Thin sound bars: 10 thin soundbars that will fit under the TV

10 thin soundbars that will fit under the TV

In order to adapt to the specifications of the latest televisions, which are increasingly low and borderless, audio manufacturers are increasing their efforts to offer ever thinner soundbars. Thickness is now an essential factor when choosing a soundbar that can be integrated under a new generation TV without masking the bottom of the screen. After studying the latest generation of TVs, we have concluded that the maximum height of a soundbar should be around 6cm. Therefore, here is a look at slim soundbars ideal for use with the latest generation of TVs. Are they as efficient as larger models?

A soundbar less than 6cm thick like the Panasonic SC-HTB250EG can easily fit in front of a new television without covering the bottom of the screen.

Why choose a slim soundbar?

While the image quality of televisions continues to improve with OLED, QLED, QD-OLED and even Mini-LED technologies, sound often remains their Achilles’ heel. A soundbar is therefore the simplest and most harmonious way to substitute the sound of a television and enjoy a truly immersive and sometimes even spectacular listening experience. Aesthetically speaking, there are different types of soundbars. Most of them measure between 80 and 120cm long and are 5 to 15cm high. However, modern TVs adopt lowered feet, and the absence of a frame limits the space available under the TV. To avoid hiding the bottom of the screen, the height of soundbars is reduced from generation to generation. The thinnest models are now less than 6cm thick to fit perfectly in front of and/or under televisions.

With a height of just 3.5cm, the Philips Audio TAB6305 soundbar leaves the TV screen completely free.

The performance of compact soundbars

Ultra-thin soundbars range from simple stereo models to versions capable of delivering true 5.1, 7.1 or even Dolby Atmos/DTS:X sound. All variants exist, resulting in a more or less enveloping spatialization. The most compact soundbars such as the LG QP5 (5.9cm high and 29cm long) and JBL Bar 2.0 All In One (5.8cm high and 61cm long) offer stereo sound with at least two drivers. These 2.0 and 2.1 stereo soundbars (with subwoofer) generally adopt a digital processor (DSP) responsible for widening the soundstage by creating virtual surround sound. Most often, these compact soundbars are sold together with a wireless subwoofer to provide a more spectacular sound experience.

The JBL Bar 2.0 All In One soundbar uses JBL surround sound technology to create a sound bubble, while reducing the size as much as possible.

The most powerful silm soundbars manage to maintain a height of less than 6cm, while delivering true 3D sound in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. To do this, these soundbars adopt a more elongated design in order to incorporate a maximum of drivers, including on the top panel for vertical effects. The load volume is also maximized, for better bass performance. A few models, like the Bose Soundbar 900, even manage to provide powerful and deep bass without the need for an external subwoofer. They are therefore ideal for enjoying a true cinema experience, from a single piece of equipment that can be placed in front of the television. These longer models are often intended for televisions with a screen size of at least 43” (108cm).

The Bose Soundbar 900Dolby Atmos soundbar offers powerful, deep bass while maintaining a reduced thickness to leave the screen fully visible.

Thin soundbars: the different models

Having recently appeared on the home theater market, slim soundbars are now a must-have. Bose, Denon, JBL, LG, Samsung and Yamaha are the main suppliers. From simple stereo bars to Dolby Atmos soundbars, they offer many models adapted to the needs of each user. Prices range from €100 to almost €1,500, depending on the features offered and the complexity of the on-board technologies.

Yamaha slim soundbars

The Yamaha YSP-2700 is the most powerful compact soundbar around. This model packs more than 16 1. 1″ drivers into a soundbar that is just 5.1cm thick and 94cm long. It decodes the majority of Dolby and DTS multi-channel sound formats via its HDMI and S/PDIF inputs. Thanks to its automatic microphone calibration system, this compact Yamaha bar creates a real sound bubble over 7.1 channels, without additional surround speakers!

A true technical feat, the Yamaha YSP-2700 houses more than 16 1.1″ drivers in a soundbar that is only 5.1cm thick.

