Soundbars: What to know before you buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- A soundbar is one of the best upgrades you can make to your TV, but there are so many to choose from. Here's what you should know and a selection of excellent soundbars hand-picked by CNET editors.
You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
Sennheiser Ambeo bit.ly/31pTSua
Sonos Arc bit.ly/2ZP5W87
Vizio V21 bit.ly/3DjUYoO
Roku Streambar bit.ly/3ry4aDI
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.
Read about all the best soundbars here:
www.cnet.com/tech/home-entert...
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You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
Sennheiser Ambeo bit.ly/31pTSua
Sonos Arc bit.ly/2ZP5W87
Vizio V21 bit.ly/3DjUYoO
Roku Streambar bit.ly/3ry4aDI
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.
The v21 link looks different than what is in the video. What is the exact model name for the visio v21 soundbar?
Do you think the TCL 8i is any good?
Always wondered what ARC was on the HDMI - thanks! Last time I looked at sound bars there was so much variance in price and functions that I bought a milky bar instead - saved me a few hundred quid! Makes a lot of sense that streaming and speaker tech converges: makes things more invisible; less gadgets to plug in and power, less remotes etc. Might have another look!
Just the soundbar information I want to know! 😭
Thank you for the wonderful video!
Have 2 Ambeo stacked on top of each other and it sounds amazing, now I can’t see much of my TV but the fact is that I get so many channels it’s worth it!!!
JBL9.1 😎 never got any issues since I got it last year with my LG CX, connected to Apple TV 4K, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and works with airplay 2.
Your video is relevant and to the point! Thank you!!!
I've had several soundbars and surround sound package but it was only when I purchased a budget AVR and a pair of budget speakers that I realised what I was missing, (stereo imaging, thumping bass, fully enveloping soundstage imaging etc) besides going down this route one can always add to it overtime... surround speakers, subwoofers etc. One can even get height speakers and have the full 'non virtual' Dolby Atmos experience. Nowadays AVRs has so simple to setup they even walk you through the process.
Remember movies are made up of 50% visuals and 50% audio and there are occasions when the audio out does the visuals.
I think most people either don't care or just don't have a frame of reference as to what sounds good and how little you can put together even a 2.1 or 3.1 system for.
If you have a new Samsung QLED, I suggest going with a Samsung Q series soundbar to get extra features such as Q symphony (adds the use of TV speakers to your sound bar at the same time), acoustic beam (object tracking on screen), and a room scanner (to adjust sound to your room’s layout and furniture placement).
Does the q70a have that feature?
@@Slycarlo yes
@@Slycarlo it should as it has that Q in the name, but I would look it up, but I am 99% sure it should. Just pair it up to another Q named sound bar system and then set it to play in Q symphony in the TV audio settings
sounds like a gimmick tbh.
Vizio is top notch gear!😊
Awesome video. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more from your channel. 👍🏾👍🏾
I just purchased a Hisense soundbar with built in sub woofer for 88 bucks after shipping and taxes on Amazon (Canadian) and am very pleased with it. Was a Boxing Day sale. Has ARC/HDMI, bluetooth, bass control, dimmer for lcd so for the price you can't really go wrong. It also shuts off automatically if you don't use the sound for a certain length of time which is a good feature I'd say. I wouldn't listen to the negative reviews on it anyway. Also got a 65" RCA WebOS smart TV for 600 after taxes and shipping from Walmart which saved me 150 bucks. Happy with it as well as it has the necessary ARC/HDMI input/output. The sound on the TV wasn't the greatest which is reason I went with added soundbar which turned out to be a great decision.
Hey how does it sound when playing music?
@@chachi1167 I find it pretty good for a small unit. Nice to have bass control and surround sound capability. I wouldn't expect miracles and use it in a large room though. I use is on my laptop with vlc player so I can double the volume on much of the music as well.
Please can you provide it's specifications? Thank you
You read my mind every time. Thanks for this one epic video 📸☺️
Explains the soundbar concept by introducing Sony and its videos then skips the brand entirely afterwards when looking at models across segments... You could easily have put in the Sony A5000 or A7000 in. They perform much better than the Sonos Arc and actually has a HDMI 2.1 switch.
Hey there. I thought the Sony video illustrated the concepts well. As for Sony's performance -- that's something for our expert reviewers to determine. Thanks for the info on the Sony A5000 and A7000 though. Thanks for watching and for your feedback! Always appreciated
Yeah exactly, wanted to hear inputs on the new Sony but no Sony at all, what a shame. CNET only scratches the surface, they talk about ARC but not eARC, oh well I'll pass next time.
