An enthusiastic person who is really into pure audio and considers that high-fidelity sound fascinates them while listening to music, then probably are looking for a soundbar.
The enhanced sound quality produces a wide soundstage that makes you feel like you are in the middle of the live concert and provides unique acoustics together with good bass reproduction.
Also, the soundbars create that home cinema you’ve been yearning for a while now. The time to get one became a necessity. Most of them are space-saving and not as high-cost as you would expect.
A real audiophile person can’t rely on the TV’s built-in speakers to produce the sound quality they want, so by looking at the manufacturer’s offered specifications, feel free to find the one that suits you.
Let’s not waste any more time and take a look at the best soundbars for audiophiles.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best For Home-Cinema  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Overall  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best For Dialogues  | 9.1 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Budget  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Most Versatile  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
The Top 5 Best Soundbars For Audiophiles
1. Bose Smart Soundbar 900- Best For Home-Cinema
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the company’s cutting-edge and top-range soundbar with a chick and stylish overall design. The premium feel with its glass top finish looks bougie, but it needs extra care while in use and cleaning.
The smart 900 soundbar has six full-range transducers, customized up-firing speakers and the center is a tweeter. The Phase Guide and TrueSpace will make you feel no different than being in the cinema.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has an ADAPTiQ technology that optimizes the acoustics of your room with the system. Every stuff and furniture you own in the room affects how the sounds come out, and with Bose, everything is under control.
A movie without Dolby Atmos sound doesn’t add up. This system adds an extra dimension and plays around the height and angles of the audio. That is why you can notice which side exactly the actor is speaking on.
Everything is controlled easily and hands-free because Alexa and Google Assistant are always there for help. The microphone is noise rejecting and allows you to make or take phone calls.
The bass production is slightly limited because it doesn’t feature the real surround sound, so you going to need an extra subwoofer (sold separately) for that.
Key Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 4.21 x 41.14 x 2.29 inches
- Item Weight: 17 pounds
- Supported Audio formats: Dolby Atmos/Audio, ADAPTiQ
- Voice control: Yes
- Channel Configuration: 5.0.2-Channel (Virtual Surround)
- Output Power: Not Specified by Manufacturer
- Enclosure Type: Ported
- High-Frequency Drivers: 1 x Front-Firing Tweeter
- Full-Range Drivers: 4 x Front-Firing/ 2 x Up-Firing
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2,HDMI, ARC
- App Control: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
Buy it if you want to look bougie and seek high-fidelity sound production. The audio formats like Dolby Atmos and ADAPTiQ will spice up the movie times with 4 front-firing and 2 up-firing speakers. Enjoy binge-watching. You have tons of connectivity inputs and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and voice assistants. Everything is at your service.
2. Sony HT-A7000- Best Overall
Sony has never ever disappointed with its sound quality without compromising the design. The same rules are applied in the HT-A7000 version as well.
HT-A7000 is beautifully wrapped in a transparent grille so that you can see the speakers inside. The metal front and glass top complete the high-end design. Put it on the bar or mount it on the wall, you decide.
It features 360 Spatial Sound Mapping that will expand beyond the walls. Mesmerizing surround sound will provide crystal-clear audio resolution and details that can be adjusted in the settings.
The music quality is like being in the middle of a live concert and a studio session. The instruments are recognizably dynamic so are the vocals. No noise compression in the high notes as well.
The more realistic movies and games of all time. With 8K, and 4K resolution at 120 frames, plus a Dolby Vision support, I’m leaving you to imagine how the sound will come out.
The advanced features of the Sony HT-A7000 never end. DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby Atmos, and S-Force Pro Front Surround, gives super booming sound production.
Your assistants are all the way up when you need them. Versatile connectivity and compatibility are also available.
