Sony HT-MT300
THE SMALLEST SOUNDBAR ON THE MARKET.
OF THE UNITS which could count as ‘low budget’ in our test room, the Sony HT-MT300 fared the best — but only because it has a unique selling point. Like the Pioneer unit overpage, the HTMT300 also lacks HDMI compatibility, but get past that, and this 2.1 channel bar and subwoofer package nudges slightly ahead simply because it offers a more compact form factor. The soundbar itself is 50cm wide and only 10cm deep, so not only is it cheap (it can be had for at least $100 cheaper than its RRP in most outlets) but it fills a niche that few other soundbars do. Whether you live in a sharehouse or on a boat, the HT-MT300 can accommodate you if you’re lacking in space but still don’t want to tolerate crappy TV speakers.
That said, the subwoofer can’t make the same boast in terms of its compactness, though you can hide it easily enough under your couch or behind furtniture. Meanwhile, the output can approximate distance in relation to what’s going on onscreen, but ‘surround sound’ isn’t even boasted here. Instead, you’re getting S-Force PRO Front Surround, which, if we’re honest, sounds great but isn’t particularly immersive in this product.
Music playback is fine but struggles in terms of clarity at high volumes, but if you’re after something this compact, you’re probably dealing with either a small room or easily riled neighbours. The HT-MT3000 is a decent option if you want something small and powerful for this price, but don’t expect anything close to luxury.