Sorry but I’m a bit behind on technology but I know what a HDMI 2.1 is. But why is a 2.1 port needed on a sound bar? Can you not just use a DIGITAL OPTICAL cable?
@@gerwsgse so you can use a single remote control to control the volume.
@@gerwsgse and digital optical does not support upward firing soundbars
I've fully invested in the Sonos ecosystem. I'll be looking to add the Arc to my Living Room to replace my Playbase. Then i'll be moving the Playbase to the guest bedroom and keeping my Beam in my master bedroom. Their integration is just top notch.
Congrats! Consider the Dragon or HT-A9 for a true immersion experience. Thanks for the comment!
I would like to get tho sonos arc sub and wireless speakers you just mentioned however when I see the options it shows a power cord needed for the speakers can u explain please thanks
Sound bars are excellent for easy setup over TV sound. I have heard many and this one and they all sound thin. While my ZVOX 580 does not do surround and such, it sounds much fuller than the Sony, Samsungs, and LG I have heard. PLUS the ZVOX has subout so I can connect my Martin Logan Depth-i Sub which outputs to other smaller subs placed around my family room. These brands will not use sub out because they want to lock you into their subs, the ONLY sound bar I would consider is the AMBIO series dues to having sub out.
Hey people, I've got JUST a soundbar - Vizio VHT 510. Is there anything I can use it for besides a weapon or paperweight? Is there a way to hook it up to a radio or something? Thanx in advance.
Should I get a sound bar for my room usage link w my laptop. Or it’s overkill
Soundbars from Bose, Samsung, LG etc were missing. Can they be reviewed by CNET?
I needed thia video a month ago 😂
Is there any soundbars which have an option to reverse the right and the left side? The setup I have right now at home requieres them to be reversed
My Sony 65 in 900E has HDMi Arc but not E arch can it still be plugged in soundbar with E arch?thx
Amazing channel
In general and "especially" with budget sound bars you want a subwoofer if you expect some decent bass.. There are some all in ones that promise bass but they either fall short or cost lots of money..
Proud Ambeo owner here, but I’m starting to miss surrounds, traded my entire Sonos setup, and while I don’t regret it. I just miss having dedicated surround speakers
Is the creative sonic carrier a good sound bar?
Does anyone have the TCL 8i. I'm thinking about buying it but not sure if it's any good
Not sure why this is titled "What to know before you buy". It clearly should be titled "Soundbars we want you to buy because we'll get commission".
Got a samsung sounbar free with my samsung hd led tv about 8 years ago, it came with a wireless subwoofer and had an hdmi arc input. Now upgraded to a 4k LG tv and im still using it. Interesting as the technology for soundbars really didn’t change that much.
Great to know I’m getting one soon!!!
Where is the link to buy the Vizio M512A-H6? how are you gunna advertise it and put a link with the rest of the products?
i already have a klipsh self powered sub and looking for a soundbar i can plug my subwoofer into
thanks ahead for help!!!
AMBEO HANDS F*CKING DOWN! the ability to UPSCALE audio is HUGE! it's amazing!
Sony HT-A200 with a 3.1.2 all in one power house.
Does it matter sticking to the same brand from the TV ?
Another option for folks with an Apple TV 4K is a pair of HomePod Minis. When they are on sell you can get them for under $200 total.
I'd like to try this out at some point. Thanks for the info!
what about the sonos beam gen 2 ?
I'd like to get a sound bar though I'm not interested in getting a tv, is it a wise move?
Is Dolby atmos better than DTS X?
What about bose 900 @cnet?
Just looking for a soundbar with built in audio compression. I want to turn the dialog up and action sequences down. I also would like the ability to turn off surround sound, for I have never cared for it...virtual surround sound is even worse. Thanks for the help :)
I was told to get the 3.0 or above since they have a dedicated speaker for dialogue. I purchased a 2.0 and it did not resolve the issue.
I'm looking for soundbar that will work with fire tv stick 4k max
A couple of weeks ago I bought a JBL 5.1 soundbar with 10" sub, that sounds great but I regret not getting a bar with Atmos, since the prices are coming down a bit. It's too much hassle to return.
I bought the same thing & haven't unboxed it because of coments about the bars dialog isint that good & has no midrange. I originally wanted the polk magnifi Max but not for $600. I bought the JBL for $299 but don't think I want it.
