Which soundbar to choose: TOP-5 models

Samsung HW-H450

The Samsung HW-H450 is a democratic model that allows sounding a medium-sized room and has enough pressure margin to get almost all a set of audio sensations from a modern Hollywood blockbuster.

The design of the system is similar to the "big brother" - Samsung HW-F550 . But at the same time, the device is more preferable in terms of placement, since the complete flat subwoofer is much easier to “hide” in the interior. There is an indicator window in the center of the soundbar that draws a funny "starry sky" picture at start-up.

Can connect to the same brand TV with "TV Sound Connect" function via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for an extra HDMI cable. A wireless subwoofer also minimizes the number of wires.

Please note that the "number of channels" parameter indicates 2.1. That is, we have a model that supports stereo in triphonic mode and does not work with surround sound emulation. The surround mode is actually in the menu, but it's more of what used to be called stereo expansion. Also in the menu there are several presets for controlling the nature of the sound and it is possible to adjust the volume of the subwoofer, but this is where the settings end. After connecting to a TV using ARC, the regular soundbar control can be completely postponed - it is no longer needed. The system turns on when you turn on the TV, the volume is controlled by a standard remote control with on-screen indication.

Simplicity and "wireless" Samsung HW-H450 makes it possible to get a good design of the whole complex, especially since the soundbar itself is relatively small. A convenient, hidden wall-mounting system allows you to beautifully mount the device.

The JBL SB 200 soundbar belongs to the Cinema series and is intended for use with TVs from 32 to 46 inches - in terms of size, it quite accurately corresponds to a TV with a diagonal 32 inches.

Provides 60 watts of power per channel, which is enough to sound a small room or, say, a bedroom. Equipped with two mid-range speakers, two tweeters, a subwoofer and a built-in amplifier. This model corresponds to a two-channel stereo system in terms of sound processing, and uses new proprietary software from Harman / Kardon to create a virtual surround sound effect. At the same time, the soundbar boasts Dolby Digital Decoding technology.

The JBL SB 200 works without the use of an external subwoofer; to compensate for its absence, the model uses two low-frequency drivers with a double bass-reflex port. It is worth noting that, at the same time, it was possible to maintain a completely “refined” soundbar design of the system.

It can be used both in a desktop and wall-mounted version, in the latter case, regular mounting brackets are used (included). And since the sound of the system is greatly affected by its location, on the rear connection panel is a small "EQ" slide switch, which the manufacturer calls the equalizer switch. In fact, using this switch, the bass is adjusted to different types of mounting: wall or desktop. Before installing the device, you should make sure that the switch is in the correct position.

The model provides three main options for receiving a signal: digital (optics), analog (3 mm jack) and wireless (Bluetooth). Undoubtedly, the presence of all the necessary connecting cables pleases. The manufacturer indicates the possibility of using the TV remote control to adjust the volume of the soundbar, for this the JBL Cinema SB200 is able to "learn" the appropriate signals.

The Pioneer SBX-N700 is an example of the integration of modern networking and wireless capabilities into a soundbar, combined with features that allow the device to be more than just a soundbar.

The system provides an emulation of a spatial sound field. It is worth remembering that the characteristics of the room have a decisive influence on the sound. The soundbar itself is a two-channel, two-way speaker system, in which the front full-range speakers are backed up by the sound of downward-facing midwoofers. This circumstance made it necessary to provide the device with height-adjustable legs, which distance its lower plane from the surface on which it is installed. If the support under the soundbar is narrower and the legs hang in the air, the sound of the model will become incorrect due to the overlap of the low frequencies - this should be taken into account when buying and installing.

The regular subwoofer has the ability to phase switch and consumes only 32 watts maximum power of 150 watts. It is worth noting that the electronic part of the Pioneer SBX-N700 is built according to advanced circuitry - each speaker has a separate class D amplifier. Such a system gives a certain gain in sound quality - the device sounds clear and powerful, while consuming very little b>.

Dolby Digital/DTS decoders are responsible for matching the system with current format sound sources. Supports proprietary sound retriever sound enhancement technology. The built-in electronic sound processor works in game, movie, music modes, and the sound character is adjusted in surround, night, dialog, and lip sync modes.

The main additional function of the system is, perhaps, built-in media player. The device plays MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC and Monkey's Audio (.ape) audio files from USB storage devices. Video files: AVI, WMV, DivX, MP4, 3GP, FLV, RMVB. And even pictures: JPEG, PNG, GIF.

In addition, the Pioneer SBX-N700 is equipped with network, wireless and switching functions, including Miracast for displaying video from a smartphone or tablet on a TV. The device is DLNA 1.5 certified, YouTube "Send to TV" mode is supported.

At one time, Yamaha was a pioneer in the development of soundbars, maintaining continuity in model indexing and terminology since then - here, for example, they prefer the name not a "soundbar", but a "sound projector".

The Yamaha YSP-2200 model belongs to the class of Hi-Fi audio systems and has been marked by several nominations of specialized publications. Let's say right away that this device is intended only for sound reproduction and expanding the switching capabilities of the TV, also providing the ability to connect additional audio sources, including Apple gadgets. At the same time, the system is capable of working with HD Audio, supporting a 1080p-compatible HDMI interface, and has three input and one output HDMI connectors on board. A sufficient set of current multi-channel audio formats is supported.

At the edges of the device there are two one-watt full-range speakers, between which there is a system of sixteen small beam drivers - emitters that form spatial sound. Yamaha's proprietary technologies are used here to ensure that sound is precisely directed by focusing and reflecting off the walls. Among them, we highlight the technology of forming sound beams, based on the control of the work of many built-in speakers, and IntellyBeam technology, which automatically calibrates the sound and creates an optimal sound field for this room.

According to the developer, surround sound is realized up to 7.1ch. In fairness, it should be noted that this system, by definition, cannot compete with a full-fledged standard home theater system, consisting of a subwoofer and a set of well-placed satellites. But in cases where the use of this set is undesirable for some reason, the technology is able to provide a real “wow effect!”

Despite the serious “stuffing”, the device has a low profile, thanks to which the sound projector is well suited for placement in front of the TV - it will not obscure the bottom of the screen from the audience. The subwoofer supplied with the system can be installed both vertically and horizontally.

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 2 soundbar is billed by the brand as a "complete home theater audio system". The model received the EISA award as "Best DC Soundbar in Europe 2013-2014" for "the perfect combination of style, comfort and sound quality." Note that initially the model is supplied as a self-sufficient device - it works independently, without a subwoofer.

There are two options for the system location - desktop and wall. The cabinet is made of polished black stainless steel, and the front speakers are protected by a black steel mesh grille with flawless perforations. The display of the device reacts to the approach, lighting up when a hand is brought to it. If you leave it alone, the display will gradually turn off.

The volumetric case of the system contains front, center and rear speakers, bass (subwoofer) speakers and amplifiers for them. An output is provided active subwoofer, the presence of which Panorama 2 automatically recognizes, and the sound parameters are changed accordingly. There is a 5.1-channel surround sound decoder on board, HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is supported. The back of the case provides a convenient cable management channel.

Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 encoded streams are automatically recognized and decoded. For regular stereo, Cinema or Music decoding modes are offered. The first works either in Dolby PLII mode or creates virtual surround sound. Music mode allows you to expand the stereo effect. Timbre settings and separate subwoofer settings are available. The sound can be matched by inputs and by delays.

According to the developers, the B&W Panorama 2 configuration creates the most expanded surround zone, so that the effect of the system is felt by almost every listener.< /p>