If you want to enhance the sound quality of your 50-inch TV, investing in a soundbar is the way to go. However, with so many different sizes and options available, it can be tough to determine what size will be the best fit for your TV. The reality is that choosing the right soundbar size can make all the difference in boosting your TV’s sound performance. In this blog post, I’ll explore key considerations to remember when determining what size soundbar you should pair with your 50-inch TV.
What Size Soundbar For 50 Inch Tv?
When finding the perfect soundbar for your 50-inch TV, size does matter. A too-small soundbar might not deliver the sound quality you desire, while one that is too big might not be optimal for your TV placement. Ideally, looking for a soundbar around 45 inches wide for your 50-inch TV would be best.
However, before you make your purchase, there are several factors you need to consider, such as the orientation of your TV, speaker channels, connectivity, audio codecs, power rating, subwoofer presence, brand, price, smart features, and compatibility with virtual assistants, warranty and after-sales support. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the perfect soundbar that will complement your 50-inch TV and enhance your viewing experience.
10 Factors to consider when choosing a soundbar for a 50-inch TV
When it comes to choosing a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you get the best audio experience possible. Firstly, take note of the size and orientation of your TV, as this will determine the size of the soundbar you should get.
1. Size and orientation of your TV
When choosing the right soundbar for your 50-inch TV, you should consider the size and orientation of your TV. A soundbar should ideally be up to 50 inches long if your TV has a screen size between 55 and 65 inches. The edges of the soundbar should align with the edges of your TV, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look.
This ensures the sound is properly directed toward the viewer, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, consider the height and placement of your TV, as these factors can affect the placement and orientation of your soundbar. It’s important to consider these measurements when selecting the best soundbar for your needs.
2. Speaker channels
When choosing a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, speaker channels are an essential factor to consider. The number of speaker channels in a soundbar determines the quality and clarity of the sound output. A basic soundbar usually comes with two speaker channels – left and right.
However, for a high-quality audio experience, you may consider a soundbar with three or more speaker channels. Some soundbars have a center channel perfect for dialogues, while others have additional left and right surround channels that enhance the spatial sound effects.
In conjunction with the size and orientation of your TV, the placement of your soundbar, and connectivity options, speaker channels play a crucial role in determining the overall audio experience of your home entertainment system. Therefore, choosing a soundbar that suits your auditory preferences and amplifies your TV viewing experience is important.
3. Soundbar placement
Regarding soundbar placement, there are a few things to consider. Many manufacturers suggest placing the soundbar roughly six to eight inches below the television screen for optimal audio performance. Additionally, the soundbar should ideally be the same length as the TV. For my 50-inch TV, I found that a soundbar with a width of 45 inches fit perfectly in front of it.
It’s important to note that the subwoofer’s placement is much more flexible. It can be placed almost anywhere near a wall outlet within the wireless range of the bar. Some soundbars include a subwoofer, while others can be used with one as an extension. When choosing a soundbar, it’s important to consider the size and orientation of your TV and the presence of any additional equipment like a subwoofer.
4. Wired or wireless connectivity
When choosing a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, one of the factors you should consider is whether to go for wired or wireless connectivity. Wireless connectivity lets you stream music from your phone or computer without tangled wires. Most soundbars today have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, making wireless streaming a breeze.
However, if you’re looking for the highest-quality audio experience, you may want to consider a wired connection like HDMI. It’s important to note that if you have a more high-end soundbar with Dolby Atmos, you’ll need a TV to pass these signals over HDMI.
Don’t forget to also consider the placement of your soundbar and whether a separate wireless subwoofer is necessary for reproducing lower-frequency sound. By considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision about the kind of soundbar right for you and take your home entertainment experience to the next level.
5. Audio codecs and format supported
When choosing a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, it’s important to consider the audio codecs and formats supported. This can greatly affect the quality of sound you’ll enjoy from your new soundbar. Check if the soundbar supports popular formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and AAC to experience immersive and high-quality surround sound.
Additionally, it’s also worth checking if it supports the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, which can affect the quality of streaming and wireless connectivity. Considering these factors, you can ensure that you’ll have a soundbar that delivers amazing sound quality while remaining compatible with your existing devices.