Sir your recommendation is totally opposite than mine .you said ambeo doesn't sound good with song ( I totally disagree).How come you didn't include Samsung q950a . Vizio elevate , Klipsch cinema 1200 ,jbl 9.1 . Was it a sponsered video that's why you didn't include those?
Bluesound pulse?
I also heard that Netflix and prime doesn’t support DTS X do you know if that’s true?
Im just scared of adding extra input lag or limit the capability’s of my LG CX
What about the Bose 700 system? I've always liked the Bose sound. $800 with a sub. And it sounds pretty good.
For $800 pretty good isn't good enough.
I use an old CRT as my main television, and the built in speakers are amazing, and I don’t really think a sound bar will add too much. It would be nice to have one for my computer monitor though.
lol.sad.
@@InvestwithAlen ?
@@InvestwithAlen I’m so confused by your comment lol
@@DrSwoose dont be confused, just a peasent that dont know about the massive benefits a good crt brings..
I love CRT Tv's theyre dope!
Funny that you knock music on the Ambeo. That is literally where the soundbar shines. It absolutely cranks out amazing sounding music. You just need to set it up properly. The Ambeo is one of, if not the, best soundbars for music (and movies, and TV...).
Fully agree, and the only soundbar with that 30hz bass output without a sub, you must hear this thing to believe it, this thing is excellent in movie and music and without a doubt the best soundbar on Mother earth.
Personally the best Soundbars are the one's that have Sub output because you can add a powerful Subwoofer to the soundbar yes you'll spend more but you'll also get a lot more in return unfortunately not many soundbar's have this feature but I know Klipsh Vizio do .
Interesting. Could you recomend a good atmos soundbar to add a subwoofer?
Sennheiser ambeo
Watching this on my Volkano Shockwave 2.0 soundbar!!
sound on may tv varies. it will cruising along and a commercial comes on and blows you out of the room. will a sound bar fix this
I am just simply looking for a soundbar that can lower the background music or raising the voices on tv shows. Lowest price possible. The SONUS ARC has this feature, but way over my budget. Any thoughts?
my TV has this Auto Volume Leveling (AVL) setting. You can perhaps look for a soundbar that has this or similar setting.
Try a soundbar 3.0 or higher. The 2.0 and 2.1 don’t resolve the issue.
I never understood this website when it comes to audio. They have no problem recommending a soundbar for $2500 off the rip but when it comes to their list of "best" av receivers they won't ever look at anything past $600. 🤦🏽♂️
Vizio V51 was an amazing deal from Costco ... It was like $180 and includes the subwoofer and rear surrounds... Based on what I've seen the Dolby Atmos from most sound bars is ineffective compared to actual speakers so why spend the extra money
Had so many issues with that one. Returned 2 times.
@@jordanstempson2977 what kind of issues? Just curious
@@jordanstempson2977 Not connecting every time? That has been my experience.
Convenience. Having a single soundbar unit getting so close to actual surround sound is way more convenient and not having to place a subwoofer and extra satellites across your room really matters to some people. Even if you have the space to do so.
Just for the record, one cannot stream Dolby Atmos not unless one has got one of those expensive Dolby Atmos passthrough OLED TVs, there are a few other TV's which have pass through but there are few and far between! So basically unless one is using physical Media (Blu-ray disc) then the best sound one is going to be able to experience... would be Dolby d Plus (at best)
One warning, LG TVs are not compatible with Sony Soundbars. After purchasing an LG C1 55" a few weeks ago I then searched for an Atmos SB. I purchased the Sony X8500 Atmos and after 1 frustrating week, I find this out. I wish either LG or Sony would notify customers. Now Im back on the hunt and may as well stick with an LG Atmos.
I'm a little confused about your comment! I don't mean to come across rude but are you sure you know what you're doing because it's not about brands it's more about connections and you connect a soundbar/AVR or any other kind of audio equipment with a TV with a HDMI lead, in to the audio return channel input (ARC) or the newer ones are called enhanced audio return channel (E-ARC)
My Sony sound bar works with my new lg tv…
Klipsch Cinema 600 5.1
Music doesn't sound great on the Ambeo...? I'd check your Ambeo settings... or something is definitely wrong...
i need soundbar with low watt my room is small so dont need to loud
Oops I just bought a couple of cheap Sony Soundbars…. And their sound is great. They just work, have ARC and heaps of bass.
No Bose sounbar?
should I still use tv speaker while using Soundbar?
