How to choose a quality soundbar. Wireless subwoofers: review of models Main criteria when choosing a soundbar

Soundbars have become widespread not so long ago, but have already gained popularity and are dearly loved by loyal fans of high-quality sound. As a rule, those who want to make the TV sound more powerful and spacious without buying a home theater want to purchase a soundbar. Despite the fact that the device itself is not very complicated, its choice is often perplexing, especially for those who are buying a soundbar for the first time. If you decide to equip your TV with a soundbar and are lost in the variety of options, check out our recommendations.

If you are wondering how to choose a soundbar, then you are most likely familiar with the basic properties of this device. The word “SoundBar” translated from English means “sound panel”, or literally “sound bar”. This is not surprising: the appearance of the sundbar body resembles elongated oblong bar with a subwoofer (or without it). The soundbar is a fairly compact thing that will become an element of a modern interior without taking up much space. It is usually placed under the TV, delivering high-quality sound while watching your favorite movies and TV programs.

The very first sound projectors (aka soundbars) appeared in 1998 and were presented by the manufacturer Altec Lansing. Even then they looked like a closed acoustic stereo system, although the subwoofer was purchased separately. The speakers were located on the front surface and, due to the interference of sound waves, created the effect of spatial, deep sound. Soundbars have become the best option, combining excellent picture quality and surround sound, which only enhances the audio and visual effects. After all, to purchase a real home theater, you will have to spend a lot of money, besides, such a system takes up a lot of space and requires lengthy installation and installation.

There are many types of soundbars on the electronics market today. All of them have different characteristics, design, functions, have different purposes, support for media formats, connection type and equipment. Below we will briefly look at the different types of sound bars, because the choice of a home sound bar primarily depends on its technical characteristics and purpose.

Types of soundbars

First device classification: by connection method to your TV:

The first connection method is, of course, much simpler. In addition, active soundbars are ready-made system, where all the necessary components are built in: speakers, digital processor and sound amplifiers themselves. But, according to most buyers, only passive devices are capable of providing the highest quality sound reproduction. They are not equipped with a digital processor.

The advantage of passive type panels is that in this case you can use your receiver or external amplifier to connect and experiment with the settings at your own discretion, combine with a subwoofer as you want.

Second classification: by purpose and set of functions. As you know, the very first speaker systems intended to expand the sound capabilities of the TV and were purchased by consumers exclusively for one purpose. But times are rapidly changing, and modern manufacturers are equipping equipment with new functions and features, making devices truly multifunctional. Thus, the latest models often interact perfectly with memory cards and disks, come with built-in Wi-Fi, perform Smart-TV functions, synchronize via Bluetooth, and work in conjunction with smartphones and other gadgets. In general, soundbars can be divided into three categories:

Main criteria when choosing a soundbar

When purchasing a soundbar, pay attention to the following characteristics:

Multichannel sound: for or against

One small soundbar housing can house any number of dynamic components equipped with special amplifiers. As a result, the soundbar, while technically remaining at one point, is able to provide any distribution of sources. It may seem to us that the sound is moving - closer or further away - depending on what exactly the image shows us.

The final cost of the soundbar also depends on how many channels the soundbar design provides.

The simplest and most inexpensive models are with two channels: They have the ability to decode multi-channel audio using Dolby Digital/DTS technology. Three-channel soundbars can also be considered an acceptable option. More advanced modifications are equipped with five and seven channels. They use DSP technology and room equalization, or a combination of these processes, to create spatial sound.

Availability of a subwoofer

It is high-quality and powerful bass that, as a rule, creates spectacular acoustic sound. A soundbar with a subwoofer is a subject of frequent debate among audio lovers. Many argue that you don't need a low-frequency speaker to produce great sound. In addition, some manufacturers have begun to use Atlantic Tech H-PAS technology, which significantly improves the low-frequency response of small speakers.

There are models with a built-in subwoofer - just keep in mind that the dimensions of the panel itself are significantly increased.

Still, if we consider the range of electronics, preference is given to models with an additional subwoofer, most often wireless. Wireless subs are connected to the main body of the device using various technologies, such as Bluetooth. In any case, a soundbar with a traditional or modern wireless subwoofer is a must if you are a true connoisseur of quality bass when playing movies or music.

Connection sources

If you are using active device types (that is, directly connected), determine the information from what sources you're going to reproduce. The type and number of connectors on the soundbar depends on this. Combinations of connectors may vary depending on the type, manufacturer and cost: digital audio input and output, two optical and the same coaxial, mini-jack.

To synchronize with smartphones, it is best to use sound bars equipped with USB ports, as well as Bluetooth and other types of wireless connections.

Modern models almost universally use Bluetooth technology in connection with various gadgets and portable devices.

