Sony HT-S350 Review

Still using your TV speakers when watching a movie? It’s time to consider upgrading to soundbars and subwoofers; you don’t know what you’re missing out on.

Now that TVs are getting thinner and thinner, there’s less space for having that high-quality sound. So even though you’re getting ultra-clear pictures, the audio gets compromised. Soundbars with subwoofers will create a significant difference and make shows and movies sound like they’re supposed to. If you want an entry-level, basic sound system for your home, the Sony HT-S350 is a great choice. It packs in serious power and booming bass. With a straightforward interface, the Sony HT-S350 will get the job done even without the bells and whistles.

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While this particular model will sound better than normal speakers, it does have much room for improvement. We find that Sony missed the mark in some of the finer details, but the HT-S350 is enough if you want a basic and affordable soundbar.

In this Sony HT-S350 review, we’ll take a look at the design, features, and some of the drawbacks in this rig.

What’s in the Box

• Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
• Wireless Subwoofer
• Remote control and batteries
• Digital optical cable
• Instructions

Features

Design

When it comes to appearance, the Sony HT-S350 sports a minimalist, plain black look. Truth be told, there’s nothing special about the design except for the rounded corners – a nice touch if you have children and don’t want the sharper edges other bars have. 

The main bar is 35 inches wide, which is smaller compared to most mid and high-end soundbars. Because of its compact size, you can easily slide the Sony HT-S350 under or in front of your TV. You don’t have to worry about covering your TV’s IR blaster because the Sony HT-S350 has a built-in IR repeater so you can still use your TV remote with ease. 

At the back of the bar, you’ll find an HDMI input, optical audio input, and the power adapter. There are very little options when it comes to connectivity, and it would’ve been better if we saw a stereo jack or an extra HDMI port for a game console. In addition, Bluetooth is the only wireless function you have. Unlike the Vizio SB36512, you have no Wi-Fi option for the Sony HT-S350, eliminating the possibility of direct streaming from the internet. That is definitely a huge downer for the Sony HT-S350, especially because we live in a world that’s mostly internet-driven. Even if it’s a budget device, Wi-Fi connectivity would’ve been a convenient addition. 

Fortunately, the subwoofer does connect wirelessly to the soundbar like in most sound systems. You won’t have any trouble placing the subwoofer in a strategic location. There’s also a dedicated remote you can use to control volume, sound modes, and subwoofer level.

Setup

Consistent with the design’s simplicity, the Sony HT-S350 involves an easy set-up as well. You can use the included optical cable to connect your soundbar to your TV. We still highly suggest you use an HDMI cable so the connection is done in seconds. Simply plug in your bar and subwoofer, connect an HDMI cable from your TV’s HDMI ARC port to the HDMI port at the back of the soundbar, and you’re done. Unfortunately, no HDMI cable is included in the box so you have to buy one if you prefer this option.

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Performance

Now, let’s get to the meat of this Sony HT-S350 review. First off, this soundbar and subwoofer combo can produce up to 320 watts of power, so expect that it can get really loud. If you like to customize your audio experience depending on what program you’re watching, the Sony HT-S350 allows you to switch to different modes including Cinema, Sports, Music, News, Game, and Standard. While that’s neat, we found that it’s better to stick to Cinema and Music as they produced the most clarity and consistency. Other modes were a bit unbalanced and tend to favor the lows.

As for Dolby-readiness, the Sony HT-S350 soundbar only supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Dual Mono. It passed up on the highly-acclaimed Dolby Atmos technology, but that is to be expected for a soundbar below $200. If you’re not familiar with Dolby Atmos, it’s basically true surround sound with rear speakers and accurate imaging for that immersive premium cinema experience. To be fair though, the Sony HT-S350 has the S-Force Pro virtual surround engine to kind of emulate that surround sound experience. Still, it’s far from what rear speakers and Dolby Atmos-ready soundbars like the Vizio SB36512 offer.

Nevertheless, your movie experience will be significantly enhanced with the Sony HT-S350 compared to plain TV speakers. If you like a solid bass, this soundbar and subwoofer packs in some serious thunder. You can even tweak subwoofer levels to switch from barely audible up to deeply intense. With powerful bass, you can experience that ‘get-in-the-action’ thrill from adrenaline-pumping scenes in your favorite movies and shows. Music will also have that added punch to it for a livelier beat.

However, the Sony HT-S350 fell short when it comes to the finer details of sound. Although the loudness is a positive aspect, balance is compromised in the highs and lows. The bass tends to be overpowering when you’re listening to both higher and lower volumes, probably due to the sibilant touch in the upper midrange. That being said, the Sony HT-S350 is still a good soundbar and subwoofer despite the shortcomings in the audio’s balance. 

