Latest news with #soundbar
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Best Buy Offers This Insignia Soundbar at a Practically Free Price to Help You Get Ready for Father's Day
Upset that all the Memorial Day sales have already come to pass? If you were hoping to upgrade your home entertainment situation be it in your living room, bedroom, basement, or home theater, but missed out on the great deals we saw at the beginning of the month, you are thankfully no out of luck. The next big holiday sale is still some ways away, but there are great deals active right now if you know where to look. Right now, Best Buy has this Insignia 2.0 channel soundbar discounted. Normally going for $60, this television audio accessory has been slashed down to $50. That may not sound like a lot, but it's a rare discount. See at Best Buy Why Get a Soundbar? Sound is 50% off the movie-watching experience. You can have the best picture in the world available, but it won't leave it's full impact if the audio is coming out of the TV's built-in speakers. The best way to improve your home audio for watching movies, football games, and big budget TV shows without breaking your own budget is with a soundbar. This dual-channel soundbar will amplify your TV's existing audio. Choose between three different sound modes depending on the content you're viewing—standard, theater, and news. The slim design makes it perfect for smaller living spaces like those apartment-living in the city. It rests easily on top of your TV stand or can be wall-mounted, whichever you prefer. The soundbar even comes with all the necessary hardware to get it up on the wall. The soundbar connects to your TV easily using HDMI ARC and then fills your room with spectacular sound surround sound. It will also support connections over digital optical as well as 3.5 AUX and USB. Connecting over HDMI ARC allows you to even control your soundbar using your regular TV remote—less stuff to lose between the cushions of your couch. You can even connect to your phone or other devices to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more using Bluetooth. After connecting wirelessly the first time, your soundbar will remember your phone making future use even easier to get started. So if you're ready to turn your back on the low-quality audio you TV's built-in speakers are providing you, you can upgrade to the Insignia 2.0 channel soundbar for the low price of $50 over at Best Buy. That's a nearly a 20% discount from its standard price of $60. You don't need to spend oodles of cash to enjoy high-quality sound. See at Best Buy
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
This Small Soundbar Sounds Better Than You'd Think, and It's Nearly 30% Off
I tested Roku's Streambar SE late last year and wrote about my impressions of it, but when it got a nice discount for Amazon's Memorial Day Sale, I thought I'd highlight it again. I've tested plenty of Roku's video streamers over the years, but until last year, I hadn't tried out one of its Streambars, which combines a small soundbar with Roku's entry-level 4K HDR streamer. Roku stopped making its top-end Streambar Pro speaker, but it's now selling the Streambar SE, a 2024 mini soundbar that caught my eye because of its low price. It's currently only $73, or 27% off, at Amazon. When I say mini soundbar, I really do mean mini. About the size of a small Bluetooth speaker, the Streambar SE measures 9.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep by 2.4 inches tall and weighs 2 pounds (907 grams). It's designed to be paired with a smaller TV in your bedroom, home office or dorm room, and not your main living room TV (unless you have a tiny living room). I hooked it up to an old 42-inch Vizio I have in my home office, and it's been a solid upgrade over my TV's built-in speakers. Roku Streambar SE specs Here are the details about this compact soundbar. Streaming Resolution: 4K HDR/HDR10+ 4K HDR/HDR10+ Drivers : Two 1.9-inch full-range drivers and a single bass port : Two 1.9-inch full-range drivers and a single bass port Compatibility : Works with any TV with HDMI-ARC or HDMI and optical ports : Works with any TV with HDMI-ARC or HDMI and optical ports Dimensions: 9.6 inches by 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches 9.6 inches by 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches Weight: 2 pounds (907 grams) 2 pounds (907 grams) Included: Standard Roku remote and 2 AAA batteries, power adapter, high-speed HDMI cable, optical cable Standard Roku remote and 2 AAA batteries, power adapter, high-speed HDMI cable, optical cable Wireless headphone support : Bluetooth 5.0 : Bluetooth 5.0 Expandability : Can connect to a Roku Wireless Bass subwoofer for a 2.1 setup : Can connect to a Roku Wireless Bass subwoofer for a 2.1 setup Additional features : Works with Roku Smart Home, Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa : Works with Roku Smart Home, Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa Universal remote: Included Roku remote controls most TVs My Roku Streambar SE setup Setup is straightforward: It's basically the same process as connecting any video streamer to your TV, although it helps to have an HDMI-ARC port to simplify things. (Most TVs released in the last 10 to 12 years have one HDMI port that's labeled HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.) If you don't have ARC, there's a workaround using an HDMI cable and an optical cable, but I didn't have to deal with that. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Roku Streambar SE is the size of a compact Bluetooth speaker — and it does have Bluetooth connectivity. David Carnoy/CNET An upgrade over my TV speakers' sound I have Spectrum TV, and Roku has a Spectrum TV app that allows you to turn any Roku streamer into a cable TV box. For my listening test, I spent some time watching a few action movies, including Ant-Man and Nope, along with NFL Redzone, CNN and a bit of a Friends episode. I also used Roku's Apple TV app and Peacock to watch an English Premier League match. Maybe because my expectations were low, I was surprised by the amount of sound this little speaker was able to produce. While the Streambar SE doesn't offer the greatest sound -- it can output only so much bass through its dual 1.9-inch full-range drivers and single bass port -- the speaker produces better audio than you'd think given its very compact size. It's particularly strong in the midrange, producing loud, clear dialogue, and it delivers better sound than what you get from most TV speakers (by that I mean the speakers built into your TV). If you want more bass, you can link the speaker with Roku's Wireless Bass subwoofer, but that separate sub will set you back $130. I can't say that the Streambar SE has the widest soundstage or that you get a whole lot of stereo separation. It doesn't have the side-firing speakers of the step-up Streambar ($130), which earned a CNET Editors' Choice award in 2023, nor can you pair it with Roku's wireless rear speakers to create a surround system. But the quality is good enough to leave you feeling like you got a good deal, particularly if you were already going to shell out $30 or so for Roku's Express 4K Plus or Streaming Stick 4K. Enlarge Image The Roku Streambar is significantly smaller than a full-size soundbar like this Sonos Beam. David Carnoy/CNET As far as sound modes go, you get a few presets to choose from, including Dialogue, Movie, Music, Night and Standard, and the speaker will cut the volume down on loud commercials. The soundbar is also equipped with Bluetooth, so you can connect headphones to it, plus Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay support. Read more: Best Soundbar of 2025: Top Picks From Roku, Yamaha and More I should note that the bundled remote is Roku's more basic remote and not its step-up voice remote that lets you issue voice commands and voice search. However, you can download Roku's mobile app for iOS and Android, which does support voice commands. The back of the speaker (bass port on left). David Carnoy/CNET The Streambar SE offers 4K HDR10 and HDR10 Plus video streaming, but it doesn't have support for Dolby Vision. My old Vizio isn't even a 4K TV, so the Streambar SE's video streaming capabilities are more than enough. Why Roku's Streambar SE makes a great gift While Roku's step-up Streambar ($130) certainly delivers better sound quality, the Streambar SE's more compact size and affordable price give it a distinct appeal, particularly for those of us looking to upgrade the sound of a more modest-size TV, perhaps an older model like mine. The Streambar SE isn't fancy, but the price is right for what it does. For more gift ideas, here are 39 unique gifts for people who have everything. We've also put together our editors' picks for the best gifts for Father's Day and the best gifts for grads.
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
Save $100 when you get these top Bose home theater upgrades
If you're like most people, when you buy a TV upgrade you'll also want to upgrade your sound equipment. While some TVs are now equipped with an internal soundbar, most aren't, and you'll need to get your own equipment to get your home cinema the robust sound and deep rumbling bass that it deserves. Bose, a leading speaker brand, currently has both one of their leading soundbars and one of their leading subwoofers discounted by $100 for a limited time. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is marked down to $799 from $899, and the Bose Bass Module 700 is marked down to $749 from $849. With the exception of the black coloration of the soundbar (they each have a modern white and classic black color), all of these products have a glowing red 'Only a few left!' button on the side, so be sure to order yours via one of the buttons below before someone else snatches it from your hands. But, it's okay to slow down and see our take before leaping into a purchase. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar — $799 $899 11% off Bose Bass Module 700 — $749 $849 12% off Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar — $799 $899 11% off The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is meant to be a quick and easy addition to your setup. In fact, maybe 'setup' is a bad word for it — the soundbar uses smart audio calibration to fit your room, has an A.I. dialogue mode that boosts dialogue clarity on its own, and has simple controls via voice activation, a remote, or an app. Another smart feature of the soundbar (it has to earn its name somehow) is Bose TrueSpace technology. The bar uses Dolby Atmos to separate music, dialogue, and sound effects before 'placing' them about your room, and uses Bose's TrueSpace for things without Dolby Atmos, improving immersion beyond conventional stereo sound. Pair the soundbar with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for an even more interesting experience. Bose Bass Module 700 — $749 $849 12% off The above soundbar is often sold as part of a larger kit with this subwoofer. And it's good. So good, in fact, that it made our list of the best soundbars with subwoofers in the 'premium' category. There, we said the Bass module 'brings booming sound,' and that fits. Of course, the gorgeous glass-topped box of boom also uses Bose's QuietPort tech (in laymen's terms, 'ports' are the holes and vents where sound comes out) to eliminate distortion. This subwoofer looks quite charming in both its white and black variations.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Sonos Beam Soundbar Hits All-Time Low Price, Now's the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your TV or Speaker