Key Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 53.5 x 7.75 x 8.81 inches
- Item Weight: 19.18 pounds
- Supported Audio formats: 360 Spatial Sound; Sound Field Optimization; Immersive Audio Enhancement; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Voice control: Yes
- Channel Configuration: 7.1.2-Channel (Virtual Surround)
- Output Power: 500 W
- High-Frequency Drivers: 2 x 0.6″ / 16 mm Side-Firing Tweeter
- Full-Range Drivers: 5x Front-Firing Cone/ 2x Up-Firing Cone
- Connectivity: 2x HDMI, 1x Optical, 3.5 mm, USB, Wi-Fi
- App Control: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want a high-end look with high-end features, Sony HT-A7000 is the best pick. At 500W power, the booming sound production is ensured. With 8K, and 4K resolution at 120 frames, plus a Dolby Vision support, not only music and movies but gaming too will hit differently. Full features, rich connectivity options, and virtual assistants are also available to use.
3. JBL Bar 9.1- Best For Dialogues
JBL Bar 9.1 has a complete audio system and besides a soundbar, it includes the subwoofer too.
The Soundbar is covered in sleek fabric with a metal top and is protected with a metal grille. The most intriguing part of the soundbar is having detachable speakers on the sides so you can put them wherever you think the sound will come out better.
With 820W output power, the scenes will appear powerful, and with the service of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 3D sound enjoy an incredibly immersive sound experience. The sounds will come all the way from the sides and up and down to the ceiling to appear more natural and realistic.
There is a 10 inches subwoofer to help you provide super bass quality, which makes JBL 9.1 sound system great for every music genre, especially for EDM, rock, hip-hop, and other heavy bass music types.
Gaming with JBL 9.1 Soundbar will lead to triumph because you will be able to recognize where the footsteps are coming from. Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision is also supported.
Additionally, Wi-Fi and compatibility with Chromecast and AirPlay 2 enjoy the online music just with a quick tap. Definitely one of the best soundbars for audiophiles.
Key Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 40.63 x 15.04 x 19.21 inches
- Item Weight: 8 pounds
- Supported Audio formats: 3D Spatial Sound; Immersive Audio Enhancement; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Voice control: No
- Channel Configuration: 5.1.4-Channel
- Output Power: 400 W
- Enclosure Type: Bass-Reflex
- High-Frequency Drivers:3 x 0.79″ Tweeter
- Full-Range Drivers: 2 x 2.75″ Up-Firing Elliptic Cone
- Connectivity: 1 x HDMI/eARC, USB, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Wi-Fi
- App Control: Yes
- Subwoofer Connectivity: Wireless
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want to build a sound system empire for movies, JBL 9.1 creates clear conversations. The speakers in the soundbar are detachable and work wirelessly, so you can place them across the room to create a better surround sound system.
4. Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar- Best Budget
Yamaha Audio System always keeps up with high-end features by offering a minimal price range. It’s amazing how they can manage to do that. YAS-209BL Sound Bar is accompanied by a compact wireless subwoofer for better bass reproduction.
The soundbar is made out of a mesh material that covered the entire body and as a difference, the controls appear on the top rather than the front.
Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL has DTS Virtual:X to simulate 3D sound effects. In case you want some clarification in the dialogues, there is a Clear Voice Mode enabled in case the music is too loud and you can’t focus on critical convos. Plus, the virtual Surround Modes are also available for movies, music gaming, and sports.
Alexa Built-in lets you control the smart soundbar with your voice only and you can connect your smartphone with it via Bluetooth to stream music. App control is also available to play around with the settings and find the right mode you were looking for.
Key Specifications:
- Product Dimensions:2.44 x 4.29 x 36.6 inches
- Item Weight:20 pounds
- Supported Audio formats: DTS Digital Surround, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, LPCM
- Voice control: Yes
- Channel Configuration: 2.1-Channel
- Output Power: 100 W
- Enclosure Type: Sealed (soundbar)/ Bass-Reflex (subwoofer)
- High-Frequency Drivers: 2 x 1″ Dome Tweeters
- Mid-Range Drivers: 4 x1.75″ Cone
- Connectivity: 1 x HDMI/eARC, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- App Control: Yes
- Subwoofer Connectivity: Wireless
Why Should You Buy It?