Polk slim soundbars

Hi-Fi specialist Polk offers two compact soundbars for modern televisions. The 5.6cm thick Polk React forms an affordable and reliable solution for enjoying Dolby Digital and DTS tracks. It has a virtual surround mode to provide a more enveloping sound. The American manufacturer also offers the Polk Signa S4, an even more powerful model that is designed for music, TV shows and movies. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos to create very immersive 3D sound with 360° effects.

With a thickness of less than 6cm, the Polk Signa S4 soundbar fits easily in front of the TV, but can also be installed discreetly on the wall.

LG slim soundbars

The Korean manufacturer offers several compact soundbars, all Dolby Atmos compatible and accompanied by a wireless subwoofer. The LG QP5 is the most compact option on the market, with a height of 5.9cm and a width of only 29cm. It can be easily placed under any TV, but also on a shelf of an AV cabinet. This ultra-thin 320-watt LG soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tracks and uses the latest generation of Meridian digital signal processing technology to create a wide soundstage.

The LG QP5 flat soundbar is capable of reproducing sound across 3.1.2 channels at only 29cm long and 5.9cm high. It therefore fits easily under a latest generation television and can even be placed in the niche of an AV cabinet.

For pairing with large TV models measuring 55” and above, the slim LG SP9YA soundbar is an excellent alternative. This is the most powerful model from the Korean manufacturer. This bar is capable of producing 5.1.2 channel sound with a height of only 5.7cm. It benefits from 520W of power, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, and can even be combined with LG SPK8 surround speakers to create a real wireless home theater.

The LG SP9YA soundbar, only 5.7cm thick, can be combined with the LG SPK8 surround speakers to create a true 5.1.2 channel wireless home theater.

Bose slim soundbars

Specialist in multi-channel soundbars for many years, Bose offers one of the thinnest Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market (5.8cm) with the Bose Soundbar 900. The latter has 9 drivers, two of which are on the upper panel to deliver spatialized sound in all directions. The drivers work together with exclusive PhaseGuide technology that directs sound waves in multiple directions. To optimize the sound, this compact Bose bar features ADAPTiQ audio calibration and optimizes the spatialization of the effects according to the acoustic properties of the room and the position of the listener. The manufacturer also offers a more affordable model: the Bose TV Speaker. Less than 6cm high, it naturally finds its place under the TV, without hiding the bottom of the screen.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar features an ultra-slim form factor to maximize TV sound without obstructing the bottom of the screen.

Samsung slim soundbars

Samsung has four thin soundbars in its catalog. They all come with a wireless subwoofer. The 5.4cm high Samsung HW-T420 and Samsung HW-A450 soundbars are the entry level models. The difference between these two models is mainly in terms of power: 150W for the Samsung HW-T420 and 300 watts for the Samsung HW-A450. The latter can also be combined with the Samsung SWA-9100S wireless surround speakers (sold separately) to enjoy true 4.1-channel surround sound.

Marketed at less than €130, the Samsung HW-T420 is ideal for equipping yourself with a soundbar at a low price, capable of being easily installed under a television.

The brand’s midrange model, the Samsung HW-Q60T, is 5.8cm high and 98cm long. It reproduces Dolby and DTS tracks over 5.1 channels thanks to its 9 drivers and wireless subwoofer. It is Bluetooth compatible and can play audio and video files from a USB key.

With its wireless subwoofer, the ultra slim Samsung HW-Q60T soundbar (5.8cm high) offers 5.1 channel surround sound.

The Samsung HW-Q700A adopts a Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 channel configuration within a 6cm high and 98cm long enclosure. This Samsung soundbar has drivers dedicated to vertical effects that exploit Samsung Acoustic Beam technology: they project sounds to the ceiling which then reflects them towards the viewers, producing a particularly realistic vertical sound. It comes with a wireless subwoofer.

