STACK #225 July 2023

TECH FEATURE

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Sonos Arc Sleek and cylindrical, the

Arc has 11 drivers, including two upfiring ones for Dolby Atmos content, to deliver 3D audio, an ultra-wide soundstage and thumping bass. There's also a speech enhancement function to keep dialogue loud and clear. Connect with Wi Fi and HDMI eARC, and use Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free convenience. Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Packing nine speakers, including two upfiring for Atmos, the 900 brings some serious power to a home theatre. It also upmixes stereo and 5.1 audio to a seven-channel soundscape, and can be paired with compatible Bose speakers Samsung Q990C 11.1.4 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer This complete home theatre sound system includes soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and side-firing Dolby Atmos rear speakers – that’s 11.1.4 channels of mighty audio. It can also be synched with a compatible Samsung TV’s speakers using Q-Symphony. Adaptive Audio optimises by content and scene, to expand audio throughout the home. Connect via Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC and optical, and stream playlists using Bluetooth or AirPlay 2. Sony HT-A7000 7.1.4 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar with True Atmos Five front and two upfiring speakers, plus a built-in dual subwoofer, will really rock the room! Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound creates multiple virtual speakers for a truly immersive experience, and standard audio can be converted to near 7.1.2 channel surround. Sync it with a Sony BRAVIA TV’s speakers for extra sonic punch, and stream JBL Bar 1000 880W 7.1.4 Channel Soundbar with True Atmos Enjoy True Dolby Atmos surround and DTS:X audio with this powerful and versatile soundbar that includes detachable upfiring surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer as part of the package. Connect music using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built in Chromecast. and sound and bass is tailored to the viewing environment. Connect easily using HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2.

If you’re serious about sound, investing in a premium soundbar will add an immersive aural boost to movies, TV shows and music. Words Bec Summer

S oundbars are compact, all-in-one speaker systems designed to enhance your TV’s audio and simulate surround sound by bouncing directional audio off the walls and ceiling. Packing multiple drivers, including upward firing ones for Dolby Atmos content, and a woofer for deep bass, they can deliver a room-filling 3D soundscape befitting the biggest blockbuster movies – and add an extra dimension to your music. Awesome Atmos

Bluetooth, Airplay 2, and Chromecast, along with voice control via Alexa and Google. The full 360° effect of Dolby Atmos Music and spatial audio can also be enjoyed with an Atmos compatible soundbar and rear speakers. One cable connection Soundbars connect to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC ports via a single HDMI cable. An optical cable can also be included.

TOP TIP

eARC connection will give you the best sound quality, and is required for Dolby Atmos. Customise and expand A premium soundbar is the foundation on which to build the ultimate home

Dolby Atmos brings cinema sound home, with upward firing speakers adding height channels for truly immersive 3D sound on supported content. Some premium soundbars will also upmix standard audio to 7.1.2 channel sound. Music to the max

If you’re not getting any sound after connecting a soundbar to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC ports, ensure that the correct output is turned on in the TV’s audio settings. And if the TV does not support certain Dolby sound formats (like Atmos),

change its audio setting to PCM, which is compatible with most soundbars.

theatre surround system. Add a subwoofer for thunderous bass and a pair of wireless surround speakers at the rear for maximum

immersion. Some premium soundbars can include a separate sub and/or detachable speakers.

Premium soundbars take music to the next level, too, with easy streaming using Wi-Fi,

via HDMI eARC and optical, and stream music using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and inbuilt Chromecast.

Several big brands now offer seamless synchronisation of soundbars and TV speakers to deliver an even bigger soundscape. Samsung’s Q-Symphony, Sony’s Acoustic Centre Sync, and LG’s WOW Orchestra enable this feature on compatible TVs and soundbars.

30 JULY 2023

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