How To Use A SoundBar As A Central Channel Speaker?
For the record, regular updates and tweaks enhance your sound system. Now you must be wondering, is that the same with a soundbar? More specifically, should/can I use it as a central channel speaker? Well, the answer is yes!
Your soundbar will perform perfectly and integrate with the rest of your audio system with a stable connection. If you do that, the viewing entertainment experience or enjoying video games is sure to enhance.
With that said, first you have to ensure that your line-level connections are compatible with the receiver, amplifier, and right and left speakers. The complete home entertainment system will not function if the center speaker is not completely connected. Moreover, the sound quality may fall and have an impact on your overall entertainment.
Remember that soundbars aren’t designed to serve as center speakers. Instead of mids, mics, and speakers, soundbars often have various channels and inclined drivers within. Having said that, you can still put it up as a central channel speaker and it is not difficult. Keep scrolling to know how…
How a soundbar can be used as a center speaker?
You may attach your soundbar as a center speaker by following either of the two techniques that I’m about to share. The center channels on your receiver can first be combined with all three speaker connections on your soundbar. If you don’t want to do that, you may connect to the receiver and link the center, right, and left receiver signals to your soundbar channels independently.
Keep in mind that a soundbar contains many speakers. This makes sure that every time you listen to music or other audio on your system, you receive a surround sound impression. There are left, right, and center channels on almost soundbar models of today.
Now, feel free to choose any of the following methods to link the soundbar to your receiver-
Method 1: The Fiber Optic Cable Method
In this, one end of the wire should be connected to your soundbar, and the other to the receiver. Your receiver has to have a digital signal port for this to work. Also, make sure that the digital processing standards used by both devices are similar. If they don’t, using them will cause you to run into audio issues.
Method 2: The HDMI Way
This approach involves connecting the soundbar to a receiver via the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Because HDMI ARC is unstable, it is not a very good solution. Because it is not suitable for all components, we cannot depend on it completely. But you can use this technique if the receivers lack a digital optical link.
Simply attach the HDMI cable to the receiver’s ARC connector using this technique. You will then link the HDMI of the receivers to the TV after doing so. Note that this method won’t work if none of your devices have the necessary ARC capability. Additionally, you may also use this method to setup a media player for your home theatre.
Method 2: Use an HDMI switcher with RCA and AUX cables.
It is an additional way to use the soundbar as a central channel speaker. In this, you may reduce the transmitter to an HDMI switcher using this technique. You need RCA, aux, and optical cables for this to work. Your soundbar first needs to be linked to your TV using all of these cords. But remember: even if you maintain all of the HDMI connections, you still won’t be able to use all of the receiver’s audio features.
In this approach, the audio output is provided by the soundbar, and your TV receives the visual and audio information via HDMI. Because of the various settings and preparations required, this approach isn’t compatible with all receiver types.
What Are The Perks Of Using A SoundBar As A Central Channel Speaker?
Well, there are a bunch of advantages to this! Some of the most notable ones would be-
Simplicity: Soundbars are easy to install and use, requiring only a single connection to the TV and minimal wiring. This makes them an ideal option for those who are looking for a simple, hassle-free audio setup.
Space-saving: Soundbars are compact and can be mounted on the wall, freeing up floor space and reducing clutter in the room. This is especially useful for those with limited living space who do not have room for a full home theater setup.
Improved audio quality: Many soundbars are equipped with advanced audio technologies, such as Dolby Digital, DTS, and others, which deliver clear, powerful, and immersive sound. High-end soundbars can provide sound quality that is comparable to or even better than a traditional home theater system.
Compatibility: Most soundbars are compatible with a variety of devices, including TVs, smartphones, laptops, and more. This makes it easy to stream music, movies, and other audio content from a wide range of sources.
Cost-effective: Compared to a full home theater system, soundbars are relatively inexpensive, making them an affordable option for those who want to improve their TV’s audio quality.
Sleek design: Many soundbars are designed to have a sleek, modern appearance that complements the aesthetic of any room. This makes them an attractive addition to any home entertainment setup.
Improved dialogue clarity: Soundbars often come equipped with a central channel speaker, which is dedicated to reproducing dialogue. This can make it easier to understand dialogue in movies and TV shows, especially when ambient sounds are present.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A SoundBar As A Central Channel Speaker?
Everything has benefits and downsides, and we must accept each device for what it is, advantages and disadvantages included. The soundbar has certain drawbacks in addition to its many advantages. Three channels try to compensate for the soundbar’s foundation. There are only two ways to interface with a sound system, and there are only two alternatives available. If we want to utilize it on the exact center base, we must connect all of the channels to the center channel. Limited surround sound capabilities: While soundbars can provide improved audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers, they typically do not offer the same level of surround sound as a traditional home theater system.
Other drawbacks include-
Reduced bass response: Soundbars often lack a subwoofer, which is responsible for reproducing low-frequency sounds such as bass and drums. This can result in a less impactful and less immersive audio experience, particularly for music and movies.
Sound quality limitations: While high-end soundbars can deliver excellent sound quality, some lower-end models may have limited audio performance and may not be able to deliver a truly immersive audio experience.
Limited upgradability: Once a soundbar has been installed, it can be difficult to upgrade the system. This can be limiting for those who want to add additional speakers or improve the audio performance of their system over time.
Compatibility issues: Some soundbars may not be compatible with all TVs or devices, which can result in compatibility issues and limited functionality.
Higher cost compared to traditional speakers: Although soundbars are generally less expensive than a full home theater system, they can still be relatively expensive compared to traditional speakers.
Sound dispersion: Soundbars are designed to be used in a single location and may not provide the same level of sound dispersion as a traditional speaker setup. This can result in a less immersive audio experience for those who are seated in different parts of the room.
Final Words
In a nutshell, using a soundbar as a central channel speaker can provide a simple and cost-effective solution for you to improve the TV’s audio experience. With their compact design, easy setup process, and compatibility with a variety of devices, soundbars are the best bank for your buck.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that soundbars may have limitations when it comes to sound quality and upgradability. Also, it may not provide the same level of surround sound as a traditional home theater system. So, when choosing a soundbar, it’s necessary to consider your specific audio needs and to look for a model that offers the features and performance you’re looking for. With the right soundbar, you can enjoy a better audio experience from your TV and take your home entertainment to the next level.
