SONOS PLAYBAR
remote still get to the TV even if the Playbar is blocking the telly’s sensor, and a pair of Ethernet sockets on the back mean your other components (such as your smart TV) can piggy-back the Sonos network to get to the internet. Just remember that if you can’t hardwire the Playbar to your router, you’ll need to get some powerline adapters.
Is it any good?
It’s a shame the only one way to hook up the Playbar to your TV is with an optical cable. It’s simple, yes, but it’s not as neat as systems with multiple HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output for video. Optical outputs on TVS aren’t as common as they used to be, now that HDMI 2.0 has taken over, but as long as your telly has one you won’t have to worry about your soundbar not supporting 4K video.
Anyway, once you are plugged in, the Playbar brings a massive improvement over even the most powerful-sounding TV speakers. The width of the soundstage it creates is mighty impressive, and there’s detail, weight and tonal balance that a TV on its own simply can’t deliver. The drivers behind the grille are angled upwards – and while that means you get a big, atmospheric sound, it does sacrifice just a little bit of impact and directness. But that’s a minor flaw in what is an otherwise excellent delivery for both music and films.
If you want a simple, elegant soundbar that will hugely improve your television’s sound – and then ply you with all-you-can-stream music until your ears burst – the Sonos Playbar really is the only logical choice.
BEST FOR UNDER £750 £569 / stuff.tv/playbar
Tech Total power output Not stated HDMI No Bluetooth No Wireless subwoofer Optional Dimensions 85x900x140mm Weight 5.4kg