Technical features of the active soundbar

The soundbar is a small horizontal device designed to enhance and enhance the sound. According to its acoustic data, it is comparable to a home cinema. There are active and passive devices. Today we look at what constitutes an active soundbar.

Connection methods

When choosing a technique, it is extremely important to take into account such a moment as the connection. There are two ways to connect the device:

  1. Directly to the TV, which is a simple and convenient option. Such a system is active, that is, working directly from the device.
  2. With the help of the receiver. This method is somewhat more complicated, but the sound quality is much better.

 Soundbar connected to the TV

Soundbars that are connected directly are called active, and those that are connected via the receiver are passive.. The latter lack the built-in amplifier option and are often characterized as 3 in 1 systems, where the left, right and center channels are located in the same package and are connected simultaneously.

Multifunctionality or simplicity

The first systems were invented only to improve the television sound. Modern models have collected a lot of advanced options. This Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connection, and synchronization with a smartphone, and many other nice bonuses.

There are three main types of active soundbars:

  1. The simplest devices that do not have high functionality. They can be both with a subwoofer (system of low frequencies), and without it. Many people buy the system not only for TVs, but also for players and other multimedia devices.
     Simple active soundbar

  2. The second option is a more complex system that can be compared in sound with a home theater. Buy it, as a rule, those who want to have at home a high-quality surround sound, but does not want to install bulky speakers.
     Active soundbar with subwoofer

  3. Well, the last type of system is the most sophisticated one, and therefore such a soundbar is quite expensive. The device is full acoustics, and reproduces the sound of the best quality, creating the effect of complete immersion.
     System with soundbar

What is important to know about the components

The quality of work of any system depends on every detail and their compatibility. When choosing a soundbar, you need to have an idea about its configuration and what affects each specific component:

  1. Electronic card that is responsible for the operation of almost all systems of the device.
  2. A decoder that converts sound by splitting the received signal into sound channels.
  3. The digital processor serves for high-quality sound processing in accordance with the established parameters.
  4. An amplifier, receiving low-frequency sound, converts it into the desired range.
  5. Built-in equalizer, which has software settings.
  6. Some models have a stereo balance control.
  7. To receive a high-quality radio signal, the device is equipped with a radio tuner.
  8. Not all, but many sound bars can work with optical discs.
  9. Another optional, but important attribute of the system is a subwoofer.It can be connected both wired and wireless.

Choosing a subwoofer, it is better to stay on the wireless model. With a very small loss of sound, you will be able to install it in any part of the room. Make sure that the sound does not go late.

What you need to know about the speakers

If you are interested in the sound panel, then when choosing a soundbar, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the dynamics of the device. For those who do not understand acoustic devices, it is important to know:

  1. The quality of the speakers determines whether they can reproduce the entire required range or only part of it.
  2. Those speakers that reproduce the entire set of sounds are called broadband.
  3. Speakers tuned to a specific frequency can be low frequency, mid frequency and high frequency.
  4. The speakers differ not only in the reproduced frequency of the sound, but also in their design.

 Soundbar speakers

Determine the type of sound can be on the appearance and number of speakers. If the system is equipped with several speakers and sabs, then in front of you is a broadband system.

The range of sound broadband speakers - 80 to 12,000 hertz. Single-sided speakers have a breakdown from 16 to 30 hertz, from 200 to 500, and from 2000 to 30,000 hertz.

About power speaker systems

As a rule, on the audio box indicate the total output power. But what are these figures talking about and what do they give? Maximum power - the one at which the sound becomes the highest quality. In theory, the quality of the device depends not only on the sound quality, but also on the subwoofer. Practice shows that the maximum power in the room is not used, therefore it is more expedient to choose average indicators. Such an approach will save you from poor-quality sound at low power, as well as from unnecessary expenses for a high-power system.

 Indication of power on the speaker box

There are four types of system power. Already familiar general, nominal, output and peak.

Surround sound implementation

Without surround sound, the soundbar would not be able to compete properly with home theaters, and, therefore, its advantages would be significantly affected. When you first look at the system, it seems that the implementation of such a technology as surround sound is simply impossible. However, despite the fact that all the speakers are arranged in a row, the system produces surround sound. How is this possible?

  • When positioning the speakers, consider the distance between them and the angle of inclination.
  • The latest sound overlay technology.

It is important to note that such a system can not be cheap, since new technologists have always been very expensive. But today it is clear that it justifies its price.

System functionality

The main option of the soundbar (both active and passive) is playing the sound from the TV. But many devices have some functionality that makes the system even more attractive:

  1. Transfer sound from your phone to bluetooth.
  2. The ability to use the system as karaoke.
  3. Transfer 3D sound.
  4. Internet connection.

In recent years, there has been a tendency to the improvement of manufactured devices. With each new model, the functionality of the soundbar expands, turning the device into a full-fledged MFP system.

Manufacturers Overview

When choosing a speaker system, it is important to consider its power, frequency and sound distortion. But not everyone wants to understand the technical characteristics. Many people choose the technique of the familiar brand. What can be said about the manufacturers of soundbars?

  1. Samsung produces systems in a different price range. It is important that the quality of the soundbar does not depend on the price. Systems differ only in their functionality.
     Soundbar Samsung

  2. LG differs in that its devices are equipped with separate speakers. The sound in them is quite good, and the cost is not high.
     Soundbar and LG subwoofer
  3. Choosing a product PhilipsYou can be sure that you will get high-quality hardware for a small amount of money, but without any frills in terms of functionality.
     Soundbar and Philips subwoofer
  4. If we talk about small companies, the firm Mystery produces absolutely affordable devices. The sound in them is average, but there is a good functionality.
     Soundbar and Mystery subwoofer
  5. Devices of the same companySony cost expensive, but their quality is worth it.
     Sony Soundbar
  6. Panasonic on the contrary, for very small days it offers models that can be compared with a home cinema.
     Soundbar and Panasonic subwoofer

Conclusion

When choosing a soundbar, it is important to understand what exactly you are targeting and why you need this system. If you just want to improve the sound quality of your TV, then the active model will do. If you want to get a home theater in a reduced form, then you should think about passive options with surround sound.

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