Soundbar vs. soundbar system

An immersive sound experience is essential in the modern living room if you want to truly enjoy films, TV series and games. Many people are faced with a choice: should they opt for a compact soundbar that significantly enhances the TV’s sound, or a sound deck that serves as a sturdy base? Find out more here about the differences between a soundbar and a sound deck, so you can make the best possible decision for your own needs and home environment. It’s all about finding the ideal audio setup that suits your personal preferences and the layout of your home.

Soundbar: a sound marvel for your TV

For many, integrating an external audio system is the logical step to improve the often thin sound of modern flat-screen TVs. Both soundbars and sound decks offer a significant upgrade here, but differ fundamentally in their design and how they work. The choice between these two audio solutions depends on various factors, including available space, desired sound quality and specific requirements for a home cinema experience. It is important to weigh up the respective pros and cons carefully in order to make an informed decision that will bring long-term satisfaction. Development in this field is rapid, and manufacturers such as Teufel, Canton and Raumfeld offer innovative solutions that are revolutionising TV sound.

What is a soundbar and how does it work?

A soundbar is an elongated audio device that is usually placed in front of the television or mounted directly on the wall below the TV. Its main feature is the integration of several speakers into a single, often very slim housing. The soundbar is designed to blend harmoniously into the living space whilst taking up as little space as possible. The way it works is often based on the creation of virtual surround sound. This involves the use of special algorithms that manipulate the sound so that it is reflected off the walls of the room. This creates the impression that the sound is coming from different directions, similar to a real surround sound system, but without the need for multiple physical speakers. Many soundbars can also be combined with an external subwoofer, which provides the deep bass foundation and thus significantly enhances the sound experience. Modern soundbars also offer various connection options such as HDMI ARC/eARC, optical inputs, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling versatile integration into your existing system.

Advantages of soundbars

Soundbars offer a range of advantages that make them an attractive option for many households. One of the biggest plus points is their space-saving design. Their slim profile allows for easy integration into almost any living room without taking up much floor space. This is particularly beneficial for smaller rooms or where a minimalist aesthetic is preferred. Versatility in placement is another major advantage. A soundbar can be placed on a TV stand or mounted directly on the wall, offering maximum flexibility in interior design. A key factor is expandability. Many soundbars have a modular design and can be expanded at a later date with an external subwoofer or even additional satellite speakers. This makes it possible to gradually upgrade an initially simple stereo system into a genuine surround sound home cinema system without having to make a large investment straight away. The modern connectivity options are also a clear selling point. HDMI ARC/eARC enables control via the TV remote and simple audio transmission. Optical connections, Bluetooth for wireless streaming from mobile devices and, in many cases, Wi-Fi for integration into multi-room systems are standard. Another advantage that is becoming increasingly important is support for immersive sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Higher-end soundbars are capable of decoding these formats and producing three-dimensional sound, where sounds appear to come from above as well, taking the home cinema experience to a whole new level.

Disadvantages of soundbars

Despite their many advantages, soundbars also have a few disadvantages that should be taken into account when making a purchase decision. The main criticism often concerns virtual surround sound. Whilst many soundbars can deliver impressive simulations, they rarely achieve the precision and immersion of a genuine surround sound system with physically positioned speakers in the room. For an authentic home cinema experience that accurately reproduces sound from behind or from the sides, additional components such as rear speakers are usually required. Another aspect is the dependence on room acoustics. The effectiveness of virtual surround sound can be greatly influenced by the nature of the room. Hard walls, carpets, furniture and even the size of the room can affect sound reflections and thus diminish the quality of the surround effect. In acoustically unfavourable rooms, virtual surround sound may be less convincing. Furthermore, with cheaper models, the bass may be too weak without an external subwoofer to deliver a truly rich sound experience. For film fans who appreciate powerful explosions and deep tones, an external subwoofer is often essential.

Sound deck: A stable base with rich sound

The sound deck, also known as a TV stand or soundplate, is an interesting alternative to the soundbar and takes a different approach to design and functionality. It is primarily designed to serve as a stable base for the television whilst delivering a rich sound experience.

What is a sound deck and how does it work?