The Samsung HW-Q700A flat soundbar (6cm thick) is a high-performance model equipped with a wireless subwoofer and numerous drivers to reproduce the three dimensional sound of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks over 3. 1.2 channels.

Panasonic slim soundbars

The Japanese manufacturer Panasonic offers a single compact soundbar: the Panasonic SC-HTB200EG. A 2.1 version with wireless subwoofer is available under the Panasonic SC-HTB250EG reference. This second model is to be favored to enjoy a richer and more convincing experience during action scenes. The major advantage of this soundbar lies in its extreme compactness, with a thickness of only 5.1cm and a length of 45cm. It can be easily adapted to all TV screens, even small ones.

The Panasonic SC-HTB250EG soundbar is an ultra-compact model designed above all for discretion. It is easily concealed under the television, just like its subwoofer which can be placed in the smallest corner of the living room.

JBL slim soundbars

JBL has understood the problem of lowered televisions for many years now. Most of its sound bars are thin enough to fit in front of the latest generation of TVs. The JBL lineup starts with the JBL Bar 2.0 All In One, an 80-watt stereo model. It measures 5.8cm high and 61cm long. To go further, the JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam tops the range thanks to its 5.1 channel compatibility (wireless subwoofer) and totals 550 watts of power (250 watts for the sound bar and 300 watts for the subwoofer).

With over 550 watts of power, the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround soundbar and wireless subwoofer provide a thrilling experience that punctuates action scenes without obscuring any part of the picture.

Sonos slim soundbars

At 6.9cm thick, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) soundbar is slightly taller than previous models. However, it remains compact enough to fit under most televisions. This Dolby Atmos compatible bar has the advantage of being able to perform an acoustic calibration to optimize its performance. Ultra versatile, it can receive music wirelessly, access countless streaming services and be controled by voice.

Slightly higher (6. 9cm), the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) soundbar remains a must for enhancing the sound of a television, while remaining visually very discreet.

Driven by ever-lower TVs, compact soundbars have become a lasting trend. The more imposing models such as the Devialet Dione, Sennheiser Ambeo SoundBar and Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage, above all designed for wall mounting with a TV placed on a wall bracket, will be more complicated to use. In this guide, we have gathered the best ultra-thin soundbars on the market that manage to ideally combine low thickness and high immersion capacity. You can also choose from the many other soundbars available on Son-Vidéo.com. For more convenience, you can refine the search using the height choice filter to select only models capable of fitting in front of your television without concealing the bottom of the screen.

Samsung’s Ultra Slim Soundbar is as crazy slim as advertised

Home / Home Entertainment

News

They weren’t kidding when they said slim.

By Ben Patterson

Senior Writer, TechHive Apr 4, 2022 8:00 am PDT

Image: Ben Patterson / Foundry

Samsung already revealed at CES back in January that its upcoming–and aptly named–Super Slim Soundbar would be just 1.6 inches thick, but that figure didn’t really register until I saw the ridiculously thin speaker in person last week. 

Seeing it up close and personal at a hands-on event in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, I was quite simply floored by the Ultra Thin Soundbar’s svelte, delicate design. It’s not so much a soundbar as a soundstick. I’ve never seen a soundbar quite like it.

While the Ultra Thin Soundbar is about the same width as a conventional soundbar–say, roughly 40 inches across–it’s only slightly thicker than your average closet rod. The Samsung exec I chatted with wasn’t quite sure of the soundbar’s exact weight, but after hefting it, we agreed that it couldn’t weigh more than eight pounds, if that.

On the left is Samsung’s upcoming Q990B flagship. On the right, the Ultra Slim Soundbar.

Ben Patterson / Foundry

Despite its super-slim and light design, the Ultra Thin Soundbar manages a 3.1.2 configuration, with the low frequencies coming courtesy of a compact, 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer. You’ll be able to upgrade the soundbar to a full 5.1.2 channels with a wireless surround speaker kit.

