The Best Soundbar For Audiophiles In 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar

Polk Audio's SIGNA S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar brings your favorite movie and music to life with crystal-clear sound. With their exclusive Voice and Bass technology, this 1-cable setup captures all the richness of your voice at a level you've never heard before. It works with any TV including the latest 8K Ultra-HD TVs and features multiple connection possibilities, including HDMI, Optical, and RCA. The sound bar is designed to pair seamlessly with Polk Audio's wireless sub. Read Review

2. Runner Up: VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater

Enhance your content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound with VIZIO’s V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound System. With our low-profile design, you can finally have a large-screen TV and surround sound without sacrificing space. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: PHEANOO 2.1 Compact Sound Bars

Achieve the best in sound quality with the Pheanoo 2.1 sound bar system. The wireless streaming with Bluetooth technology allows you to enjoy your favorite music or game shows without any wires. The small design and microphone mute make this product ideal for a variety of spaces, from living rooms to bedrooms. With professional tuning options on EQ modes, find the perfect setting for each member of your family. Read Review

4. Best Performance: VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar

VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is the perfect partner for a sleek home theater system. With a minimalistic design that keeps a low profile, this sound bar brings maximum impact to your cinematic experience. Read Review

The days of watching your favourite shows on the small television in your living room are numbered. The growth of smart TVs, streaming services, and wireless speakers have made it easier than ever to enjoy content that was previously reserved for big screen televisions. The quality of sound you hear while watching TV is equally important as the quality of visuals.

With the right Home Theater setup, you can bring the local showing of a movie or sporting event to life like never before. With that being said, finding a soundbar that provides excellent audio without compromising on other features can be difficult. Some soundbars only come with built-in speakers, which means you have to go through extra work to get an immersive surround sound experience. This guide will help you find the best home theater soundbar for your budget and needs. Read on to discover our top picks!.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 21 hours conducting results through 3,550 real customer reviews. Because of this, We came to the conclusion that the best soundbar for audiophiles is Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar. And VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.7
Polk Audio

POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology

1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater.

NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output

EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces - easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor

ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS

UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head

WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology

TOP Choice #2 VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater
Our Score:
9.6
VIZIO

DTS Virtual:X - Enhances any content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.

Loud and Clear - The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.

New low-profile design - Packed with performance and a sophisticated new low-profile design that slides beneath your TV for a clean look.

America's #1 Sound Bar* - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.)

Powerful Full-Range Speakers - 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar create brilliant clarity.

Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio - Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.Loud and Clear The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.

TOP Choice #3 PHEANOO 2.1 Compact Sound Bars
Our Score:
9.4
PHEANOO

Deep Bass with Dedicated Subwoofer: A dedicated subwoofer delivers punchy, rich bass to get a more engaging and immersive listening experience in movies, music, and games. Undoubtedly, the dedicated subwoofer cavity space is big enough to reproduce deeper, richer bass than most systems with a built-in subwoofer. We also developed a subwoofer extension cable (sold separately), which you can use to make the subwoofer placement more flexible.

Wireless Streaming with Bluetooth: Easily stream all your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your smartphone, tablet, or any smart device via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to the TV soundbar.

Set Up with Multiple Options: The HDMI ARC connection allows you to control the volume on the soundbar with the TV remote control, and the Optical and RCA connections ensure compatibility with all the older TV models. There’s also a 3.5 mm AUX input for connecting external devices.

Small Design, Big Sound: Only the size of a keyboard, the PHEANOO P15 sound bar offers louder, more powerful TV sounds with up to 107 dB of total SPL output and 140W maximum audio output. Significantly improve dialogue clarity and broaden your TV’s soundstage a lot. It can easily make an impactful change to your TV sound and film-watching experience.

Professionally Tuned EQ Modes: To suit different audio needs, the PHEANOO P15 features a variety of preset EQ modes including Dialogue, Movie, and Music creating suitable individual sound curves matched to the content type to boost the sound quality and enhance your viewing experience.

Your favorites, the way they were meant to be heard. - Lean in and get lost in your favorite content with 98dB of premium audio powered by 6 high-performance speakers. With integrated tweeters and woofers, this sound bar delivers clarity, spaciousness, and impact down to an impressive 50Hz.

This bar keeps a low profile. - Enjoy the show without obstruction. At just over two inches in height, the fabric-wrapped, low-profile design serves to reduce the visual weight of the system as it sits discretely beneath your TV.

America's #1 Sound Bar* VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.).Mounting Type:Wall Mount

Minimalist design. Maximum impact. - Thanks to built-in dual subwoofers and a fully integrated design, the M-Series All-In-One sound bar needs no external components to sound its best. And at just 36 inches in width, it’ll fit just about anywhere.

It’s psychoacoustics, but you can call it magic. - An optical illusion for your ears, DTS Virtual:X technology delivers the sensation of speakers placed throughout your room, above and behind you, for a sonic landscape that’s remarkably lifelike.

Immersive sound, brought to you by people who love sound. - Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technologies captivate your senses with realistic sounds above and behind you for performance that completely immerses you in the world of your entertainment.

Wall-mountable with built-in keyholes

Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity

Built-in subwoofer and passive radiators for surprising bass

Bluetooth streaming for your music and podcasts

Simple setup with HDMI, optical or aux connections

STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.

SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and News to life.

DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.

DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.

QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.

7 VIZIO 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.8
VIZIO

America's #1 Sound Bar* - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (*#1 Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.)

Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with the included cables plus Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming of your favorite music and podcasts.

Ultra-Compact 2.1 Design - Experience the performance of larger, more complex home theater systems in a simple, ultra-compact solution designed fit anywhere and blend seamlessly into any environment.

