Soundbars

Soundbars: Simple, Powerful Audio for Any Space

If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your TV or home entertainment system’s sound without the complexity of a full surround sound setup, a soundbar is an excellent choice. These sleek, compact audio solutions deliver high-quality sound and are especially great for those with limited space or who want a cleaner, less cluttered setup. At Sturmans, we offer a carefully selected range of soundbars that combine performance, design, and ease of use, giving you the best sound for your TV, movies, music, and more.

What is a Soundbar?

A soundbar is a single, long speaker that houses multiple audio drivers inside. Typically designed to be placed below or above a TV, soundbars are intended to enhance your TV’s audio quality by delivering clearer dialogue, richer soundtracks, and more immersive audio than the built-in TV speakers. They come in various styles, sizes, and configurations to suit different setups and room sizes.

Why Choose a Soundbar?

Space-Saving Design: Unlike traditional surround sound systems, which require multiple speakers and wires scattered around the room, a soundbar is a single unit that takes up minimal space. It’s ideal for small rooms or areas where you want a more minimalist setup without compromising on sound quality.
Improved Audio Quality: Most modern TVs come with slim speakers that simply can’t deliver the full audio experience. A soundbar can significantly improve the clarity, bass, and overall volume.
Easy Setup: Soundbars are plug-and-play solutions, with simple connections (often HDMI ARC, optical cable, or Bluetooth) that make installation a breeze. Many soundbars also come with a wireless subwoofer, eliminating the need for additional wiring.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soundbar

When selecting a soundbar, there are several factors that can affect both the performance and how it fits into your home setup.

1. Sound Quality

Drivers and Channels: The soundbar’s drivers (speakers inside the bar) determine how clear and loud the audio will be. More channels (e.g., 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1) offer richer, more immersive sound, with Dolby Atmos or DTS technologies adding height and depth to the audio experience

2.1-channel soundbars come with two channels (left and right) and a subwoofer for deep bass.

5.1-channel soundbars add center, rear, and subwoofer channels, giving you more surround sound-like audio.
7.1 and Dolby Atmos systems offer even more complex, immersive soundscapes with height channels for three-dimensional audio.

Tip: If you want true surround sound-like effects, look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support or virtual surround sound capabilities.

2. Size of the Soundbar

The size of the soundbar should match the size of your TV. Generally, you want the soundbar’s length to be about the same width as your TV or slightly shorter. This helps ensure the soundbar doesn’t overpower the TV visually or acoustically. Larger soundbars generally provide fuller sound and are better for larger rooms, while smaller soundbars are better for compact spaces.

Tip: Measure the width of your TV before purchasing a soundbar. Most soundbars range from 30″ to 50″ in length, so there’s usually a size for every TV.

3. Connectivity Options

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel): This is the best option for high-quality audio transfer and allows you to control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote. HDMI ARC also supports Dolby Atmos and 4K passthrough for the latest video formats.
Optical Input: If your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, you can use an optical cable (TOSLINK) for good audio quality, though it typically doesn’t support high-definition audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Many soundbars now offer wireless connectivity options, allowing you to stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or PC to the soundbar for music listening or podcasts.
Subwoofer Connection: Some soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer for deeper bass, while others have a wired connection for a more traditional setup.

Tip: Choose a soundbar with HDMI ARC if you want to control volume and sound settings via your TV remote. For easy streaming from mobile devices, opt for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support.

4. Design and Aesthetics

Soundbars come in a variety of designs, from sleek and minimalist to more bold, industrial looks. Consider the aesthetic of your living room or home theatre setup and how the soundbar will fit in with your TV and furniture.
Some soundbars are designed to be wall-mounted or placed directly on a TV stand. Many models have a low profile, so they won’t block your TV screen, while others are designed to be placed underneath or in front of your TV.

Tip: Choose a soundbar that complements your room’s design and fits neatly with your TV. Some brands offer wall-mounting kits for seamless integration.

5. Additional Features

Voice Enhancement: Many soundbars have a dedicated voice mode or dialogue enhancement feature, which boosts the clarity of dialogue in movies and TV shows. This is especially helpful for those who find it hard to hear dialogue clearly over background music or sound effects.
Sound Modes: Many soundbars offer different sound modes, such as Movie Mode, Music Mode, or Night Mode, to optimize the audio for specific content.
App Control: Some soundbars come with companion apps that let you fine-tune settings or adjust the sound from your smartphone.

Tip: If you often watch movies or TV shows with low-volume dialogue, look for a soundbar with voice enhancement or a dialogue mode.

Our Soundbar Selection at Sturmans

At Sturmans, we carry a curated selection of soundbars from top brands, each offering different features and benefits to suit your needs:

Compact Soundbars:
- Ideal for small spaces or apartments where you need high-quality sound without taking up too much space. These models deliver impressive sound from a slim design.
Mid-Range Soundbars with Subwoofer:
- A subwoofer-equipped soundbar will give you fuller sound and deeper bass. These soundbars are great for TV, movies, and music, offering a balanced audio experience that doesn’t require a full surround sound system.
Premium Soundbars with Dolby Atmos:
- For the ultimate immersive audio experience, we offer soundbars that support Dolby Atmos and DTS

, delivering a more three-dimensional soundstage for a cinematic experience at home.

Wireless Soundbars:
- If you want to minimize wires, consider a wireless soundbar that connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Perfect for multi-room setups or those who prefer a clean, cable-free look.

Expert Advice and Installation

At Sturmans, we understand that the best soundbar for your needs depends on your space, equipment, and audio preferences. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right soundbar and integrate it into your home system.

Personalized Recommendations: Based on your room size, TV type, and desired audio experience, we’ll guide you to the soundbar that fits your needs.
Seamless Installation: Whether you’re setting up your soundbar on a stand, mounting it on the wall, or integrating it into a full home theatre system, our professional installation team will ensure everything is set up correctly for optimal performance.

Conclusion: Upgrade Your Sound with a Soundbar

A soundbar is a fantastic way to enhance your TV’s sound without the complexity of a full surround system. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, a soundbar brings your audio to life with better clarity, bass, and immersion.

Visit Sturmans today to explore our range of high-performance soundbars, receive expert advice, and get the perfect setup for your home.