[Comparison] Best soundbar: which one to choose? - January 2022

Watching a movie like in the cinema does that tell you? Today solutions exist to experience a film as in dark rooms with Home Cinema sound. For this it is no longer necessary to buy several speakers, connect them, synchronize them, hide the cables, etc. A simple sound bar is enough today.

Soundbars greatly simplify the installation of a home cinema system and above all are less expensive. Their advantage is also to be multifunctional, ideal for both movie and audiophiles, for the most expensive versions. Don't worry, there's something for every budget on this list. The soundbars have been sorted in order of price starting from the cheapest to the most expensive.

To help you find your way around, each product contains a table with the price, the power, the type of audio codec and the presence of a subwoofer or not. If you are unfamiliar with certain terms or simply want to learn more, you have a whole guide to help you at the bottom of our Top. Everything is explained there to follow and understand each product presented according to its characteristics.

Contents

Polk Signa Solo: The cheapest soundbar

It's the cheapest soundbar in our comparison, but make no mistake, it has some serious advantages. It is intended for people wishing to significantly improve the audio quality of their television. It is capable of simulating surround sound but without a subwoofer. To create a good immersive cinema system, this sound bar will be ideal.

The connection is simple, but sufficient with: an optical socket, a jack input as well as Bluetooth. This soundbar offers a detailed and well-defined audio signature.

Good points

Negative points

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LG SN11RG: LG's best soundbar yet

With the SN11RG, LG gives us much more than a soundbar. Indeed, the device can count on an external subwoofer, but also two side speakers. The whole constitutes a complete 7.1.4 system , one of the flagships of the Korean brand's audio equipment.

The SN11RG uses its two upward-firing speakers, one placed in the front and the other in the back, to produce the height effects enabled by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, LG has once again collaborated with UK audio specialist, Meridian, to ensure high fidelity sound.

In terms of its design, this soundbar combines practicality and aesthetics . It also embeds an artificial intelligence that converts any audio format, even simple stereo, into a complete multi-channel format that takes advantage of its possibilities.

Good points

Negative points

LG SP11RA: the complete soundbar for home cinema

The LG SP11RA soundbar was developed in partnership with Meridian Audio. It succeeds the SN11RG model and incorporates most of its features. The SP11RA is equipped with many intelligent features aimed at improving listening quality. These include room-based sound calibration and AI Sound Pro, allowing the sound configuration to be adapted to the content.

LG's SP11RA delivers detailed, power-rich Atmos rendering comparable to most soundbars. Even without using Dolby Atmos functions, it is ideal for playing music and other tracks, using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

In addition, the companion software is also very powerful. Its somewhat bulky size and its somewhat high price are some of its small flaws. However, considering all its features and its very satisfactory audio performance, the SP11RA soundbar stands above its competitors . Cinephiles and audiophiles in search of immersion will be seduced.

Good points

Negative points

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Sonos Arc: the best 5.1 soundbar tested to date

Equipped with a subwoofer , this soundbar is well built, while remaining elegant. Also equipped with two speakers, the device provides audio that immerses you in content close to reality. Indeed, with Dolby Atmos technology, the performance offered by the audio provides an impressive surround effect, ideal for movie nights.

Purchasing a Sonos Arc comes with an Auto Room Correction feature . It allows you to adjust the audio characteristics of the device according to the acoustics of the room in which it is located. Therefore, when the function is activated, the sound profile neutralizes itself to provide a slight gloss effect, suitable for many different types of audio content. Additionally, the technology allows for further customization of the sound using bass and treble adjustment. Finally, the Sonos Arc has a function that improves the sound of dialogue, making voices clearer and crisper.

The Sonos soundbar, on the other hand, lacks a full graphic equalizer, which is a little disappointing for a device of this caliber.

Good points

Negative points

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Sony HT-ST5000: still excellent soundbar

The ST 5000 offers cinematic performance as well as music quality. The soundbar is ultra HD and Wi-Fi compatible for streaming music playback.

The sound bars that make up the ST 5000 are distinguished by their coaxial speakers. With dimensions of more than one meter in height, they are suitable for rather large televisions, between 46 and 50 inches. With a configuration of 6 loudspeakers distributed on the facade, the set combines a woofer and a tweeter for a guaranteed Dolby Atmos effect .

Sony therefore provides a strikingly realistic offer with 360° surround, for an immersive cinematic effect and experience. Compared to its competitors, it tends to enjoy sound clarity.