A sound deck is a flat, often wider audio platform specifically designed to have the TV placed directly on top of it. Unlike a soundbar, which is usually positioned in front of the TV, the sound deck integrates the speakers into its robust housing, which can simultaneously support the weight of the TV. The construction is generally more stable and substantial than that of a soundbar, allowing for larger speaker drivers and often an integrated subwoofer or multiple woofers. This typically results in a more powerful and deeper bass without the need for a separate bass reflex port or an external subwoofer. The sound is projected directly forwards and often to the sides as well, which can create a room-filling effect. Installing a sound deck is incredibly simple: it is simply placed on the TV stand, the television is positioned on top, and the necessary cables are connected. This makes it an ideal ‘plug-and-play’ solution for anyone looking for a hassle-free way to improve their sound.

Advantages of sound decks

Sounddecks offer several specific advantages that make them attractive for certain applications. One of the most notable advantages is their robust construction. They are designed to safely support the weight of the TV, which can be particularly beneficial with larger or older TV models. This stability often goes hand in hand with a larger internal volume of the enclosure, which leads directly to the next advantage: the integrated bass foundation. Many sounddecks feature one or even several built-in woofers or a full-fledged subwoofer. This delivers impressive, deep bass, creating a noticeably more intense atmosphere, particularly for films and games, without the need for a separate bass unit. This also contributes to a fuller sound. Thanks to the larger cabinet volume and the often larger speaker drivers, sound decks can produce a richer, warmer and more room-filling sound than many slim soundbars, particularly in the mid and low frequency ranges. Easy installation is another plus point. Simply set up the sound deck, place the TV on top, and the system is ready to go. There is no complicated wiring for multiple speakers, making it a user-friendly option.

Disadvantages of sound decks

Despite their strengths, sound decks also have limitations that should be considered when making a purchase decision. An obvious disadvantage is the space required. As they serve as a base for the TV, sound decks need a sufficiently large and stable surface on a TV stand. This can be problematic in smaller rooms or with very narrow TV stands. The less flexible placement is also a key consideration. By their very nature, sound decks are restricted to a position directly beneath the TV. Wall mounting is not an option, and placing them in a sideboard or on a shelf is impractical due to the weight and size of the TV. This limits the room’s design possibilities. Compared to some high-end soundbars, sound decks tend to offer less support for immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Whilst they can deliver excellent stereo or virtual surround sound, the implementation of up-firing speakers for overhead channels in a flat sound deck is more difficult due to design constraints. This means that for the ultimate three-dimensional home cinema experience, where sound also comes from above, soundbars or full-fledged home cinema systems are often the superior choice. Expandability is also usually limited with sound decks.

Soundbar or sound deck: a direct comparison

Choosing between a soundbar and a sound deck requires a detailed comparison of their key features. Both systems have their merits, but individual preferences play a decisive role.

Sound quality and bass

Sound quality varies greatly depending on the specific model for both types of device. Both high-quality soundbars and sound decks can deliver excellent sound that is far superior to the TV’s built-in speakers. Sound decks often have a design advantage when it comes to the pure bass foundation. Thanks to their larger cabinet volume and the often integrated, larger woofers or even subwoofers, they can produce a more powerful and deeper bass directly from the unit itself. This is particularly noticeable with effects in films or bass-heavy music. However, a soundbar can reach or even exceed this level when combined with an external, dedicated subwoofer. It should be noted, however, that this requires additional space for the subwoofer. For a full-fledged home cinema experience that reproduces even the deepest frequencies in rich detail, a good subwoofer is essential, regardless of whether it is built-in or external. The sound of voices and mid-range frequencies is usually very good with both systems, but the spatial imaging can vary.

Design and footprint

There are clear differences in terms of design and the space required. The soundbar scores highly with its slim design and the flexibility this offers in terms of placement. It takes up little space and can sit discreetly in front of the TV or even be wall-mounted, which is particularly advantageous in modern, minimalist living spaces. It blends harmoniously into almost any setting. The sound deck, on the other hand, is wider and deeper due to its function as a TV stand. It requires a sufficiently large and stable surface on a TV stand. This limits the placement options and can pose a challenge in very small rooms. Visually, a sound deck can appear more imposing due to its more substantial build, whilst a soundbar often blends more discreetly into the room. The choice here depends heavily on personal preferences and the layout of the living space.