If you don’t want to hurt your pocket, Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar offers great features and a great price point. For that price range, you get clear dialogues as well as great bass production, thanks to the included subwoofer. You will have a wide range of connectivity, presents, and app control. Alexa your virtual assistant is also ready to help.
5. SAMSUNG Harman Kardon Q80R- Most Versatile
Samsung is successful with whatever technology it put its hands on.
Harman Kardon Q90R soundbar is super large and heavyweight because of its metal grille cover in the front, sides, and the top. The included wireless subwoofer is made out of wood and covered in fabric that can easily collect dirt and dust.
Harman Kardon Q80R by Samsung features Dolby Atmos & DTS:X to make you feel the sounds are coming from any angle. The up-firing speakers are good for action scenes that happen in the air and the side-firing speakers help better listening during the conversation. A big thanks to the total of 13 speakers and a subwoofer for that.
Speaking of the subwoofer, the action scenes are way more enjoyable with the rhythm of the songs in the movies, and you manifest the richness and powerful bass production.
Samsung Harman Kardon Q80R also features Adaptive Sound where the soundbar optimizes the sounds automatically according to your environment.
Victory is on your hands because Harman Kardon Q80R also has a Game Mode Pro which again optimizes automatically the mode. Also, it is built-in with a 4K pass-through for connecting to UHD 4K and HDR10 sources.
Lastly, the virtual assistant is here for voice-over control, so you can ask Alexa to stream anything.
Key Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 48.26 x 5.35 x 3.26 inches
- Item Weight: 41 pounds
- Supported Audio formats: DTS Digital Surround, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
- Voice control: Yes
- Channel Configuration: 5.1.2-Channel
- Output Power: 210W
- Enclosure Type: Virtual Surround
- High-Frequency Drivers: 13 Total Speakers
- Connectivity: 1 x HDMI/eARC, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- App Control: Yes
- Subwoofer Connectivity: Wireless
Why Should You Buy It?
If you look for a full feature packed soundbar + a subwoofer, Samsung offers you a chance. The soundbar will fill the larger space with rich and powerful sound. The bass production is made for action scenes. With a total of 13 speakers, the sound will come at any angle, and you will feel like the action is happening in front of you. Be aware that is super heavy and large.
Final Thought
Accompanying your TV speakers with a really nice soundbar will make a huge difference in the quality. An audiophile person is battling to get that immersive sound, and you can achieve that by choosing the correct soundbar.
If a soundbar has a subwoofer, that makes double effect throughout the movie, music, and gaming times. It is because the action scene requires bass effect and only owning a subwoofer won’t be enough to reach the peak for audiophile enthusiasts.
All the above-mentioned soundbars have a lot to offer and the price point isn’t as high as you might expect. There is a very good budget-priced option as well as a high-end option. However, every item differs from one another, you just have to look carefully for the features and the dimensions. Know the purpose of getting a soundbar (or a subwoofer) in the first place.
Further Reading
There are other major competitors for the sounbar world, in case you want to check out Sonos Arc and Bose Soundbar 700, JBL 9.1 Soundbar and Bose 900 Smart Soundbar.
For long gaming session, click for the best Gaming Soundbars for TV and PC, or for the budget price, press Soundbar Under $1000.
You got a soundbar, then it’s time to move on to the subwoofers. As best all time option, Audioengine S8 is worth checking out. Other high-quality brands that offer excellent bass production are Klipsch R12SW, Sony SACS9, Polk Audio PSW10, and Yamaha NW-SW050. Lastly, the Bose Bass Module 500 and Bass Module 700 are options to consider.
Equipment Tester & Reviewer
I’m an unbiased audio equipment tester & reviewer, dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in audio gear.
