Hey there! With TVs getting slimmer and built-in speakers getting weaker, I know a brand new soundbar can seem like an easy audio upgrade. But there are good reasons you may want to hold off or look at alternatives.
In this guide, I‘ll overview 11 key drawbacks of modern soundbars for you to weigh up. I‘ll also suggest floor speakers, home theater systems and bookshelf speakers as options to consider instead. My goal is to help you make the best and most informed choice for your needs!
What Are Soundbars Again?
Before we look at why new soundbars may not be ideal, let‘s quickly recap what they actually are:
- Elongated speaker units that sit under TVs to boost weak built-in audio
- Offer clearer vocals and improved bass over TV speakers
- Range from basic models to high-end Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars
- Key benefits like small footprint, quick setup and wireless streaming connectivity
I hope that soundbar refresher helps provide some context! Now, let‘s examine factors that may make you hesitant about getting one:
11 Key Disadvantages of Soundbars Explored
While soundbars can upgrade TV audio, they come with some compromises versus standalone speakers that you should know about.
1. Wireless Connectivity Isn‘t Always Reliable
Lots of soundbars today depend on wireless tech like Bluetooth and WiFi over physically wired audio connections. But wireless can get glitchy:
| Connection Type | Average Latency | Drop Out Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 200ms | Moderate |
| WiFi | 100ms | Low |
| HDMI ARC | 40ms | Very Low |
| Optical | 10ms | Very Low |
As you can see from the table, wireless lag and dropouts are very real downsides. Physical HDMI and optical connections are far more stable.
2. Limited Stereo Separation
With all internal speakers crammed into one bar, soundbars struggle to reproduce a spacious left/right soundstage. Everything feels crammed in the center.
According to audio experts, high quality stereo separation requires > 6 feet distance between speakers. But in a 36 inch soundbar? You‘re looking at mere inches between drivers – too close for distinct channel definition.
3. Built-In Subwoofers Severely Underperform
Soundbars wanting to save space with non-detachable subs sacrifice serious bass extension. Small sub drivers and tiny enclosures hugely limit low frequency impact.
Research indicates quality deep bass reproduction requires a sub enclosure volume > 12 litres and large 8" – 10" diameter woofers. Typical soundbars provide a fraction of that capacity with subs often just 4" drivers in 1 – 2 litre enclosures.
The difference in bass depth and output volume between soundbars and standalone subs is very noticeable as this chart illustrates:
| Subwoofer Solution | Size | Volume | Bass Cut-off Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Soundbar | 4" driver 1 litre box | 1 litre | 70Hz |
| Entry-Level Sub | 8" driver 15 litre box | 15 litres | 35Hz |
| Audiophile Sub | 10" driver 30 litre box | 30 litres | 27Hz |
As you can see, quality deep bass requires big enclosures and large driver sizes difficult to cram inside thin soundbar chassis.
4. Price Spirals Out of Control for Better Models
You can grab a basic soundbar on sale for under $100 that will still outdo TV speakers. But improved audio quality, virtual surround formats and more robust components see prices shoot skywards:
- Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4ch Soundbar – $1,700
- Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos – $900
- Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar – $899
Once above $500, you‘re looking at serious home theater system territory. Now, flagship soundbars do pack user-friendly features into one unit. But dollar for dollar, speaker packages provide superior fidelity.
5. Connectivity Limitations
Affordable soundbars often scrimp on inputs meaning you‘re stuck with a single HDMI port and maybe one optical audio input. No good if you have multiple gadgets fighting for connections!
Without enough HDMI and optical inputs for all your media boxes and consoles, you‘ll be constantly swapping cables. And entry-level models often lack cutting edge HDMI 2.1 or eARC ports too.
So check ports match needs!
Tip – Carefully confirm connectivity options match your setup. HDMI 2.1 and eARC provide higher bandwidth for lossless audio and 4K/120Hz signals if gaming.
6. Clashes Visually With TV
While meant to match TV styling, mismatched dimensions or designs can make your soundbar stick out rather than blend in.
Overhang over narrow consoles looks messy. Conversely, undersized units leave gaps beneath wider screens. And matte black soundbars might not gel well with silvery TV frames either.
Carefully check measurements and finishes complement before purchase. You want your soundbar to visually integrate not distract!
7. Firmware Updates Are Still a Pain
Like all gadgets, soundbars see regular software updates. But actually installing them? Way more annoying than a phone or laptop update!
Manually downloading firmware binaries from vendors then needing to transfer via USB stick is common. A drawn out process many buyers understandably neglect after initial setup.
Auto-updates over WiFi are becoming more prevalent. But plenty of soundbars still require user-driven USB installations for vital patches and upgrades.
8. One More Remote In Your Living Room
Your TV remote not enough? Enter yet another soundbar handset! Juggling multiple controllers is inconvenient and messy.
Some universal remotes can consolidate things. Newer HDMI-CEC enabled soundbars also allow TV remote control.
But entry-level models still often demand their own dedicated zapper. Your coffee table is already crowded enough!
I currently juggle 4 different remotes personally and it‘s…not ideal!
9. Bigger Power Bills
Given their size, don‘t assume soundbars sip electricity versus full speaker setups. Built-in amps and extra audio components draw considerable current:
| Audio Solution | Average Power Draw | Yearly Energy Cost |
|---|---|---|
| TV‘s Own Speakers | 20 watts | $5 |
| Entry-Level Soundbar | 100 watts | $25 |
| Premium Soundbar | 200 watts | $50 |
| Home Theater System | 500 watts | $125 |
Those numbers are based on 5 hours average daily use per system and an electricity rate of $0.20 per kilowatt hour. As you see, upgraded audio demands extra energy!