Control

The soundbar can be controlled in various ways: mechanical or touch buttons on the body, using a remote control and even a mobile phone. The most common is management using the remote control. You can adjust the volume of satellites, subwoofer, change equalizer settings, FM tuner, turn the device's power on and off.

Dimensions

Not the most fundamental, but also an important criterion. The soundbar should not take up much space and draw attention to itself. It is best if it is compactly placed directly under the TV case. In terms of design, in most cases, soundbars do not differ much in appearance, although there are different colors and shapes - try to ensure that the device fits well into the style of your interior.

Additional features

An optical drive and Blu-Ray support are not the most necessary, but still very useful features if you want to go beyond the usual speaker system connected to the TV.

Availability of Wi-Fi and support for Smart-TV and karaoke devices. Network integration via Wi-Fi means the ability to connect DLNA devices and provide Smart TV functionality. For most modern TV models, this is not entirely relevant, but if your device is not equipped with such wide capabilities, it can easily be “upgraded” using the same soundbar.

Conclusion

Devices such as soundbars are gaining more and more popularity every year. Of course, they are not capable of replacing a full-fledged speaker system. But if you want to reproduce high-quality sound and achieve the maximum spatial effect when watching movies and TV programs, then there is only one answer: choose a soundbar, preferably with a subwoofer. Currently, a huge number of various models from different manufacturers are produced, the price range is also impressive. Pay attention to the main points indicated above, and then it will be much easier for you to decide on the choice of equipment. Enjoy the shopping!

It goes without saying that, as time goes by, more and more advances are made in the many fields of technology. The music industry is no exception to this rule, as each year there are new types of songs and tracks invented to appeal to the widest possible variety of listener. Did you know that there are more than a million new musical tracks and songs released every year? That's a whole lotta music! In this same manner, the advances in social media and connectivity technology make keeping track of your favorite artists and music easier than ever. For these reasons, it makes sense that any avid music listener might want to get the very best experience from their music, at any time, in any place. However, when an MP3 player and headphones combo just don’t cut it anymore, the next logical step would be taking your music anywhere, and listening to it on a cutting-edge portable Bluetooth speaker.

However, to the dismay of many users, there are tons of Bluetooth speakers on the market, many of which offer similar capabilities to one another. In a sea of ​​identical products, which product would make the very best purchase for your money? While many music enthusiasts might appreciate crisp highs and crystal clear mids, the aspect that absolutely makes the deal for some might be the presence of booming lows. If you're one of the users who enjoy their music with a little bit of extra oomph to the bass, then you might want to invest in a portable Bluetooth subwoofer speaker, as these products can deliver the aforementioned crisp highs and mids along with the booming lows that always get our blood pumping.

Unfortunately, we’re still left with the dilemma of which product to acquire, given that there are also lots of Bluetooth subwoofer speakers for sale on the market. Luckily, the purpose of this article is to explain, in depth, the factors that you’ll want to consider when browsing the market for the best products in this category. In the following sections, you will learn all you’ll need to know in order to purchase the best product for your needs.

If you’re looking for the very best in Bluetooth speakers with subwoofers, then read on!​

Here are the top 10 best bluetooth subwoofers of 2019:

Now that we’ve got the specifics out of the way, we can go ahead and dive into our personal picks for the best portable Bluetooth speakers. The products mentioned below not only excel for their ability to deliver Hi-Fi, alongside a variety of quality of life features, but they also put special emphasis into the lower audio frequencies. So, if you’re a fan of booming bass and are looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker to satisfy your musical tastes, then look no further. We"ve compiled the following list just for you:

1. JBL Flip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

JBL is one of the best of the best when it comes to speaker and audio equipment. Their products manage to combine portability, appealing designs, and a tone of features which makes them the go-to alternative for many casual music listeners. The Flip 4 is not an exception to this premise, as it takes the devices from an already prestigious line of products and improves them in almost every way.

Right off the bat, we can tell that the JBL Flip 4 is one of the best choices in their price range; you’d be hard-pressed to find a product which offers equal quality and features for a great value. For starters, the cylindrical design with flashy colors allows it to fit nicely into any outdoors setting. The biggest improvement over the Flip 3 is durability, as the fourth iteration features plastic end caps which serve to improve the product’s ruggedness.

As far as performance is concerned, the Flip 4 manages to overcome the limitations that are common in most small speakers. With devices of this size, we usually expect nothing more than tinny, shallow sound quality. The Flip managed to impress us by delivering thumping lows while keeping crystal clear highs and mids. The bass isn’t overbearing at all; its musical and doesn’t slip into the other frequencies, making the music sound even clearer. After listening to several musical genres on these speakers, we definitely couldn’t find anything wrong with its sound quality. However, if we had to nitpick something, we’d wish that this speaker could drive at higher volumes, as the default maximum volume is just enough for gatherings where the people are located in a small area. The speakers fail to deliver reliable audio to relatively long distances which, to be fair, isn’t expected from speakers in this category anyway.

