Desire to improve the sound of a flat panel TV, particularly in the low-frequency range, emerges frequently immediately after its placing and the first turning on. Active one-piece speaker systems named soundbars will help to solve this problem.
In the strict sense, it is not quite right to name these devices as one-piece devices. A soundbar is usually produced as a compact device for it harmonizes well with a flat TV set in outward appearance; it means that it requires the bass support, which is entrusted to a separate subwoofer. So finally, we have an active 2.1 speaker system. It is in such configuration that SB-550 model of SVEN Finnish Company is produced. At that the soundbar communicates with subwoofer via wireless channel with 2.4 GHz carrier frequency, which simplifies the system erection considerably – you should only provide a power socket in the place of the LF-module erection.
Such equipment differs according to functional outfit. The most sophisticated versions have an optical disk drive and a multimedia player, which allows managing without any external content sources at all. The opposite concept implies the minimum accessories and commutation arsenal – you need only a possibility to connect the soundbar to a TV set. Regarding accessories, SVEN SB-550 takes a mid-position approximately – there is no an optical disk drive or a network multimedia player there, but the communication panel has two input and one output HDMI ports, i.e. the soundbar can be used as a switchboard of two digital video sources for the TV set. Moreover, three-dimensional video from 3D Blu-ray disks is supported as well, and it means that the system is ready to operate in the most modern surrounding.
On first acquaintance, a small box dimensions surprise, where SVEN SB-550 is, because it is not very clear how the long soundbar case is enclosed there. However, after removing components everything clicked into place. The point is that the soundbar is demountable – right and left speaker systems are fastened to the central block, where the whole electronics and commutation are concentrated. Two input and one output HDMI ports of 1.4 version are complemented with two composite video inputs and the corresponding output. Two pairs of RCA connectors and a mini jack are designed for audio commutation. There are no digital coaxial and optical inputs there. A power unit located in a separate cabinet contributes to the compact size of the device. Every speaker system has two squawkers 5.7 cm in diameter and a dome one-inch twitter. The black non-removable metallic grill protects heads from the outside.
Black MDF plates are used in the compact subwoofer construction, only its front is closed with a plastic panel, which is skillfully imitated piano varnish. A big phase inverter port and a status indicator of wireless communication channel are located in the upper part the front panel. This indicator blinks during the main device searching, and when the communication is stable it lights permanently. The emitter 16.5 cm in diameter is on the right side wall and closed with non-removable grill of textile fabric. Only a power switch and power cord are from the rear.
With the help of the complete remote control the size of a credit card, you can not only regulate the whole speaker system volume, but change the subwoofer amplification level as well. In addition, the remote control allows selecting an active input and defines the equalizer presets. The absence of audible distortions at any volume levels, up to maximum one, which, indeed, remains very moderate, is the greatest advantage except the reasonable price, which singles SVEN SB-550 out against a background of competitors. However, the device power will be quite enough to sound a small room. Support of the subwoofer is very appropriate, which is well concerted according to working range with the soundbar.
Measurement results:
Two broadband loudspeakers in each channel of SVEN SB-550 soundbar complemented with a twitter allow overlapping a frequency band beginning from 156 Hz (–3 dB). At that, the non-uniformity index of frequency-response characteristic has rather moderate value in greater portion of reproducing frequencies (Fig. 1). The picture is slightly darkened by the interval below 400 Hz, where the increase of frequency and nonlinear distortions is marked. In whole, the behavior of the last parameter practically does not differ from parameters, which are demonstrated by devices of similar construction, therefore the system is able to playback musical material at small and average volume levels without audible artifacts (Fig. 2, for 88 dB). A standard subwoofer extends possibilities of the speaker system appreciably. Its lower operating frequency according to 10 dB characteristic decrease makes 52 Hz. Harmonic distortion factor with 90 db sound pressure is shown in Fig. 3.
Advantages: a wireless subwoofer, HDMI commutation, 3D support.
Conclusion:
It is an effective and accessible method to improve TV set sound drastically without breaking the design of a living room, study or bedroom. The wireless subwoofer will facilitate the system erection considerably.