So, you're a movie aficionado who wants to feel like you're in a cinema while in the comfort of your home. Besides screen quality, we all know the most important part of the movie experience is having amazing sound quality. But how do you achieve that Dolby Digital "All...around...you" experience without breaking the bank?
Soundbars vs. TV speakers—which will provide the high-quality, immersive experience you're looking for? If you're unsure, this article breaks down the key differences between these options to help you make the best choice for your needs.
TV Speakers vs Soundbars
Speakers
Speakers come in lots of different shapes and sizes. If you intend to use speakers to boost your TV's audio quality, they will probably be larger and bulkier compared to a soundbar. However, if space around your TV isn’t a major issue, the bulkiness of the sound system might be more of an asset than anything. After all, the speakers will just add to the home theatre aesthetic.
Here are 3 benefits of speakers:
1. Better quality sound
The audio performance of a full surround sound system is hard to beat. Since speakers are larger than soundbars and can be strategically placed around a room, they provide users with a truly immersive sound experience. For anyone who wants to feel like they're a part of the on-screen action, the Bose Surround Speakers 700 would be an excellent pick.
2. Flexible
One of the biggest perks of getting speakers is their flexibility. You can start with a basic speaker system and add more speakers as you save up, or you can get portable speakers for a multi-TV home. If you're interested in enhancing your TV's sound quality but want to try speakers out before spending lots of money, consider Bose SoundLink Revolve II speaker for an affordable option. It's small and portable while still offering big sound.
3. Attractive design
While soundbars are intended to blend in with your TV set-up, speakers are meant to stand out! A full home theatre speaker system will not only give your TV's sound quality a boost, but it will also tell guests that you're serious about your TV-watching experience. The Bose Lifestyle 650 home entertainment system is a breathtakingly beautiful set of speakers that offers remarkable sound performance. You'll be wowed every time you walk into the room.
Why Speakers May Not Be the Best Choice
- Costly Investment
High-quality speakers often come with a hefty price tag, which can be a significant financial commitment that may not always align with your budget.
- Complicated Setup
Setting up speaker systems can be complex and time-consuming. The process might involve intricate wiring, configuration of multiple components, and calibrations to ensure optimal sound quality.
- Space-consuming
Speakers, especially larger models, can take up substantial space in your room. Their bulkiness and need for specific placement can limit your interior design options and reduce available space.
Soundbars
A soundbar is a compact speaker system that usually sits below your TV, providing an all-in-one immersive audio experience. Several speakers are integrated into one sleek soundbar, and these devices typically feature a subwoofer either built-in or as a possible add-on.
Here are 3 benefits of soundbars:
1. Convenient
Because of how slim and compact soundbars are, they're a convenient addition to any TV set-up. You don't need much room to accommodate a soundbar, making them perfect for users with space constraints. For rich sound from a device that blends in seamlessly with your TV, try the Bose TV Speaker.
2. More affordable
Although soundbars come in a range of prices, there are great options at much lower price points than that of speakers. A high-performing soundbar may set you back about $1k, whereas a home entertainment speaker set would be closer to $5k. If you want to improve your TV sound quality inexpensively, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is an excellent choice at only $599.
3. Simple
Soundbars are easy to install, setup, and operate. You don't have to be an audiophile or a technology expert to get a soundbar up and running in your home in no time. For this reason, soundbars appeal to lots of TV and movie lovers. Take a few minutes to set up the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 then sit back, relax and enjoy movie night. It's that simple!
Why Soundbars May Not Always Be the Ideal Choice
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Limited Audio Depth
Soundbars often lack the depth and richness of a full surround sound system, and the audio experience may not be as immersive or detailed.
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Limited Customisation
Soundbars offer less flexibility in terms of audio customisation and expansion. Upgrading or adding components is generally more challenging as well.
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Potential Audio Delay
Depending on the model and setup, soundbars can sometimes experience audio delay or synchronisation issues with video, which can affect the overall viewing experience.
Soundbars vs. TV Speakers: Key Considerations
When choosing between soundbars and TV speakers, it’s essential to consider more than just price and aesthetics. Evaluate how each option fits with your interior design, matches your audio preferences, offers customisation options, and impacts ease of setup. Understanding the unique characteristics of each will help you make a well-informed decision that strikes a chord.
- Audio Performance
Soundbars: Generally provide excellent audio performance, delivering an immersive and cinematic sound experience.
TV Speakers: These speakers are often intended to complement the TV’s audio, providing better volume and sound quality but might not match the depth and clarity of a soundbar.
- Upgradeability
Soundbars: Enable opportunities for expansion and upgrades, such as adding a subwoofer or additional speakers to enhance the home theatre experience.
TV Speakers: Typically do not offer the same level of upgradeability, as they are meant to serve as a supplemental audio source.
- Setup and Connectivity
Soundbars: Typically feature straightforward connectivity options and a simple setup process.
TV Speakers: May require additional wiring or connections to integrate with your TV, which can be complicated for those who are unfamiliar.
- Space and Placement
Soundbars: Offers flexible placement options, including mounting options and stand placements, which helps in optimising sound delivery while minimising space.
TV Speakers: Can be positioned on either side of the TV or in a dedicated speaker stand, and may be more space-consuming compared to the streamlined design of soundbars.
Bose TV Speaker vs Bose Smart Soundbars
Whether your choice is a TV speaker or a soundbar ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. But in the space-limited, bargain-loving environment of Singapore, you may be interested in two of Bose's top-quality soundbars—namely, the Bose TV Speaker and the Bose Smart Soundbar.
The Bose TV Speaker is the epitome of "small but mighty". It boasts impressive sound for its small, sleek design, and its highlights include superior dialogue and bass performance, Bluetooth streaming, and natural-sounding audio.
The Bose Smart Soundbar takes things to the next level by incorporating Dolby Atmos and exclusive Bose technologies into one compact bar. You’ll be amazed and captivated by the theater-like sound experience; immersion like you’ve never felt before. The Smart Soundbars come with Amazon Alexa built in and works well with Google Assistant, multiple wireless streaming methods and you can connect to the Bose Music app for multi-room functionality.
If you're not fully convinced by soundbars but are hesitant about dropping a ton on speakers, let our portable Bluetooth speakers ease you in.
One Futureworld offers free shipping island-wide.
Experience Bose's Speakers and Soundbars In Person
At the end of the day, the comparison above provides only the basic specifications of each product. The best way to choose speakers or soundbars is to experience the sound quality for yourself.
One FutureWorld, Singapore's official Bose reseller, encourages customers to try out the soundbars and immerse themselves with the experience at their demo rooms, while the experienced sales consultants can help you with your choices based on your requirements. Take the next step towards an epic movie night and request a demo appointment with one of our sales managers today!
