Wish List: Top 5 – TV soundbars & sound bases

The TV soundbar / sound base market is huge right now. What often happens when a product becomes popular is everyone and their dog begins to churn them out and the quality of said item can be less than desirable. Therefore it can become increasingly more daunting of a task to navigate through the minefield that is TV audio. Below are a few of my favourite soundbars from this year, to help you make your choice…

Virtual surround sound: Yamaha YSP2700
This Yamaha followed on from the HUGELY successful YSP2500. Inside this stunning package is an array of 16 speakers, which are capable of producing true 7.1 channel surround sound effect. When paired up with the wireless subwoofer it has no problem filling your entire livingroom with astonishing detail and a truly incredible level of bass. But it’s not all about loud noises… With a whole host of audio options, the YSP2700 will breathe a new lease of life into those classic re-runs or the latest episode of your favourite reality show… whatever it is you’re into, this Yamaha can cater for it. It’s good news for music fans too, as this soundbar fits nicely into Yamaha’s MusicCast range. With built-in wi-fi, you can pair this up with your existing MusicCast components and send your favourite songs around the house.

If you’re serious about your home cinema and fancy dipping your toes in the world of multiroom magic, then the YSP2700 should be top of your Christmas list.

Multiroom soundbar: HEOS by Denon HomeCinema
Keeping with the multiroom theme is the HEOS HomeCinema. For those less familiar with HEOS, it’s Denon’s multiroom system. The HomeCinema is an alternative to the Sonos PLAYBAR, but with a few extra features crammed in. First of all, it features 4 channel, Class-D amplification, and a Wireless subwoofer with dual 5.25″ drivers, collectively creating 4.1 channel surround sound. HEOS have packed in all of the right inputs to cover any eventualities with HDMI input and output, ARC and digital optical, but sadly no 4K compatibility is included.

If you’re already a HEOS owner, this soundbar will fit nicely within your system, sending television sound to any existing speakers you may already have. Plus with the HEOS app, you can control every aspect of its multiroom capabilities, from bass and treble, to “night mode”.

TV sound base: Canton DM55
Just to break things up a little bit, I’m going to move on to one of Canton’s sound bases. Now, not everybody can accommodate a soundbar or even find the appeal of owning one. However, this is where a sound base can step in. Unlike a soundbar, the TV can sit ontop of a sound base and can seem less intrusive. An award-winner, the DM55 is a beautifully sleek black cabinet with a glass top and it really does look as good as it sounds.

Inside this handsome black box is 200W of power spread over 6 drivers, 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range, and 2 subwoofers. For your wireless audio needs the DM55 features APT-X Bluetooth, so you can stream your favourite music. Also included is a digital, optical and coaxial input (but sadly no HDMI).

For such a small box the DM55 delivers a truly immersive sound, with more than enough grunt give that cinematic affect. Fantastic sound settings including a “voice” option to help bring out those aspects of dialogue that can often be missed with built-in television speakers.

Compact soundbar: JBL BOOST 
A more inconspicuous alternative is the JBL Boost, an ultra compact soundbar that sits comfortably under any television and comes in at only 15 inches long, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.

For a small unit, the JBL BOOST packs a punch. Whilst it’s not going to blow the house down, it is a huge increase from any television speaker on the market today. The soundbar also features Bluetooth and a digital optical connection, therefore ticking all the right boxes. If you’re a customer who owns a smaller television then the JBL Boost is a perfect option for you.

Discrete audio: Philips HTL5140
Last on the list is this award-winner. A super-slim soundbar and wireless subwoofer that pushes out a massive 320W of power and offers 2.1 channel sound. Thanks to Philips’ sound processing, the HTL5140 will easily fill your whole room and is certainly more than capable of keeping you on the edge of your seat during movie night.

On the back of this soundbar there is all the connectivity you will need: digital optical, HDMI, ARC and Bluetooth APT-X are included. The HTL5140 is the perfect example that a soundbar doesn’t have to be huge to deliver good sound. With more people wall-mounting TVs, this is a fantastic unobtrusive soundbar with brilliant sound.

For more information about any of these great sound-boosting products, or to hear them for yourself, please call or pop-in to your local Richer Sounds store today.

Author: Garrett, Plymouth store