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As the technological realm of devices continues to change, so goes the sound production. The television space is moving towards slim models or models that take up less surface area. Replacing bulky models also means reducing the speaker components that come with these sets. The sound quality is being reduced for the look of the devices, replacing an important quality production most people enjoy from their watching experience: pure sound.
To combat this epidemic, the sound bar space is thriving to contribute sources that produce these infamous sounds and enhance your listening experience. Sound bars range juristically in price point, size, and sound quality. To create a distinction in the marketplace, the main focus of this discussion will highlight the 2.1 channel sound bar.
These sound bars feature two front channels of sound production, usually being produced from a single bar. The 2.1 package also comes with a separate subwoofer for increased sound production in a separate area of whichever room or place of listening this package is used for. Below we’ll detail everything you need to know about 2.1 channel sound bars, highlighting main areas of concern and elements to look for.
Buying for Intended Purposes
The first thing to note about the 2.1 channel sound bar is that it is geared toward a basic audience. While it has two separate channels of sound production, it will not produce the surround sound of a multi channel device.
The 2.1 package features a sound bar and a subwoofer, creating a difference from multi channel devices by excluding rear speakers. This will create a sound that is more head-on than it is room filling. This is a fine fit for users looking for increased sound production.
It will not create a movie theater experience, but it will make the sound crisper and more pronounced than that of a regular television set. Assessing your individual needs or intended usages is important before comparing pricing and other such model features. Once ready for comparison, start by selectively reading reviews of the top 2.1 channel soundbar speakers the market has to offer; to get an idea of what you’re looking to potentially place in your living room.
Additional Features Hosted
All sound bars come with different input and output sources. These sources range anywhere from HDMI cables to wireless connections. The first thing to do is check the different input sources your television hosts. Most modern flat screen television sets will host an HDMI input, Bluetooth connect ability, and other audio input sources. The more input sources your device hosts, the larger the market selection for the inquiring user.
The first connection component is the HDMI cable. This cable is often purchased separately, as most sound bars and television sets do not come equipped with this accessory. It is important that the television set and the sound bar have an HDMI input. This is an important feature for sound transition purposes. If you have to plug your HDMI cable into an alternative input on either device, your sound quality could suffer. This single connection and transition allows for a small channel of passage for the sound, producing the quality you desire. This is also an important factor for those looking to host usage with a DVD or Blu-Ray player.
This device often has to be channeled through the television and the sound bar, creating a chain link of sound transition. This could reduce the overall sound quality due to the amount of device passage and connections this sound must travel through. It can often be limited for viewing DVDs and Blue-Ray discs, which creates for a separate discussion.
This is where Bluetooth and wireless capability come into play. This mode of connectivity is important for those looking to stream sounds from other devices or those looking to add the DVD and Blu-Ray component. With this form of connection, the sound relies on the strength of your wireless Wi-Fi modem.
With Bluetooth, the emittance comes directly from the equipped device. Placing them close enough together will limit the amount of interference or connection loss, reducing the concern for users going the wireless route. This is an especially useful feature for those looking to play sound through their computer, phone, tablet, or other wireless device. This is a common feature of most 2.1 channel sound bars. Scaling through the marketplace, users can find sound bars that feature cords, cordless, or dual models. The best form of reliability resides in the dual format. You have your chords for direct television connections and the wireless component for usage with additional devices.
The last area of intrigue is the streaming services offered by some devices. This is an important space for users who have televisions that cannot host this component on their own. Streaming services such as Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix have jumped on board with specific branded bars, offering pure sound transmission directly through your sound bar. These sound bars will often reside in the mid to high-end price range, but they offer a feature that is often limited on modern television sets.
Creating the Sound you Desire
Creating the positive sound experience resides both in the compatibility and sizing space. The compatibility and cable connections were discussed previously, so what do you do about sizing? The size of the television directly factors into the sound production. For example, a 12-inch sound bar isn’t going to cut it on a 70-inch flat screen. A good rule of thumb is finding a sound bar that is 5-10 inches under the width of your television set.
The same rule goes for over-compensation. The production of a 60-inch sound bar isn’t going to sound much different than a 38-inch bar for a 45-inch television. The output of sound coming from the television set has ranges and levels. This mentionable cannot be altered or changed, leaving your decision as an important feature in the selection process.
The placement of the included parts also should factor into your decision. Do you have enough room on your TV stand for the bar to sit? Do you have an additional placement location in mind for the subwoofer? Both are important questions that factor into the sound you hear. The optimal positioning can enhance the sound to feel like a surround sound experience. The optimal positioning for the sound bar is in front of the television and off the ground. Placing the device on the ground will limit the range of the device and will create adverse sounds for a listening experience.
The subwoofer can host a few separate locations. Placing the subwoofer side-by-side to the sound bar limits the purpose. Corner room placement or placement behind the user are two recommended locations. This will fuse the sounds with the bass elements. The subwoofer produces different contrasts in sounds than the sound bar does, making placement an important factor. Correct placement will fuse these sound elements, producing the sound quality you desire.
Brand Loyalty
The last factor of discussion is brand loyalty. The best practice in your search is to find devices that feature production in the television space. LG, Samsung, and Pioneer are a few brands that feature both television sets and component 2.1 channel sound bars.
Sticking with the same brand increases the productivity of sound being produced in cohesion between devices. Mixing and matching your brands can often reduce this sound quality, minimizing the full effect gained from your purchase. It is good practice to stick within brand to ensure the maximum production value from both of your devices.
Brand loyalty is also important due to the design of both devices. Most television production companies that also feature sound bars will design both with compatible components. These components may only match the branded sound bar, leaving you will reduced options in the selection process. Non-name branded devices will often mimic the production process, featuring sound bars with similar elements of the name brand bars.
These non-name brand bars will also lack certain components and sound production qualities that the name branded models host. This is important to distinguish between to prevent from selling yourself short on sound. The price point will be much lower, but proprietary means will prevent non-name brand companies from fully mimicking the sound experience with their models.
Summary
Start by locating your input and output sources. This will give you a map of features that immediately categorize your search into means of compatibility. Find a sound bar that hosts the wireless and Bluetooth features to limit the amount of travel your sound must take in the transition process.
This will also increase the number of sources that can connect to your sound bar. Do not underestimate the size of your television and do not over-compensate. The correct range is 5-10 inches under the width of your television. Secure your space and find optimal placement for your 2.1 inclusions before you make your purchase.
Keep brand with brand to increase the sound production of your device and not settle for a product that simply contains similar hook ups. Take all of these factors into consideration and you will find the best 2.1 channel sound bar to suit your needs.