PROS:

• Powerful sound
• Solid bass
• Easy to set up
• Affordable

CONS:

• No Wi-Fi
• Limited connectivity options
• No Dolby Atmos
• Sound is unbalanced at times

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Sony HT-S350 Review Conclusion

On the whole, the Sony HT-S350 is a basic soundbar and subwoofer that packs a punch for an entry-level rig. It offers a thunderous bass, powerful sound, and virtual surround system for an immersive listening experience. While the Sony HT-S350 is not for the discerning audiophiles, it’s a great choice for the unfussy user who wants to upgrade to a better sound system. 

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Vizio SB36512-F6B Review

If you thought bringing the premium cinema experience into your home is going to cost you a lot of money, you thought wrong. While cheap soundbars won’t deliver the quality you want and expensive surround-sound systems are simply out of the question, you don’t have to give up that home theater dream. The Vizio SB36512-F6B Soundbar Home Theater Sound System hits that sweet spot in between – it’s affordable yet it delivers great sound quality for the full entertainment experience.

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Equipped with no less than Dolby Atmos technology, the Vizio SB36512-F6B provides an immersive audio experience with sounds that move above and all around you. Even with just a main bar, two rear speakers, and one subwoofer, you get to experience true surround sound that exceeds expectations. The Vizio SB36512-F6B has built-in upward-firing speakers, flexible connectivity options, and a compact design.  While most Dolby Atmos systems cost above $1000, you can buy the Vizio SB36512-F6B for $499. You can also get Amazon refurbished units for a much cheaper price yet with the same quality.

Keep reading this Vizio SB36512-F6B review to find out if this rig is right for you. 

What’s in the Box

• Soundbar
• 2 Satellite Speakers
• Subwoofer
• HDMI Cable
• Remote & Batteries
• Power Cables (x2)
• Satellite Speaker Audio Cables (x2)
• Stereo RCA to 3.5mm Audio Cable
• 3.5mm to 3.5mm Audio Cable
• Digital Optical Cable
• Wall-mounting screws and brackets
• Manual

Features

Design

At 36 inches, the Vizio SB36512-F6B is narrower than most Atmos-ready systems. Nevertheless, the compact design doesn’t degrade the sound quality and fits in easily in smaller rooms. The soundbar pretty much has all the buttons and ports you need. Physical buttons located at the top has functions such as power, volume, and Bluetooth pairing. At the back of the bar, you’ll find a variety of connectivity options including HDMI, coaxial connector, USB port for WAV playback, 3.5mm analog input jack, and an Ethernet port. Wireless functions include Bluetooth, Chromecast, and a built-in WiFi. Definitely, the connectivity choices provided in this Vizio unit gives you more flexibility in operations. 

Aside from the soundbar, the Vizio SB36512-F6B has two rear speakers and a subwoofer. They’re both consistent with the overall look and feel of the set. There’s nothing much to say when it comes to their design, so let’s just talk about their performance further on in this Vizio SB36512-F6B review. 

A negative point in the design is the lack of LCD screen in the main bar. We would’ve expected even a small display to help users know what’s going on. Instead, you’ll find a stack of LED dots in the front that flash different colors and patterns depending on what’s happening. This can be difficult to see at a distance, and memorizing LED patterns is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, there’s a one-liner LCD screen on the remote. While this might be Vizio’s way of compromising for the missing screen, the remote’s display is dimly lit and hard to see in low-light conditions. 

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Setup

While other home theater systems can be frustrating to install in your home, the Vizio SB36512-F6B is one of the easiest to set up. The connectors and cables are color-coded and clearly labeled; you might not even need a manual to get this entire surround sound system up and running. 

Simply connect the included HDMI cable from the ARC-enabled HDMI port to the appropriate TV HDMI port. The wireless subwoofer does connect wirelessly to the main bar like in most systems, but the satellite speakers have to be hardwired to the subwoofer itself. While this may not be ideal for the sub placement, the 25+ feet cable should be enough to go around the room. The wired connection may be a sacrifice for the setup, but it’s not much of a deal-breaker considering what the Vizio SB36512-F6B brings to the table.

Performance

For a $500 surround sound home theater system, the Vizio SB36512-F6B gives astonishingly superb audio that easily matches some of the more expensive models. The upward-firing speakers in the main bar create the signature Atmos sphere effect by bouncing the sound off the ceiling and beaming it down into the room. The satellite speakers don’t perform as much as the soundbar, but they still give that extra oomph to complete the ambiance. 

The 6-inch subwoofer, on the other hand, is an absolute star. If you love room-shaking bass, the subwoofer is a high-performing beast that will immerse you in that authentic Dolby Atmos experience. Action scenes will feel much more realistic and your regular movie nights will have more dimension and depth like you’ve never experienced before. 

