Which Is Better: A Soundbar Or A Home Theater? What Is The Difference? What Is The Best Choice?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Who does not want to be left alone with the primitive sound of their TV, buys a soundbar or home theater. So what is it? And which one is better? Let's try to understand the features of the proposed technique.

What is a soundbar?

Soundbar is an acoustic panel that can significantly enhance the sound and improve its quality. It is tailored to the specific LCD display and positioned close to the TV for deeper and more spacious sound. The length of the panel is characterized by dependence on the diagonal of the screen, they must match … This does not apply to 3D sounding devices with multiple speakers. For high-quality reproduction, they are lined up in one line at a certain angle.

The soundbar is offered as a budget alternative to the classic home theater, it copes with the functions assigned to it with dignity, but the previous technology does not give up positions.

The soundbar is ideal for small rooms, saturating them with clear acoustic sound, in this regard, it is not inferior to speakers. But if the room is large, it will no longer be able to compete with the speaker system.

Nevertheless, this equipment has many advantages

• One compact panel delivers superb sound.
• It is easy to operate.
• Has a beautiful design.
• The technique supports almost all modern formats.
• Accepts external drives.
• Has a built-in player.

The disadvantages of the acoustic panel are also noted: it is inferior in sound to a home theater and is dependent on the diagonal of the display.

The soundbar body contains the following components:

• multi-channel amplifier;
• audio decoder;
• system board;
• audio processor;
• shortwave tuner;
• speaker system;
• equalizer.

The soundbar is placed under the screen, on a special mounting stand, or on a shelf if included. The panel is based on the reflectivity of sound waves. The multiple speakers, assembled in a panel, are deployed at different angles to deliver sound to every listener.

So, soundbars are divided into two groups:

• the former simply expands the sound of the TV by providing it with additional speakers;
• the second has sound projectors capable of providing not only stereo sound but also amazing volume and depth of sound.

And one more tip - you shouldn't buy a model with a built-in subwoofer. It looks more compact, but loses in sound. It is better to purchase the subwoofer as a separate unit.

Home theater features

Home theater device much bigger than a soundbar limited to one panel. This is a whole complex of equipment that affects the sound and the image. Placing such equipment in an unprepared small city apartment will entail complaints from neighbors who are faced with extraneous sounds.

When purchasing modern equipment, you should take care of sound insulation. It should be understood that home theaters can only fully manifest themselves in large rooms so they are ideal for suburban homes, where you can provide a private space for watching your favorite movies and listening to powerful concerts without disturbing those around you.

The device is endowed with a multi-channel format, high acoustic data, it includes:

• from 5 to 7 speakers, which are placed around the perimeter of the hall to support high-quality sound;
• a device that transforms the ideal image;
• sound amplifier;
• AV receivers;
• players;
• Remote Control.

This entire system must be properly configured, otherwise you may not get the expected effect.

The disadvantages of home theaters include the complexity of the setup .… In some cases, it requires the participation of a professional. The second disadvantage is the requirement for the scale of the room and the presence of sound insulation. But if everything is done correctly, you can get not only wonderful equipment, but also a recreation room that allows you to join the art of cinema and music. The owners of such a room have the opportunity to appreciate a truly pure sound and a clear realistic image.

When choosing a home theater, it should be borne in mind that it is available in two versions - 5.1 and 7.1. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Channel receiver 5.1

It has been in use for the past several decades. The 5.1 receiver makes it possible to appreciate the sound in medium and even small rooms … It contains all kinds of channels, including a subwoofer, to provide surround sound at different frequencies.

Channel receiver 7.1

This system includes all the components of a 5.1 receiver, but with some additions. In simple terms, it is able to divert extraneous noises away from the listener, leaving him alone with a clear sound. Besides, modification 7.1 reproduces a deeper sound, performs a specific direction of the wave and coverage of a larger acoustic field … Such advantages influence the choice between systems in favor of 7.1, but limit the choice of premises. A more sophisticated channel receiver is only suitable for large rooms.

By the way, already used 9.1 receivers with very flexible settings to meet the advanced requirements of any film and music lover … But one should not forget about the prohibitive cost of such equipment. If we are talking about budget options, you will have to go back to modification 5.1.

Considering the advantages of any home theater, it is worth noting:

• the ability to customize the system for a specific room;
• convenient control of the remote control;
• pleasant, deep and clear sound reproduction;
• the presence of a media player that affects the image.

When choosing a home theater, do not forget that it suits large rooms, is difficult to set up and is expensive.

What is the best choice?

The soundbar and home theater are undoubtedly superb modern technology that can delight any family with its capabilities. But which one to choose for home use - let's try to figure it out together. If we consider the technical characteristics of both systems, then the home theater certainly differs for the better .… It is designed for the picky movie buff and experienced music lover who enjoys perfect sound. Multicomponent acoustics with uniform sound pressure throughout the room, of course, are out of competition with the device, which in some cases simply improves the sound capabilities of the TV.

But you can choose a soundbar and more expensive, with a 5.1 channel receiver capable of providing high-quality sound.

The soundbar has the advantage of being compact and aesthetically pleasing .… The beautiful panel design will suit any modern interior. Whereas a home theater is a multicomponent device that needs to line up speakers around the perimeter of the entire room. The second advantage is a cost that is significantly cheaper than a soundbar … It is also worth remembering that home theater needs a large and specially equipped room … 70% of the acoustic sound depends on the reflectivity of the walls, their thickness and the material of the upholstery.

Approaching the choice of sound reproducing equipment, each user can decide for himself what possibilities he has in the room, budget, what desires he has in achieving sound quality.