Some quality of life features present in the Flip 4 is the 10 hours battery life, which makes it ideal for outings where there are no outlets nearby. Depending on the volume you use, you could squeeze out some extra battery life from the Flip 4. Other handy features include the built-in speakerphone, which allows you to take and hold calls via Bluetooth, and with better quality than with a phone's default auricular and microphone.​

Another great device at an unexpectedly low price tag. At this rate, we’re going to have to think that these speakers are the product of witchcraft and wizardry since we literally cannot find better audio at this price range. The SoundCore is able to drive with superior sound quality than many speakers in higher price categories.

Commercial pitches aside, the Anker SoundCore is able to deliver Hi-Fi stereo audio with its dual high-performance drivers, complemented with its patented spiral bass port. The result is a sound that leaves nothing to be desired, as the crystal clear highs and booming lows are able to convey the musical arrangements of each and every song or track with great fidelity. Furthermore, this portable Bluetooth speaker is the only one (that we know of) which guarantees up to 24 hours of audio playback; that’s a whole day of music or, at the very least, around 500 songs! This huge play time is due to the Anker’s patented power-leading technology, which is able to squeeze every last drop of energy from the speaker’s high-capacity Li-Ion battery.

To further complement this speaker’s high-quality physical components, the device makes use of Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to any device. Like we mentioned above, the most recent Bluetooth protocol is excellent due to its EDR technology, which allows you to stream music via Bluetooth with great fidelity and near-lossless quality. Furthermore, the speaker’s powerful Bluetooth transmitter allows it to pair with any compatible device at up to 66 feet of range.

Besides listening to Hi-Fi music, the SoundCore is also equipped with a speakerphone so you can make and receive hands-free calls.​

When it comes to audio devices, you really can’t get much better - as far as brand quality is concerned - than a Bose product. This company is best known for its Hi-Fi audio devices, which the Bose SoundLink Mini line of Bluetooth speakers is also able to deliver with flying colors. The SoundLink Mini II has outdone its predecessor and has single-handedly set the bar by which all other portable Bluetooth speakers are measured.

For starters, the very first thing that comes to mind when examining the SoundLink Mini II is their compact audio drivers which, surprisingly enough, are able to produce sound on a very wide range of frequencies. The speaker itself manages to conserve the iconic look of its predecessors while innovating by adding a micro-perforated grille to the mix. The result is a product which, if physically similar to the previous iterations, is a bit lighter in terms of raw weight. The product weighs around 1.5 pounds, which is more than enough to counteract the vibration from its bass drivers which, by the way, can get quite booming when set to the max on the media player’s equalizer. Like with any product in this price range, the SoundLink is able to deliver rich lows and crisp highs, which is a staple of this line of products, anyway.

While the Bose SoundLink Mini II is able to offer similar performance to its past versions, it adds to the mix by featuring several improvements to its general usability. A good example of said features is it’s USB charging capabilities, which allows the user to charge their phone, tablets, or other devices via USB cable. Furthermore, the SoundLink Mini II also includes speakerphone capabilities, which allows the user to both receive and make hands-free calls. Additionally, the battery life was improved from previous iterations, as the speaker can provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback, as opposed to its predecessors, which could last only 7 hours, at best.

Despite the simplicity of pairing the speaker with any device, this product also includes voice prompts to guide you through the process, which comes in handy for those that absolutely have no idea how to get started. Unfortunately, for experienced users, this feature may come off as annoying, rather than helpful and, with no way to disable the prompts, it becomes more of a hassle than a feature. But hey, props to Bose for wanting to help even the most inexperienced users!​

4. Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2

The Roar 2 is the latest iteration in Creative’s line of critically acclaimed Bluetooth speakers. It offers the same amount of features, in a slightly smaller package. However, despite being smaller than the previous version, this speaker manages to be the bulkiest on the whole list, weighing just a bit over 2.2 pounds. In terms of size, it’s still portable to lug around anywhere you go, though it can get a bit taxing over time if you don’t have a pouch to assist in carrying it around everywhere you go.

Compared to its previous version, the Roar 2 offers several extra features which, in this day and age, have grown to become standard in most Bluetooth speakers. For instance, this device is equipped with NFC pairing, for ease of use and pairing with smartphones or other types of media players. Furthermore, the Roar 2 has speakerphone capabilities, which allows the user to make and receive phone calls as long as the device is connected to a smartphone. Unfortunately, the tinny sound quality of the speakerphones leaves a lot to be desired, which is a bummer, since the other speakerphones we’ve mentioned so far had much lower price tags, and were able to perform so well as speakerphones. This is especially odd, considering that, using the Roar 2’s control panel, we are able to record high-quality audio onto any connected SD card, using the very same microphone which performs sub-optimally when making calls.

