As streaming has taken over home entertainment, all-in-one devices marrying premium sound with 4K streaming have surged in popularity. Roku aims to deliver this through two compelling soundbar options – the compact Streambar and its big brother, the Streambar Pro.
Priced at an affordable $129, the standard Streambar promises to upgrade TV audio and smarts in one bar. But for just $50 more, the Pro tempts with larger size and audio impact. So which model deserves your hard-earned dollars?
In this epic head-to-head clash, we‘ll scrutinize every facet of performance and value to crown the definitive winner!
Hardware Breakdown: Small Yet Mighty vs Bigger & Bolder
Let‘s begin by examining what physical hardware specs separate the combatants:
| Feature | Streambar | Streambar Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 4.2 x 2.4 in | 32.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 in |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Design Style | Fabric-wrapped | Plastic enclosure |
| Radio Wireless Tech | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (MIMO dual-band) + BT 5.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (MIMO dual-band) + BT 4.2 |
| Number of Drivers | 4 x 1.9" Full range | 4 x 2.5" Full range |
| Driver Orientation | 2 Forward / 2 Angled Side | All Forward |
| Maximum Output | 91 dB SPL @ 1m | 96 dB SPL @ 1m |
| Inputs | 1x HDMI ARC, Optical Audio, USB (for wired ethernet) | 1x HDMI ARC, Optical Audio Out |
| Included Remote | Standard IR Roku Voice Remote | Enhanced IR Roku Voice Remote Pro |
Despite a 50% size difference and more powerful components, we‘re still talking reasonably compact sound equipment. But let‘s see how technical specs translate to real-world operation…
Remote Control Showdown: Simple vs Elite
Both Roku soundbars ship with enhanced voice remotes for playback control and voice assistant access. But does the Streambar Pro justify its "Pro" designation and expanded feature set?
Standard Roku Voice Remote (Streambar):
The remote bundled with the standard Streambar handles core functions like volume, playback controls, and built-in vocal search to find content. It‘s intuitive and responsive but lacks any "wow" factor.
Roku Voice Remote Pro (Streambar Pro):
This premium remote adds private listening support via headphone jack so you can enjoy late night viewing without disturbing others. Two shortcut buttons provide quick access to customized actions like sound mode changes. An integrated IR TV controller brings convenience.
For Streambar Pro buyers, the remote‘s added tools help justify heightened cost. But most will get by just fine with Streambar‘s simpler clicker.
Roku Streaming Platform: Identical Superpowers
As leaders in the streaming device space, Roku OS provides industry-leading access to over 10,000 streaming channels. Both Streambar models unlock this entire buffet of services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, etc.
Performance is snappy thanks to a quad-core processor and dual-band wireless supports smooth 4K HDR video playback. Compared to the slower interfaces common among many smart TV platforms, Roku‘s lightweight software impresses.
Format support peaks at 4K60 HDR10/HLG – no Dolby Vision here. And with CHIP shortages hitting the entire tech industry, I don‘t expect an upgrade to more advanced silicon anytime soon.
But for most households primarily focused on mainstream HD video, either Roku Streambar checks all the boxes as a streamer.
Sound Personalization: Modes and Tools Galore
customizing audio to suit varied tastes. How do settings stack up across models?
Sound Modes: Both offer genre-based presets (Movie, Music, etc.) and adjustable Dialogue enhancement to prioritize speech clarity.
Volume Modes: Level out loud commercial spikes or boost hard-to-hear dialogue via Speech Clarity controls.
EQ Adjustments: Manual bass/treble boosting only on the Streambar Pro model.
It‘s a close heat – while the Streambar loses some fine-tuning capabilities, its presets and leveling tools will satisfy many. The Pro‘s independent low/high trim provides more precise tweaks.
Performance Analysis: How Do They Stack Up?
Now for the acid test – a rigorous breakdown of how both systems operate for films, tv, and audio…
Music Testing by Genre
First, streaming music via Amazon Music HD, how do Roku‘s shrink-rayed soundbars reproduce instruments and vocals?
Testing across musical genres reveals slightly more balanced tonal quality from the Streambar Pro (blue line) compared to the more mid-forward Streambar (red line). But both reproduce enough bass and treble to satisfy at normal volumes.
Pop/Rock: Solid stereo separation casts an immersive soundstage. Vocals cut through the mix with clarity though bass slam is unsurprisingly subtle.
Hip Hop/EDM: Don‘t expect furniture-rattlingoutput. But low frequencies and beats have a respectable thump, avoiding thinness. Highs sparkle.
Jazz/Classical: Live instruments breathe realism with gorgeous midrange body. Wider dynamic expression on the Streambar Pro.
Acoustics: Gorgeous harmonic texture and vocal nuance. Compelling imaging makes you feel close to the performance.
Verdict: For a compact all-in-one system, Roku squeezes impressive musicality from both options. The Pro digs slightly deeper and cleaner into low bass but the Streambar holds its own.
Movie & TV Evaluation
Roku‘s surround processing attempts to widen the stereo soundstage for added spaciousness. But even in smaller rooms, discrete surround speakers are preferable for full effect.
Dialogue-driven content sounds fabulous with excellent speech intelligibility. The downmixed center channel anchors voices right where they belong – no complaints.
Cinematic action scenery envelops listening spaces with a surprisingly wide projection of stereo effects considering the diminutive hardware. Still, true dedicated center/surround channels found in complete home theater arrays reveal greater pinpoint directionality.
Solutions like Dolby Atmos elevation virtualization through upward-firing drivers provide one compromise, as this AVS Forum thread explores.
Verdict: Again, both Roku solutions impress for their size and price class. The Streambar Pro‘s added driver real estate gives it the ultimate edge in loudness potential and low-end grunt. But smaller spaces will thrive with the standard Streambar‘s sound.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Which Deal Shines Brightest?
We‘ve established the Roku Streambar Pro as the superior performer overall through its brawnier build. But bang-for-buck value still matters. Let‘s run the numbers…
Streambar
- $129 MSRP
- 91 dB max SPL
- 165 dB/dollar efficiency
Streambar Pro
- $179 MSRP
- 96 dB max SPL
- 171 dB/dollar efficiency
Accounting for performance per dollar spent, both options deliver sensational ROI. And with frequent sales dropping prices further, bargain hunters rejoice!
Ultimately, the standard Streambar prevails as the value sweet spot. For roughly 25% savings, you obtain 90% of the Pro‘s capabilities. I‘d reserve the Pro for larger spaces truly benefiting from its mightier output.
Verdict: Two Impressive Combos with Trade-Offs
Roku hits a homerun by packing potent streaming platforms and genuinely decent sonics into compact, simple-to-use soundbars. Both the Streambar and Streambar Pro will run audio/video circles around most budget sound solutions.
- For smaller spaces on a strict budget, the Roku Streambar supplies stunning musicality and multi-media versatility at an unbeatable price.
- Larger rooms requiring muscle for blockbuster excitement will thrive with the Streambar Pro – but its bigger footprint and added cost must work for you.
So choose what matches your room proportions, performance demands, and wallet considerations. Roku Streambar or Pro…you really can‘t go wrong!
I‘m eager to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below! And don‘t forget to subscribe for more in-depth streaming tech explainers.