Sonos is a brand known and trusted all over the world for its great sound and easy-to-use products. While most Sonos devices are made for serious home theaters or whole-house music, a few models (like the Sonos Beam soundbar) bring this top-quality audio to more people. Right now and thanks to Amazon, the Sonos Beam (gen 2) is more attractive than ever for anyone who wants better TV sound or just a great speaker for their living room. Today, you can buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 in black or white for only $369, down from its regular price of $499, which is a savings of more than 26%. This is a rare chance to get one of the best soundbars out there at a price that many more people can afford. The Beam 2nd gen isn't just for your TV: it's also a powerful WiFi speaker that can play music, radio, podcasts and audiobooks anywhere in your home. See at Amazon Our Favorite Soundbar The Sonos Beam is capable of delivering deep bass, clear and crisp dialogue and broad soundstage sound that will have you fully engrossed in your top movies, TV shows, and music. With Dolby Atmos support, the Beam Gen 2 delivers a true 3D surround sound experience which envelopes you in precise sound. If you watch action-filled blockbusters or unwind to soft dramas, the Beam Gen 2 presents each detail of the soundtrack with clarity and depth. This rich sound is made possible through advanced engineering and a thoughtfully calibrated set of drivers and amplifiers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is incredibly easy to set up with just two cables and step-by-step guidance through the Sonos app. The app also features Trueplay tuning which uses the mic on your smartphone to probe the acoustics in your room and automatically adjust the soundbar's output for optimal performance. Smart tuning ensures that the Beam Gen 2 sounds fantastic no matter where you place it on a shelf or below your TV. Another feature worth mentioning is connectivity: there are WiFi, Ethernet, and HDMI ARC options to choose from. Sonos supports the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2 and voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant: You can adjust the volume, skip tracks or seek out content using a voice command, so Beam Gen 2 is as easy as it is powerful. When you're not binge-watching your favorite TV shows, the Beam Gen 2 is a high-performance WiFi speaker that can stream music from all of the services you enjoy. Its low price on Amazon today of just $369 is a bargain for a soundbar that's both an upgrade to your TV and a WiFi speaker for your home. See at Amazon
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
LG 5.1.1-Channel Soundbar Bundle Is Now Way Cheaper Than JBL, and It's Only at Best Buy
Movies and TV are nothing without sound. It makes up 50% of the movie-watching experience. You can have the best picture in the world available, but it won't leave its full impact if the audio is just coming out of the TV. The best way to improve your home audio for watching movies, football games, and big budget TV shows without breaking your own budget is with a soundbar. You'll find a soundbar to be a significant enhancement to what the built-in speakers you TV is working with which usually sound tinny and weak in comparison. You deserve to immerse yourself fully in your media. Take for instance this LG 5.1.1 channel soundbar surround sound system. It's going for 40% off which brings the price down from $500 to just $300. That's one heck of a savings. See at Best Buy The Theater Experience All to Yourself Surround yourself with speakers to bring that cinema experience right to your living room. The LG 5.1.1 sound system will upgrade your audio with crystal-clear dialogue, a booming bass and immersive sound. This is all thanks to the rear speaker kit and a slew of supported features of the sound bar. Bring a new dimension of sound that will make your feel like you're in the movie or game with the rich sound. The soundbar utilizes a series of up-firing channels designed to bounce off your ceiling and fill the room with moving audio that flows around you. The system uses AI room calibration and spatial awareness to better understand the layout and acoustics of the room. It can then balance soundbar audio settings, finetuning it to the environment so it always sounds natural and accurate. Plus is has support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The rear speaker and subwoofer are all wireless so you don't need to worry about hiding cables when setting up your living room home theater. And the soundbar supports HDMI passthrough with support for 120Hz so you don't need to sacrifice visuals for great sound, especially while gaming. The soundbar lets you customize your speakers treble, bass, and midrange through the LG Soundbar App. You can boost the level of that center channel separately from the volume of the rest of your sound system. Why do this? Well dialogue is primarily set to come through that center channel so this can be a game changer when watching a poorly mixed movie or show where the dialogue all feels silent against loud, room-shaking action moments. Even it out to what's best for the room you're viewing in. For a limited time, you can upgrade your home theater sound system for 40% off, getting the LG 5.1.1-channel S70TR home theater soundbar with rear speakers for just $300. See at Best Buy