In any case, this flaw doesn’t detract from the Roar 2 as a speaker in the slightest. In normal settings, the speaker performs just as you would expect: awesome and clear mids and highs, with decent lows. However, things get really crazy as soon as you push the ROAR button on the control panel which, when activated, increases the device’s maximum volume limit, and widens the soundstage. When pressed a second time, the speaker engages Terabass mode, which rounds out the overall sounds, while making way for a much boomier bass. Nevertheless, even without the ROAR button, this speaker is able to perform better than most others on this list, given that the tweeters and subwoofer are driven by separate amplifiers.

Like the SoundLink above, this device is also plagued by voice prompts which can sometimes interfere with some functions, ROAR included. Other than that, this speaker is able to perform with excellent quality, with and without the ROAR function.​

This UE Mini Boom by Logitech is one of those speakers that strives to perform like other high-end devices while trying to maintain the low price tag. Case in point, the Mini Boom offers sound quality akin to that of the Bose SoundLink, while still managing to keep a low price. Its most notable flaw comes in the form of its dual 1.5-inch drivers which, while being able to perform admirably in most cases, have a noticeably narrow frequency response when compared to other speakers.

As far as the highs and mids are concerned, you’ll receive the exact same quality found in the other devices on this list. When it comes to lows, the bass is definitely there, but it’s less resonant and booming that with other products. However, what the Mini Boom sacrifices in terms of audio fidelity, it makes up for in sheer portability. This speaker is only 3.9 x 3.3 inches, which makes it small and light enough to be carried in a pocket, or in the hand with no effort at all. Thanks to its light, yet rugged plastic casing, this product weighs only 9.6 ounces, which only adds to its already awesome portability.

Like the others mentioned on this list, the Mini Boom is also speakerphone-ready, which means that, as soon as you pair it with your smartphone, you’ll be able to place and receive hands-free calls. Furthermore, these small yet capable speakers come with the ability to be paired with a second Mini Boom in order to achieve a true stereo audio capability. This is achieved via a smartphone app which also lets you tweak features such as custom equalizer, and also to use your speaker as an alarm clock.​

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Alternatives

The speakers mentioned above are some of the best products you will find on the market. However, if you are still not convinced, and would like to keep browsing, then consider taking a look at these other alternatives which, for one reason or another, deserve an honorable mention on this article:

Bluetooth Subwoofer Buying Guide

Now that we are aware of the best brands to look for when browsing for portable Bluetooth speakers, let’s get a bit more specific and elaborate on the elements we need to look for in order to make the best purchases. If you’re not sure which speaker to buy, then it’s better to go ahead and examine each of their features closely. That way, even if they’re not manufactured by an well-known brand, you will still be able to acquire a high-quality product.

​Frequency Response

The frequency response is a unit which is used to measure the range on which audio equipment, such as headphones and speakers can reproduce audio. This number is usually listed on the product’s box, or on the company’s website. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is expressed in ranges, rather than units. For example, a typical frequency response of a pair of headphones or speakers looks like this: 20Hz - 20,000Hz. While the exact ranges may fluctuate depending on the device, they usually refer to the same thing. The first number of the range is the lowest frequency on which the speaker can produce sound, while the highest is, you guessed, the highest frequency on which it can produce sound. In speakers and headphones with smaller drivers, the frequency response range will usually be narrower, since it’s hard to produce sound at extreme frequencies with smaller components to drive it.

Stereo Capabilities

Stereo sound refers to the method in which music and sound are mixed so that you can hear different sounds coming from different directions. For instance, you can find a song that has the guitar mixed so that you can hear it from the left driver, while the harmonics come from the right driver. It’s a good element for adding more depth to your favorite tracks. However, this doesn’t always translate so well to portable speakers, since most of them may lack the qualities to reproduce audio in a stereo fashion.

​For starters, the key element of portable speakers is precisely that; portability For audio to be properly reproduced in stereo, you need to have a minimum physical distance between the drivers; which isn’t possible when you have 2 drivers packed into a small box. Furthermore, most portable speakers come equipped with only 1 driver, which makes the feat of reproducing stereo audio even harder.

However, there are several devices which can reproduce stereo audio with a single driver. Unfortunately, these speakers can go for a pretty penny on the market, as the technology used to achieve this is fairly new. Regardless, if you’re looking for the best of the best, be sure to pick up a speaker that has stereo capabilities on a single driver, but be wary of the smaller models that boast “true stereo audio”; more often than not, they’re lying to your face.

Bluetooth Version

A good thing to keep an eye for when browsing the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker is the Bluetooth version they use to produce their pairing capabilities. In the current state of technology, Bluetooth v1 is practically non-existent, while Bluetooth v2.1 is still very much alive. Furthermore, Bluetooth v4.0 also exists, and with it, came the EDR profile, which stands for Enhanced Data Rate, and is responsible for the improvements in sound quality we’ve seen in Bluetooth speakers over the past few years.

