Soundbar Buying Guide: Things to know

Imagine the movie you watched at the cinema. Hearing the vehicle approaching from behind or the spaceship as it flys overhead. Your audio senses track the movement. Then there is the clarity of the actors voices that gives effect to the scene. The best audio is often accepted unconsciously by the mind and for that matter so is audio of a lesser quality coming from your TV in the lounge. Audio quality is often overlooked when it comes to televisions.

Until you can actually make a direct comparison you will not realise the entertainment value you are missing as you watch a programme in your lounge without the addition of a soundbar. If you are in the market for a new television its worth receiving an in store demonstration of the audio effect from a soundbar compared to the standard TV speaker system.

Once you have made the decision to purchase a soundbar, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

1. First, consider the size of your room and the layout of your furniture. You'll want to make sure the soundbar you choose will fit nicely into your space.

2. Think about how you want to use your soundbar. Do you want it to primarily enhance the sound of your TV, or do you want it to be also a standalone audio system that you can use for music listening as well?

3. Consider the number of speaker channels. The more channels, the better the sound quality. However, more channels also mean more expensive.  Two-channel soundbars are the most basic and affordable option. They provide decent sound quality but lack the surround sound effect of more expensive soundbars. Three-channel soundbars are a good middle ground. They offer better sound quality than 2-channel models, and some even have surround sound capabilities. Four-channel and five-channel soundbars are the most expensive but also provide the best sound quality. These models typically have built-in subwoofers and support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which creates a more immersive sound experience.

4. A dedicated subwoofer gives you one of the most important audio effects. Specialising in low frequency sound that enhances the canons roaring and other atmospheric sounds. Some Soundbars have the subwoofer built in but others will be separate that can be place in another part of the room giving richer deeper sounds.

5. Take a look at the features offered by different soundbars. Peak power is the maximum output the system will deliver. The higher the better. It is Dolby Atmos compatible that delivers the feel of a 3D soundstage. And, while most soundbars are attached to your TV they do not have to be limited to that. Some soundbars can connect to phone, tablets, and laptops allowing audio playback. Also, can connect with Google Assistant,Amazon Alexa, and Apple Airplay.

6. Now, let's talk about placement. Where will you be placing your soundbar? If you're putting it on a shelf or in a cabinet, make sure it's not too deep so that it doesn't block the TV screen. If you're mounting it to the wall, you'll want to make sure it's at the correct height so that the sound is directed towards you and not above or below your head.

Finally, consider your budget. Soundbars can range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. A soundbar is a huge upgrade to your existing TV.

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to start shopping!