Ask S&V

Q I’ve got a decent Velodyne subwoofer that I’d like to connect to a powered soundbar. Most soundbar manufacturers now use wireless subwoofer connections, however, so I’m struggling to find one that’s capable of connecting with my sub. Could you recommend a mid-level or a high-end soundbar that features a hardwired subwoofer output? —Jim O’Hara, via email

A I It’s good that you’re in the market for a mid-level or high-end soundbar, because it’s mostly the entry-level models that lack a hardwired subwoofer output. Three powered soundbars meeting your requirements that we can recommend include the Focal Dimension ($500, available on amazon for $399), Zvox SoundBar SB700 ($700), and Bluesound Pulse ($999).

Yet another option would be to use a passive three- or five-channel soundbar connected to an AV receiver. With that configuration, you could use the AVR’s subwoofer output, which would also provide the benefit of flexible setup options when it comes to subwoofer crossover point and distance compensation adjustments.