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Best sound bar speakers

(Updated May 23, 2012 2:08 AM PDT)
Matthew Moskovciak
Matthew Moskovciak
Associate editor

A full 5.1 speaker system sounds great, but it's absolutely going to clutter up your home theater. If you're looking for a minimalist solution to "the speaker problem," sound bar speakers are typically the best-sounding option. Unlike TV add-on speakers and sound bar home theater systems, sound bar speakers require an AV receiver, which is largely why they sound better, but it also adds to their overall cost and complexity. Also note that not every sound bar speaker does "surround effects"; some sound bar speakers just focus on high-quality stereo sound, instead of faux-surround.


If you're looking for a self-powered system that doesn't need an AV receiver, check out our best TV add-on speakers and best sound bar home theater systems instead.

Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 (aluminum)

The Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 raises the bar for soundbar speakers' design and sound quality.

4 stars

Excellent

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Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 (aluminum)

Canton CD 90 SB (black)

Canton's unique three-channel CD 90 SB sound bar combines good looks with above-average sound quality for music and movies.

Price: $595.00 - $618.60 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Canton CD 90 SB (black)

Polk Audio SurroundBar (black)

A single-speaker surround system, the Polk Audio SurroundBar works best as a home-theater solution for small rooms.

4 stars

Very good

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Polk Audio SurroundBar (black)
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