Good points

Negative points

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Bose Solo 5: The ultra-compact soundbar

The Bose Solo 5 can be placed anywhere in his living room thanks to its very small size of about fifty centimeters. It can either be placed or fixed to a wall to take up even less space. The only thing to foresee is that your room should not be too big, because power is not its main asset. For this price no surround sound, but an excellent solution to replace the existing sound of your television.

The voices will be clearer and the bass sufficiently present. However, it does not contain a subwoofer. Thanks to this sound bar, it will be possible to transform it into a real home cinema with the addition of modules. But you don't have to add more to take full advantage of this soundbar's potential. As for the connection, it is simple and efficient with: a coaxial, optical, jack and USB input.

Good points

Negative points

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Sony HT-X8500: the best value for money

Rather compact, the Sony HT-X8500 soundbar is placed in the mid-range by its price. However, you will hardly be able to guess it if you rely only on your ears.

Indeed, the device produces a more than immersive sound, in particular thanks to the Vertical S technology of the Japanese. Operated at the touch of a button on the remote control, it recalibrates the tracks of the soundtrack that are not linked to an object for a more enveloping effect. In fact, if your content is in Dolby Atmos or DTS: X, this option is activated by default. Added to this are two integrated subwoofers that will make your home vibrate. According to Sony, its soundbar can compete with an Atmos 7.1.2 system .

However, we regret the absence of certain features and limited connectivity. But despite this, the model remains the best option for good sound without exposing its budget.

Good points

Negative points

Yamaha YAS-109: small affordable soundbar with high fidelity sound

A mid-range model, the Yamaha YAS-109 is one of the few soundbars at its price point that faithfully reproduces audio, without artificially embellishing it. Thus, we are entitled to a natural sound, without embellishment and to a high quality stereo.

The object itself has benefited from exemplary finishes. In addition, you can use Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, without having to stick your lips to the soundbar to issue a command.

However, slightly light bass and poor midrange management at high volume taints the picture a bit. Worse, do not expect to do without a subwoofer for a surround effect.

Good points

Negative points

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Harman Kardon SB26: Surround and Affordable Quality

This soundbar does honor to the Harman Kardon range. The bass is powerful thanks to its additional box. As usual with the brand, the voices are clear and very precise. The number of possible connections to the device is very large. There are two HDMI inputs and an output with ARC, then a jack and an optical. Everything is connected via Bluetooth to control it from your phone.

The application is also complete with many features. It will allow you to control your system much more independently than with the remote control. Different modes will thus be available directly from your smartphone. The soundbar is capable of simulating surround sound in a realistic and immersive way.

Good points

Negative points

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Klipsch RSB-8: The power of bass

Klipsch's soundbar is clearly bass-oriented. This does not prevent it from having a balanced sound across the entire audio spectrum. It will allow you to be fully immersed in your film with an excellent rendering of explosions for example. The connection is sufficiently provided with: An HDMI IN and an OUT which also does ARC, then an analog, USB and optical socket. There is also Wifi and Bluetooth for wireless connections.

Its remote control allows it to be controlled very easily with very few buttons. It will allow you to control the basic functions of the sound bar. Its ecosystem allows it to also connect two “RW1” speakers as well as the “Three”. To do this, you will need to use the application that will synchronize them with each other.

Good points

Negative points

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LG SJ9: The affordable Dolby Atmos experience

This soundbar emphasizes Surround. With its "Movie" mode it manages to virtually recreate an impressive home cinema effect. It is comparable to a movie theatre, with good sound spatialization, but not extreme precision. This is rather logical given the size so compact and the price of the soundbar.

There is a simple but effective connection at the back: Two HDMI sockets (one IN and one OUT which also acts as TV ARC), an optical input, a jack socket and finally an Ethernet socket to connect the sound bar. wired way to internet.

Sonos Playbase: The soundbar that fits under your television

The Sonos soundbar is not really one. We could rather call it sound stage. Its shape allows it to contain 10 speakers that will project a very precise stereo sound. Even if the Sonos Playbase is not sold with a subwoofer, it produces excellent powerful and punchy bass.

As for the connectors, it simply has an optical input and an Ethernet socket. This allows it to fit perfectly into the Sonos ecosystem which has many modules such as a subwoofer and speakers to produce 5.1 sound.

