There’s no pseudo-surround sound in the M12 and it uses its spatial stereo technology to fill a room with audio, so that it sounds as though its coming from all around you. It certainly fills the room and gives the impression that what you’re watching is surrounding you. This removes the directionality problems of a traditional soundbar, coming closer to a 5.1 system in terms of immersion. However, a 5.1 system’s directional system works better, as they can create sound effects around, in-front and behind you. Even when the Samsung Q990C is being pushed to its limits, it maintains an excellent quality sound without distorting. We said in our review that "Even the most shrill trebles manage to avoid sounding harsh or exposed," and that the "bass from the subwoofer is deep, enthusiastic and reactive." The overall effect is incredible. Standing to the side of the speakers produces clear audio and eliminates the need to stand in the ‘sweet spot’ in front of the speakers. In fact, you can see this in action, but turning off the side speakers using the switch on the rear and listening to the more muffled tone music takes when you’re not straight-on to the speakers. The side speakers are particularly good for parties, as you can easily fill a room with clear audio.

However, other devices with only one soundbar claim to offer surround sound. What this means is they deliver a stereo effect, which seems more like sound is coming from different directions, but isn't.There is HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC. The former is supported by practically every TV on the market; the latter not as much. You can read more about ARC here, and get your head around eARC over here. In terms of what is missing, we’d certainly have liked to see HDMI included but equally Bluetooth (specifically with aptX) would have added a welcome wireless audio option. Apple fans will point to AirPlay as well, but given the premium surrounding it the price would’ve taken a significant jump and an AirPort Express unit can still be attached for those unable to live without it. If your TV or soundbar doesn't have HDMI ports, the second best option is an optical. This can still transfer digital sounds, but not the high-resolution ones you'd get with HDMI. The final way of connecting the soundbar to the TV is Bluetooth. The convenience is that it’s cable-free, but the sound quality won’t be as good, and there’s the possibility the connection may suffer from interference. Not every TV supports Bluetooth either. With a number of TVs supporting HDMI-CEC, you can control the volume level with the TV remote. Any specific features you need (subwoofer levels, display dimmer), consult the soundbar zapper.

You generally have two options when it comes to soundbar placement: wall-mounting it, or placing in below your TV on your TV cabinet. If your soundbar is quite tall, wall-mounting may be the best option, as it could obscure the IR receiver on your TV, rendering your remote control useless. During our review, we noted that dialogue clarity is excellent, and while it doesn’t hit the low bass notes that other soundbar systems with an included subwoofer manage, it offers up consistently exciting sound when watching movies and TV. All in all then the T9 is exceptional value for money and this provides the finishing touch to an already exceptional device.

Can I use my soundbar with a surround sound DVD / Blu-ray player?

Whereas the T12 soundbar was already compact measuring just 605 x 110 x 100mm, the T9 is less than half its length at 300mm with its depth and width a mere 94mm. It is smaller than a shoebox… made for one shoe. The accompanying subwoofer has also been hit by a shrink ray. While the T12 sub came in at 460 x 230 x 230mm, the T9’s sub is 344 x 230 x 139mm meaning the whole unit should squeeze into the tightest of home cinema setups and appease even the most technophobic of partners. There’s more to think about, but getting the size, audio features and connectivity nailed down early on should make finding the best soundbar for you much easier. What connection do I need for a soundbar? While some suggest placing a soundbar in a cabinet, that’s a definite no-no, especially for Dolby Atmos soundbars. There needs to be clearance above the unit so it can bounce sound off the ceiling. Even with conventional soundbars the potential for echoes, reverberations and vibrations is too much. Do not put the speaker on the floor either. In our review we found when listening to Little Simz's Woman "the bass sounds deep and well-controlled, while synth strings are warm and rich." This balance across bass and treble and clear vocals make the Beam ideal for getting the best out of your music.

However, you will still get quality audio and an optical connection does work with soundbars and surround sound systems. What size soundbar should I get? You still get excellent stereo separation with the M12, though. Objects moving across the picture, sound as though they’re flying from left-to-right or vice versa. With the surround all around you, this stereo effect helps keep you engrossed in what you’re watching. If you have a source plugged into the soundbar such as 4K Blu-ray player, make sure the soundbar can pass-through HDR. Some, such as Samsung’s soundbars, will let all types of HDR signals through (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision). Some are like lollipop ladies/men, they’ll only let HDR10 or Dolby Vision through.If you’ve bought a bar/subwoofer combo, the sub offers non-directional sound to the soundbar’s directional audio, therefore placement isn’t as restricted. However, this doesn’t mean it can be placed anywhere in a room, but some subs can be close to your seating position (i.e. the sofa), or you can have it near the soundbar instead. Although the JBL Bar 1300X doesn't take up too much space, it is designed to fill larger rooms with sound so we wouldn't recommend it in smaller homes. This soundbar also isn't going to suit serious gamers. While there are multiple HDMI ports here, none of them have 4K 120Hz pass-through to support that resolution and frame rate when playing games on PS5 or Xbox Series X, a feature you can find on our choice on the best soundbar for gaming, the Sony HT-A7000.

Another thing you’ll want to watch out for is the kind of connection you need. You’ll find most modern soundbars have HDMI connectivity, but there's also optical connectivity—so what's the difference? These are two ways that audio is passed from your TV to your soundbar, but HDMI passes high-resolution audio, including Dolby Atmos. Whilst the Sony HT-S2000's sound isn't the biggest, the sound you do get for your money is impressive. Clear dialogue levels and a spacious, virtual surround sound are two of the HT-S2000's highlights. Bass levels are also punchy enough, but it's the Sony HT-S2000's ability to reproduce Dolby Atmos effects that's surprising. It's not going to beat a soundbar with height channels, but for a 3.1 soundbar, it offers plenty. You might be wondering how there can be a best soundbar for gaming; let us explain. If you're a gamer and find yourself with both the PS5 and Xbox Series X, on a large number of TVs you will often find you only have two HDMI 2.1 ports. One of these will be dedicated to eARC, the HDMI audio channel, leaving you with just one HDMI port for both consoles if you want the full 4K 120Hz experience.

High quality sound, Bluetooth and a wireless sub, make this a flexible and easy-to-use soundbar

Press and hold the button on your soundbar for 3 seconds. The control panel will show lights on the right panel going from left to right. The Sonos Arc isn't cheap, but if you're already a fan of Sonos then we think you're going to love the way this soundbar delivers really impressive Dolby Atmos sound.