Extra Features

Though not technically necessary, some Bluetooth speakers may come equipped with several features which are designed to improve the user’s experience when using the device. Said features may include but are not limited to the following:

• Speakerphone: If you're planning on using your Bluetooth speaker while lounging in a pool, or during cooking sessions, odds are you could benefit from purchasing one with a speakerphone function, which would allow you to take calls and speak with others through a built- in microphone. And even if you don't plan on using it in these situations, the possibility of being able to pick up the phone and speak to your friends and family with a hands-free method is always a welcome addition, especially if you're a gamer and can't get your hands off the mouse and keyboard.
• Multiple Connectivity: We mentioned above that true stereo audio is something that most Bluetooth speakers fail to deliver. However, some devices come with the ability to connect multiple speakers as part of the same setup, which allows you to configure both speakers to produce stereo audio. Even better, if you manage to connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer, you could even have your own 5.1 Bluetooth setup.
• Extended Battery Life: Listening to Hi-Fi can cause quite a strain on your device’s battery life, especially if you like to listen at high volume levels. If you’re looking to listen at home, then odds are you won’t need a long battery life, since you could just connect it to an outlet while using it. However, if you’re planning on taking the speaker to a weekend camping trip, then your best bet would be to invest in a device that advertises at least 4 to 5 hours of continuous battery life.
• USB Port: On the same note as the feature above, some speakers might also offer a USB port, so that our phone or other media player may leech off of the speaker’s battery. This is useful if you don’t want to bring a phone charger, or don’t have space on your outlet to charge your phone, as you could simply do it via the speaker’s USB port.
• NFC: We already talked about NFC above, and even though it's not a make-or-break feature, the fact that you can easily pair your phone to the speaker with a single tap will help you to save time and effort in getting your music playing.
• Waterproofing: The name says it all: if you’re planning on taking your speaker to the beach or poolside, it’s better to purchase one with waterproofing, so that your purchases are protected against the elements.
• 3.5mm Input Jack: Despite this article being about Bluetooth speakers, most models still come with a 3.5mm jack which allows you to connect them to older media devices, such as the iPod Classic. Bluetooth speakers are awesome for when you want to stream media from your phone, but if you’re looking to connect them with older devices, then it’s better to make sure they have a 3.5mm aux port.​

The Different Types Of Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Like with everything else in life, there are different types of Bluetooth speakers, designed to pander to a wide variety of people. Depending on the type of use you would like to give to your speaker, you might want to invest in one of the following types:

NFC

One of the most advertised features with wireless speakers is, by far, Near Field Communication capabilities. Abbreviated as NFC, this technology allows two devices to easily pair when in close proximity, which eases the process of playing your music on any speaker device. However, despite sounding really nice, NFC is actually very limited in what you can achieve with it since you need to keep your phone or music player very close to the speaker in order for them to pair. Furthermore, the only thing that NFC achieves is facilitating the Bluetooth pairing process, which means that any given Bluetooth speaker can achieve the same results, albeit with a slightly longer process to pair both devices together.

WiFi

Despite the benefits that Bluetooth offers, Wi-Fi audio streaming is currently the go-to method for pairing and sharing media across different devices connected to the same network. That’s not to say that Bluetooth is bad or sub-optimal, it’s just that the number of features offered by Wi-Fi speakers can far outweigh those presented by any other type of speaker. Nevertheless, the quality of the audio itself will still be largely determined by the physical components of the speaker itself. Regardless, if you’re looking to acquire the very best audio, coupled with the best features, get a speaker that can pair in both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modes. In this manner, you will obtain a product you can use at home with a Wi-Fi network while being able to take full advantage of its audio qualities at the beach, pool, or any other place where there are no Wi-fi networks handy .

Bluetooth

The time-old method with which most wireless speakers have been pairing with the devices ever since their inception - and the one in which we will be focusing this time around - is Bluetooth. While technically inferior to Wi-Fi in terms of feature and audio streaming quality, Bluetooth speakers will often offer the most solid performance at the lowest possible prices. The only severe limitation of this streaming method is that it’s limited to a maximum distance of around 33-50 feet between the paired devices. However, most modern devices, such as smartphones and wireless speakers, are fitted with a Bluetooth chip which allows them to be paired with other compatible equipment. Furthermore, Bluetooth pairing doesn’t require network access, so it functions in virtually every place on the planet. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Bluetooth is extremely easy to set up and takes only a few seconds to do so.

DLNA

This acronym is short for Digital Living Network Alliance, and consists of an open network for sharing all sorts of files, from music to pictures and videos, across multiple devices paired via Wi-Fi. If you have an Android smartphone, or any other device based on this OS than it’s likely that they will use DLNA to stream their media across different devices. Unfortunately, despite being present in a wide variety of devices, this method is infamous for being clunky and slow and often outclassed by Bluetooth or standard Wi-Fi connections.

