This article will explore some of the best sounding and most compatible soundbars for audiophiles and give you a better idea about what features to look for when shopping around.
Soundbars are designed for people who want better sound for their TV without the need for an extra receiver, cables, and speakers. They are also ideal if you have limited space or are looking to place your audio equipment close to your TV.
The best soundbar for audiophiles is one that can produce the best quality sound and has a wide range of connectivity options.
Some of our top picks ship with wireless subwoofers that can be placed anywhere in your living room for better sound coverage. These are the best soundbars for audiophiles money can buy.
Best Soundbars for Audiophiles at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Sonos Arc (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Sonos Beam (Gen 1) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Samsung HW-Q950A | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | LG SN11RG | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Samsung HW-Q950T | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Sonos Arc (Editors’ Choice)
Our Editors’ Choice for the best soundbar for audiophiles is the Sonors Arc. The Sonos Arc plants its flag at the summit of soundbars.
It is a stylishly designed sound system that can be used to create a beautiful, seamless home theater experience. The Sonos Arc combines the latest in surround sound technology with the convenience of wireless connectivity to deliver an immersive entertainment experience. It also provides support for popular streaming services.
What’s more, the Sonos Arc offers a TV-optimized sound experience and deep, rich bass with a beautiful design. It creates an immersive sound that brings movies and TV shows to life. With the Sonos Arc, you get crystal-clear vocals with Trueplay tuning. It also features HDMI-ARC support.
The Sonos Arc is available in black or white gloss finish and has Dolby’s TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus sound codecs support.
It’s hard not to be impressed by the Sonos Arc. If you’re looking for the ultimate soundbar for audiophiles, this is certainly the one to beat.
PROS
- Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD
- Sleek design
- Outstanding surround sound
- Low audio latency
- Does not need a subwoofer
CONS
- Performance depends on TV specs
- Pricey
- No Bluetooth support
- No full EQ
Sonos Arc Key Specifications
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Sound Formats: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus
Connectivity: 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x optical digital, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Dimensions: 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7mm (W x H x D)
2. Sonos Beam (Gen 1)
Another impressive soundbar for audiophiles is the Sonos Beam. The Sonos Beam soundbar is the perfect fit for homeowners who need a more streamlined way of listening to their music. It provides an immersive surround sound experience, with the ability to hear every detail in your favorite movies and shows.
The Sonos Beam is designed with clear, un-cluttered aesthetics that seamlessly fit into any room. It has HDMI compatibility and can be easily paired with your LG CX OLED TV to enhance the audio experience. You can also stream music wirelessly.
You can control the volume, turn off the TV, and other functions with your voice with the Sonos Beam’s microphone. It’s also Amazon Alexa-enabled so you can control it with just your voice. Plus it is AirPlay 2 compatible. This means it is easy to connect to your favorite devices wirelessly.
The Sonos beam soundbar is aesthetically pleasing and delivers uninterrupted, room filling sound. It is outfitted with five Class-D digital amplifiers, four full-range woofers, three passive radiators, and one tweeter.
The small profile of the speaker bar allows it to be placed on a shelf or table top with no need for unsightly cables or stands. It is slim enough to fit in front of most TVs.
In addition, the Sonos Beam uses Trueplay technology which tunes the sound right in your room to make it feel like it’s coming from all directions, even behind you.
So, basically, if you’re looking for a slim soundbar with an outstanding immersive sound experience, the Sonos Beam should be near the top of your list. Like the Sonos Arc, the Sonos Beam is one of the best soundbars for audiophiles.
PROS
- Top-notch 3D sound
- Good design
- Impressive streaming capabilities
- Well-balanced sound profile
- Excellent bass depth
CONS
- One HDMI input
- No Dolby Atmos support
Sonos Beam (Gen 1) Key Specifications
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
Sound Formats: Dolby Digital 5.1
Connectivity: 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x optical digital, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Dimensions: 651 x 68.5 x 100mm (W x H x D)
3. Samsung HW-Q950A
Samsung has been one of the top names in consumer electronics for decades. The company has been innovating in this field for years. The Q950A soundbar is a perfect example of their quality and expertise.