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Philips Fidelio B8: Dolby Atmos sound simplified

This soundbar is also called SkyQuake. It is the first to be able to produce Dolby Atmos sound at Philips. Its design is very neat with a very imposing and powerful subwoofer. For bass fans, you will be served by this system. The sound is of very good quality with an implacable precision of the voices.

Its connectivity is just as impressive as its power. We find: two HDMI IN ports, an HDMI OUT port which is ARC compatible, an optical socket, a jack socket, a coaxial input, a USB port and Bluetooth with NFC.

A remote control that allows access to more precise parameters to adjust the sound as desired. It also greatly simplifies the use of the soundbar.

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B&W Panorama 2: The simple and effective soundbar

Bowers & Wilkins is well known for its quality audio systems. Once again they demonstrate their know-how with this soundbar. Its main asset is its quality, both audio and hardware. No unnecessary frills on this bar, everything you need is compacted in this miniaturized home cinema system. Its connections are varied with: Three HDMI IN sockets, one HDMI OUT, an optical input, a jack socket and an RCA output for a subwoofer.

The soundbar does not contain a subwoofer, but it does include a socket to connect one. This will allow you to choose the power and quality of bass you desire. A small screen is placed on the middle of the enclosure. It is tactile with the addition of a presence sensor that is activated when you approach your hand.

Yamaha MusicCast YSP-2700: Excellence at Every Level

The Yamaha MusicCast YSP-2700 is the ultimate soundbar. All the best of the audiophile brand is condensed in this all-in-one system with its subwoofer. Its ultra-minimalist design hides a very high sound precision with its 17 speakers. A calibration microphone is used to automatically configure the Surround which analyzes the room to create the best possible rendering. The connectivity is also very impressive with: Wifi and Bluetooth, four HDMI ports (including one ARC), a coaxial digital input, a Toslink optical input, an RCA analog input, an Ethernet input, an input for the calibration microphone Intellibeam and finally an output for the subwoofer in RCA.

This soundbar can be managed wirelessly via Wifi and Bluetooth to simplify its use even more. Other speakers can also be connected wirelessly to complete the ultra-immersive audio system.

Samsung's HW-7501, the curved soundbar

Launched in 2014, this Samsung soundbar model is designed above all for those who have a curved television. Able to provide you with powerful sound with its 320 watts, it relies on eight independent speakers and a wireless base unit.

On some Samsung televisions, it can be attached directly to the feet but also works very well on its own, providing a power of sound that should satisfy even the most demanding. No wiring is required and you can mount the soundbar actually anywhere you want. You can also choose to pair it to a phone, tablet or computer using Bluetooth. The majority of audio formats are compatible: MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, OGG, FLAC.

Razer Leviathan, the soundbar at a low price

Don't want to invest a crazy amount of money in your soundbar without sacrificing quality? It is undoubtedly this model of Razer that you need. A compact format, visually appealing with very good sound performance. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a real virtual 5.1 sound reproduction, you will probably have to go a little high on the price side.

Samsung HW-N850: home cinema at its best

Samsung had to renew its range of sound bars. Since the takeover of Harman Kardon and the various brands, the Korean manufacturer has improved further in the field. The HW-N850 model isn't the most connected it is, but it offers memorable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound thanks to its 5.1.2 configuration. The dedicated mobile application allows you to adjust the source, the volume, activate the subwoofer. However, no UPnP/DLNA or ChromeCast. On the streaming side, we limit ourselves to TuneIn Radio, Deezer and Spotify.

Here, it is the powerful sound reproduction that takes precedence with a subwoofer with exemplary behavior and zero distortion. You have two inputs and an ARC-compatible HDMI output, in addition to an SPDIF input and a Wifi and Bluetooth connection.

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Sonos Beam: a small powerful soundbar calibrated for streaming

Almost everyone knows the qualities of Sonos speakers. Be aware that the brand's sound bars do not defend themselves badly either. Like its counterparts, the Sonos Beam offers an advanced multiroom streaming experience. This has an Airplay-enabled WiFi connection that allows iPhone users to connect faster. Brand enthusiasts can thus connect several brand products. Movie buffs can plug it into the HDMI ARC output of their TV or into the SPDIF socket using the supplied adapter.

If the Sono Beam is pleasant to listen to, it should be remembered that the brand is closing its ecosystem. It will therefore not be possible to do multiroom with a speaker from another brand. On the other hand, it hosts Amazon Alexa, and more than 30 music services. It also ensures compatibility with UPnP/DLNA servers.