Movies on the Vizio SB36512-F6B are a total delight, but performance in the music side could do with some improvements. The bass is more dominant and the music sounds plainly loud and missing that dimension. 

Overall, the Vizio SB36512-F6B delivers clarity, great sound quality, and immersive accurate imaging. You’ll be able to hear sounds move all around you in a three-dimensional space. The little audio details will be amplified with precision and richness to deliver that powerful and moving entertainment experience. 

SmartCast

An extension of the built-in Chromecast, the SmartCast app allows you to control the soundbar’s settings and act as a remote for your Vizio SB36512-F6B. You can also cast content from your phone to the soundbar. However, we find that it’s not as reliable and doesn’t give instant feedback on the soundbar’s status. For streaming purposes, it’d be better to use the built-in Chromecast or the Bluetooth function.

PROS:

• True Dolby Atmos surround sound
• Solid subwoofer
• Upward-firing speakers
• Easy to set up
• Great value for the money

CONS:

• Rear speakers should be hardwired to the subwoofer
• No LCD Screen
• App is buggy

Vizio SB36512-F6B Review Conclusion

The Vizio SB36512-F6B Soundbar provides great value for the money. It provides authentic Dolby Atmos surround sound, plenty of connectivity options, and amazing overall performance. Though it may not be a top of the line model, the Vizio SB36512-F6B is a solid system for an affordable price. 

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Best Soundbars Under $200

Some of you may be asking yourselves what a soundbar is. It’s the speaker shaped like a bar as the name suggests. They are a sleek and compact sounding bars designed to be placed near your TV, usually in front of it on the TV unit. Their main purpose is to enhance the sound quality of the passable at best built-in TV speakers. You can invest in top quality soundbars that cost hundreds of dollars to have the perfect audio experience. However, there are plenty that do the job for a few , and we didn’t want you to spend hours looking for the best budget soundbar.

Top 7 Cheap Soundbars Under 200 Dollars

We did our own review and assessment of the best soundbars under 200, which are really cheap price range but great in quality. We collated them into one comprehensive best list. Here are the options for the best soundbar under 200 dollars:

VIZIO SB2920-C6 29-inch 2.0 Channel Soundbar

Vizio is a known brand to produce some of the best entertainment technology. It’s a relatively small (29-inch) soundbar that matches any TV. For under $100, which is twice as low as $200, you can enjoy a listening experience with 95 decibels (dB) of crystal clear sound with barely audible (1%) total harmonic distortion.

The frequency of the soundbar sits at 70 Hertz (Hz) to 19 Kilohertz (kHz)

The full-range stereo speakers not only provide you with crisp and clear sound, but also within a good price range. It boosts the sound and transforms an otherwise mundane movie into a full theater experience.

Easily control and set the speakers with the control pad built right on the speaker or with the remote.

Go wireless with the built-in Bluetooth and easily sync your music apps to the soundbar. iPhone and laptop speakers only go so far, but with the DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM and DTS TruSurroundTm, the audio will be pulsing through your house.

Something that provides you with such an enticing audio experience is incredibly easy to set up.  Simply connect the soundbar to your TV with the included cable. If you have any questions the user manual will most likely have an answer to your problem.

Pros

• Vizio is a reputable brand that consistently creates premium entertainment technology.
• This soundbar fills your room with 95 decibels of clear surround sound.
• It possesses less than 1% of harmonic distortion.
• The frequency is at an optimal 70Hz-19kHz.
• The built-in Bluetooth allows you to go wireless and sync your phone or laptop along with your TV.
• Incorporates DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM and DTS TruSurround TM.
• Easy to set up, use, and troubleshoot.
• The sleek design and relatively small size blend in perfectly.
• The soundbar features amazing full-range stereo speakers

1. Cons

• It doesn’t last very long.
• The setup may not be as easy.
• Customer service is unhelpful.
• The sound quality isn’t that much better than built-in TV speakers.

Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System

  For this option, you can choose to purchase only the soundbar for you to place on an existing entertainment unit, or you can purchase the wall mount with it or just the optical cable. Depending on your setup, Bose gives you more options. However, it might exceed our $200 limit if you decide to go with the mounts.

Just the under 200 soundbar alone will supply you with better sound than the built-in TV speakers. Where your generic speakers fail, Bose will prevail. When watching movies or listening to music, there will be a noticeable difference in the clarity of every word and detail. Never miss a word the characters say on TV that’s integral to the story ever again!

Go wireless with Bluetooth connectivity for a seamless streaming experience. Connect the Bose soundbar to your device and enjoy a better and clearer sound than you ever have before.

To make things even easier for you, since difficult to understand technology deters a lot of users, is the universal remote control. Use one remote to set the sound, bass, Bluetooth connections and more!

