Soundbars are becoming increasingly popular in the hi-fi enthusiast circles – and for good reason. The best of these compact and versatile units and systems offer a level of hi-fidelity sound and enough features that they can easily function as a hub – for both home cinema and smartphone streaming purposes.
As convenient as they are stylish , a soundbar can offer all of the sound and presence of a full-blown home cinema system, but without the bulky cabinets and trailing wires. All any soundbar truly needs to spring to life is a TV. But the following offer something else: Bluetooth AptX technology, for superior streaming from enabled devices.
If you’ve been keeping your ear to the ground, it’s likely you’ve come across the term AptX a fair bit lately. But what is it, exactly? In a nutshell, it’s the next generation of Bluetooth streaming. In brief: the original Bluetooth technology, despite being a revolution in itself, had a nasty habit of compressing audio sent over it, discarding data. This meant that – no matter how hi-fidelity the streamer – some of the detail and the overall quality of the sound was lost. This meant that streaming could only go so far in offering something that could compete with real, wired hi-fi. And that’s where AptX comes in. There is still some compression involved – but it’s a different kind. In essence, AptX uses a new type of modelling which uses fewer bits per sample. Smaller files mean less has to be discarded, so loss of sound and detail no longer factors.
To enjoy the benefits of AptX and its virtually lossless ‘CD quality’ sound, both of the devices communicating have to have it. A slight downside perhaps, but when you consider just how many smartphones now feature it as a standard, as well as many of the corresponding devices, it’s a plunge worth taking.
If you have an AptX enabled device – or are considering getting one – then here are five soundbars which will make perfect streaming partners and double up beautifully as an alternative to a home cinema system too. You can’t ask for much more than that, can you? Remember, these products are as new as AptX itself, so critical opinion is scarce. You’ll have to trust us. But don’t worry, we know what we’re doing.
Remember, all prices stated were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Tannoy BaseStation One Soundbase – £349
We’ll kick off proceedings with this bulky little beastie. A ‘base’ as opposed to a ‘bar’ (just to mess with the equilibrium a bit, if you’re a regular reader, you’ll know it’s what we do best!), the BaseStation One is designed to sit beneath as opposed to in front of your TV. It takes up perhaps a little more space than your average base (or indeed bar) but for the price, the sound is as big as the box suggests! Best designed for larger TVs (it can support up to 45kg), this is a no nonsense streamer with that all important rich and full bodied sound that Tannoy is famous for. And of course, it has AptX.
Why do we like it?
It is distinctly no nonsense. No ifs, no buts, no frills or knots. Easy set up and basic operation means that all it has to worry about is delivering on sound. And it does every inch of that – even when streaming.
Why do they like it?
‘Rich, satisfying sound quality makes the Tannoy BaseStation One a superb purchase, despite its chunky size and basic operation.’ (Trusted Reviews)
2. Q Acoustics Media M4 Soundbar – £399
Next up, we have the Media M4. This a real critic pleaser which stands out for one simple, reason – while most soundbars are designed to enhance the audio of film and TV first and foremost when it comes to music, a little something has to give. This means that – in our opinion – your average soundbar won’t handle music quite like a real hi-fi system could. The M4 is designed to handle both music and movies in equal (and excellent) measure. And the inclusion of AptX is a pretty frank testimony to this fact – Q are serious about this being used as a serious streamer. The subwoofer has been brought inside, so this soundbar is a fantastic way of discreetly bringing big, detailed, hi-fidelity sound into the any sized space.
Why do we like it?
Its film and TV sound is mind-blowing, and music performance is just as mind-blowing. This would be a perfect solution for someone who wants the best of both worlds – hi-fi and home cinema – but don’t want to sacrifice too much space.
Why do they like it?
‘Surfing the £400 price-point there are very few – if any – that can match the sound quality on offer from the M4. Highly Recommended […] A proper Hifi Soundbar.’ (AV Forums)
3. YAS-203 Virtual Surround Sound System – £429.95
The YAS-203 has a bigger overall footprint than your average soundbar due to its external subwoofer, but for what it loses in space-saving, it gains in sound. And it’s still a very affordable way of bringing both virtual, home cinema style surround sound and hi-fidelity CD quality streaming too – if the smart device is right. The YAS-203 is compatible with a free app controller for both iOS and Android. Its easy-to-see and easy-to-use and enables you to control all sorts, even setting surround programmes or sound quality. Combine this with its revolutionary AIR SURROUND XTREME which creates actual surround sound by bouncing sound off walls, you have a pretty amazing system at your disposal. And the AptX means that even music streamed (and the bounced) will sound as good as pretty much anything else it will play.
Why do we like it?
AIR SURROUND XTREME deserves capitalisation. It’s amazing – just as effective as a full blown home cinema system. Add your AptX smartphone to the equation and you’ll have something as convenient as it is impressive.
4. Yamaha SRT-1000 Soundbase – £499
Yamaha’s first ever soundbase definitely deserves your consideration when it comes to both streaming and home cinema. Their years of extensive experience of producing award winning and world class soundbars and projectors shines through once again. It features the same advanced sound projection technology, lovingly dubbed Intellibeam, that features on its hi-end soundbars. Intellibeam creates fully adjustable beams of sound which reflect off the walls of your chosen room. These beams can be altered at the touch of a remote controller (or app – yes, there’s an app for this. Useful as you’ll already have your smartphone handy). It can achieve a 5:1 sound that is indistinguishable from an actual surround sound system and it’s the only ‘base that can do that too.
Why do we like it?
Yamaha is a surefire bet with this sort of thing. They do their soundbars well, and they’ve done their soundbase well. It’s a perfect AptX partner for your smartphone so get ready to bounce that streamed sound.
5. Yamaha YSP-2500 Digital Sound Projector – £799
And finally the best in class, the grande fromage: the Yamaha YSP-2500. Widely regarded as one of the finest soundbars money can buy. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the purchase for both your home-cinema and your streaming needs. And of course AptX is included. Encased in solid aluminium with a 162W total power output. It boasts three HDMI outputs, a coaxial, an optical and an analogue, making it a very effective hub. It carries Yamaha’s very own Intellibeam creating beams of sound which are then reflected off the walls of the room – and six different beam modes for optimum listening (thanks to adjustable speakers) as well as the ability to fully customise at the touch of your smart phone screen. Yes, there’s an app for that. It has every feature you can think of and yet is very easy to set up and operate. Worth it? Oh yes.
Why do we like it?
Because we have – once again – run out of room trying to describe how good it is. And we still had a lot more to say. Our favourite soundbar yet.
Why do they like it?
‘The YSP-2500’s expansive sound field, punch and scale are impressive, and it’s the most appealing solution for those that want cinema-style sound without going the full hog with a 5.1 system’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
We know that a soundbar/base/projector may not be the most obvious choice when looking into streaming, but the fact they are as new as they are – thus AptX enabled – is a distinct advantage as the vast majority of streaming devices on the market will have yet to catch up. Soundbars are on the cutting edge. If you have AptX on your smartphone, take advantage and invest in something corresponding. Once you hear it, you’ll know it was a wise choice.