Full-Range Speakers - 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide rich, clear sound.

2.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.

Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, deep bass, and Dolby Audio support combine for performance beyond its size.

EASY VOICE CONTROL: Just say the word using a compatible device (sold separately) to play and control music hands-free. Works with Alexa, Siri and Hey Google.

WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING WITH BLUETOOTH: Stream all your favorite music and podcasts from apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and more, wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with Bluetooth wireless technology.

CENTER CHANNEL FOR CLEAR DIALOGUE: Enjoy clearer dialogue from the dedicated center channel, tuned for optimal clarity so you’ll always be part of the conversation.

POWERFUL DRIVERS: No less than eight powerful drivers create a seriously powerful soundstage that will envelop you in sound—even from above—to give you cinema-like sound without additional components.

ROKU TV READY: Enjoy smoother setup, easy access to sound settings, and compatibility with your TCL Roku TV remote.

STREAM IN PERFECT HARMONY: Stream music from your favorite device using Apple Airplay 2, Google Assistant, or Alexa.

STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY WITH BLUETOOTH - Stream all your favorite music and podcasts from apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and more, wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology.

INCLUDED WALL MOUNTING KIT: Provides a step-by-step guide for easy mounting and includes a mounting template to ensure that you get it right the first time.

DOLBY ATMOS SURROUND SOUND TECHNOLOGY: Dolby Atmos technology brings multi-dimensional sound that moves around you for greater depth and excitement, so you’re able to enjoy a more cinematic experience.

WIRELESS SUBWOOFER FOR PULSE-POUNDING BASS: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life. Feel the beats in music and the impact of an action scene in movies. Sleek, compact, and wireless, you can place the subwoofer virtually anywhere to adjust your exposure to bass.

Bluetooth 5.0, The Superb Sound Quality: Our newest sound bar adopts Bluetooth 5.0 & DSP technology to ensure faster transmission speeds, stable connectivity, and smooth transmission in long distance with low consumption.

POWERFUL BASS: 6.5-inch wired subwoofer, bring rich, powerful bass, let you enjoy the explosive experience from your movie, TV shows, music and gaming, in addition, the bass is adjustable.

Premium Audio Equipment: 110 dB and 140 Watts 2 .1 channel Powerful Stereo Audio Sound Bar brings you a fantastic home theater surround sound experience.

Three EQ Audio Modes: Transforms movies, TV shows or music into immersive audio that envelops the listener with crystal-clear dialogue, louder sound and high power

Great Customer Service: we offer 100% satisfaction service and lifetime technical support, any questions, please feel free to contact us via Amazon message or contact info on the service card.

10 ZVOX AV257 TV Soundbar
Our Score:
8.1
ZVOX

ACCUVOICE & SUPERVIOCE TECHNOLOGY: With 12 levels of voice boost: six AccuVoice modes and six SuperVoice modes, this home audio soundbar for TV takes dialogue clarity to the next level by dramatically reducing non-vocal background sounds. AccuVoice technology works in the same way that hearing aid technology does, but with a much more sophisticated processor capable of subtle sound manipulation.

A GIFT TO ENJOY: The AV257 TV soundbar is an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys watching TV or listening to music. It's ideal for the elderly or people with hearing problems because it improves the dialogue clarity of the tv show, movie, or sports broadcast, making voices crystal clear and accents easy to understand.

WHAT YOU WILL GET: Deliver room-filling 3D sound to your home from a single small extruded aluminum soundbar cabinet! This includes all the necessary setup accessories you need to get started, including an easy-to-follow instruction manual. The soundbar also has a remote control for easy operation, so you can get started with this versatile home theater speaker immediately.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE: The AV257 TV Soundbar is engineered to deliver superior sound quality. This soundbar features three full-range speakers that work together to improve flexibility and voice clarity, giving you a rich, immersive sound experience.

SET UP IN MINUTES: You can now have a home sound system without any complicated installation! Put it up on the wall, place it in front of the TV, or place it on a shelf, you decide! This fashionable speaker is compatible with any television that has an audio output. Just connect the included cables to your TV, then go to the TV's on-screen settings and select the external speaker sound option.

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our buying guide to pick best soundbar for audiophiles for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best soundbar for audiophiles? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

FAQs

What features should I look for in a soundbar for audiophiles?

When shopping for a soundbar for an audiophile, you should look for features such as an array of audio inputs, Dolby Atmos compatibility, a wireless subwoofer, and multi-room music support. Additionally, look for soundbars that offer customizable audio settings, such as equalizer and room correction, as well as surround sound processing.

What is the difference between a soundbar and a home theater system?

The main difference between a soundbar and a home theater system is the number of components included. A soundbar typically includes a single integrated unit that houses the speakers, amplifier, and audio processing electronics. In contrast, a home theater system includes multiple components such as an AV receiver, multiple speakers, and a subwoofer. Additionally, home theater systems offer more immersive surround sound than soundbars.

What is the best soundbar for an audiophile?

For audiophiles, the best soundbar will depend on personal preference. Generally speaking, a soundbar with a subwoofer, multiple drivers, and ample power will offer the best audio quality. Additionally, features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enable cinematic audio experiences.

What are the benefits of a soundbar for audiophiles?

Audiophiles will appreciate the convenience of a soundbar, as it offers a much more compact and minimalist setup compared to a traditional multi-speaker setup. Additionally, soundbars can provide higher-quality audio than television speakers, without sacrificing the convenience of a single unit.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best soundbar for audiophiles for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider LITTOAK Small Sound Bar as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.