Measuring at just under 22-inches wide and weighing just shy of 4 pounds, it’s easily moveable, transportable and easy to carry.

Pros: 

• Setup is as easy as it can be with the simple connection of the TV and the soundbar with the optical cable.
• The soundbar comes with a variety of mounting options or just set it on your entertainment unit.
• Control all the settings with one universal remote.
• Enjoy wireless living at its best with the built-in Bluetooth.
• The soundbar is light and small, not taking up too much of your precious space.
• Crisp and crystal clear sound enhances every word and detail played on the screen.

Cons

• The audio quality is not very high-end.
• You need to readjust and reset every time you turn on your TV.

Yamaha YAS-207BL Sound Bar

Yamaha rightly earns the Amazon’s Choice product badge, especially with soundbars under 200. They boast the world’s first soundbar with virtual 3D surround sound! If you have a different version of this product, perhaps another soundbar under $200, Yamaha YAS-108 or the much more expensive YSP-5600 with dolby digital feature, you too can enjoy surround sound in the comforts of your own home with a simple firmware update.

The sleek and inconspicuous design blends in perfectly and complements your interior and TV.

Don’t let the small size fool you, features like the powerful wireless subwoofer of the sound bar provides you with thunderous bass to let you rock out with your socks out will extremely impress.

Just like the other sound bards, Yamaha includes the wireless Bluetooth connectivity option for music streaming in a high-quality sound that will impress even your neighbors.

Crystal clear sound will meet your ears and you will no longer find yourself asking what the character said on-screen or watching with captions with Yamaha’s awesome sound bars for tvs (both Yamaha YAS-108 and YAS-207BL). Bring the narration and dialogue to life with the Yamaha soundbar.

There is even a compatible app to control the budget soundbar if you do end up losing the remote.

For the setup, your product comes with a connective optical cable or you can choose to connect it with an HDMI arc cable for 4K, making the whole watching .

Pros

• The world’s first soundbar with 3D surround sound at a good price range: 200 below.
• The slim and inconspicuous design blends in perfectly with your interior and Yamaha TV.
• Four subwoofers provide you with booming bass.
• Set it up easily with the included optical cable or HDMI arc for 4K.
• With Bluetooth built-in, experience music streaming like you never have before.
• Control the device easily with the included remote or the compatible app.

Cons

• The sound level and bass wavers.
• Sound quality is not what it’s hyped up to be.
• It doesn’t last very long.

TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode Audio Speaker Soundbar

The Taotronics soundbar that’s less than 200 provides sound that fills up the room, similar to surround sound. For those looking to be enveloped in the audio experience, this is a great choice.

Choose from wired or wireless connections, use the RCA, optical input, standard cable connection or wireless built-in Bluetooth connection.

Augment and tune your soundbar to your favorite sound with the 3 different equalizer modes. Choose from three distinct modes including music and movie mode to customize the soundbar tv audio as you please.

Control and set the soundbar without having to get up with the included remote. Features like this add to the best advantages of the soundbar, especially when it comes to convenience. Your setting should appear automatically on the LED screen.

Measuring at only 32 inches, the slim design saves space, blends in and looks good.

Bring the full theater experience home with the TaoTronics soundbar.

Pros

• Experience the benefits of surround sound without actually having it.
• Multiple connectivity options from wireless to wired.
• 3 different equalizer modes to choose from to match your preferred sound.
• Control your soundbar with the included remote or compatible app.
• The LED screen will display your chosen settings.
• The slim and sleek design is pleasurable to the eye while saving space.

Cons

• The optical audio cable might not be compatible with the soundbar.
• The device may not last very long.
• It does not work with your existing or universal remote.

WOHOME 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Sound Bar

You get a choice of the 34-inch with 60 watts or the 38-inch with 40 watts both under $100! Talk about a steal.

They both possess powerful bass (which is what we personally look for in a good speaker), with 3-inch built-in subwoofers.

The soundbar, depending on which you choose, has an impressively loud sound that comes from a full-range speaker, 3-4 drivers, an output of 100-105 dB, upgrading your sound experience.

The 4 sound modes support movies, news, music and the default setting for you to enjoy a home theater experience right from your couch.

Good subwoofer that produce a pounding bass is what we look for, but what makes this soundbar an even better option is the ability to adjust the treble and bass.

Try wireless streaming with the built-in Bluetooth or choose from a wired connection using the coaxial and optical input, RCA or AUX.

The soundbar is compatible with a run of the mill TV, projectors, computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming devices.

Unfortunately, the sound bar costing less than 200 dollars is only compatible with the included remote. On the other hand, the mount kit comes with your purchase along with a 1-year warranty, a 45-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime of support of the exceptional customer service reps.