That's what I'm wondering
no
hdmi plugged in to my sony sound bar and now cant controll audio with tv remote LAME!
can you please suggest me a soundbar budget friendly and best surrond sound and dolby atmos .im using Philips uhd 50 inch 4k TV dolby atmos supporting.
All that good reflecting only works in the perfect setting. I have a tower on each side of my display. My living room is open to the dining room. I'm all messed up. No reflecting for me.
If the soundbar doesn't have up-firing speakers, or isn't at least an exceptional true 3.1ch, you're better off getting a pair of HiFi 2-way bookshelf speakers with sub for the same money, connect to your TV's headphone jack and use the virtual surround already built into the TV. Why spend extra money for virtual surround you already have or streaming features you already have on your mobile phone? And you'll end up with much more proficient drivers and save a precious HDMI port too. Soundbars hardly save space if you really think about it.
I have a 5.1 system in my room and a 1965 packard bell rpc-39 stereo console and I feel that even the console would still beat a $600 dollar soundbar on sound quality and I think its annoying that consoles are overlooked because a console would take up no more space than a tv stand plus soundbar
Ease of use to begin with, a lot people struggle set a soundbar and even if it's fairly simple what you said it's not the easier thing to do for the most.
Also there are much better options that will offer you rich sound than using an aux port.
Only problem with optical is that you have to use the volume control of the speaker system, which if you use aux, you can use the volume control of the source, which is preferable for me rather than fiddling with different remotes.
What would u reccomend?
whao. im surprised LG soundbar didnt make the cut.
I hate my Klipsch sound bar the Bluetooth subwoofer is always coming disconnected and making terrible noises.
Get a 2.1 stereo or if you like minimalism then replace the TV stand with a console stereo from the 60s or 70s but make sure it has a tape or aux input
Just avoid any devices that come with an integrated voice assistant...
why?
because they can go out of date as compared to something that is "dumb" with no cpu like a book shelf speaker or a monitor like a jbl 305 or a 2.1 set like klipsch promedia that will never be obsolete or require software or online connectivity. I know sonos speakers are the worst offenders
@@LazyTacoProductions good point
@@LazyTacoProductions just curious as to how a soundbar with wifi capabilities can go out of date but a bookshelf speaker can’t? Is this because you can always adjust and add to a bookshelf sound system? Thanks for your input as I’m in the market to purchase one of the two
@@LazyTacoProductions you are basically saying don't get a soundbar, since that's what most of the new ones have. Buying bookshelf speakers or a real home theater setup is the best but not for everyone. Some people just want to plug and play their content that's why soundbars exist.
One of the Best sound bar is Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q90R!!!..
(me, surrounded by filing cabinet-sized speakers)
Where were you when I was young and naive?!
The Roku also causes tears in the matrix.
The biggest issue I had with the Roku Streambar is that it gets slower and slower over time. The AppleTV app on it just wasn't very good and kept disconnecting. And I don't know if I had a bad speaker or what but this system just can't handle volume. If I turned it up past 25, speakers would start popping. And by the time I spent ~$500 for it, I could have gotten a receiver, a couple decent bookshelf speakers and a sub. That's what I ended up doing and my little 3.1 system sounds a lot better.
Just connect your stereo speakers like I do JBL to your TV
I mean do you need them? Have you checked the audio specs of your Flat screen? If you selected a Flat screen with the same or higher audio specs, you don't need to spend $$$$ extra. Invest in a display for less then and use the sound bar audio. If you select one of these cheap Flat screens? I read both specs... Video/Audio and outputs..
get the best one to avoid any regret, I went all the way for q950a and it blew my mind away how top end bluetooth soundbar sound just as good as wired one!
Yeah no
Bose soundbars are a lot better than Sonos. Specially the 900 is leaves ahead of the arc.
You should watch how review and recommendation videos work. Just a friendly feedback.
Best soundbar for music& casual films bose 900 + sub+ speakers & the best for movies sony ht a9 + sub sw5! ez pz
“I hope you’re sitting down” - should’ve lied down dead 💀
“Sennheiser ambeo: Downsides:…music doesn’t sound great..” you clearly don’t know how good music sounds or didn’t bother using the right settings. Music is on another level on the ambeo.
That's the price of 08 Honda
For the "best" soundbar, I would certainly go for the Lyravox Stereomaster II 200. And it is quite affordable with its 22k price tag. Anyway, all and all this was an informative video with interesting products. However, the sound of your voice on the video itself is not good at all. It is very flat and "thin" I am sure you do not really sound like that in real life. If you are going to make a video about the sound quality of a product should you not make an effort to sound great on the video? The reason I ask is because everyone listens or perceives sound differently. And maybe the sound on the video is what you consider good sound quality. And if that was the case maybe the products you are suggesting do not sound as good as some of us may be led to believe they do? Anyway. This is just a point of view. Great stuff. Keep it up.
