What is a Soundbar / Digital Sound Projector
Sound bars are a “one box” solution for complementing your existing television, some offer the ability to portray a 5.1 setup where space is limited or traditional larger speakers are not acceptable. We often find customer requiring something that looks smart and does not become the main feature of the room, aesthetics are key here and manufacturers go to great lengths to make slimline designs sound as good as possible. Let’s have a look at the theory behind soundbars and some popular models available to you.
Why Soundbars?
Sound bars have gained in popularity over the last few years, even more so in the last 12 months. Multiple reasons could cited for this, for example new televisions look great but due to the nature of their design adequate speakers cannot be fitted, old style CRT monitors could accommodate speakers with larger magnets and bigger drivers and therefore (in theory) better sound. Another possible reason for this boost is requirement for a one box solution – endless wires trailing everywhere is not good look (sometimes a trip hazard to), Audiophiles may disagree with me here but back in the real world they are more of a distraction dragging you away from your engagement with that favourite movie! With advancements in televisions, Wi-Fi integration for example augmenting the existing sound quality is a natural progression that you can do yourself, picture having a few friends over putting a music channel on, instant disappointment with the TV speakers, not so with a soundbar in place.
Choosing you Soundbar:
There are multiple models on offer, choosing the right one for you may seem daunting but if you factor in the features you need along with your budget then there is something for everyone. Some offer only a stereo such as the Yamaha YAS-101, the baby of the Yamaha range, have look here. Perfect for those in a smaller room where a subwoofer would be too much (this model is also available with a sub: YAS-201) or just a stereo signal is fed to the unit. Yamaha offer multiple options: the YAS range are stereo sound projectors, the YHT offers stereo with a centre speaker (a step closer to surround sound) and the YSP offers full surround affect from the use of multiple line array drivers. From the simple beginnings of the 101/201 features improve throughout the range offering better decoding through the use of HDMI or Optical Toslink and Yamaha’s CINEMA DSP technology, crisp and elegant sound is guaranteed.
The afore mentioned flagship YSP-4300 relies not only on fantastic sound quality but also the ability to integrate into your system with ease. One of the key features attributed to higher end sandbars is the ability to reproduce 5.1 and 7.1 playback from a single source such as a Blu-ray player, this is achieved by reflecting sound waves off surrounding walls:
We could get hung up on the differences between the YSP-4300, 3300 and 2200– put basically they are all high quality projectors with excellent features but the 4300 has more drivers than the others therefore better power output and comes complete with a wireless adapter, if wireless streaming is a feature you are interested in then take look at the 3300 and 4300, it is not included on the 2200. Streaming as I am sure you are appreciate is a the forefront of new technology, this is feature many consumers now require and brings us neatly onto the Sonos Playbar.
The Playbar hails from well know wireless speaker manufacturer Sonos – it takes all the benefits of their original products such as the Play 3, no wires, great software and (considering there is no wires) fabulous sound quality, take a look:
The Playbar can be integrated into an existing Sonos system, so you can utilise it as an extra speaker as well as a soundbar.
Comprising of nine drive units and angled tweeters filling the majority of rooms is not a problem, another great feature is the integration with the Sonos software, you can play your entire iTunes library wirelessly along with music software such as Spotify – all this makes the Play bar a real contender.
In order to clarify between the different models here is a quick run down of the Soundbars mentioned in this blog:
Yamaha YAS-101:
Two channel stereo soundbar offering excellent results over standard flat screen television speaker, detailed sound and slimline looks, a sure winner.
Yamaha YAS-201
Comprising of the above YAS-101 soundbar and subwoofer, one for the movie lover out there – combining a sub makes this system more competent at recreating that cinema experience.
Yamaha YHT-S401
The only Yamaha to feature a left, right and centre speaker– the more drivers the more air you move, over the last two mentioned this soundbar will further integrate you into your movies and music, especially movies!
Yamaha YSP-2200
The entry model into the higher end of soundbars, featuring 16 line array drivers, a quality subwoofer and Yamaha’s excellent decoding ability. A great place begin if you looking for uncompromising sound quality.
Yamaha YSP-3300
Edging ever closer to the top of the range this penultimate model takes the key design points from the previous models but throws in the ability to stream via the included wireless adaptor, this freedom to stream from appropriate device is a game changer.
Yamaha YSP-4300
The ultimate expression of soundbar design: 22 line array drivers, wireless streaming and exceptional looks. If you want the best then look no further, they way this unit reproduces 5/7.1 from a single box with leave you in awe, and being Yamaha it is going to be around for a long time to come.
To conclude
Whichever way you look at it a soundbar in your system can offer fantastic benefit over your standard to TV speakers. Whether it is movies or music you are playing you will be surprised at the difference these can make, especially when compared “proper” 5/7.1 box design loudspeaker system. Smart, stylish and trendy – designers such a Yamaha have taken the time to make these not just another speaker in the home, they integrate seamlessly into your system and offer greater enjoyment – even if it is just Tuesday Corrie! Any questions please do not hesitate to call our friendly and knowledgeable team – we are here to help.