Pros

• There are two sizes and packages to choose from both under $100!
• The amazing 3-inch external subwoofer provides a booming bass comparable to surround sound.
• Adjust the treble and bass on your soundbar that has 4 different sound modes.
• Compatible with most devices.
• Features clear and crisp audio with DSP technology.
• There are a lot of input points for you to choose from, including wireless Bluetooth and wired coaxial and optical cables.
• The supplied remote control allows you to set your soundbar without having to get up off the couch.
• The wall mount kit is provided in the package.
• You get a 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

• They stop working easily.
• The bass and treble adjustments aren’t useful to the sound and don’t have a lot of power.

Samsung 2.1 Soundbar HW-R450 with Wireless Woofer

Samsung is another very well trusted name in the electronics/appliance game. It’s only fair that at least one of their products make it onto our list.

The option they have under $200, the R450 already boasts a strong wireless subwoofer capable of producing a frequency response of 43Hz to 20 kHz! Feel and detect every sound that’s coming off the screen sooner than you would with other models, thanks to the power of the sound bar’s best subwoofer.

The first on our list with smart sound technology, this best soundbar under 200 will automatically analyze the content and adjust the sound setting to the optimal level without you having to calibrate anything.

Most soundbars contain movie mode, news and music mode (e.g. Yamaha YAS-108). The Samsung R450 also includes a game mode, which boosts game sound effects. Never will a victory taste so sweet than with the thunderous applause of your supporters, although the subwoofer doesn’t do much to help out.

The built-in Bluetooth gives you a wireless connection option that allows you to enjoy music from mobile devices.

The Samsung soundbar works best with Samsung TVs as they are designed for a seamless connection.

Pros

• The powerful bass can produce earth-shattering sounds that immerse you in the movie.
• The special game mode allows the sound to envelop you during your gaming experience.
• The wireless subwoofer produces thunderous bass.
• The smart sound mode is perhaps the best feature that doesn’t require you to adjust any settings on your own.
• Bypass the clutter of wires with the wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Elevate your experience with the high-frequency response.

Cons

• The subwoofer isn’t impressive.
• The quality control is poor.
• Stock speakers on TVs could be a better choice.

BYL 100Watt Soundbar for TV

Depending on your TV and space, you can choose between the 28-inch or the 40-inch soundbar which have both been upgraded.

Adjust the settings and choose from different sound modes with the remote control, extremely simplifying the setup and starting process for using the best soundbar under 200. The bass has been enhanced to provide you with the most appealing experience, thanks to the external subwoofer included.

The brand was able to add DSP technology gives you a lot of choices of sound settings: news, movie and music mode. Choose from the one’s most suitable to what you are looking for as users,.

Changing the best soundbar back to factory settings can be achieved with the simple push of the reset button. The treble and bass can also be adjusted with the supplied remote control to ensure on point sound quality.

Sync your soundbar via Bluetooth and pair it with any mobile device to play your music and thoroughly enjoy the near surround sound.

With your purchase, you get a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support.

Pros

• There are rwo sizes of this best soundbar under 200 to choose from. Find one that fits your needs and your TV.
• The highly sensitive remote with LED lights for full control of the settings.
• Revert back to the factory settings with the reset button.
• The DPS technology gives you three choices of sound modes.
• The bass has been enhanced for your pleasure.
• 5.0 Bluetooth transmission produces near 360-degree surround sound.
• Enjoy music at its best with little interference.
• You are protected by a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support.

Cons

• The product might not last very long.
• The sound quality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Our Top Pick

Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System

It may be the priciest out of the options above but Bose knows sound best. They have time and time again proven their excellent craftsmanship in the product they produce and their understanding of audio systems. Their skill is reflected in many of the features and power of their headphones, speakers, etc.

You will no longer strain to hear or make out what the characters are saying on TV. Each word and detail will be clearly enunciated and heard with the excellent sound quality of this best soundbar.

You can connect the soundbar in a variety of ways including the wired optical audio input, coaxial audio input and of course, the wireless Bluetooth option.

Control and adjust all the settings with the included universal remote to spend time just lounging on your couch without having to stand up.

The lightweight and compact design make it easy to move around and use with any device around your house, making you spend for one gadget that can be used in multiple rooms/

What to Look for When Buying the Best Soundbar Under $200?

For many people who are coming into this without any prior knowledge, knowing what to look for can greatly decrease the amount of research you do. You may not have the time to spend doing it but we sure do! We have done the legwork and come up with a few key factors to look for before your next purchase. Hopefully, we have saved you some time. You might not be able to get all the fancy features such as voice control, surround sound and Wi-Fi for under $200, but you can get the good enough basics from these best soundbars for just under 200 bucks.