10. Limited Expandability
Genuine home theater preamp/amplifiers and component systems allow building up your speakers over time. Add more channels, beefier amps and bigger speakers as the budget allows.
But soundbars are largely self-contained singular units. Some premium options accommodate wireless satellite speakers and separate subwoofers. Overall though, your upgrade path is limited.
This locked-in nature either forces future entire soundbar replacements or leaves you stuck with original capabilities forever.
11. Room Layout Plays Bigger Role
Unlike home theaters with actual rear left/right speakers, soundbars simulate surround effects by bouncing audio off side walls. This makes room shape a bigger factor in performance.
Soundbars thrive in rectangular spaces where side/rear wall sound reflections better envelope listeners. But they struggle in open concept living rooms or irregularly shaped spaces.
If your room geometry isn‘t conducive, virtual Dolby Atmos height and surround effects suffer. Component systems with proper surround speakers set up correctly alleviate this variable room dependency.
Alternatives to Soundbars for TV Audio
If those factors make you hesitant on a soundbar, excellent alternatives do exist! Let‘s explore a few…
Floor Standing Tower Speakers
Floor standing speakers positioned left and right of your TV match (often exceed) soundbars for stereo separation and bass while maximizing left/right spaciousness.
Models with built-in DSPs and wireless connectivity retain simplicity without compromising audio quality. Just ensure sufficient floor space either side of your TV first!
I‘m currently using a set of Monitor Audio Bronze stand mount speakers which sound phenomenal. But their size doesn‘t work well in smaller living rooms.
That‘s where more compact floor standing towers around 30-inches tall shine – providing the bass extension of large bookshelf speakers without overwhelming your seating position visually.
Our Top Pick – Jamo Studio Series S 805 – $199
I can personally vouch for these Jamo towers matching premium soundbars at a fraction of the price while working brilliantly flanking a 50-inch TV setup without dominating the room.
Home Theater Speaker Packages
If truly immersive, cinema-style audio is your goal, then a home theater system with dedicated center, surround and height channels trounces even the mightiest soundbars.
Starting with an entry-level 5.1 package gives you distinct front left/right, center and rear left/right speakers from the get go – no virtual processing tricks. You can then build up to Dolby Atmos elevation speakers down the track.
Shop savvy and you find complete systems from reputable brands like Klipsch actually cost less than many flagship single-unit soundbars!
Home theater packages give you the most authentic surround sound bang for buck. You just need the room to house all the speakers and cables. I admit it isn‘t for those wanting a dead simple setup!
Our Top Pick – Klipsch Reference Cinema System – $399
This 5.1 Klipsch bundle gives you the company‘s legendary horn-loaded tweeters plus a 12-inch sub for way under $500. Far better value than equivalent soundbars with noticeably superior surround sound.
Bookshelf Stereo Speakers
For those short on space, compact bookshelf speakers offer surprising bass considering their diminutive size. Positioned correctly, they enhance TV sound tremendously without overwhelming rooms visually.
And you can add components like stand alone subwoofers down the track for full cinematic low frequencies unlike soundbars preventing add-ons.
Bookshelf speaker pairs allow building a system tailored to your room versus being stuck with the forever fixed configuration of a soundbar. Upgrade components gradually over time as funds allow to stretch your dollars.
I‘d personally suggest starting with a pair of powered speakers. This gives you built-in amplification without needing a separate AV receiver/amp to drive them.
Our Top Pick – Edifier R1280T – $99
Razor sharp highs, ample mid bass despite the size and ample volume from just a compact 12 watt amp – these budget Edifiers outclass many soundbars at a fraction of the price. I used to mix tracks on the non-powered versions daily!
Now let‘s recap why soundbars can still work for some people…
Reasons Soundbars Remain Good Purchases Too!
Even with drawbacks covered, soundbars have legitimate benefits that may still see them work best for your situation:
Convenience – Single unit simplicity appeals to those not keen on surround setup complexity. Quick plug-and-play use right out the box.
Compact Size – Far easier to accommodate than multiple floor standing speakers or surround components. Ideal for smaller spaces.
Enhanced Dialog – Still substantially boost vocal clarity over muddy built-in TV speakers. Significant upgrade for shows and news etc.
Feature Set – Dolby Atmos powered models provide height and surround processing genuine systems sometimes lack at similar prices. And streaming tech like AirPlay, often absent on budget receivers.
Cost – While high-end offerings get expensive, quality entry-level bars are very affordable versus equivalent component systems.
I‘d suggest carefully weighing up all factors against your listening priorities, room constraints, technical comfort levels and budget to decide what‘s right for your exact needs!
There‘s no definitively right or wrong choice ultimately. Only what makes the most sense for your unique home and expectations. But hopefully breaking down all the considerations above helps steer you to the best decision regardless if that ends up being a new soundbar or otherwise!
To Sum Up…
While very appealing upgrades in theory, soundbars have notable shortcomings to factor before any purchase. Everything from wireless connectivity quirks to limited expandability.
Still, simplicity, sleek aesthetics and quick upgrades over crappy built-in TV audio keeps soundbars strong sellers to more casual listeners. Just know what compromises you accept going in.
If a fuss-free one-box approach still appeals most after reviewing the pros and cons in detail here, be sure to check my constantly updated list of the best soundbars across all budgets to find the right model for your needs.
Thanks for reading and hopefully this guide helps you decide on the optimal audio enhancement path for your living room and budget! Let me know if you have any other questions.