Samsung HW-450: an accessible soundbar

Samsung is a big player in the soundbar market. With the Samsung HW-450 soundbar, the Korean manufacturer offers an excellent entry-level model. Nothing to complain about the design of the product, which is very discreet and can be fixed directly to the wall. The sound is of very good quality, powerful (600W), but saturates at a somewhat high level.

The Samsung HW-450 soundbar comes with a subwoofer, a very good point. The latter still takes up a little space, but nothing too restrictive. Unfortunately, the soundbar cannot connect to WiFi. A damaging sacrifice, but that the excellent quality/price ratio of the product can make you forget.

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Bose SoundBar 700: a good base for a home cinema

Once again Bose shines with a product with a precise sound, but which lacks a little bass. Yes, it's strange for a product of this brand. To make the most of it, you must therefore obtain the Bass Module 700 bass module. Its design is elegant and its wide connectors provided. In addition to the HDMI ARC, optical and USB ports, the bar benefits from Bluetooth, Wifi and AirPlay 2 connectivity. You can also control it using Amazon Alexa.

You access the main streaming services including Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and TuneIn. Its Adaptiq calibration device adapts the speaker to the way you listen to music. On the film side, she knows how to underline the strong moments. On the other hand, it will be necessary to use the subwoofer to really benefit from it in this specific case.

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Yamaha Yas-107: a very good entry-level model

The Yamaha Yas-107 soundbar is one of the most accessible on the market. Accessible does not mean that its performance is outdone. The product has the great advantage of being able to hang easily on a wall. The Yamaha soundbar does not deliver very powerful sound, only 120W, but has a “Clear Voice” function to bring out dialogues and comments. A very good idea.

The proposed cinema ambience modes are not the most convincing, especially in large rooms. Despite this, the Yamaha Yas-107 soundbar remains one of the best entry-level products on the market.

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JBL Bar 5.1: a modular soundbar

Presented at IFA 2017 before its launch in early November, the JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar is an innovative product. The manufacturer under the control of Harmann Kardon has designed a detachable soundbar equipped with two wireless rear speakers. Powered by rechargeable batteries, they can be placed at your convenience. Thus, you can change from a 2.1 to 5.1 system in a jiffy.

The subwoofer offers significant performance with its power of 300 Watts. In addition, the remote control has a microphone to facilitate calibration in your room. Connectivity level, we appreciate the 3 female HDMI 2.0 inputs and the female HDMI output and its SPDIF port. Faults ? A slight lack of pitch on the voices and less good listening at low volume. The JBL brand is bound to appeal to a fan of big explosions in action movies.

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Samsung HW-Q80R: a good evolution of the HW-N850

Samsung has understood the interest of renewing its range of sound bars. The HW-Q80R is gradually replacing the HW-N850, once again offering remarkable performance. This large 55-inch-sized bar delivers 370 watts of power through 13 speakers.

In total, the package weighs 23.3 kg and also contains the wireless subwoofer. Together, the two elements provide appreciable performance because the lanes are distributed intelligently. Compatible with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X standards, this product can be improved by adding two satellites to benefit from 7.1. Out of the box, it delivers a good 5.1.2.

The Samsung HW-Q80R has two HDMI 2.0 inputs, an Optin output and an ARC output. Unfortunately, the Korean manufacturer has not yet adapted the eARC standard. When it comes to connectivity, the bar supports WiFi and Bluetooth. Finally, note that the system is compatible with Amazon Alexa, despite a certain lack of multimedia options. This product is aimed primarily at movie buffs.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar: the German manufacturer does not lace

“No Compromise”. This is what Sennheiser writes about its first soundbar. The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar weighs no less than 18 kg, is 126 cm long and 13.5 cm high. Concretely, it is larger and thicker than some TV furniture. The massive machine has 13 channels (6 woofers, 5 tweeters, 2 broadband speakers). Even without a subwoofer, it can reach 30Hz, giving the sound an impressive depth.

However, the German manufacturer has developed a system that is not aggressive to listen to. Above all, you can bet with your eyes closed on its AMBEO 3D spatialization. It perfectly simulates the environments heard in a movie or in a game.

Wifi, Bluetooth, 3 HDMI 2.0 inputs, an eARC output, an optical input, an RCA, an Ethernet port, 1 subwoofer output… The manufacturer does not do things by halves in terms of connectivity.

