What Are Sound Bars?
A sound bar is a sleek, all-in-one speaker system designed to significantly enhance your TV’s audio performance without the complexity of a full surround sound setup. These compact speaker units house multiple drivers to deliver clear dialogue, immersive sound, and deep bass, often with built-in Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or virtual surround sound technology for a cinema-like experience.
Sound bars come in two main types: Active Sound Bars (self-powered with built-in amplification) and Passive Sound Bars (require an external AV receiver for power).
Why Do You Need a Sound Bar?
Most modern TVs have thin, underpowered speakers that lack depth and clarity. A sound bar dramatically improves your TV's audio quality, making movies, music, and gaming more immersive—all while maintaining a minimalist and clutter-free setup.
Key Benefits of Sound Bars
- Superior Sound Quality – Enhances dialogue clarity, delivers deeper bass, and provides room-filling sound.
- Space-Saving & Stylish – A slim design that complements modern TVs without taking up extra space.
- Easy Setup – Simple plug-and-play installation with HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth connections.
- Wireless Subwoofer & Surround Options – Many models include wireless subwoofers or allow expansion with rear speakers for a fuller surround experience.
Active vs. Passive Sound Bars
Active Sound Bars
Active sound bars are the most common type, featuring built-in amplifiers and digital processing, requiring only a single connection to your TV via HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, or Bluetooth. These models often come with built-in subwoofers or support wireless subwoofer pairing for added bass.
Passive Sound Bars – The High-End Alternative
A passive sound bar is an audiophile-grade alternative that replaces your front left, centre, and right (LCR) speakers in a single enclosure. Unlike active models, passive sound bars require an AV receiver for power and processing, similar to a traditional speaker setup.
Benefits of Passive Sound Bars:
- Higher Sound Quality – Uses larger, higher-quality drivers than active sound bars.
- Customizable & Upgradeable – Works seamlessly with high-end AV receivers and home theatre setups.
- True Home Cinema Experience – Designed to match traditional speaker performance while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
- Flexible Installation – Can be wall-mounted or placed under a TV without cluttering your space.
Passive sound bars are ideal for serious home theatre enthusiasts looking for superior clarity and performance without the bulk of separate front speakers.
How to Choose the Right Sound Bar
Decide on the Number of Channels
- 2.0 Channel – Basic stereo sound with left and right speakers.
- 2.1 Channel – Includes a subwoofer for enhanced bass.
- 3.0/3.1 Channel (Passive Sound Bars) – Replaces front LCR speakers with or without a subwoofer.
- 5.1 Channel & Above – Supports surround sound with extra speakers or virtual surround effects.
- Dolby Atmos/DTS:X – Features up-firing drivers for a more immersive, three-dimensional soundstage.
Consider Your Room Size & Layout
Larger rooms benefit from powerful multi-channel sound bars, while smaller spaces may work well with a compact 2.1 or 3.1 system.
Check Connectivity Options
- HDMI ARC/eARC – Best for seamless TV integration and high-quality audio.
- Optical & AUX – Reliable wired connections for older TVs.
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi – Enables wireless streaming from your phone or smart home devices.
Look for Smart Features
Some sound bars include built-in voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant), Apple AirPlay 2, or Chromecast, allowing for hands-free control and multi-room audio streaming.
Wireless vs. Wired Subwoofers
A wireless subwoofer provides deep bass without extra cables, while some sound bars feature built-in bass drivers for a more compact setup.
Stocked Brands of Sound Bars
At CHT Solutions, we stock high-performance sound bars from leading brands, including:
- Bower & Wilkins Sound Bars
- Definitive Technology Sound Bars
- Denon Sound Bars
- Monitor Audio Sound Bars
- Polk Audio Sound Bars
For passive sound bars, we offer options from brands specialising in high-fidelity home theatre audio.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sound Bar?
Not sure which sound bar is best for your setup? We’re here to help!
With years of experience in home theatre and audio solutions, our team at CHT Solutions can guide you in choosing the perfect sound bar to match your TV, room size, and listening preferences. Whether you need a compact, all-in-one solution or a high-end passive sound bar for true home theatre performance, we’ll help you find the ideal option.