His voice sounds fine to me
@@alwaysasn Nope. There is something missing. It may depend on what you are using to listen to the video clip. But it certainly is not correct. It should be "warmer", more present. He sounds like a 3-way speaker without the woofer and without the tweeter. Very unnatural.
22k “quite affordable” - 😂😂
@@kingthomas2075 😂😂
HDMI ARC does not support Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC does though.
Google cast lets you send audio to other Google speakers.
Have you ever heard of DD+…
@@andykillsu Yes and it’s not the same thing as Dolby Atmos.
@@BreakTime10101 🤣 Why don’t you look again…
I have the best tv
Vizio, Vizio and Vizio. Its a brand that only sells in North America, no recomendatios for the rest of the world?
Bunch if trach. Wait for a pair of ANALOG. Pioneer or KLH.
🤔..
Want to get a sound bar? Scrap that get two solid bookshelf speakers instead
That way you'll only get good stereo system
You can get two solid book shelf speakers and a decent receiver for essentially the same price as a midrange soundbar
@@woodtvnetwork but you are missing the point of why soundbars exist. The system you are picturing is going to work great for music only because you have two bookshelf speakers that will do L and R channel and that's it. The main thing what soundbars where invented was to improve the center channel and that's what they tend to do best offer that clear speech. So in ball park if you get a 300 less receiver then you lose on upgrading because lost of them don't have the DTS X Dolby atmos upgradeability. Bookshelves like 300+ on both so you are around 500 to 600 and don't have a complete system for a decent movie experience because you lack center channel and no subwofer. You can get a great soundbar with all of those and virtual (not the best) atmos dtsx for around 600 to 800 and even best if you look for it during sales. If you are going to get yourself a proper home theater it's never good to be cheap because you'll notice the difference. Soundbars is easier to pay less and get more in some cases.
@@woodtvnetwork brand?
@@KwanHimself you can do research yourself
These things cost more than a television
If Apple ever makes a TV, you can bet that their speakers will probably blow us away. But an actual TV from Apple is just wishful thinking, especially when we got faked out and they gave us a streaming box 😂
Well they had the Homepod. I was able to get one and I use it as my speaker for my Apple TV, but I wish I had that second homepod to complete the setup.
They will blow us away with the price.
I think I read that the further you sit from the speaker the bigger the cone size should be which means sound bars don't make any sense because they all have very small speakers. They are just a money grab I believe. Overpriced crap.
I bought a sound base and for me it only sounds good about a meter away.
Tech changes all the time, but it's unable to provide customers with TVs featuring a decent sound. Modern tech Industry sucks
$2,500 with no sub and music sounds bad. People buy this? For $2,500 you could get a very nice HT
Worst build equality comes from Vizio and won't last
Ypohgbvnx💕🧃🍰🍬
Almost everytime there is a video like this always the purists appear with the don't buy a soundbar just get a bookshelf speakers or get a proper home theater but that's not good for everyone. First a proper home theater with atmos support will more than likely cost you like 2 or 3 times more than a top of the line soundbar, if you don't have the technical knowledge you'll had to pay for the installation and that's more money on top of that you need to wire everything and that can be a nightmare for a first install. Now you can easily get good sound for less than 1000 and awesome sound for less than 2000 in the soundbar category. If you feel you need more and are ready to pay get a proper home theater it would be the best.
And also I don't agree with the recommendations in this video they went with one of the most expensive to the middle and then a bunch of cheap ones that aren't that good. A lot of good soundbars from Samsung, Sony and LG could've been mentioned but I just saw a lot of Vizio that are notorious for not being that good and dodgy firmware.
They suck. Get a receiver and speakers. That is all you need to know.
headphone jack to tv. goodbye dolby audio.
Not budget at all
Looks like Ty Pendleberry needs to hit the gym. Seems like the heaviest things he picks up is lunch. Geez! Need a back brace, bruh?
- Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar available
- $2500 !
- Music doesn't sound great
Huh??????
Jesus… got my place bugged…
It's not your place it's your phone bro, I was literally talking about a home theater system yesterday & this popped up in my feed.... Samsung snoops the most.
@@H8er-Maker ron swanson was right