6. Power rating
When choosing a soundbar for a 50-inch TV, the power rating is an important factor to consider. A soundbar’s power output is typically measured in watts, and a higher wattage doesn’t necessarily equate to better sound quality. However, a more powerful soundbar may be necessary if you have a larger room or want to crank up the volume.
Additionally, if you’re looking for better bass performance, it’s recommended to choose a soundbar that includes a subwoofer or gives you the option to add one. As you narrow down your choices, consider the other factors I’ve discussed, such as your TV’s size and orientation, speaker channels, connectivity options, and more, to help guide your decision.
7. Presence of a subwoofer
When considering what size soundbar to get for a 50-inch TV, it’s important to consider whether you want a subwoofer. A subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to producing low-frequency sounds, which can greatly enhance your audio experience.
A subwoofer is worth considering if you enjoy movies or music with many basses. It’s also important to consider whether you want a wired or wireless subwoofer, as this can impact where you place it in your space. I think a subwoofer is a great addition to any soundbar setup, as it rounds out the audio and gives you that immersive feel.
8. Brand and price
Brand and price are important factors to consider when buying a soundbar for your 50-inch TV. You want to ensure you buy from a reputable brand with a history of producing quality audio products. Some popular brands in the market include Samsung, Sony, Bose, and LG. However, keep in mind that with more established brands often come higher prices.
On the other hand, budget-friendly options are available from lesser-known brands, but their quality may not always match up. Ultimately, finding a balance between brand reputation and price that works for you would be best. It’s important to note that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better sound, so research and read reviews before purchasing.
9. Smart features and compatibility with virtual assistants
A soundbar compatible with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant is a huge plus. It’s convenient to control the volume and playback with my voice, especially if I’m cooking or lying on the couch. Plus, if you already have a smart home setup, it’s nice to have everything integrated.
However, these features aren’t necessary for everyone and can sometimes come at a higher cost. It’s important to consider how important these features are to you and if the added cost is worth it. Ultimately, a soundbar with smart features and virtual assistant compatibility can make your home entertainment experience even more enjoyable.
10. Warranty and after-sales support.
When buying a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, one essential factor to consider is the warranty and after-sales support provided by the manufacturer. You want to ensure that the manufacturer stands behind their product and is readily available to assist you with any issues or concerns you may have after your purchase.
In our case, I pride ourselves on offering guaranteed support even long after the sale. Opting for a soundbar with a reliable warranty and responsive customer service will give you peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your home theater experience. So, select a reputable brand that offers excellent warranty and after-sales support when choosing your soundbar.
Is it good to buy the same size soundbar as the TV?
In my opinion, buying a soundbar that is the same size as your TV is not necessarily the best option. While wanting the proportions to match may seem logical, a slightly smaller or larger soundbar can enhance the audio experience. As mentioned earlier, for a 50-inch TV, a soundbar between 40 to 50 inches in size is ideal.
This allows for a more immersive audio experience, as the sound comes from the TV and a separate audio source. Additionally, it’s important to consider the orientation of your TV and where you plan on placing the soundbar. Ultimately, the most important factor to consider when choosing a soundbar is the audio quality and features that will enhance your viewing experience.
What should I look for when buying a soundbar?
When choosing a soundbar for your 50-inch TV, there are many factors to consider before purchasing. One of the most important considerations is what features to look for when buying a soundbar. Firstly, opting for a size that suits your TV’s dimensions is essential.
Additionally, you should consider the number of speaker channels, whether the soundbar is wired or wireless, supported audio codecs and formats, power rating, presence of a subwoofer, brand, price, smart features, and compatibility with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and warranty and after-sales support.
It’s also worth discussing whether purchasing a soundbar of the same size as your TV is wise, which can offer balanced sound output and improved sound quality. Ultimately, selecting the right soundbar for your 50-inch TV requires careful consideration of your needs, budget, and preferences for top-quality sound.
Summary
Overall, when it comes to finding the best size soundbar for your 50-inch TV, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to take into account the size and orientation of your TV, speaker channels, placement options, wired or wireless connectivity, audio codecs and formats supported, power rating, presence of a subwoofer, brand and price, smart features and compatibility with virtual assistants, as well as warranty and after-sales support. While buying the same size soundbar as your TV is unnecessary, it can provide a harmonious aesthetic. When buying a soundbar, prioritize good sound quality and compatibility with your setup.