Airplay

This is Apple's proprietary method of pairing devices together and is actually one of the most intuitive platforms to stream media across different devices. It makes use of proprietary protocols to transfer files across paired devices via Wi-Fi, and while it actually is very easy to use, it's also one of the least cost-effective features to include on any device, considering that Apple charges companies a lot to include it into their devices. This translates into increased costs for speakers and other devices that are Airplay-compatible.

The Different Brands Of Bluetooth Subwoofers

There are a very wide variety of Bluetooth speakers available for purchase on the market. So much that choosing an appropriate product for your needs can become a really challenging endeavor, especially if you’re a newcomer to this industry and don’t know exactly what to look for. If this is the case, then we'd recommend for you to stick with the most popular brands, as these companies will, more often than not, provide you the very best bang for your buck, while backing the quality of their products with awesome customer service.

That said, the next time you’re browsing for a good portable Bluetooth speaker, make sure to pay special attention to the following brands:

Sony

As a provider of some of the best electronics this world has ever seen, I believe Sony rarely requires an introduction. Formally known as Sony Corporation, this multinational organization has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and is one of the most important designers, manufacturers and sellers of consumer electronics, such as audio and video devices, computer components, photography gear, smartphones, and video game consoles

Creative Sound Blaster

This company is the designer and manufacturer of one of the most common integrated sound chips present in the motherboards of most personal computers. This organization has been in business since before computer audio was widespread, and it is, in part, due to their efforts that we are able to listen to music or other audio files on our computers from the comfort of our home.

As a manufacturer of electronics, Creative Sound Blaster mostly focuses on high-end dedicated soundboards as well as professional-grade recording equipment. However, they also design and manufacture several types of consumer electronics, among which we may find headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and soundbars, among others.

Bose

Based in Massachusetts, United States, this company was founded in 1964 by Amar G. Bose, a former educator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company is focused on the design and manufacture of Hi-Fi components such as speakers and amplifiers, though they’re more famous for their integrated audio solution services such as high-end home theaters and multiroom home audio.

Logitech

Logitech is a company dedicated to electronics, focused mainly on PC peripherals such as gaming mice, gaming keyboards, and gaming headsets. They started off as an OEM of office mice and keyboards, and slowly carved their path as one of the best companies in the business. Ever since their inception in 1981, Logitech has always been at the forefront of technology, often providing cutting-edge peripherals to any interested parties. They’re mostly famous for their top-quality products, which also manage to be very accessible for those that are working with a tight budget.

That being said, Logitech has very decent low-end products which can be used as solutions in the office or workplace. Meanwhile, their line of high-end PC peripherals and components are better suited for competitive gaming environments or in other situations that may benefit from the increased performance that these products provide.

Anker

Founded in 2011 by Steven Yang, a former software engineer for Google, Anker was created to provide high-quality yet affordable replacement laptop batteries to any interested users. Since their inception, their catalog has expanded to include power banks, charging cables, and other related components. In stark contrast to other Chinese companies, Anker has opted to conduct business directly in the western market via online stores and Amazon as their main marketplaces. Despite focusing on power-related products, Anker has also dabbled in the field of portable audio, with their portable Bluetooth speakers, all of which are equipped with the company’s proprietary quick charge technology.

Bluetooth Subwoofer Wrap Up

In the past, most speaker and audio system setups would be big enough to clutter up most rooms. High-quality speakers came in huge sizes with similarly large drivers, all placed in large wooden boxes. While these devices could definitely produce ear-pleasing audio, they were a far cry from the portability we have today.

Nowadays, in order to produce Hi-Fi audio, size is no longer of much concern, as these small speakers are able to produce sound with the fidelity of the big sound systems of yore. If you’re looking for the very best portable audio, then look no further than the portable Bluetooth speakers with subwoofers that we listed above. If you choose to purchase any of the products mentioned above, you will receive the best bang for your buck. The only difference between these speakers listed here stems from their price tags, and whether you prefer one design over another.​

Regardless of your choice, you will acquire a product suited to your needs.​

All images sourced from Amazon.com

With the ability to reproduce low sound frequencies within the range of 20-300 Hz. This equipment is used at home to connect to home theaters and sound bars. This allows you to enjoy clear and high-quality sound while watching movies, listening to music, etc.

Initially, subwoofers were connected using a cable, but more modern models use a wireless connection.

Difficulty of choice

If you decide to purchase a subwoofer, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the types that you can purchase. It can be active or passive. Active types of subwoofer are usually equipped with a crossover and a built-in amplifier. Therefore, synchronization of this equipment with other acoustic devices in the house occurs with minimal time. The sound from active devices is much better in sound quality than that of passive devices.

A passive home subwoofer is connected in series to the main speakers and usually does not contain powerful amplifiers. The main disadvantage of such equipment is the difficulty of choosing a place to place it.

