If your TV speakers provide disappointing sound, you can invest in some upgrades to improve your audio quality. Luckily, you won’t need to buy an AV receiver and lots of speakers either, as simply adding a soundbar or soundbase to your TV setup can make a world of difference. But what exactly is the difference between a soundbar and a soundbase?
A soundbar is a long, thin audio device that houses multiple speakers within its chassis. Soundbars are designed to sit on a stand or be mounted on a wall. A sound base, on the other hand, is a platform-like audio device with multiple drivers that your TV is supposed to sit on top of. They are often as wide as a soundbar, but nowhere near as thin, because the base must accommodate the stand or stands that your TV is equipped with. But it also usually means that there is enough space in the chassis for a full built-in woofer.
In terms of sound quality, soundbars and soundbases are designed to immerse you in a wider, more enveloping soundstage. That said, soundbars are much more popular these days and there are hundreds of brands and models to choose from. Unfortunately, the sound bases have already become audiovisual relics. You’ll have a hard time finding new devices from reputable brands, forcing you to shop on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other used outlets if you’re determined to own one.
Soundbases provide more bass but soundbars are catching up
With their enclosed design and larger footprint, sound bases have more space for a built-in woofer to thrive. But that’s about the only benefit of these systems, as even some of the most basic soundbars on the market often come paired with a wireless subwoofer for extra bass – just make sure there’s an outlet you can plug it into. And if you’re trying to future-proof your audio setup for as long as possible, all the latest and greatest technology is 100% soundbar focused.
If you manage to find a used or refurbished sound base from a third-party outlet, what you see is what you get for inputs, outputs, and supported audio formats. With little hope of manufacturers adding new features via firmware, you might run into TV compatibility issues sooner rather than later. At the other end of the field, soundbars really are better than ever, thanks to features like HDMI eARC, spatial audio technology, and internet-connected music streaming. You can also purchase soundbars with top- and side-firing speakers for even more immersion.
We are not here to tarnish the reputation of all sound bases: they are simply no longer in demand. If you’re determined to get one, shop brands like Q Acoustics and ZVOX. You can also check out the Sonos Playbase if you can find one, and don’t forget to double and triple check your TV connections to make sure they’ll work with your old audio purchase (the Sonos Playbase doesn’t even have HDMI).
