I have had enough of using the soundbar for years now and have made up my mind to replace it with a home theatre system. Is the new audio system going to do any good to my 4K TV audio if I ignore the pricing factor? I have prepared a self-comparison analysis of Soundbar vs Home Theater to clear my doubts and yours.
Soundbar and Home theater are incredibly great in enhancing the TV audio. You must know that two devices compete and yet not come to the point of declaring that one is superior to the other. If you want easiness and convenience soundbar is a better option, but for superior audio quality home theater is unbeatable.
The article covers the breakdown of the soundbar and home theater system helping you select the best one. Also, you will find differences between the two audio systems in the domain of installation, functionality, customization, and sound quality.
Soundbar vs Home Theater – Ultimate Comparison
How do you choose the audio system that provides you with what you pay? Reading your mind encourages me to grip my statements from the installation and go higher up to the pricing so that you decide what matches your taste.
Installation
The soundbar is easy to install, for it comes in a sleek horizontal device packed with built-in speakers. From easy installation, you can assume that the device is designed to be mounted on the wall, in the footsteps, or positioned above the TV per preference.
On the contrary, home theater comes with a naturally large setup. The limitation of having a specific number of speakers diminishes. So, you are pushed forward to deal with the bulk of wires to get through the fixing of these in the ceilings, or in the nooks of the room.
Final Verdict:
The soundbar wins the argument providing convenience in installing the device in no time and without any tech assistance.
Functionality
Soundbar and home theater functions appear the same, but the hidden difference is how far they are from each other.
The functionality of the soundbar lies in mimicking the home theatre 3D sound. The number of channels packed in a single bar acts as front speakers and do not create surround sound effect. However, it is manipulated by keeping half of the channels at a 45-degree angle to hit the ceiling and then reaching your ears. Also, the soundbars with available subwoofers fulfill the requirements of the required bass.
On the other hand, a home theatre system makes you enjoy jam-packed audio coming from every direction due to the fixing of the individual speakers rather than in a single device. Moreover, home theaters are suitable for large rooms with an unlimited number of audio modes, such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Surround Sound.
Final Verdict:
As you find home theatre suitable for improved sound effects, a soundbar will do the same but in a virtual manner. So decide on the home theater to get real-time enjoyment.
Customization
Soundbar keeps the things minimal and obtains a remote control, speakers according to the desired channel, and an additional accessory that is a wireless subwoofer. A remote control makes operating the soundbar much more convenient.
However, you cannot increase the number of speakers packed in a soundbar of the specific channel. For example, if you opt to choose a 2.1-channel soundbar, it only has two speakers for the left or right and a subwoofer.
The option of customization makes you head over heels for the home theater. You can easily enhance the sound of your wish by upgrading the channels to a higher level or placing the drivers in an entire room.
Final Verdict:
The soundbar does not allow you to add components beyond its capacity, while a home theater can accept new devices and receivers anytime.
Suitable Installation Space
The soundbar must deserve your accolade as it serves you best in small spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Also, you do not have to go over the board preparing the separate cinema halls for putting the soundbar in the required place.
Pro Tip: you must take care that the width of the soundbar does not exceed the width of your TV before selecting the soundbar.
While the home theatre does exactly the opposite of the soundbar, the immersive full-length audio is only possible when arranging the speakers in large halls. The sound signals need enough space to travel and make a web to create a bouncing effect.
Final Verdict:
Soundbar and home theater stand in between your preferences in which place you want to install the audio gadgets. I leave it to you to decide.
Sound Quality
Sound quality undoubtedly is the promising factor that defines the major differences between the two audio systems. I tried mentioning the technical terms, such as stereo imaging, distortion, and clarity.
A soundbar is only the option for upgrading the nasty TV speaker’s audio. It requires further improvement in the form of the latest audio modes and center channel. The speakers only produce clarity from the left or right speakers while the dialog delivery becomes unclear due to the absence of a center channel in the 2.1 soundbar. Moreover, the audio becomes distorted at high volumes; the major downside of not selecting a soundbar.
A home theatre contributes to delivering well-rounded audio due to multiple channels and you hear sound coming from different directions. Furthermore, it supports the latest audio modes, like Dolby Atmos, Surround Sound, and Dolby Digital which is rare in soundbars.
Final Verdict:
the winner is home theatre exceeding the sound quality from directional to multidirectional.
You should also read about to Connect Soundbar to Samsung TV Using HDMI
Price
Both soundbar and home theatre systems have their perks. You must focus on your requirements based on space, budget, and personal preferences. The soundbar costs you a few bucks, starting from dollar hundred.
On the other hand, the cost of the home theater starts from the range where the soundbars become unavailable. Also, adding components and included wiring makes your billing history higher than compact soundbars.
Final Verdict:
Pricing factor makes the home theater lose the game, but you have the personal choice to install either a soundbar or a home theater depending on how you want to listen to the audio quality.
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Do you need a subwoofer with a soundbar?
The soundbar only requires the subwoofer to improve the bass and low frequencies. Otherwise, you can do without it because many soundbars do not come with wireless subwoofers and even sound good.
Does a soundbar replace home theater?
Soundbars do not replace home theatre in any way; the placement, pricing, and installing factors outcast one over the other. If you have less budget and a small room, compact soundbars are enough to relive the TV’ sound. Home theatre is the opposite, costing you much but delivering premium audio.
Do you need a soundbar with a 4K TV?
The restriction of having a 4K TV with a soundbar is essential due to the multiple connectors it contains. As long as your TV speakers are sufficient to convey preciseness, putting a soundbar is not mandatory.
Why don’t you read about HomePod vs Soundbar
Final Verdict on Soundbar vs Home Theater
Let the home theater do what it wants to because you will see the soundbar will also follow in its footsteps virtually. Soundbar and home theater are the perfect upgrades to your TV. You only need to know the silent differences that make or break the deal while blindly putting an audio system in your comfy space. For more informative pieces of content, head to SoundbarPro.