Two upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height cues are visible through the top speaker grille on either side. That means the soundbar bounces height effects off the ceiling rather than relying on virtualization for the height channels. I inquired about the quantity and size of the soundbar’s other drivers, but was told that Samsung “isn’t talking about that yet.”

Despite its super-slim design, the Ultra Slim Soundbar still packs upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height cues.

Ben Patterson / Foundry

While the Ultra Slim Soundbar was on prominent display during Samsung’s hands-on event, it wasn’t actually demonstrated, so I can’t offer any initial impressions about its audio performance. With its slim but wide design, however, the Ultra Slim Soundbar may well have the edge on other compact soundbars that go for a narrower design, which means they often depend on virtual sound modes to widen their soundstages. I’ll need to actually hear it to be sure. 

The Ultra Slim Soundbar can be wall-mounted, and at the Samsung event, one of the super-thin units was mounted under the latest version of The Frame (here’s our review of an earlier model of The Frame). The soundbar also comes with an appropriately slimmed-down remote that can sit unobtrusively on top of the speaker.

The Ultra Slim Soundbar (seen here mounted under Samsung’s The Frame TV) comes with an appropriately slim-and-trim remote.

Ben Patterson / Foundry

Not only is the Ultra Slim Soundbar’s remote small, its selection of inputs is small as well: specifically, there’s one USB-C-style HDMI-ARC port, and that’s it. A nearby microUSB connector is only for installing firmware updates.

Alongside–and in stark contrast to–the Ultra Slim Soundbar at the Samsung showcase was the manufacturer’s new, and massive, Q990B soundbar, an 11.1.4-channel behemoth that replaces 2021’s flagship, the Q950A.

The Ultra Slim Soundbar has only two inputs, one for HDMI-ARC and a second for service updates.

Ben Patterson / Foundry

The Q990B retains the basic design and channel configuration of the Q950A, but its wireless surround speakers will come with a redesigned, slightly vaulted top, while its subwoofer comes with a new “acoustical lens design” that’s designed to deliver, deeper low-frequency performance. 

The soundbar will also ship with Samsung’s revamped SpaceFit room calibration feature, which no longer needs help from a Samsung TV to detect the acoustics of a room.

Samsung has yet to reveal pricing for any of its 2022 soundbars, including the Ultra Slim Soundbar and the Q990B. That said, the units are expected to ship in the coming weeks.

Samsung HW-Q950A

Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer

Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices. You can follow Ben on Twitter.

Soundproofing panels for walls and ceilings ZIPS

Frameless soundproofing structures are attached directly to the bearing surface without the use of any frame. They install quickly and significantly reduce the chances of installation errors that affect noise reduction performance.

Acoustic Group offers a patented frameless soundproofing system ZIPS (Soundproof Panel System). Its distinguishing feature is a unique panel fastening system through built-in vibrators that prevent the transmission of sound vibrations from the bearing surface to the outer part of the panels.

Sandwich panels ZIPS

ZIPS-Z4, sandwich panel

ZIPS-Z4, 4th generation additional sound insulation system with surface leveling function.

2950.00 ₽/pc.

4097.22 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

ZIPS-III-ULTRA, sandwich panel

3rd generation system. The most efficient system in terms of thickness/result ratio. ΔRw = 16-18 dB

2350.00 ₽/pc.

3263.89 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

ZIPS-Vector, sandwich panel

Entry-level soundproof panel system. Additional index airborne sound insulation ΔRw = 12 – 14 dB

1790.00 ₽/pc.

2486.11 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

ZIPS-Module, sandwich panel

Base level soundproofing panel system. Additional index airborne sound insulation ΔRw = 16-18 dB

1900.00 ₽/pc.

2638.89 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

ZIPS-Cinema, sandwich panel

High level soundproofing panel system. Additional index airborne sound insulation ΔRw = 19-21 dB

2200.00 ₽/pc.

