For decades, since the rise of home cinemas in the late 1980s, the only way to replicate the surround sound experience which had a profound influence on the world of commercial cinema was to spend exorbitant amounts of money on a set-up of speakers with a high-end multichannel amp or receiver.
The Audio Visual (AV) industry eventually arrived at the conclusion that this costly, difficult, and cluttered process was preventing many families from realising their home cinema goals. This led to the development of home theatres that could be sold in box packages and eventually to soundbars, the pinnacle of a home cinema audio experience.
Soundbars and surround sound speakers are two popular types of home audio systems. Soundbars are designed to be used in place of a TV’s speakers, while surround sound speakers are designed to create a realistic sound experience when paired with a compatible home theater system.
Soundbars are compact speakers that typically sit on a TV stand or shelf, while surround sound speakers are larger and are typically placed around a living room. They both deliver high-quality audio solutions.
Soundbars are a great way to enjoy movies and music without having to invest in a full home theater system. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small, compact models that can be placed anywhere in a room. Surround sound speakers, on the other hand, are designed to immerse people in a movie or music experience.
Soundbars are a great way to enjoy a surround sound experience without having to buy an entire home theater system. These bars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used with most TVs. They usually have a small area footprint and are easy to move around. Some stand-alone soundbars also have built-in speakers, while others require you to connect external speakers. Soundbars are a great option for people who want to save money on their home theater system but still get the immersive experience they desire.
Lower costs are, for the most part, a huge plus for soundbars. Presently, these devices can be purchased for as little as $40, with numerous variants from a host of manufacturers costing less than $100. Even a simple surround system with a multichannel amp and 5.1 speaker bundle would roughly cost about $500.
Although there are a vast array of soundbar alternatives presently available, however, these options could lead to pricing complications. By the time a client receives a bundle that incorporates a wireless subwoofer and a basic stereo sound arrangement, that individual is generally about $220 out-of-pocket.
High-end audio brands continue to offer customised models that cost upwards of $1,900. The difference being that, while soundbars can increase a TV’s audio for a relatively low price, the range of quality and sound quality they now offer is significant.
The days when soundbars existed solely to offer a better audio option compared to that of TV speakers, in the most convenient form factor possible, are all but over. These days, there are soundbars that can offer truly superior audio quality, whether they’re being used to listen to music or when watching a movie. However, there are fundamental differences between a soundbar and individual surround systems, which are generally suitable for different tastes and needs.
Even if an individual opts for a relatively expensive model with a physical back and subwoofer unit, a soundbar still tends to be the best option for a large living room. Especially if the living room in question is not very large and has an unnatural shape or layout.
