Sound bars, we love them, can’t get enough of the space-saving critters. That’s why we’re going to take a look at the current best selling sound bar on Amazon, the Vizio SB3821-C6. This sucker is a 38 inch 2.1 wireless sub-woofer system with bluetooth connectivity for all your similarly adorned tune-pumping gadgets – yeah, your smartphone.
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If you haven’t bitten the sound bar bullet yet or are looking to replace an older model, read on for specs, reviews and more on the Vizio SB3821-C6 sound bar ….
Today we’re taking a quick peek at the ZVOX 570 Sound Bar. This noise machine comes with a built-in sub-woofer for a beautiful deep bass, bluetooth connectivity so you can throw just about any wireless music source at it and ZVOX’s very own AccuVoice functionality to make sure you can really hear what’s being said during your favourite movies.
We like soundbars and we like Bose, so of course we had to check out their Cinemate 120 Home Theatre System. The system boasts TrueSpace technology and a Wireless Acoustimass module which is all very well and good but what does it sound like? Well according to reviews, not bad. Read on for more information.
With the gaming fraternity squarely in its cross-hairs, the Polk Audio N1 Sound bar offers ‘The Single-Speaker Secret to Great Gaming Audio’. A wild claim may be? Not according to the reviews that are floating around for this piece of kit.
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The N1 will connect up to the gaming console of your choice with its 6 foot (2 metre) digital optical cable and will blast forth the audio from your gaming sessions. Microsoft has collaborated on the Polk N1 and it consequently has a couple of modes specifically for Halo and Forza Motorsport.
Our concern with the N1 is that by providing an output for a sub-woofer that this implies the bass is a bit lacking in the unit. This is mentioned in some of the reviews but of course at least the sub-woofer output allows you to beef up the sound if required.
Polk Audio N1 Sound Bar features and specifications
• Collaboration of game designers and audio engineers.
• Connects directly to your console
• Dolby® Digital and Polk’s patented SDA® Surround Sound Technology
• Customized, optimized audio built in
Pros – Simple setup, design, multiple inputs
Cons – not for audiophiles
An average score of 4.3 out of 5 based on these 3 reviews.
The reviews are very positive claiming the Polk Audio N1 works well across the spectrum of audio. So whether you’re into gaming, movies or music, the Polk Audio N1 could well be your audio solution.
Today we’re going to take a look at the Sony HT-CT150 3D sound bar system currently on offer at Amazon for $195. Obviously with such a low price tag you’re not going to get a great soundbar system but judging by online reviews for the HT-CT150 it’s not a bad system either. The main feature that all reviewers seem to mention is the 3 HDMI inputs which of course means you can hook up all sorts of hi def gadgetry to the soundbar. According to the Sony blurb rear sound is not generated by bouncing the sound off walls but rear sound is generated from the front two speakers using sophisticated digital sound processing which we hope means it may be easier to set up that a ‘wall-bouncer’ system. But of course it’s all about the sound quality and here are some snippets from the reviews we found
Other sound bars have caught up in terms of sound quality; we found that the HT-CT150 still sounds very good, but it’s not a standout performer as the HT-CT100 was. – CNet well tuned for movies – voices are clear and distinct, even at low volume – ProductWiki surround effect is clearly audible, simulates rear audio well – ProductWiki
Of course, hearing is believing, so it’s probably best you check out the audio quality for yourself, but the reviews do seem to speak well, if not highly, about it. Anyway enough rabbiting from us, here are some hard facts and reviews with a video review as a bonus
Sony HT-CT150 soundbar description
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* Audio Power Output: RMS: 75W x3 +75W Subwoofer (180-20kHz, 4 Ohm, 1% THD)
* Digital Amplifier: Yes
* S-Master Amplifier: 24bit
* Coaxial Audio Digital Input(s): 1
* DIGITAL MEDIA PORT: 1
* 3 x HDMI Video Inputs
* 1 x HDMI Video Output
* 2 x Optical Audio Inputs
* 2 x RCA Audio Inputs
* Bass/Treble control
* Night mode
* Preset EQ: Standard/ Movie/ Drama/ News/ Sports/ Game/ Music/ 2ch Stereo/ Portable Audio
* Power Consumption (in Operation): 75W
* Power Consumption (in Standby): 0.3 Watts
* Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz
* Dimensions (Approx.): Subwoofer: 7-3/4″ x 17-3/4″ x 16-1/4″ (196 x 450 x 410 mm); Sound Bar: 31-1/2″ x 2-9/16″ x 2-5/16″ (800 x 66 x 60 mm)
* Weight (Approx.): Subwoofer: 23 lb 3 oz (10.5 kg); Sound Bar: 2 Lb 13 oz (1.3 kg)
Pros – 3 HDMI inputs, excellent sound quality
Cons – limited placement options, subwoofer isn’t wireless, bar needs to be mounted off floor
Our Picks verdict
There are a number of limitations on the Sony HT-CT150 soundbar, namely the remote control receiver being on the sub-woofer, its unsuitability for larger rooms, but of course with such a low price tag there will always be minuses to any product. However it’s sound quality does seem to get a thumbs up, given a small room, so we like the Sony HT-CT150 and give it our own thumbs up.
An average score of 3.66 out of 5 based on these 2 reviews.