Subwoofer(s)

Subwoofer is incredibly important if you want impressive sound effects when you listen to music, watch movies, or play games. The subwoofer is a speaker on the soundbar that produces the bass. It is also responsible for providing the full-body vibrations you feel when you stand next to a heavy-duty speaker. Subwoofer extends the sound and produce richer audio effects and give a more dimensional sound. In laymen’s terms, the subwoofer is essentially what makes the soundbar. So don’t skimp on your sound bar’s subwoofer, or you will regret it.

Connection

For the affordable price tag, you might only be able to get a Bluetooth connection on your soundbar. This is to allow you easy access to the soundbar, turning it into a stereo speaker when connected to your mobile devices. No need to spend precious time connecting cables and setting up, it all happens right away—in just a few seconds you’re able to listen to the power of a subwoofer and enjoy the features of the best under 200 soundbar you purchased.

HDMI cables and digital audio outputs connect your new device to TVs, mobile devices, laptops and gaming systems, and finding a subwoofer that offers a lot of these features is already a great deal.

Smart Soundbar

A smart soundbar greatly lessens the work you need to do and the settings you need to optimize. While you may not be able to get Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri for the above options like expensive ones add to their features, there are a few choices that automatically tune the settings to suit the situation. The latest helpful technology while appealing is not what’s important in a soundbar. So don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t possess an invisible assistant, because what matters is the sound itself, which depends a lot on the subwoofer power and other basic features.

Sound Channels

As for some options above, you might see a number such as 2.0, 5.1, etc. These numbers are there to inform you of how many channels and subwoofer a soundbar has. The first number (before the decimal) is the number of channels, and the number after the decimal is how many subwoofers you get. If the number is 0, then sorry, you don’t get the deep bass we all want. The more channels the soundbar has, the better the sound. When you get up to 5, it will mimic surround sound speakers. Aim for ones with at least 3 channels (left right and center). If you go for ones with two channels, they might just equate to a mini stereo.

Remote Control

Just to make your life easier, look for one with a remote or even a compatible app. This is to allow you access to the soundbar and input your settings easily without having to get up off your chair. Most soundbars come with a front display panel. Look for one that does have this and it is labeled clearly.

Mount

Consider the placement of your soundbar. Are you putting it on the table? Laying it on your entertainment unit close to your TV, or mounting it on the wall? Some packages come with wall mounts or a mounting stand. In some cases, you may need to purchase this in addition to the soundbar. The size comes into play as well. How big of a soundbar do you want? Should it exceed the size of your TV? Make sure the measurements align with the location.

Warranty/Guarantee

This section isn’t so much related to the product, it’s more about your consumer protection. If a manufacturer offers warranties and guarantees, it not only gives you peace of mind, it shows that their product is at least of a good enough quality for them to stand behind. Other than some time wasted and a feeling of disappointment, you don’t lose much if you purchase from these brands. Look for warranties of at least 1 year and at least a 1-month money-back guarantee to be safe. Going with more reputable brands might not always be foolproof, but at least it greatly minimizes the risk.

Conclusion

Watching movies and listening to music is a pastime that should lessen your stress and release your tension at the end of a hard workday. Soundbars are cool and handy devices that can enhance that experience. It sure is a pain in the backside to do the research and test out many options. Not to mention the time it takes to return and repurchase products online.

Hopefully, our “what to look for” guide and best soundbars under 200 list and review can take some of the pressure off and help you find the perfect soundbar for your home entertainment system an d the best soundbar for your exact needs.

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Yamaha Yas-207 Review

In a nutshell, the Yamaha Yas-207 means great performance and pricing with a tad too fewer features. These days you can find several entry-level soundbars and it is tough to arrive at a decision regarding them in the sense which one to buy. There are many things you must consider from Google Cast connectivity to virtual surround and other big decisions have to be made such as whether you need a subwoofer or not. It is tough to pick the right audio equipment from the host of soundbars available.

Yamaha Yas-207 is light on features and is a bit bland in appearance, and so might not fit everyone’s idea of a home theatre. However, for the people having a limited budge and space for additional bass, this model will be satisfactory like the others on our guide. It comes with balanced sound quality and there are a few cool virtual surround sound tricks available.

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The Yamaha Yas-207 is a budget speaker and yet it is not free from tough competition. The price tag of $300 or £349 means that Yamaha Yas-207 has to face difficult competition from Sony’s HT-MT300 or LG SH7B soundbars which also support Airplay and Google Cast and they have plenty of other features as well. However, if you are not too keen on a lot of features and can live with the fundamental design the Yamaha Yas-207 will be a good choice. Let’s see some of the reasons why.