Connection type and design

Based on the type of connection, subwoofers are divided into cable-connected and wireless.

Most often, subwoofers are connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. Note that for some models such a connection is used not for broadcasting sound, but for controlling device settings remotely. Moreover, such models have a wired connection. If we take the transmission of sound signals, then it is necessary to take into account that the audio quality when connecting to Bluetooth will be slightly lower than through wires. But the absence of cables under your feet and the ability to freely move the subwoofer relative to the main signal source in most cases compensate for this disadvantage.

When choosing, pay attention to its design. Equipment of this type is conventionally divided into bass reflex and closed types:

1. Closed-type subwoofers have a completely enclosed cabinet, speaker and built-in amplifier. This type of active wireless subwoofer produces a smooth frequency response and is used in music systems.
2. Bass-reflex subwoofers are characterized by a bright acoustic design; they reproduce more frequencies than devices in a closed case.

Yamaha SRT-1500

Soundbar with wireless subwoofer for your TV, delivering true 5.1 surround sound.

The elegant body of this model accommodates 12 speakers:

• 8 “sound beam” speakers;
• for playing stereo recordings and clear transmission of dialogues - two oval low-frequency emitters;
• two subwoofers for rich and deep bass.

Surround realistic sound is achieved thanks to a housing made of MDF, which ensures high sound quality. And eight beam speakers located in the central part of the body and side woofers create a unique sound together. Two wireless subwoofers produce deep bass and provide independent control of audio channels.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will not only help you connect to the subwoofer, but will also serve to stream your favorite music to your mobile device.

JBL Cinema SB250 system

This active soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and is designed for modern TVs. Small and sleek, the system delivers stunning surround sound.

It supports wireless connection to a powerful and compact subwoofer, which is part of the system, and there is also a connection to a TV using a cable.

Compact and elegant, the audio system with wireless active subwoofer complements your modern ultra-thin screen and delivers big, rich sound that far exceeds the sound of built-in TV speakers.

The system will allow you to get a home theater that works on the “plug and play” principle, and with ARC technology you can connect your TV to the Cinema SB250 with one cable. The device can be easily configured to function as a TV remote control, allowing you to control your entire home theater with one hand.

JBL SoundShift technology allows you to simultaneously play sound from both a wireless source and your TV.

PolkAudioSignaS1 Soundbar

With the soundbar body measuring 89 x 5 cm, it can easily block the IR receiver located on the front panel of the TV if it is installed in front of it on one shelf.

The front panel of the system is covered with fabric, behind which two 1-inch tweeters and two woofers with a diameter of 4.4 inches are hidden. At the top of the speaker body there are control buttons for pairing a wireless subwoofer via Bluetooth, adjusting the volume and switching inputs. The included remote control is quite ergonomic; it’s easy to switch inputs and control all functions. Other characteristics:

1. Connectors and interfaces - Bluetooth, digital optical input, Wi-Fi, AUX.
2. Total sound power - 200 W.
3. Special features: Dolby Digital decoder, VoiceAdjust technology, wireless subwoofer.
4. Delivery set: soundbar, subwoofer, documentation, control panel.

Onkyo LS7200 system

An elegant low-profile soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, a large bass speaker, and an elegant AV receiver HT-L05 will be a great gift for all those who like to thoroughly upgrade the sound of their TV.

The system receiver is equipped with effective wireless technologies: from advanced DTS Play-Fi and Bluetooth version 4 to AirPlay and dual-band Wi-Fi, which allows you to combine all network audio available for connection in one interface application:

• web radio;
• streaming services;
• local network files.

The Onkyo LS7200 has four HDMI inputs and HDMI outputs with a return channel, allowing you to receive audio directly from your TV. The entire device can be controlled either from the standard remote control or through the Onkyo Controller smartphone application.

Peculiarities:

• support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, FireConnect and DTS Play-Fi functions;
• connection to the receiver via a single cable and a separate wireless subwoofer;
• eight-speaker soundbar;
• AccuEQ auto calibration, 4 X HDMI.

When watching your favorite movie, you can feel yourself at the epicenter of the sound stage thanks to this soundbar. The developers paid special attention to two speakers that have the ability to reproduce balanced sound over the entire frequency range. The built-in Sony wireless subwoofer provided a richer bass sound - a dynamic movie scene or any special effect is perceived as realistically as possible.

Wireless streaming of audio and favorite tracks is possible from various applications via Bluetooth with almost any smartphone or tablet.

Features: easy connection Bluetooth 4.0, three universal settings modes - movie, 3D and news, after 10 minutes of inactivity, switches to standby mode, ability to mount on a wall, 3D surround sound effect.

