ROKU STREAMBAR PRO 5.1 SYSTEM

I started the music listening evaluation by streaming music through the Tidal Hi-fi app on the Roku. I pressed play on New Order’s classic compilation album, Substance, which was the first CD I ever bought. It sounded like a real stereo system, and when I sat centered, the system produced a proper soundfield with stereo imaging and a neutral tonal balance that held up even at moderately loud volume levels. When I unplugged one of the front wireless speakers, the system quickly adapted to the change and used the soundbar to play stereo sound, but without the soundstage that comes with using separate speakers for the left and right channels.

I moved on to more challenging and bass-heavy music, opting for the Tron: Legacy soundtrack by Daft Punk and the London Symphony Orchestra. “Disc Wars” has long been my go-to track for testing a sub’s ability to handle deep, all- encompassing bass.

The Roku system’s output isn’t as good as my dual 12-inch sub, but it held up fine, even at a volume that made me worry about bothering the neighbors. My guess is this has a lot to do with Roku’s decision to go with a sealed sub design that is immune to port-related distortions (making a ported sub that plays deep requires a larger enclosure than what typical soundbar subs have).

Realizing that the system is powerful enough to handle a party, I moved on to the funky rhythms of Chasing the Golden Hour, Pt. 4 by Griz and cranked it way up. Cutting to the chase, this system will easily fill a big room with danceable tunes. Even at very high volume levels, I heard some dynamic compression kick in, but the system remained commendably distortion-free! Ultimately, with the wireless satellites handling the front left and right channels, it is a real- deal stereo system, a claim other soundbars simply cannot make. For parties, switch the Expanded Stereo function to Music for an even more roomfilling effect!

Removing the subwoofer from the system had a strong impact on the system’s sound, but not in a good way. While the system does adapt to the sub’s absence, restoring full-range output to the speakers, the tonality is a lot thinner and more in line with what I hear from all-in-one soundbars that lack a sub.

The main takeaway from my time with this system is that it focuses on the fundamentals of achieving great sound. It does 5.1 surround-sound right, and in the process, delivers a better listening experience versus Dolby Atmos soundbars of similar cost. While it would be nice to have Atmos capability on top of what it already does, ultimately, I did not miss it. I’ll take 5.1 surround done right over halfbaked soundbar Atmos any day.

CONCLUSION

Roku’s new Streambar Pro offers a simple, affordable, and effective way to add high-fidelity sound to your TV. Overall, the Roku Streambar Pro 5.1 system has better than expected sound quality. Roku’s 4K streaming platform is reliable, easy to navigate, and offers a ton of free and paid content. For TVS and projectors that don’t already have robust 4K streaming built-in, it is a tremendous value.

The Streambar Pro’s best features are its versatility, expandability, and sound quality when used as part of a 5.1 system. The Wireless Bass Pro subwoofer is the biggest surprise, it offers clean, tight bass with an impact that exceeds expectations for its price point. The full 5.1 system gives you a clear, dynamic, engaging, and easy way to listen to movies, music, video games, and TV shows.