking a look at. Both the 5 and 7-channel models come with upward-firing speakers.
The audio waves not only bounce off the walls, but also the ceiling. You get a three-dimensional sound effect. Dolby Atmos soundbars work best in rooms with flat ceilings, and the sound can bounce up to 11 feet.
Yes, it's definitely worth it! A TV sound bar NZ can greatly enhance your audio experience, making your favourite movies and TV shows sound more immersive and dynamic.
With a soundbar, you can enjoy undisrupted dialogue and deep bass that adds a whole new dimension to your entertainment. You'll hear every detail and nuance in your favourite shows and movies, creating a truly amazing cinematic experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Many soundbars also come with features like Dolby Digital and other surround sound technologies, creating a more realistic and expansive soundstage that makes it feel like you're right in the middle of the action. With dynamic sound travels, you'll feel the rumble of explosions and the subtle rustling of leaves in the wind, transporting you to the heart of your favourite films and TV shows.
So, whether you're watching the latest blockbuster movie or binge-watching your favourite TV series, a soundbar is definitely worth the investment for a truly immersive cinematic experience.
Sound bars with the latest acoustic technology will usually have Bluetooth connection or Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect a variety of smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops for streaming music, podcasts, or other audio content. This adds versatility to your audio experience, enabling you to enjoy your favourite tunes with powerful bass or shows for an enhanced sound quality from your sound bar.
In addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, some sound bars NZ has on offer features like Spotify Connect, Airplay, and Alexa multi-room music support, which provide seamless integration with your favourite streaming services. This allows you to stream content directly from the respective apps on your smart device to your soundbar NZ without the need for additional connections.
If you have other compatible wireless speakers (such as a separate subwoofer) or multi-room audio systems in your home, you can even connect your soundbar to them, creating a cohesive and immersive audio experience throughout your living space. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy listening to music or watching movies in multiple rooms, ensuring consistent sound quality and seamless playback.
When looking for the right soundbar NZ has for you, make sure to consider the following characteristics and functionalities:
Different sound bars may have distinct sound profiles, such as a warm, bright, or balanced sound. Consider which sound signature best suits your listening preferences for movies, music, and other content.
If you want your soundbar to be part of a multi-room audio system, look for models that support multi-room music or are compatible with other wireless speakers in your home. This allows you to create a cohesive audio experience throughout your living space.
The dimensions of your room play a crucial role in determining the ideal soundbar NZ for your space. A larger room may require a high-output sound bar with a powerful wireless subwoofer to fill the space with rich, immersive audio. On the other hand, a smaller room may be better suited for a slim soundbar unit that delivers balanced sound without overwhelming the space.
When it comes to soundbars, the number of channels can greatly affect your listening experience. A 2.1-channel soundbar features only two channels, one on each side, and a subwoofer to create a stereo sound. This type of soundbar is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their TV's audio quality without breaking the bank or taking up too much space.
On the other hand, a 5.1-channel soundbar comes with five separate channels: two side channels, a centre channel, and two rear speakers. This type of soundbar offers a much more immersive audio experience, creating a surround sound effect that can make you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
The rear speakers could be built-in or external, depending on the specific model. With a 5.1 channel soundbar, you can enjoy a cinematic audio experience right in your living room, with dynamic sound travels that move around you and bring movies and TV shows to life.
Keep in mind that the more channels a soundbar has, the larger it tends to be, both physically and in terms of price.
You know it’s simple to set up a standard soundbar, and it’s not any harder if it comes with surround speakers. Most are designed as “plug-and-play” devices so setup is a breeze, especially if your TV has an HDMI ARC port. Plug the other end of the cable connected to the soundbar into the port. On the TV’s audio menu, enable either external speakers or CSC.
If you can’t use the HDMI ARC port, connect the optical and analog cables to the corresponding ports on the TV and soundbar. From there go to the TV’s audio menu and select the speaker option to connect the two components. Place the speakers and subwoofers where you want and you’ll have surround sound.
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