Wireless subwoofer

A wireless subwoofer is a unique device that a car owner can use to enrich and improve the sound system. A wireless car subwoofer is undemanding in terms of installation location, which a priori increases its importance in cramped conditions, such as the trunk and interior of a car.
So, if you want to save space and not spend a lot of money on purchasing a super-compact subwoofer that fits under the seat, the option of installing a wireless subwoofer can be considered as an ideal option.

Soundbar with subwoofer

Let's look at this solution first. It is completely justified. Soundbars, as they are also called, have progressed significantly in recent years.
One of the modern models of such technology, called Razer Leviathan, will be described below. So, the main advantage of this option is that it takes up little space in the car.

Note. The approximate cost of a soundbar is about 18 thousand rubles, but considering that along with it the driver also receives a high-quality subwoofer, the price does not seem so impressive.

On the other hand, Rather Leviathan is one of the most expensive audio solutions in the line of similar devices, but almost the best.

Technical data

The Razer Leviathan soundbar is a very stylish device with a modern design design. It will fit perfectly into the interior of the car.
Some of its useful features:

• This soundbar is closed at the front with a protective metal mesh. It ideally closes the membranes from harmful mechanical influences.

Note. On many soundbars, the grid is removable, but on Leviathan it is rigidly fixed.

• Under the grid, 4 speakers are clearly visible to the naked eye (see). As mentioned above, on each side of the soundbar there is a 19 mm tweeter and a 6.35 cm midrange driver. The power of each channel is 15 W;
• The design of the soundbar is universal and can be installed in different ways: horizontally, at an angle or vertically. The soundbar can simply be hung on the ceiling;
• The device's power button is located above the Razer logo. It is responsible for turning the device on and off;
• Directly behind the control button there are adjustments that expand the functionality of the device. This includes volume control, a mode selection button, and much more.

• Inputs and connectors for acoustics are located on the rear of the device. There is a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack and a digital input for users who prefer multi-channel audio. There is also a socket for an external power supply and a place for.

Note. On the rear panel there is also space for connecting a Bluetooth 4.0 module. This means that the user is given a unique opportunity to play music through the device from smartphones and other media.

Subwoofer

The most important part of this soundbar is, of course, the subwoofer. It can greatly improve the sound experience in the cabin. The width of the speaker with the housing, as mentioned above, is 225 mm, its height is 240 mm, and it is very easy to find a place for it in the cabin.

Note. The disadvantage of this subwoofer, as well as all super-compact low-frequency speakers, is its size. To reproduce bass at a high level, a large sub is required and there is no getting around it, no matter how you twist it and upgrade it with size. So, you shouldn’t expect extreme lows from Rather Leviathan.

Other features of the sub:

• The subwoofer speaker is a 13 cm woofer. This is an average option for 2-way speakers and weak for high-end systems. So, it’s definitely not possible to participate in car audio competitions with such equipment;
• The subwoofer's speaker is directed straight down, so that the efficiency directly depends on the reflection of sound vibrations from the floor. So, it turns out that placing a sub on a soft floor is wrong.

Note. It is recommended to place such a soundbar in the car interior on some kind of hard stand made by yourself. There is a good option for installing the device together with a subwoofer directly on an acoustic shelf.

The classic mid-price soundbar Samsung HW-E450 will provide incredible sound strength and richness. Its subwoofer is also wireless, which adds to the value of this device.
The main acoustic part of such a device can be called, along with the 2nd midrange speakers, also the high-frequency emitters on both sides. Thus, the successful placement of acoustic components together with a powerful subwoofer will allow you to achieve the best possibilities for positioning sound in space.

Note. Among the disadvantages, one can highlight the fact that the number of additional functions is reduced to a minimum, which slightly limits the capabilities of the device. On its own, the HW-E450 can only play music.

On the other hand, manufacturers took care to equip the device with an HDMI input and “optics”. Confident bass, excellent sound quality, stage width – this is not all for which users can praise this model.

Technical data

Connection

Connecting a wireless subwoofer is carried out strictly according to the communication identification number, which is configured at the factory. When you turn on the main device and the subwoofer, a connection is automatically established between them.
Instructions for setting up a wireless subwoofer:

• The main unit and subwoofer are connected to a power source;
• On the rear side of the subwoofer there is an ID Set key. It must be pressed for 3 seconds. You can use some sharp object.

Note. In this case, the STANDBY indicator turns off, and the other LINK indicator, on the contrary, begins to flash blue.

• After the main device turns off, you need to press the Mute key on the remote control and hold it for 5 seconds.

Note. In this case, the volume indicator on the unit will light up and return to STANDBY mode.

• Press the POWER key to activate the main unit. Now it is connected to the subwoofer and the connection is made. The connection indicator on the subwoofer should flash blue.

You can install and connect a wireless subwoofer in a car yourself, strictly following the instructions. In the process, you may need to watch videos and photos - materials, diagrams and other visual aids. The price of a wireless subwoofer varies and it all depends on the specific model.