Top Picks

Soundbars

Yamaha YSP-5600 Atmos Soundbar
(September print) A pricey but remarkable Atmos-capable (7.1.2) soundbar that utilizes Yamaha’s proprietary sound projector technology to “steer” the output from 42 individual drivers around the room and create phantom speakers. $1,700, usa.yamaha.com

Samsung HW-K950 Atmos Soundbar
(November print) It’s expensive, but this is a surprisingly good-sounding system featuring full 5.1.4 Atmos (thanks to rear surrounds with upfiring height drivers) from a brand we don’t normally associate with great audio quality. Samsung has upped its game, and it shows. $1,500, samsung.com

Morel Soundwall LCR4 SW In-Wall Soundbar System
(October print) Morel’s clever modular approach gives custom integrators a nice high-performance option in a space-saving in-wall form factor. $3,497 as reviewed, morelhifi.com

Acoustic Energy Aego Sound3ar
(December print) This tiny soundbar and compact, hard-wired sub from British speaker-maker Acoustic Energy was the most authentically musical entry in our budget-bar roundup. $400, essence-electrostatic.com (U.S. distributor)

Zvox SB500 Soundbar
(December print) Powerfully dynamic and built like a brick, the SB500 delivers by far the most bass we’ve heard from a standalone soundbar. $500, zvoxaudio.com

Yamaha YAS-106 Soundbar
(See “Value”)