10. Verdict and Scores
| Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20 | Sony HT-CT350 | VIZIO VHT210 | Panasonic SC-HTB10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit and Finish | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Connectivity & Ease of Use | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Audio quality | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Virtual Surround Sound Capability | 0 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Price | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 18 | 21 | 18 | 17 |
Sound bars are a simple way to instantly improve your TV-viewing experience. All four sound bars we looked at will improve your TV audio. The model you select will depend on your primary content sources and aesthetic needs. If you have limited space and no desire for a subwoofer, the Panasonic SC-HTB10 is a good sound bar with a low price tag that is simple and easy to use, especially if you have an HDMI 1.4a-compliant TV.
The Vizio VHT210 is a great sound bar that delivers clarity, excellent audio for TV and movies with an affordable price tag. However, the VHT210’s limited Dolby Digital support and single optical input makes it less ideal for Blu-ray and digital audio junkies. The Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20 is our personal favorite due to fantastic, full-range sound quality unmatched by the other competitors.
But, regardless of our personal preference, the Sony HT-CT350 is the winner of our sound bar roundup. The HT-CT350 strikes a good balance between a home theater receiver and speakers with plenty of connectivity and good audio quality. The Sony S-Force Pro processing creates the best virtual surround sound implementation in the group and delivers results that best mimic a real 5.1 system. If you’re looking to simplify your 5.1 system with a sound bar, or just want to upgrade your TV audio, the Sony HT-CT350 is the sound bar to get.
nice review
Should have included yamaha's sound projector in the review. They are the king of the mountain for sound bar/sound projector
in the article you gave the sony a score of 3 on connectivity, but in the conclusion you gave it a score of 5.
which of course would change the overall score to 19 ending as a tie with Vizio's offering
The Boston Acoustics soundbar with its "fantastic, full-range sound quality unmatched by the other competitors" is gets next to last place because it doesn't do fake surround?
@rpgplayer the score in the conclusion is correct. Thanks for pointing that out, we've fixed it.
@BlackPearl - we've fixed the math, the Boston and Vizio should be tied.
Not even one Yamaha YSP was reviewed. It would have been nice because they are available everywhere.
We were focusing on new sub-$500 sound bars. The cheapest Yamaha sound projector starts at $1400 while the Air Surround YAS-71 starts at $600.
When you do get around to the higher-end bars, please try to include a Niro system. The sound quality is fantastic.
I'm definitely with BlackPearl on this one. This has to be the STUPIDEST review I've ever seen on Tom's. The most important quality of a speaker is sound quality, and it's given equal weight with the least important quality. Moreover, I have to question any review of any feature of a Sony product that gives it high marks as I haven't seen a high-quality Sony product in about 20 years including the ones I've been fooled into buying.
Usually I would agree with you, but the target market for the sound bars are not audiophiles and just your average end user who wants to use it to watch TV and movies.
Yes they can spend a lot of money on a high-end system, but not everyone can have a 5.1 system or desire to run the wires associated with it. The sound bars present an alternative, that improves sound for the tasks they desire.
The Boston excels in audio quality, which is why we gave it 5's across the board. The Sony is just a better all-in-one solution that does everything.
And in the end it is all about value, all the sound bars in the round up are sub-$500, and the Sony can even be had for under $350. When you want convenience, features with a huge improvement over TV speakers with little hassle, you can't really go wrong with a sound bar.
I normally don't comment on these things BUT you should have had a ZVOX unit or two in the review. They have a few that are under $500 and would blow the sound quality and surround function of any of the reviewed items out of theater. I'm talking first hand seeing as I have compared the ZVOX and a Vizio unit and there is no comparison. Save your self some time and just buy a ZVOX. Real speakers in a real wood enclosure for real sound.
I normally don't comment on these things BUT you should have had a ZVOX unit or two in the review. They have a few that are under $500 and would blow the sound quality and surround function of any of the reviewed items out of theater. I'm talking first hand seeing as I have compared the ZVOX and a Vizio unit and there is no comparison. Save your self some time and just buy a ZVOX. Real speakers in a real wood enclosure for real sound.
I agree. ZVOX makes great products that these picks cannot hold a candle too. What a faux pas!
Unless space is a consideration, a real 2.0 or 2.1 system at this cost would be better. Extra speakers and connectivity have increased real costs so add $200 to what you spent for a receiver 20 years ago. Otherwise you get one offering 2-room capability that can't do it.
Agreed on Zvox, makes the article a "don't bother reading" piece when they miss the best bang-for-the-buck on the market. I own Bose and Zvox and, while Bose is great, the latter is the better value by far.
I recommend Zvox to everyone I know.
I just want a review on the Panasonic SC-HTB10. Thought that was what I was supposed to get here?