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SOUND ALL AROUND Soundbars are a powerful alternative to a TV’s inbuilt speakers, bringing blockbuster movies to thunderous life and firing audio in all directions for a truly immersive experience. Words Bec Summer Compact, all-in-one speaker systems designed to elevate your TV’s audio, soundbars simulate surround sound by bouncing directional audio off the walls and ceiling for a room-filling 3D soundscape. They can also enhance dialogue clarity and add extra grunt to your music. Soundbars easily connect to a TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC ports via a single HDMI cable, and you can always add a separate subwoofer and wireless surround speakers at the rear for even more audio immersion. Several big brands now offer synchronisation of soundbars and TV speakers for even more immersion. LG’s WOW Orchestra, Samsung’s Q-Symphony, and Sony’s Acoustic Centre Sync enable this feature on compatible TVs and soundbars. from the front-facing and front-top speakers is synthesised to create virtual spatial audio. Plus, two channel stereo can be upmixed to virtual surround. A wireless subwoofer and up-firing rear speakers are included to seal the deal. Sonos Arc Soundbar This sleek soundbar has 11 drivers – including upward, left and right firing surround sound speakers – to deliver cinematic Dolby Atmos audio with enhanced dialogue optimisation. Easy in-app set up tunes the audio to match the acoustics of a room, and the Arc also supports TV Audio Swap when connected to Sonos Ace headphones, seamlessly switching the audio from the ‘bar to the cans. LG S60T 340W 3.1 channel Soundbar with Dolby Digital If you just want the basics – namely better TV audio – the S60T is a quality entry-level soundbar at a great price, which will fill a room with Dolby Audio and DTS Digital surround via 3.1 channels – including a wireless subwoofer. It also features AI Sound Pro, which analyses the type of audio content and optimises the sound to match. LG S95TR 810W 9.1.5 channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Surround yourself with 9.1.5 channels of audio. This powerful soundbar has an up-firing centre channel for enhanced dialogue clarity, and audio

SOUND ON THE SHELF For the complete stereo experience without the expense, a pair of powered bookshelf speakers is the perfect solution – especially when space is at a premium. Words Bec Summer They may be small, but bookshelf speakers deliver plenty of sonic punch and can slot discreetly into a shelf, as their name suggests. If you’ve no room for big floor-standing speakers, bookshelf speakers are a good alternative. Bookshelf speakers can connect wirelessly, or be directly wired. Powered speakers have an in-built amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate amp, and are an ideal match for a turntable with an in-built preamp, or any Bluetooth streaming device. They also make a great addition to a home theatre surround system. Marley Get Together Duo Bookshelf Bluetooth Speakers Designed with sustainability at the forefront,

the powered Get Together Duo 2-way speakers combine big stereo sound with true wireless connection and a long 20-hour battery life for use as standalone Bluetooth speakers, should you take the party outdoors.

Wharfedale DS2B Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers From a prestigious name in audio, this sleek looking pair of powered speakers has all the grunt of hi-fi speakers in bookshelf size, and will capably fill a room with your favourite tunes. They connect via Bluetooth, with aptX support, and a 3.5mm stereo AUX-in cable is included should you prefer a wired link.

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Powered Bookshelf Speakers If you really want to rock the house, the A5+ will oblige. These excellent, premium powered bookshelf speakers feature quality class A/B power amplifiers, custom Kevlar woofers, and silk tweeters to deliver a big immersive soundstage that suits big rooms.

24 JULY 2024

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