Home cinema and the soundbar. What to choose? The pros and cons of both equipment

Modern televisions are getting thinner, which unfortunately is reflected in the quality of sound – small heads are simply unable to ensure a decent sound. So we have two main ways to change it.

Soundbar – all in one housing

The soundbar is a much more compact solution. Inside, there is usually 3 to even 13 smaller speakersand often in the set we also get a separate subwoofer for better bass. The connection is simple – one HDMI or optical cable is enough.

Contemporary soundbars can reflect the sound from the walls and ceilingcreating a substitute for real cinema. More expensive models even deal with formats such as Dolby Atmos, giving the impression that the sound is coming from everywhere. However, you have to honestly admit – it is still a trick that will not replace real speakers around us.

Home cinema – a truly film impressions

The home cinema system is something completely different. It consists of several elements: the receiver (or “brain” of the entire system) and a set of speakers. The most popular system 5.1 It means two columns at the front, a central speaker for dialogues, two speakers at the back and a powerful bass subwoofer.

Why is home cinema so special? Because the sound actually comes from different directions. When a helicopter flies in the film, we really hear him over our heads. When someone runs on the right side of the screen to the left – the sound goes with him. This is why home cinema provides the most realistic impressions.

A matter of place and installation

The soundbar is a great solution for small apartments. It does not require much space, and the cables can be hidden in the wall. Some models are connected with the subwoofer wirelessly, so it can be discreetly set somewhere in the corner.

Home cinema needs more space and planning. You need to find a place for all speakers and somehow bring them cables. This can be a challenge, especially in a finished apartment. Of course, everything can be mounted in a clever way to disturb as little as possible – for example, the speakers can be placed on a suspended ceiling or in the walls.

Prices and quality – what to choose?

PWe will buy a soundbar for around PLN 1000-1500. Top models cost up to 5000-8000 PLN. You have to pay a minimum of PLN 2000-3000 for the basic home cinema set, And really good sets are a row of PLN 5,000-15,000 or more.

If you have a small apartment or you don’t want to play with cables – choose a soundbar. Contemporary models are really good at movies and music, The difference between the TV and such equipment will be huge anyway. However, if you care about the best possible quality, you have a place and a budget – focus on home cinema. The difference in sound is colossal, especially when watching action movies or listening to music.