The Japanese group Panasonic, which also includes Technics, is introducing the Panasonic SC-HTB496, a soundbar for 2.1 sound, which – according to the press release – should offer a powerful soundscape despite its ultra-slim design. It comes from the factory with a separate subwoofer.
Panasonic SC-HTB496 technology
The Panasonic soundbar has two oval full-range drivers that radiate to the front and are supported by a bass reflex system that is also directed to the front. For this reason, it can also be mounted directly on the wall. The two drivers of the Panasonic SC-HTB496 are driven by Class D amps with an output of 80 watts per channel.
The amplifier of the separate 16 cm subwoofer also has 160 watts of power. The connection between the subwoofer and the soundbar is wireless.
The front of the Panasonic SC-HTB496 soundbar: flat and narrow, but thanks to the external subwoofer, the bass power shouldn’t be neglected
The soundbar is Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround certified and can be played via Bluetooth, via HDMI-ARC as well as optical input and USB interface. Five special sound modes (standard / neutral, cinema, sports, music and news) allow adaptation to different usage scenarios.
It is noticeable how little the soundbar is in the room: It is only 5.6 cm high, 80 cm wide and 10 cm deep – it also weighs just under 2 kilos. The soundbar is available in black.
Panasonic SC-HTB496 price: 299 euros