Finally, the multimedia features are there. Compatibility with Google ChromeCast, with uPnP and with an in-house application makes it one of the best soundbars on the market. Obviously, this has a price that also leaves you speechless: 2499 euros.

Power: NC

SOUNDBAR BUYING GUIDE

What is a soundbar?

A soundbar is an audio system that simulates "home theater" sound. That is to say, it gives the impression that you have installed speakers around you for better audio specialization. A soundbar consists of multiple speakers placed at specific angles to bounce sound off walls to give the impression of 3D sound. This effect is called Surround, but it is recommended to use this system in a square or rectangular room. The smaller it is, the more powerful the soundbar will be with more intense immersion.

Benefits of a soundbar

Price

The price of a soundbar is often more affordable than a real Home Cinema installation. This is explained by the fact that it contains smaller speakers and above all placed in a small space. Even if real Surround have recently started to become affordable, but not as much as a sound bar. But like any musical product, an audio bar can also go up very high in price and exceed 1000 euros.

Wiring

A soundbar allows you to have no cables running along your floor. There are certainly wireless Home Cinemas, but the disadvantage is their price which will be even higher than a wired system.

Facility

This is one of the main advantages of a soundbar. The installation is done very easily in a few minutes. The sound bars are often Bluetooth which allows them to be used ultra quickly. A single cable is usually enough to connect to your television, video projector or amplifier. Indeed no hole to make in the walls to pass the cables or fix the speakers in his living room. It is therefore the ideal solution for a technology beginner who can easily install a sound bar alone.

Price quality

The sound will be better than a real surround system at the same price. Vocals and treble are often handled better on a soundbar. The audio is therefore generally clearer.

Disadvantages of a soundbar

Low

On a simple soundbar, the bass is almost non-existent. Even with a box they are weaker, because they are not designed for bass. There are still bars that integrate the subwoofer directly into the central system.

Spatialization

Nothing will ever beat real speakers placed around you. The fact of simulating a Home Cinema already means that it cannot be better than the original. The first time you hear this kind of system, you're impressed by the technology, but it won't be worth a real surround sound.

What budget to expect?

From 200 to 500 €

The goal will simply be to improve the listening comfort of the television. Screens are often equipped with low quality audio systems. At that price, you won't get an audiophile home cinema. The main thing is to make the audio quality better and not outstanding. In theory a soundbar at any price improves the sound of your TV.

From 500 to 800 €

We fall into a category for the most cinephiles, but still not audiophiles. They are almost all equipped with an integrated or additional subwoofer. Above all, don't neglect the subwoofer, which will make the experience much more immersive.

More than 800 €

There you can combine cinephilia and audiophilia. The audio quality is much better and especially the Surround and much more realistic in a square or rectangular room.

The connection of a sound bar

hdmi

This kind of soundbar contains two HDMI ports. One for video and audio input and the other for output to TV. It thus makes it possible to create a platform between a video source and the screen. For the television to be autonomous, the HDMI input of the sound bar must be ARC. That is, “Audio Return Channel”, which sends the audio signal back to the source.

Optical

This output is used to transmit a digital signal. The cable for sharing is made of optical fiber so that no data is lost and at very high speed. This method is the most reliable and fastest with all types of audio codecs processed by it. However, be careful not to twist this cable because they are fragile since the signal is transmitted by light.

Analog

This is one of the oldest methods of streaming sound, but also the simplest. A jack is enough to connect directly and broadcast an audio source. There are also sometimes RCA inputs, which consist of two cables, one red and one black. The tip is very similar to that of a TV antenna, with a central rod surrounded by a metal ring.

Bluetooth

Thanks to this technology, the soundbar becomes a connected speaker. Any Bluetooth device can be compatible, from a smartphone to a computer. Only downside of this technology, the quality is a little degraded compared to Wifi for example. It will generally be necessary to strain your ears to hear the difference. On a soundbar under 300 euros the nuance will not be really obvious in general.

Wireless

This is the technology that we find the least on soundbars. It offers the same wireless connection as Bluetooth, but more stable and of better quality. This method takes a little longer to set up, but once connected it is easy to reconnect the device.

