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Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate: what’s the difference?

Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate
Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate: This article we will take a closer look at the difference between both systems .
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The soundbar is now a well-known concept in the home cinema market, but since last year we have seen new variants of the soundbar appear. However, it is given its own name by each manufacturer. We have seen the names SoundBase, SoundPlate and SoundStand, among others. In this article we will take a closer look at the difference between both systems and conduct a comparison between Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate and why a soundbar or a SoundStand is best for your home cinema system.

Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate: What is a soundbar?

We have already extensively described what a soundbar is, but in short it is a slim speaker that takes over the function of at least a number of speakers from a traditional 5.1-channel (or larger) home cinema system. The soundbar is generally placed or hung below or above the TV and in many cases accompanied by a subwoofer. The soundbar is therefore an all-in-one speaker that, according to manufacturers, offers a virtual surround sound without having to place speakers in the back of the room. Such a solution is therefore particularly interesting for those who have limited space, do not want to run cables through the room or have a smaller budget.

Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate: What is a SoundStand or SoundPlate?

Let’s start with the trickiest; the naming. We are currently seeing manufacturers coming up with their own names for this new solution. Samsung calls it a SoundStand , LG calls it a SoundPlate , Panasonic calls it a SpeakerBoard and other manufacturers use the term SoundBase . In short, there is no way to make this decision, but the functionality of all these speakers is the same. In this article we will use the terms SoundStand and SoundPlate.

The most important aspect of a SoundStand or SoundPlate is the fact that a flat screen TV can be placed on the speaker, which can also be seen in part by the name of the speakers. The TV is then placed on top of the speaker, which is reinforced and enlarged compared to a normal soundbar. The extra space that is created in this housing gives, according to some manufacturers, the possibility to process a subwoofer in the speaker. In most cases, manufacturers indicate for which size or weight TV the speaker is suitable.

Not every SoundPlate or SoundStand comes with a built-in subwoofer. Sometimes a separate, often wireless, subwoofer is included for the deep low tones. Such a speaker is particularly interesting for those who have their TV on a cupboard, sideboard or other furniture and prefer not to place a soundbar above or below (in front of) the TV or have no space for it. It is not always the case, but some SoundPlates or SoundStands offer slightly better sound quality than a soundbar due to the larger sound box.

A soundbar or soundstand?

With the above story it is now clear what the differences are exactly, but what is the ideal choice for your home cinema system? The soundbar is still the most slim, stylish and small option for when you have limited space but still want to enjoy a virtual (!) Surround sound. However, you do need space on the wall below or above your TV, or right in front of your TV to optimally place a soundbar. The disadvantage of placing the soundbar in front of your TV is that it may block the infrared receiver.

Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate

Space is also needed for a SoundStand or SoundPlate, but you can place your flat screen TV on the speaker. This means you do not block signals and you do not have to mount a speaker on the wall. However, you have to settle for a TV set a few inches higher. In terms of sound, a SoundPlate or SoundStand can in many cases also offer better quality due to the larger sound box in which larger (and sometimes more) speakers can be processed. Sound bars are getting slimmer and smaller, so they run into the same problem as flat screen TVs; there is no more room for quality in terms of audio.

Soundbar vs SoundStand or SoundPlate

However, a soundbar is in most cases wider (wider) than a SoundPlate or SoundStand. This has the advantage that you get a wider sound field, which offers a small advantage, especially with stereo music. This also allows the virtual surround sound to be better reproduced, although it will never match the sound that you get from speakers that are actually located in the back of the room.

Features

In terms of other features and functions, there is little difference between a soundbar and SoundStand or SoundPlate. Both can be equipped with different connection options and support for different audio formats. It is therefore always wise to have clear in advance which connections you are looking for exactly to connect all devices in your home cinema system and to reproduce the audio from these devices as optimally as possible. The same goes for wireless options such as Bluetooth and DLNA. We see this more and more on speakers and make it possible to stream content from your home network to the speaker.

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