It is hardly ever easy to purchase a soundbar with a limited budget. The challenge is not scarcity, but excess. The brands are endless and each of them claims that their product provides the sound of the cinema. Practically, most of these devices do not perform as they promise.
Nevertheless, few soundbars are able to balance the price and performance. They are not flawless, yet they offer good sound without compelling the purchaser to spend more than necessary. Some of the popular suggestions include the Mivi Fort H750, boAt Aavante Bar Orion, JBL Cinema SB270, Motorola AmphisoundX 160W, and Zebronics Juke Bar 9600.
This article will take a closer look at some of the most popular options that are currently present in India. Note that mentioned prices were accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change over time.
1. boAt Aavante Bar Orion
The boAt Aavante Bar Orion has a very specific aim: to provide loud, room-filling sound without any unnecessary complexity. It generates up to 180W output and has a 5.1-channel configuration that targets the typical domestic entertainment. The soundbar is compatible with Bluetooth and USB, as well as AUX, optical input, and HDMI-ARC, and therefore can be used with the majority of televisions and media devices.
A number of pre-programmed EQ settings allow users to tweak the sound to fit either films or music. The system is supplemented with a wired subwoofer, two rear satellite speakers, which provide depth to the overall sound.
2. JBL Cinema SB270
JBL Cinema SB270 is constructed in a manner that focuses on weight and presence and not ornament. It has a rated output of 220W, which is supposed to fill a room without straining. Bluetooth 4.2 supports wireless playback and the sound range goes between deep lows to sharp highs that cover most of the daily listening requirements. Dolby Digital gives film soundtracks a more substantial shape, and the 5.25-inch subwoofer provides some punch where voices and effects would otherwise be one-dimensional.
3. Motorola AmphisoundX 160W
The AmphisoundX of Motorola is made to appear solid and act as expected. It has a purported 5.1 channel configuration and high power output, designed to produce a powerful room-wide sound. The soundbar is compatible with most devices as it supports HDMI, AUX, optical, USB and Bluetooth. The subwoofer has control buttons and satellite connections, leaving the main unit uncluttered. Its exterior is made of metal-meshes, which makes it look rather restrained and even industrial.
4. Zebronics Juke Bar 9600
The Zebronics Juke Bar 9600 is a more simplified model that uses a 2.1 channel system and a 120W output to provide balanced sound. It has a frequency range that is adjusted to the normal viewing so that it can easily manage speech and background music.
It is compatible with most home setups as it has connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB, AUX, optical input, and HDMI ARC. Dolby Digital Plus allows maintaining the sharpness of the dialogue, and the subwoofer adds depth to the films and streaming content without overpowering it.
5. Mivi Fort H750
Mivi Fort H750 will also be focused on replicating the experience of a movie theater in the comfort of one’s home without being priced too high. It is introduced as an impressive system, where the company boasts of a high RMS output and several full-range drivers installed in the main bar.
The system is completed with a separate subwoofer and two satellite speakers, which enables the sound to be distributed throughout the room. Practically, the system will be used to manage medium and large spaces without compromising clarity and power.
6. Blaupunkt SBWL-02
The SBWL-02 by Blaupunkt uses a more conservative formula, with all the attention paid to clarity and volume instead of overloaded features. It can be easily added to a standard home setup since it supports Bluetooth, AUX, optical input and HDMI ARC. The soundbar has an output of 130W and provides controlled sound that is loud. The wireless woofer may be installed independent of the bar, which aids in the formation of a larger, more cinematic soundstage.
7. Philips TAB7007/94
The Philips TAB7007/94 is aimed at the listeners who like to have a balance rather than pure loudness. Its wireless subwoofer is connected through Bluetooth and is adjusted to work best at moderate volume levels, at which the sound is full without being harsh. The soundbar itself is not heavy and has a unique angular design on its sides. The general design is very simple and the design focuses on comfort and ease of use as opposed to spectacle.
8. JBL SB510
The JBL SB510 is a product that is kept simple. It has a 200W output and is loud enough to be viewed on a daily basis without the need to adjust it closely. The soundbar is Bluetooth-enabled and has one HDMI ARC port, so it is as simple as possible to set up. There is a special center channel that is devoted to the speech so that the conversation is not muffled by the background noises.
9. GOVO GOSURROUND 950
The GOVO GOSURROUND 950 is constructed on a 5.1-channel setup and employs various speakers to distribute sound throughout the room. Its peak output and big subwoofer are designed to give the impression of size, particularly in films and action-intensive material. The idea of theatrical experience over functional is supported with added visuals, including dynamic LED lights and a display panel.
10. Samsung HW-T42E/XL
The HW-T42E/XL by Samsung is based on balance and not on spectacle. This 2.1 channel soundbar comes with a large subwoofer which is not overwhelming to the main audio. The system also automatically modulates the sound output according to what is being played, in an attempt to maintain the voices, music, and effects in balance. The outcome is a more immersive experience that does not need constant manual tuning.
Conclusion
Soundbars are trendy because they are a solution to a known issue. They occupy minimal space, appear non-intrusive and speech is easier to hear. Old movies just sound better, and the long nights of streaming are not so exhausting, just because the sound is more understandable and controlled.
Among the above mentioned options, there is a model that is more practical due to certain reasons that are more than mere bold statements. The Blaupunkt SBWL-02 has good performance and is priced at a fair rate and gives the convenience of a wireless system without being cheap. It is the most reasonable option to buyers who want an affordable soundbar that does not feel low-end.
FAQs
Q1: Are soundbars under ₹10,000 actually worth it?
You know, you are not getting theatric quality sound. However, when compared to the in-built speakers of your TV (that sound like a person whispering in a cardboard tube), these soundbars are a valid upgrade. You will have more intelligible dialogue, real bass and can listen to explosions without turning the volume up to neighbor-disturbing levels.
Q2: Do I really need a subwoofer, or is it just marketing hype?
You simply cannot do without a subwoofer unless you want to watch an action movie and hear explosions sound like polite coughs. The subwoofer takes care of the low frequency sounds such as rumbling thunder, thumping bass and movie sound effects that cause your chest to shake a little. Some soundbars are fitted with wireless subwoofers, which is convenient.
Q3: Which connectivity option should I prioritize—HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is your new best friend when your TV supports it. You only need one cable, and you can use your TV remote to adjust the volume. Optical input is the dependable back-up dancer which never fails to appear and perform. Bluetooth is easy when it comes to listening to music on your phone but sometimes it chooses to stop working at the most climactic point of your film. Ideally, purchase a soundbar that has all three options and therefore you can be guaranteed no matter what port your TV actually has.
Q4: Can I use these soundbars for music, or are they only good for movies and TV shows?
The majority of soundbars can play music fairly well, but they are not designed to reproduce audiophile-quality music, but to reproduce dialogue and cinematic sound effects. You will not have the finesse of dedicated stereo speakers but they are more than adequate to listen to casually, on Spotify, or play in the background when you are having dinner. There are also models with EQ presets that are music specific, which essentially implies that they will enhance some frequencies. Do not imagine studio monitor quality, but do expect enjoyable sound that won’t embarrass you.