Factors to consider when buying a soundbar

Design

This can be important depending on your interior. The soundbar must fit well into your decor. Certainly this is not the main thing, but there is generally a difference depending on its size. In theory a longer sound bar should be more powerful. But there are always exceptions with certain models that redouble their ingenuity to integrate more components into a smaller space.

Audio quality

This is one of the essential criteria to take into account. Depending on your needs, the sound quality will be more or less important. If you are an audiophile, however, you will have to pay a lot to get a soundbar that meets your requirements. Count more or less 800 euros for a high quality system.

Facility

As said before, the installation is very simple. En quelques minutes certaines barres de son seront installées. Surtout cela ne vous nécessitera pas de grandes connaissances en audiovisuel. Cela pourrait s'apparenter à du « prêt à écouter ». Il vous suffit de connecter l'alimentation à une prise puis de brancher la source audio avec la bonne connectique.

Value for money

On peut penser que sur le papier les barres de son pas cher sont de meilleurs choix pour leur rapport qualité-prix. Mais justement il faut se méfier, car si en théorie certaines sont meilleures, la réalité est bien différente. Soit elles ne tiendront pas dans le temps ou bien simplement vous risquez d'être déçu par la qualité sonore. Pour un bon rapport qualité-prix, vous avez Samsung qui produit d'excellentes barres de son.

Spatialisation

Un des facteurs importants à prendre en compte dans une barre de son 2,1 / 5,1 ou 7,1 c'est sa capacité à spatialiser le son. Le prix sera le premier touché si vous souhaitez une fidélité plus importante. Deux options Home Cinema s'offrent donc à vous : une version simulée d'un système 5,1 (cinq enceintes et un caisson de basse) ou 7,1 (sept enceintes et un caisson de basse). Un son 7,1 aura une plus grande immersion et une plus grande richesse sonore. Mais beaucoup de systèmes pas chers se composent plutôt d'un son 2,1, soit deux enceintes et un caisson de basse.

Subwoofer

Un caisson de basse est presque obligatoire pour un rendu cinématographique immersif. Des barres de son intègrent directement des caissons à l'intérieur, mais cela revient presque au même. La seule différence est que vous ne choisirez pas où vous souhaitez placer votre caisson. Les modèles qui intègrent directement les basses sont généralement plus onéreux, mais vous permettront de gagner encore un peu plus de place.

Power

On peut retrouver des barres de son de différentes puissances. Elles peuvent aller de 40 à plus de 500 watts. Ce chiffre ne donne pas la qualité d'une barre de son, c'est comme comparer des appareils photo en fonction du nombre de mégapixels. Pour un salon de 20 mètres carrés il vous faudra plus ou moins 100 Watts pour ne pas se retrouver à devoir trop monter le volume et avoir un problème de distorsion . Des marques comme Bose ne préfèrent pas communiquer sur la puissance, car elles sont souvent faibles et peuvent décourager les moins connaisseurs.

Dolby et DTS qu'est ce que c'est ?

Les dénominations Dolby et DTS désignent des technologies d'encodage et de restitution du son sur de nombreux canaux. Ce sont celles-ci qui permettent de la compatibilité entre les barres de son dotées d'au moins deux haut-parleurs les contenus visionnés.

Si l'on prend l'ensemble des produits présents dans ce comparatif, l'on trouve plusieurs dénominations. Here are a few.

Dolby Digital

Ce format né en 1992 peut gérer jusqu'à six canaux différents, ce qui permet de mettre en place une configuration 5 haut-parleurs + 1 caisson de basses. La méthode de compression AC3 dégrade légèrement le son, à l'instar du format MP3. Chaque piste se détache distinctement puisque chaque canal dispose de propres flux de données musicales. On la retrouve sur les DVD et les Blu Ray.

Dolby Atmos

Ici, l'on fait un bond dans le temps. Le Dolby Atmos est une technologie capable de gérer jusqu'à 64 canaux. Concrètement, elle est utilisée dans les salles de cinéma. Une même enceinte peut reproduire plusieurs canaux et donc offrir une spatialisation parfaite. Le son s'avère plus précis et focalisé dans une direction choisie par le mixeur.

Ce qui compte, c'est le mixage. Il permet de suivre les mouvements des personnages à l'écran. Dans une configuration cinéma, certaines enceintes sont placées au plafond. Avec une barre de son équipée, le son se voit projeté vers le haut pour rebondir vers les oreilles de l'utilisateur. Il faudra trouver un Blu Ray compatible pour en profiter.

