Sound is a crucial element of the modern TV experience. With an unsatisfying sound system, you’re truly only getting half of the picture. When 4K TV pictures are backed up by matching sound, it makes any film, game, or TV show feel all the more real and immersive.

But no longer do you need a complex surround sound array just to access immersive sound. Soundbar technology has totally changed the game when it comes to home theatre audio. But because soundbars are still relatively new, many people have a number of specific questions about them.

You might be on the fence about grabbing a soundbar of your own. But the final hurdle in your way is deciding how many soundbars you actually need. Do you only need a single soundbar for a TV? Or do you need multiple to make the most of TV sound?

With the help of our Reliant tech experts, we’re going to find out once and for all just how many soundbars you actually need.

Do You Need Only One Soundbar For A TV?

Yes. You actually only need one soundbar to make the most of your TV’s sound. This is part of what makes soundbars so exciting. With just a single unit, you can achieve a surround sound experience without the need for a surround sound system!

There’s no need to buy multiple soundbars just to recreate the surround sound experience. In fact, using two soundbars on the same TV is largely impractical. A single soundbar is connected directly to the TV itself to receive a direct audio signal.

In order to pair the connected soundbar to another soundbar, you would need to connect the two wirelessly. In turn, this would result in a slight delay between the two speakers. This would keep you from enjoying any content, as you’ll constantly be distracted by the slight delay between the two soundbars!

You only need one soundbar for a single TV. A single soundbar can produce powerful surround sound. In fact, it would actually be largely impossible to connect two soundbars to the same TV.

It’s worth noting that some soundbars come with paired amplifiers. These amplifiers allow for enhanced bass, and in turn a more immersive and epic experience. Films seem all the more grand when shown on a large TV with an amplified soundbar. The amplifier is technically a separate unit from the soundbar, connected by a cable.

Do Soundbars Vary In Size?

Soundbars can very much differ in size. This is partly why so many people assume you need multiple units for a single TV. A single soundbar is actually made up of a horizontal arrangement of individual speakers. The smaller the soundbar is, the fewer speakers there are. This means that smaller soundbars may have a slightly weaker sound, and may not be able to produce surround sound quite as effectively.

Some of the largest soundbars have around 7 individual speakers built into them. These particular models are incredibly powerful and boast great sound quality. They’re are best for larger spaces like living rooms.

Smaller soundbars are generally better for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms.

What Size Soundbar Is Best For Your TV?

It can sometimes seem difficult to choose a specific size for your soundbar. Luckily, your soundbar does not need to totally match the size of your TV’s screen. However, it is best to opt for a soundbar as close to the size of your TV as possible. A tiny soundbar paired with a massive TV would prove immensely disappointing. The image would appear massive, but the sound would be disappointingly small in comparison.

It’s also best to make sure your TV’s soundbar isn’t too large. Not only would you need to keep its volume incredibly low, but it would also create an odd look as the centrepiece of your living room. It would be hard to find a suitable place for your soundbar to sit under your TV screen.

Your TV and soundbar don’t need to totally match in terms of size. However, when they’re close in dimensions, it results in a more immersive experience. The scale of the sound will match the scale of the image.

When the size of your TV and soundbar are close, it results in a much more immersive experience. The sound will be closely matched to the grandeur of the image.

Are Soundbars Worth It?

Absolutely. A soundbar allows you to create a surround sound experience in your living room, without having to buy dozens of individual speakers. This of course saves you a significant amount of money. As well as that, it also allows you to make the most of a smaller space. It’s much easier to find the perfect spot for a soundbar, rather than the perfect spot for a complex sound system.

Soundbars are also remarkably powerful. Despite only being a single unit, these devices pack a serious audio wallop. A single soundbar can create a true surround sound experience that fills your entire room with the sound of your favourite content.

Soundbars are also now much more affordable than they’ve ever been. This makes them a wise and effective investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Only Need One Soundbar For A TV?

Yes. You don’t need more than just a single soundbar for a TV. Soundbars can create room-filling sound with just a single unit. This means that there’s no need to purchase an advanced sound system just to make the most of your favourite films and TV shows. Having more than one soundbar for a single TV would also be impractical, as there would be a slight delay between both units.

Will Any Soundbar Work With Any TV?

Yes. Soundbars from specific manufacturers are not locked to working with only TVs from the same manufacturer. For instance, you can hook up a Sony soundbar to a Samsung TV without any trouble. You may need to connect the soundbar differently, depending on which TV model you connect it to, but it can easily be done.