The audio quality of most TVs lacks immersiveness and clarity, and a good soundbar is an easy fix! The Samsung HW-K550 Wireless Audio Soundbar is a terrific sounding speaker option that is easy to setup and use. The HW-K550 features a wireless powered subwoofer that adds a stronger bass response to the soundbar's 6-speaker array. The K550 features Bluetooth audio streaming from mobile devices and control via the Samsung Audio Remote App. The HW-K550 has HDMI passthrough (input and output) as well as optical and analog audio input. Newer Samsung TVs with SoundConnect or SoundShare functionality can connect to the HW-K550 wirelessly for an even cleaner look, and wall mount hardware is included in the box. The HW-K550 features a straight soundbar design.
Favorite Speakers
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A sound bar is an easy audio upgrade for any TV that suffers from weak sounding speakers (most TVs!) I understand that not everyone wants to deal with the added complexity of shopping for separate speakers and an AV receiver (AVR), and the Vizio 40" 5.1 Sound Bar System impressed me the with its detailed and room-filling audio reproduction. This capable sound bar features rear satellite speakers that connect to a powered wireless sub, and it supports HDMI's Audio Return Channel (ARC) for capturing audio from a TV's built-in tuner and apps without needing an additional cable connection.
Read my reveiw of the Vizio 40" 5.1 Sound Bar System
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If you are looking for a soundbar that won't consume the space in front of a TV's screen, the Sony HT-XT2 TV Sound Base is worth considering. The XT2 is designed to support TVs up to 66 pounds on its durable glass-topped surface, and its dark colored wood cabinet measures less than three inches high. The XT2 features 170 Watts of total power to drive its 2.1 channel speaker system. The XT2 lacks HDMI input so compatible TVs and devices connect to the XT2's optical and analog (1/8" stereo jack) inputs. The XT2 has Bluetooth for wireless listening and simple audio streaming from a smartphone or tablet.
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The Sonos PLAYBAR is not an ordinary soundbar - it's a 9 speaker audible treat that's enhances any HDTV with room filling sound. With wireless and wired networking options, the PLAYBAR also streams music from almost any source or service including iHeartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, and compressed/lossless tracks stored on a PC or NAS device. The free Sonos Controller App for iOS/Android/Mac/PC makes using and controlling the PLAYBAR simple and convenient. The PLAYBAR can also link to other Sonos speakers and subs for multi-channel and/or multi-room enjoyment.
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The Pioneer SP-PK52FS Andrew Jones Designed 5.1 Channel Speaker Package is an incredible value for quality audio reproduction. The PK52FS package includes a 100 Watt powered subwoofer and floor-standing loudspeakers for the front left/right channels that eliminates the need for separate speaker stands - something missing from the otherwise excellent Energy 5.1 Take Classic speaker package that I own. The SP-PK52FS has received excellent reviews from respected AV websites, and it would be easy to spend several times the cost of this package to achieve better sounding results. If I were buying my first 5.1 speaker set today, it would be the Pioneer SP-PK52FS without question.
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If I'm grabbing one spool of speaker wire to connect my gear, it's going to be 12AWG that's easy to use. 12AWG is considered the thickest practical speaker wire needed for audiophile-grade listening, but many smaller speakers/stands may find the thinner 14AWG an easier fit. The Mediabridge 12AWG 2-Conductor Speaker Wire is a fine example: 99.9% solid copper (strands), UL listed, protective/flexible jacket, and easy to terminate (or not). Markings every 2-feet help with identification and estimating length. For AVRs with binding posts, add a set of banana plugs for simplified installation.
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If you are in need of quality speaker wire rated for in-wall installation, the Monoprice 14AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Oxygen-Free Pure Bare Copper Speaker Wire Cable (whew!) is some of the best I've ever used. The pure copper wire used in this cable reduces resistance compared to cheaper copper coated aluminum wire making it ideal for long runs. The color-coded (red/black) conductors are jacketed in tough but very pliable white colored PVC material that features clear printing of specs and length marks. While this cable is rated for in-wall use, it's also perfect for in-room use too. 14AWG wire is considered an ideal gauge for wire runs up to about 75-feet; for runs of 100-feet or more, you may want to step up to 12AWG wire. Monoprice offers it's excellent 14AWG speaker wire in lengths of 50-feet, 100-feet, 250-feet, and 500-feet.
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If you are wondering what speaker wire to buy for making the connection to an AV receiver (AVR), this is it. C&E's 100-foot spool is made of 99.99% oxygen free pure copper, and 14AWG wire is considered ample for critical listening with an 8 Ohm load at 35-feet and a 4 Ohm load at 18-feet. For a premium cable option, I highly recommend Blue Jeans Cable.
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Banana plugs are an excellent way to simplify the connection of quality speaker wire to an AV receiver (AVR). Banana plugs also provide one of the best electrical connections for superb audio reproduction. Sewell's Deadbolt Banana Plugs are what I use with my own audio gear and they are of excellent quality and easy to install.
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I encourage everyone to wall-mount a TV whenever possible, and the OmniMount OSCBA Universal Sound Bar Mount is an easy way to add a soundbar speaker without drilling into a wall. The OSCBA attaches to existing wall-mount hardware and is especially ideal for articulating TV mounts as this setup will keep the soundbar aimed at the prime viewing location. This kit includes all of the hardware you need to connect it to any soundbar, and its adjustable mounting arms are easily customized to enable a clean looking fit and finish.
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I encourage everyone to wall-mount TVs whenever possible - it protects the investment and improves the appearance. However, wall-mounting can leave a soundbar further away from the screen reducing its audio impact. The solution is to attach the soundbar to the TV! The Universal Soundbar Bracket from Sewell Direct makes it easy to fix a soundbar to a TV's top or bottom edge for improved audio and aesthetics. Speaker brackets like this one from Sewell Direct are especially useful with TVs on articulated mounts as it also keeps the soundbar aimed at the prime viewing location.
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