3055.56 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

ZIPS-Slim, sandwich panel

2115.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Acoustic sheathing materials

AKU-Line (AKU-Line) GKLA

Special plasterboard in Gyproc systems – increased sound insulation (bulk density – 950 kg/m3)

876.00 ₽/pc.

292.00 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

AKU-Line Pro (AKU-Line Pro)

Soundproof moisture-resistant gypsum sheets of increased strength

963.00 ₽/pc.

321.00 ₽/m²

More
Buy in the online store

Soundproof socket boxes

Soundproof socket box Ultrakustic for 1 post Prevents loss of sound insulation, if necessary, the installation of sockets and switches in soundproof structures.

1350.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Ultrakustic soundproof box for 2 posts

Soundproof fireproof box for 2 posts. Prevents loss of sound insulation, if necessary, the installation of sockets and switches in soundproof structures.

1850.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Ultracustik soundproof box for 3 posts

Soundproof fireproof box for 3 posts. Prevents loss of sound insulation, if necessary, the installation of sockets and switches in soundproof structures.

2350.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Ultracustik soundproof box for 4 posts

4-gang, sound-proof, fireproof box with sealed housing. Prevents loss of sound insulation, if necessary, the installation of sockets and switches in soundproof structures.

2850.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Sound-proof socket box Ultrakustic for 5 posts

Sound-proof fireproof box box with a sealed body for 5 posts. Prevents loss of sound insulation, if necessary, the installation of sockets and switches in soundproof structures.

3550.00 ₽/pc.

More
Buy in the online store

Vibroacoustic Sealant

Acoustic Pads

Specialized Accessories

Ultracustic Adhesive

Universal synthetic adhesive for soundproofing and sound absorbing materials

5632.00 ₽/pc.

More

Soundproof panels SONOPLAT KOMBI

Sonoplat Combi are thin heavy panels consisting of pressed wood fiber board (MDVP Softboard) forming a dense frame. The internal structure of the panels is filled with finely dispersed mineral filler of the highest quality. Sonoplat panels are one of the most popular and effective materials in soundproofing. With a weight of 15 kg and a thickness (22 mm), they have a record high airborne sound insulation index Rw = 42 dB. The properties and structure of Sonoplats panels make them multifunctional: they absorb and isolate noise in all frequency ranges, reduce vibration transmission and eliminate sound bridges. Such versatility makes Sonoplat panels effective against both airborne and structural (impact) noise. Sonoplat is an environmentally friendly material consisting of natural components, it is universal in installation and is used in frame and frameless soundproofing systems for rooms of all types and purposes.

Panel composition:
– Multi-layered corrugated structure (forms a rigid panel frame with a multi-level internal structure based on pressed wood fiber)
– Mineral fine quartz filler (absorbs sound, gives a lot of mass) separates the soundproof panel and the base, simplifies the installation process) o high airborne sound insulation index Rw = 42 dB. The properties and structure of Sonoplats panels make them multifunctional: they absorb and isolate noise in all frequency ranges, reduce vibration transmission and eliminate sound bridges. Such versatility makes Sonoplat panels effective against both airborne and structural (impact) noise. Sonoplat is an environmentally friendly material consisting of natural components, it is universal in installation and is used in frame and frameless soundproofing systems for rooms of all types and purposes.

Purpose of Sonoplat Combi:
– Sonoplat Combi is designed for quick and easy installation (direct mounting) of thin frameless sound insulation systems. Sonoplat Combi panels have folded edges on four sides, which allows for precise joining of plates, without gaps at the joints. The presence of an elastic light substrate in the composition of the combi-panel allows you to mount it directly on the leveled surface of the insulated wall or ceiling.
– Sonoplat Combi is used as a layer in the construction of thin soundproof systems of walls and floors to increase their effectiveness in all types of premises. It is laid on the leveled surface of the insulated wall or ceiling.
– Sonoplat Combi is used as a layer in the construction of thin soundproof systems of walls and floors to increase their effectiveness in rooms of all types.