Features

 Design

This Yamaha model doesn’t do anything to move the world of soundbar design. It’s just a black bar and has a rectangular subwoofer. When you have clogged the Yamaha symbol there is no way of telling the maker that created this model. This might be good if you are trying to build a furtive system but for a layman, it is a bit too generic. Check our comparison of the best models: https://theproductanalyst.com/best-soundbar/

On the front side of the soundbar, you can find touch controls for switching the input, controlling the volume, and for power control. These controls come with green indicator lights which display the input that is active and also can work as the volume control. These green lights appear similar to the 1990s stereos that provide Yamaha Yas-207 with the appearance of an outdated design straight out of the box. If you are conscious of the soundbar design you may wish to try Sonos Playbase and Sonos Playbar.

As far as the ports go, Yamaha has included HDMI ARC, HDMI inside a 3.5 mm analog jack and it comes with an optical connection. You can also find a USB-A port which is available for firmware updates. We will discuss this more in the performance description.

The dimensions of the soundbar are 36.62 x 2.37 x 4.25 inches (W x H x D). The speaker configuration is 5.1 and it claims to have an audio power of 200W. The connections include 1 x 4K/HDR HDMI and there is a loop through with a 1X optical audio input and a 3.5 mm audio port. You can also find Bluetooth on the bar.

Subwoofer Design

The subwoofer design is pretty generic as well and that is a bit disappointing. The subwoofer comes with a straightforward rectangular box having a black cloth covering for the driver. There is a bass port available on the subwoofer front and the backside, you can find a power port with a pairing button for syncing up with the soundbar. The subwoofer and the soundbar are already paired by design and therefore it is not necessary to set them up.

Remote Control

Yamaha comes with a good remote control which has easy to use and large buttons. These remote feature buttons allow you to switch the input, and toggle the stereo and surround modes. There are options available for enhancing the bass and dialogue. The remote will allow you to alter the balance of the bass and enhance the dialogue of a program. The balance of the bass can also be altered by using the remote control and you can control the soundbar volume which is a well-appreciated and neat feature.

Performance

This Yamaha soundbar has an excellent sound quality and it offers a crisp deep and high bass. The dialogue that comes out from the soundbar is clear and loud for TV programs and movies and you also get an option for enhancing the dialogue further by pressing Clear Voice button available on the remote. The author recommends the sound to be used in middle or higher levels for this soundbar but it can be a lot of basses so it is recommended that you bring it down by one level.

DTS Virtual: X

This was one of the first soundbars that added support for DTS Virtual: X. The company also added support for DTS Virtual Surround to its YAS-207 model. DTS Virtual: X is the digital signal processing system of the company which aids the soundbar to have more conventional surround sound speaker effect. Another important thing to note here is that YAS-207 needs you to have a firmware update for using the DTS Virtual: X and you may wish to update it quickly as the virtual surround sound is practically impossible to listen to from out of the box.

Conclusion

Yamaha yas-207 is a good choice for the buyers looking to enhance their TV and movie watching experience further at a lower cost. The model offers a balanced sound, easy setup, along with DTS virtual surround sound processing which some of you may enjoy. But if you have limited space available you might wish to try the Sony HT-MT300 which is smaller and comes with a slim wireless subwoofer.

It is also possible to slide it under the couch. There are other options available which will make for a better choice if you are looking for a multi-room setup for the sound system.

But overall, the Yamaha YAS-207 soundbar is a great value and packs a great sound quality for the given price. The addition of DTS Virtual: X at this price point is a great thing but then its performance is below par with a sound that is artificial sounding.

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What is a Sound Bar?

The very existence of a soundbar is mainly thanks to flat-panel TVs. These skinny screens are capable of producing crystal clear pictures but they have small in-built speakers which are not able to reproduce the dialogue in a clear manner forget about rendering the more high sound explosions and car crashes along with the other massacre which keeps us riveted to the TVs. Soundbars are used for this purpose and in this article, we will see what is a soundbar? Soundbars have become extremely popular in recent years and as a result, there are many models available. Here I will provide you the assistance in selecting the right one for your TV.

The TV speakers are not only under-powered and under-sized but they are aimed in the wrong direction most of the time. These speakers will fire the sound in the direction of the wall behind the TV or downwards. Due to this reason, all the sound that comes out from these TVs is out-of-focus and indistinct. The soundbars come to provide a great sonic experience that matches those explosions on your TV’s lifelike picture. The soundbar equipment utilizes a range of methods for achieving this goal. Almost all the soundbars you select will sound better than the existing speakers of your TV and a lot better actually.

About Soundbars

The soundbars are fundamentally all-in-one speaker systems which provide high-quality sound for the TV without putting undue stress on space requirements and complexity. Having a soundbar also means that there is no need for home theater and surround sound speakers and their set up. The long and thin cabinet of the soundbar includes two or more speakers and is responsible for providing either the surround or stereo sound. There are some soundbars which are available with separate subwoofers for developing deeper bass and it adds impact to the soundtrack of movies and music numbers.

