Welcome to Tommie Kelly Euronics
At Tommie Kelly Euronics, we believe great picture deserves great sound. Choosing the right soundbar can transform your TV experience, whether in a small apartment or a spacious living room. In this guide, we’ll cover sizing, placement, key features, and sound channel tips to help you pick the perfect soundbar for your room and TV.
How to Choose the Right Soundbar for Your Room & TV
Match the soundbar width to your TV size – A 32” TV pairs well with a compact soundbar like the Samsung HW-C400.
Consider your space – Small apartments may suit a soundbar without subwoofer, while larger living rooms benefit from models with Dolby Atmos.
Check your TV connections – HDMI ARC is ideal, but yes, a soundbar will work without HDMI ARC via optical or Bluetooth.
Placement matters – Can soundbar be placed above TV? Yes, but below the TV often sounds better.
Soundbar Features to Look For
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X: These premium audio formats deliver immersive 3D surround sound by simulating audio from above, behind, and all around. Perfect for movie lovers, Dolby Atmos soundbars bring cinema-quality audio into your living room. DTS:X offers similar spatial effects with more flexibility in speaker layout.
- HDMI ARC/eARC: Supports high-resolution audio and allows you to control the soundbar using your TV remote. Ideal for seamless, high-quality setups.
- Bluetooth Soundbar: Easy pairing with TVs, phones, or tablets for wireless streaming.
- Wall Mountable: Save space and enhance aesthetics with discreet mounting.
- AI Sound Modes: Automatically adjusts for games, movies, or news for the best audio experience.
Understanding Soundbar Channel Numbers
When choosing a soundbar, you’ll often see numbers like 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1.2. These refer to the audio channel configuration:
- The first number is the number of main channels (left, right, center).
- The second number indicates the presence of a subwoofer.
- The third number (if included) refers to up-firing speakers for height effects in formats like Dolby Atmos.
For example:
- 2.0 – Two channels, no subwoofer.
- 2.1 – Two channels plus subwoofer.
- 3.1 – Adds a center channel for clearer dialogue.
- 5.1 – Surround sound with rear channels and subwoofer.
- 5.1.2 – Adds two up-firing height channels for Dolby Atmos.
Choosing the right channel setup depends on your space and what you’re watching. For immersive movies, go for 5.1.2 or higher. For casual viewing in a small room, 2.1 or 3.1 may be ideal.