The Samsung Q950A soundbar is a great product that delivers amazing audio, with its powerful combination of a sleek, well-balanced high-quality speaker system and powerful amplifier. It can also upscale any TV audio to near-high-definition sound quality.
It supports AirPlay 2 and has an auto-room-correction EQ mode which adjusts the EQ to suit your room’s acoustics. You can also stream content via Spotify Connect.
Setting up the Samsung Q950A is pretty easy.
The Samsung Q950A soundbar features DTS:X and Dolby Atmos audio formats.
Connections on the Samsung Q950A are plentiful and well specified – especially when it comes to HDMIs. There are two HDMI inputs, an HDMI output (with eARC support), and an optical digital audio input.
If you need a good soundbar with an outstanding cinematic immersion, the Samsung Q950A is an amazing option.
PROS
- Excellent immersive sound
- Sleek design
- Has Dobly Atmos and DTS:X
- eARC support
- Auto EQ feature
CONS
- Pricey
- LED placement could be better
- No full auto-calibration feature
Samsung HW-Q950A Key Specifications
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
Sound Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X
Connectivity: 2x HDMI inputs, 1x HDMI output (eARC), optical digital audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dimensions: 1232 x 69 x 137mm (W x H x D)
4. LG SN11RG
The LG SN11RG soundbar is an all-in-one audio solution for any TV, with virtual surround sound technology to give you an immersive audio experience. The wireless subwoofer delivers rich bass to give you an unparalleled, theater-like experience in the comfort of your own home. It also integrates seamlessly with your LG TV.
LG’s SN11RG is a high-end soundbar, designed for both home and commercial use. It is equipped with a powerful speaker and is easy to use with the LG TV Remote via Bluetooth. You can also connect your smartphone or laptop through Bluetooth, AirPlay, or DLNA to play your favorite music tracks too. Available in black and silver variants
Now you can hear your TV as the director intended with LG’s ThinQ-enabled soundbar.
LG’s latest soundbar model not only provides a cinema-level of sound, but also has a sleek design that’s sure to compliment the CX OLED TV. With the LG SN11RG you’ll feel like you’re in the action with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X which give cinematic and immersive audio.
An A+ for the Meridian technology which creates a wide soundstage.
Price is often the problem. The LG SN11RG isn’t cheap.
All in all, the LG SN11RG is a first-rate soundbar and it is highly recommended as one of the best soundbars for audiophiles.
PROS
- Sleek design
- Excellent sound
- Lots of features
- Impressive audio processing
CONS
- No graphic EQ
- Not the cheapest on the market
LG SN11RG Key Specifications
Voice Control: Google Assistant
Sound Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby AudioTM, DTS:X, DTS-HD, PCM
Connectivity: 2x HDMI in, 1x HDMI out (with ARC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical audio input, USB port
Dimensions: 1443 x 63 x 146mm (W x H x D)
Notable Mentions
Here are other soundbars for audiophiles to consider.
5. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
PROS
- First-rate 3D sound
- Good design
- HDMI eARC support
- Impressive streaming capabilities
CONS
- No dedicated Dolby Atmos speakers
- Lacks upfiring tweeters
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Key Specifications
Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant
Sound Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
Connectivity: HDMI input eARC, optical digital audio to HDMI converter, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, 802.11b,g Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver
Dimensions: 651 x 69 x 100mm (W x H x D)
6. Samsung HW-Q950T
PROS
- Powerful 3D sound
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
- Slender design
- Can get loud
- SmartThings hub is impressive
CONS
- No auto calibration system
- LED placement could be better
- Expensive
Samsung HW-Q950T Key Specifications
Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
Sound Formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X
Connectivity: 2x HDMI inputs, 1x HDMI output (eARC), optical digital audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dimensions: 1219 x 69 x 137mm (W x H x D)
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Sonos Arc (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Sonos Beam (Gen 1) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Samsung HW-Q950A | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | LG SN11RG | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Samsung HW-Q950T | Check Price on Amazon |
Bottom Line
We’ve rounded up the best soundbars for audiophiles. Our top picks provide the best immersive sound experience. Every soundbar we’ve recommended is worth considering.