Almost all the soundbars you will find in the market are active or self-powered. It means that they have built-in amplifiers. However, you can find a disappearing breed of soundbars which are designed to be connected to a receiver. These soundbars are also powered by the receivers. These passive or non-powered soundbars lack in another aspect when compared to the active models and that is simple installation and operation. As most of the people are looking for the self-powered soundbars we will take a closer look at them in this article.

While looking for a suitable soundbar you will come across several soundbars developed by nearly all audio companies. The soundbar that is developed by the same manufacturer that built your TV is more likely to be a perfect match aesthetically. It will also offer better compatibility advantages. However, apart from the sound quality, you might want to get a model from a company that is concentrating mainly on audio gear. Here’s a review of the best ones under $200: https://theproductanalyst.com/best-soundbar-under-200/

How does soundbar work?

When you are assembling a sound system for your TV, you will likely be left with a tangle of cables and speakers. However, easily workable surround sound doesn’t have to be hard to get all the time. Soundbars will simplify this problem by replicating the surround sound via a single amplified speaker technology.

Normally the soundbars contain seven speakers fitted into one. Every speaker is fitted in the soundbar and it is placed in such a manner that the whole system of speakers together will achieve surround sound. These speakers together provide a psycho-acoustic effect so the sound bounces off your walls. The sound we get this way creates an effect which is similar to an optical illusion and tricks you into believing that the sound is behind you on occasions.

What does a soundbar do?

Soundbars do not compromise the quality for convenience and the quality of sound is comparable to the conventional sound systems. Soundbars develop a great sound effect and there is almost no loss of sound. Multiple channels of sound are produced by using this technology via a single sleek bar. The soundbar uses some of the latest technology and you will not miss any of the sound you get from the home theater receiver.

In the conventional sound systems most of the sound comes in from the front and you cannot hear the sound interacting with you from the rear. The soundbars provide this effect and that’s why they are top quality sound systems. Actually, they send different beams of sound and you can find a unique beam for every channel with front, rear, center, right, and left all covered. The design created to have the sound bouncing off the wall gives you the desired sound effect. Instead of having a single sound effect, the soundbars provide five discrete sound channels.

High-end soundbars

Higher-end soundbars are available with a 3D model while others come with the surround sound. In these models, the soundbar will stimulate the audio in such a manner that makes you feel as if there are speakers all around you. Of course, the results offered by different soundbars vary but if you get a good soundbar you can rest assured about its results. The lower end soundbars do not offer these effects and there is little enhancement in the sound quality when you go to the surround mode. You can also get soundbars that are available with external subwoofers which cover the low-frequency sound for helping the audio quality of the soundbars. Almost all the sub-woofers are wireless and come just with an outlet source. This means a neat setup and they provide sufficient bass for your ears.

Conclusion

The soundbars are easy to set up and they need minimal wiring. These soundbars are compact and are reasonably priced with better sound quality than the normal TV speakers. When you are looking to enhance your audio experience for day-to-day TV viewing, the soundbar is perfect for you.

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The Product Analyst is a budding resource site for consumers seeking comprehensive reviews on popular gadgets and informative articles on buying electronics. Founded in 2017, we are committed to finding the best technology money could buy on your behalf. We are aware of how confusing shopping can be, despite the touted joys of retail therapy. The decision-making process can be daunting to both the tech-savvy and casual user alike, and we are not here to prolong the agony. Instead, we aim to provide valuable information all in one site so you can live a little more. Sing, laugh, bond—these are better alternatives for your time than poring over countless, different tabs. 

Founded by Willie Greer and run with a small team of fellow experts and other enthusiasts, The Product Analyst seeks to produce reliable references in purchasing tech products, whether in the form of reviews, shopping lists, or expert tips. The content is produced with reliability, meticulousness and transparency in mind without taking the fun out of it. Despite seeking to be an authoritative voice for tech purchases, we cannot shake off the feeling of strong kinship with our target readers who have found themselves undecided in the face of overabundant information. In fact, it was the very reason behind the foundation of the site. Willie Greer, a lover of old films, was once seeking answers on the web for the best home surround system that would make leaving home a challenging task to do. 

It wasn’t only until his wife asked him to go to bed that he realized he had spent at least six hours in front of his computer screen. Yet, he was nowhere near settled on what to buy. We are starting to fill the site with more content, but we are also doing it conscientiously with a clear goal in mind: becoming the go-to site for purchases that are just too hard to finalize. Beginning with audio systems close to our founder’s heart, we aim to add more categories such as smart home and entertainment tech. In the meantime, we invite you to visit the site. Have a piece of electronics you want reviewed? Hit us up and we’ll get our best people to do it!

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