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Having a hard time deciding whether to get a soundbar or an AV receiver setup?
What Is a Soundbar?
A soundbar is a sleek, compact speaker system designed to enhance the audio quality of your television viewing.
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What Is an AV Receiver?
An AV receiver is the central hub for managing audio and video signals in a home theater system.
Soundbar vs. AV Receiver Setup
Choosing the right audio system can greatly enhance your home entertainment experience.
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The problem with virtualized/simulated surround sound is that it only works in ideal spaces and conditions.
This makes the surround sound in soundbars inconsistent for 3D audio immersion.
The default soundbar setup consists of several small speakers within the soundbar.
Since these speakers are small and interconnected, soundbars only need one cable.
This makes soundbars a great solution for people looking for a plug-and-play solution for their audio setup.
In contrast to the plug-and-play nature of soundbars, AV receiver systems are quite the opposite.
Cost
There are many less expensive options for soundbars than AV receivers.
However, this doesn’t automatically make soundbars cheaper than an AV receiver setup.
So, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to upgrade your soundbar system in the future.
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This is particularly relevant for those who value high-fidelity audio and a true surround sound experience.
An AV receiver setup is also a better choice for anyone looking to build a dedicated home theater room.
Consider what’s most important for your home entertainment and choose accordingly.
Andrew Bardin Photography/Shutterstock
