Top Picks

Soundbars

Atlantic Technology 3.1 HSB Soundbase
(February/March 2016) This hybrid soundbase features a passive left/center/right main section that gets driven by a separate AVR and a powered bass section that features AT’s H-PAS construction to deliver low frequencies that belie the cabinet dimensions. We measured –3 dB at 35 Hz. Wow. $799, atlantictechnology.com

PSB Alpha VS21 VisionSound Soundbase System
(January 2016) This powered soundbase ($599) is limited by size to smaller TVs, but reviewer Mark Fleischmann found it sounds more like real speakers than a soundbar with music and movies. We reviewed it with the slim-profile SubSeries 150, a $499 add-on. $1,098, psbspeakers.com

Definitive Technology W Studio Microbar Soundbar System (February/March 2016 issue, watch for our review.)
(February/March 2016) The W Micro’s incredibly low-profile baffle delivers a surprisingly large image, and its unvarnished Music mode pays respect to the audiophile sensibility. $899, definitivetech.com

Phase Technology Teatro TSB3.0 Soundbar
(June) This passive three-channel soundbar requires an AVR to drive it, and you’ll surely want a powered sub for bass reinforcement, but it’s one of the few bars we’ve heard that truly delivers the sound quality of three high-quality separate speakers. $738, phasetechnology.com