Introduction to Soundbar Reviews

Soundbars are a subset of conventional speakers which are designed into very slim yet wide enclosures intended to be placed directly above or below a video display. Unlike center channel speakers, a single sound bar incorporate multiple speakers/channels of reproduction, most often Left, Center, and Right. Some models, through novel driver arrangement and DSP, will also attempt to reproduce the surround channels with marginal success. Soundbars are almost always self powered omitting the usual AV Receiver or Amplifier, and because their limited enclosure volume precludes satisfactory bass extension, many are accompanied by a sub-woofer.

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Soundbars

Bowers and Wilkins Formation Bar and Bass Review

Tyler Stripko

Breaking from their audiophile traditions, Bowers and Wilkins have released Formation, a slate of products aimed squarely at the burgeoning market for wireless, streaming audio products. Here, we have B&W’s entry into the premium soundbar segment – the Formation Bar. Accompanied by the Formation Bass module, we have a full-range system with some unique capabilities as well as premium design and construction.

Soundbars

VIZIO SB46514-F6 Sound Bar Review

Tyler Stripko

A complete 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound bar system for under a thousand bucks? Is that even possible? Not only that, but one that includes a powerful 10” wireless subwoofer and dedicated surround speakers. If you are VIZIO, this is a goal that can absolutely be accomplished. Case in point: the VIZIO SB46514-F6 that we have here today.

Soundbars

VIZIO SB36512-F6 Soundbar Review

Tyler Stripko

Atmos for everyone! That’s the main guise behind VIZIO’s new Atmos-capable soundbars. For just $499.99, the VIZIO SB36512-F6 soundbar System offers a full-blown 5.1.2-channel home theater experience in a relatively compact and easy to use package. It also includes a wireless subwoofer and dedicated surround speakers, which are rare at this price.

Soundbars

Vizio SB4051-D5 5.1-Channel Sound Bar Review

Tyler Stripko

While I love the sound quality that a full-bore home theater system offers, sometimes all a user really needs is simplicity. Whether for a bedroom system, or a small family room or den, sound bars answer the call of many users by offering good sound and great ease of use in a very cost-effective package. The Vizio SB4051-D5 Sound Bar System takes things a bit further, as it is a true 5.1 channel package with a dedicated subwoofer and real surround speakers.

Soundbars

MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 Soundbar Review

Francisco Licon

The MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is a thin, wall mountable speaker to be used under or near a flat screen TV. The Motion SLM X3 is flexible in that it can stand alone on a shelf or mantle. Using high performance drivers and crossover, the MartinLogan Motion SLM X3 is designed to deliver uncompromising performance for the movie and music lover.

Soundbars
Bluesound Pulse 2 All-In-One Streaming Music System

Bluesound Pulse 2 All-In-One Streaming Music System Review

Chris Eberle

Whole-house audio gets easier and better with each new product introduction. Today I’m looking at the Bluesound Pulse 2 All-In-One Streaming Music System. It combines a BluOS streaming player with a DirectDigital tri-amplifier, premium speakers, and support for nearly every music format including MQA. It’s the ultimate in convenience, quality sound, and high-end styling. The lifestyle audio product genre may have to shoot for a newly elevated benchmark.

Soundbars