Expandability and home cinema potential

Home cinema potential and expandability are crucial factors for audiophiles seeking the most immersive experience possible. Soundbars often offer greater flexibility in this regard. Many models are designed to be expanded modularly. This means you can start with just the soundbar and later add an external subwoofer to boost the bass. Furthermore, numerous soundbar manufacturers offer the option of purchasing wireless rear speakers, which then form a true surround sound system. Such configurations can create an impressive home cinema experience, particularly if the soundbar supports Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and can therefore also reproduce vertical sound dimensions. Sound decks are generally more limited in this respect. They are self-contained systems and rarely offer the option of adding further speakers later on for an enhanced surround experience. Their focus is on delivering powerful sound from a single device placed directly beneath the TV. For a complete, expandable home cinema system with multiple speakers, the soundbar tends to be the better choice, whilst the sound deck represents a simple yet powerful all-in-one solution.

Connections and compatibility

When it comes to connection options and compatibility, there are both similarities and differences that should be noted. Both types of device generally offer the standard connection types for connecting to the TV and other sources. A standard optical digital input is available on almost all soundbars and sound decks, enabling easy audio transmission from the TV. The HDMI connection, particularly HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), is now the preferred method for connecting an audio system to the TV. It not only enables the transmission of high-quality audio signals but also allows the audio system to be controlled via the TV’s remote control, which significantly enhances ease of use. Bluetooth is widely available on both systems and allows wireless streaming of music from smartphones, tablets or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Higher-end soundbars often also feature Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling integration into multi-room systems or the streaming of high-resolution audio formats over the network. Compatibility with the latest audio formats is another key consideration: whilst many modern soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this is less common with sound decks. For the ultimate home cinema experience with 3D sound, the soundbar clearly has the advantage here. Manufacturers such as Teufel, Canton and Raumfeld offer a wide range of devices with various connection options and features.

Price

Price is an important factor that can significantly influence the decision. Both soundbars and sound decks cover a wide price range, from affordable entry-level models to high-end solutions. Basic soundbars without an external subwoofer often start in the lower three-figure range, whilst models with a wireless subwoofer and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos can quickly reach the mid to upper three-figure range or even four figures. Full-fledged home cinema systems with separate speakers and an AV receiver can significantly exceed the price of a high-quality soundbar with a subwoofer. Sounddecks are often priced in a similar bracket to mid-range to high-end soundbars. Their built-in subwoofer can make the total price comparable to a soundbar-subwoofer combination. It is important to assess your budget realistically and evaluate the value for money. Sometimes, a good entry-level soundbar can already represent a huge improvement on TV sound, whilst ambitious home cinema enthusiasts are willing to invest more for the best possible immersive experience. Brands such as Teufel and Canton are known for their wide range of prices and performance levels, whilst Raumfeld is positioned more in the premium segment.

The decision between a soundbar and a sound deck is ultimately a very personal one, depending on various factors such as available space, personal sound preferences and the desired home cinema experience.

Choose a soundbar if a space-saving design, flexible placement (in front of the TV or on the wall) and the option to expand into a true surround sound system are important to you. For enthusiasts of immersive sound such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, a high-quality soundbar is often the better choice, as it can reproduce these formats more effectively and also offers the option to add further speakers for a comprehensive home cinema setup. It is ideal for modern living spaces with limited space.

Opt for a sound deck if you’re looking for a stable base for your TV, prefer a rich and powerful sound with deep bass directly from a single unit, and want a simple ‘plug-and-play’ solution that requires no additional speakers or complicated installations. The sound deck is an excellent choice for anyone who wants an immediate and noticeable improvement in sound quality and values an integrated bass foundation without having to sacrifice additional space for a separate subwoofer.

Ultimately, your personal sound experience is what matters most. It is advisable to test-listen to various models of both soundbars and sound decks, ideally including external subwoofers. Visit specialist shops, read reviews and compare the features and prices of different manufacturers such as Teufel, Canton or Raumfeld. This will help you find the ideal audio solution that perfectly complements your home cinema experience and will give you years of enjoyment.