(Nov 19, 2009)
Matthew Moskovciak
A full 5.1 speaker system sounds great, but it's absolutely going clutter up your home theater. If you're looking for a minimalist solution to "the speaker problem", sound bar speakers are the typically the best sounding option. Unlike TV add-on speakers and sound bar home theater systems, sound bar speakers require an AV receiver, which is largely why they sound better, but it also adds to their overall cost and complexity. Also note that not every sound bar speaker does "surround effects"; some sound bar speakers just focus on high quality stereo sound, instead of faux-surround.
If you're looking for a self-powered system that doesn't need an AV receiver, check out our best TV add-on speakers and best sound bar home theater systems instead.
Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50
The Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 raises the bar for soundbar speakers' design and sound quality.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Jun 27, 2008
Excellent
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Polk Audio SurroundBar 50
The Polk SurroundBar 50 sounds great with music and movies, making it a worthwhile improvement over the company's earlier single-speaker surround offering.
Price: $749.00 - $999.95 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 27, 2008
Excellent
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Canton CD 90 SB
Canton's unique three-channel CD 90 SB sound bar combines good looks with above-average sound quality for music and movies.
Price: $595.00 - $650.00 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 2, 2009
Excellent
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Polk Audio SurroundBar
A single-speaker surround system, the Polk Audio SurroundBar works best as a home-theater solution for small rooms.
Price: $399.99 - $749.00 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 14, 2005
Very good
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