Top Picks

2021 Top Picks of the Year Soundbars

921klip.promo_

Soundbars

Top Pick of the Year:

Klipsch Cinema 1200 System
(October/November) Read Review

Klipsch's Cinema series soundbars push new performance barriers while delivering a product that is quintessentially Klipsch, with the signature Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters we expect from the brand. The flagship Cinema series model, Klipsch's 1200 is a 5.1.4 system with a 54-inch-wide Atmos-enabled bar, a wireless 12-inch sub, and a pair of wireless Atmos-enabled surrounds. After reveling in its performance with both movies and music, reviewer Rob Sabin concluded, "The Cinema 1200 packs a surprising whomp in a small and elegantly designed form factor, and it's an easy recommendation." $1,699, klipsch.com

Finalists:

Roku Streambar Pro
(August/September) Read Review

Offering a considerable sound upgrade over a TV's internal speakers, Roku's Streambar Pro soundbar comes with the company's comprehensive streaming platform conveniently built into the bar. But in this case, the soundbar is only just the start: Adding Roku's optional wireless sub and surround speakers "enhanced my experience even further," said reviewer Michael Antonoff. $180, roku.com

Denon Home 550
(December/January) Read Review

With its virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing, Alexa voice control, and built-in HEOS wireless streaming, Denon's Home Soundbar 550 delivers much for its $599 price. Getting straight to the point in her review, Leslie Shapiro stated, "I rarely have very much good to say about soundbars with DSP-based simulated surround. But the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 instantly impressed me by delivering convincing immersive sound." $599, denon.com

Sonos Beam Gen2
(February/March) Read Review

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 builds upon the virtual surround sound abilities of the company's original Beam by adding Dolby Atmos processing— at a mere $50 premium. Said reviewer Mark Henninger, "As long as your TV features HDMI eARC, it can deliver a reasonably immersive Atmos experience. And even if your TV lacks that feature, the standard surround sound quality this compact soundbar delivers makes it a great choice." $449, sonos.com

COMMENTS
pearl.jimenez's picture
Submitted by pearl.jimenez on April 28, 2025 - 5:28am

Appreciate the recap! 2021 definitely had its struggles, but also some amazing advancements in streaming and audio. Roofing Calne

pearl.jimenez's picture
Submitted by pearl.jimenez on April 28, 2025 - 5:31am

Great read, thanks for sharing! The rise of Dolby Atmos in both music and movies was definitely a highlight.Roof Repair Carterton

bonjovi24's picture
Submitted by bonjovi24 on May 1, 2025 - 1:55am

Domestic & Commercial Tree Care
Thank you for this detailed look back at 2021—such a fascinating year for home entertainment tech! Despite the supply chain hiccups, it’s impressive how much innovation still came through. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth in streaming and high-res music options. If you happen to need a tree surgeon while enjoying your upgraded home setup, feel free to visit our site!

bonjovi24's picture
Submitted by bonjovi24 on May 1, 2025 - 3:54am

CLICK HERE
Thanks for the great summary of how 2021 shaped up in the A/V world! It’s clear that despite supply chain hiccups and ongoing disruptions, innovation didn’t stop—especially in streaming and high-res audio. I loved the expanded Dolby Atmos options and was especially impressed by the Beatles box sets and Peter Jackson’s *Get Back* series. If you’re also upgrading your media setup and happen to notice your roof could use an upgrade too, feel free to visit our site for expert roof repair services.

bonjovi24's picture
Submitted by bonjovi24 on May 1, 2025 - 6:28am

Flat Roof Repairs
Thank you for this retrospective on 2021! It’s great to see the improvements over 2020, even though we didn’t quite reach the full "return to normal" that many of us hoped for. The challenges with supply chain disruptions and the underrepresentation of certain categories in the Top Picks of the Year list are understandable, given the circumstances. Still, it’s exciting to hear about the rise of video streaming, Premium VOD releases, and music streaming advancements like Apple Music’s lossless high-res upgrades and Amazon Music’s Atmos expansion. These were definitely bright spots in an otherwise challenging year.

If you happen to need a roof repair, feel free to visit our site! Thanks again for sharing these insights!

vanhoofalexis's picture
Submitted by vanhoofalexis on May 1, 2025 - 7:51pm

Loved seeing how audio and video tech continued to evolve despite supply chain hurdles. Those Ultra HD Blu-rays and Atmos upgrades made home viewing truly cinematic. Need your roof sorted? You can find us online for trusted Roof Repairs Calne services, if the need arises.

yakimm's picture
Submitted by yakimm on May 2, 2025 - 9:49pm

Morgan attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Junior High, and Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, Washington. He was an all-star athlete, excelling in both football Jeffrey Dean Morgan young and basketball. He even led his high school basketball team as captain. After high school, he continued playing at Skagit Valley College. However, a knee injury put an end to his basketball dreams. Not letting that stop him, Morgan turned to his creative side, picking up painting and writing. These interests eventually set the stage for his career in acting.

Pages

X