DTS 5.1

Ce format apparaît en 1993 à la sortie de Jurrasic Park. Digital Theater System est financé par Steven Spielberg. Il s'avère très proche du Dolby Digital. Il propose lui aussi un encodage sur 5.1 canaux. En revanche, il compresse beaucoup moins le signal que son concurrent. Les audiophiles le préfèrent, donc. Il existe plusieurs déclinaisons suivant le support d'un film DVD ou Blu Ray.

DTS 7.1

Il s'agit d'une dénomination qui désigne deux technologies. La première, DTS High Definition Audio utilise jusqu'à 7.1 canaux avec une meilleure compression que le DTS 5.1. Pour en profiter, il faut au minimum une liaison HDMI 1.3. Les connexions coaxiale et optique ne disposent pas d'un débit suffisant. La seconde technologie nommée DTS HD Master Audio fonctionne avec la même connectique pour des signaux transmis sur 7.1 canaux sans compression et sans perte de qualité. Elle reste fidèle au master d'enregistrement qui a servi pour un Blu Ray (uniquement).

DTS:X

Le DTS:X vous assure une meilleure spatialisation. Il est disponible en 5.1.2 jusqu'à 9.1.2 canaux. Cet encodage apporte la gestion de la verticalité du son. Ainsi, l'immersion dans l'espace s'avère plus réaliste. En revanche, il convient de disposer d'une platine Blu Ray compatible qui généralement gère l'Ultra HD (4K).

Où acheter sa barre de son ?

S'il y a bien une question que tout le monde c'est celle-ci. Une barre de son se trouve chez Boulanger, Darty, la Fnac ou encore Electro Depôt. D'autres vendeur comme Amazon, son-video ou LDLC proposent ces produits sur le Web. Cependant, les premiers cités ont pignon sur rue avec leurs magasins.

Rien ne vaut un test par soi-même pour choisir une barre de son. En effet, chacun préfère un son en particulière, chacun l'utilise suivant ses besoins. Rien de mieux que de confirmer ou d'infirmer les tests réalisés sur Internet par une écoute en condition réelle ou pratiquement.

Comment brancher une barre de son ?

Généralement, même les barres de son Bluetooth doivent être branchées. Pour certaines, il suffit de les relier à l'alimentation. D'autres demandent de connecter la platine vidéo Blu Ray ou DVD. Pour cela, les ports HDMI sont pratiques. Attention d'acheter le câble adéquat : si le téléviseur dispose de la norme 2.0 alors, prenez un HDMI 2.0.

En ce qui concerne le câble optique, il faut acheter le produit correspondant. Il ne faut pas confondre le coaxial avec le SPDIF. Le premier a un embout rond. L'autre prend une forme carrée.

[FAQ] Barre de son

Barre de son ou home cinema ?

Pour choisir entre la barre de son et le home cinema, il y a 3 facteurs à prendre en compte, à savoir : la place, l'utilité et le budget. La barre de son est petite et coûte moins cher. Toutefois, le home cinema vous permet de transformer votre salon en une véritable salle de cinéma.

Comment brancher une barre de son ?

Après l'installation de la barre de son, vous pouvez utiliser un câble HDMI pour la relier avec votre télévision. Il se branche sur l'entrée marquée ARC de votre télévision et le port marqué HDMI OUT de la barre de son.

Comment choisir une barre de son ?

Optez pour une barre de son ayant une entrée audio numérique optique ou une entrée HDMI ARC pour pouvoir le connecter avec le téléviseur. Choisissez également une barre de son accompagnée d'un caisson de basses afin de restituer les sons les plus graves.

Combien de watt pour une barre de son ?

Pour une pièce moins de 15m², choisissez une puissance de 90 à 120 W. Pour un salon entre 20 à 40 m², optez pour une puissance de 120 à 300 W. Et une puissance de 300 à 500W convient aux pièces plus de 40m².

Barre de son ou enceinte ?

Une barre de son a été conçue pour amplifier des accessoires en interne comme la télévision tandis qu'une enceinte est un appareil portable destiné pour l'amplification des Smartphones, des tablettes et des ordinateurs.

GRAND COMPARATIF DES BARRES DE SON

Nous mettons régulièrement à jour notre sélection des meilleures barres de son. Retrouvez nos articles sur les objets connectés et la Hi-Fi dans notre rubrique dédiée.

Source : cnetfrance.fr