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Soundbars and surround systems for your home theater vary in price anywhere from $100 to many thousands. Finding a balance of price and performance where you get the most for your money is what many are trying to do. For some, that sweet spot is in the $500 range but for many, that happens in the $1000 range. If you belong to the latter group, you’re in the right place. We have put together a selection of best soundbar speakers you can grab for less than a grand at the moment. Let’s check these out and see what they offer.
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When it comes to pure, raw performance among soundbars under $1000, the Sony HT-A5000 earns the top spot. Sony’s reputation in the audio world is well-earned, but the HT-A5000 proves that it’s not content to rest on its laurels. Its ability to seamlessly deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround is second to none. What really sets this soundbar apart is the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. It doesn’t just fill your space with sound, it paints a vivid audio picture that envelops you, making the audio feel real and alive. This audio depth is largely due to the inclusion of the X-Balanced Speaker Unit, the uniquely rectangular-shaped speakers that maximize the diaphragm area, reducing distortion while enhancing vocal clarity.
This isn’t just a soundbar that promises, it’s one that delivers. It stands alone with stunning effectiveness, but add the RS5 rears, and you’re stepping into a sound landscape that has a depth that’s both thrilling and immersive. It fills rooms with a 3D surround sound that quite literally echoes off the walls and ceiling. This kind of audio fidelity transcends mere enjoyment to become an experience. And while its performance with Dolby Atmos sources can be a touch hit or miss, the more recent movies are stunningly realistic. The Sony HT-A5000 isn’t just a soundbar, it’s a home theater in a sleek, compact package.
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Ever reliable, Bose has a knack for finding the sweet spot between performance and versatility. Enter the Smart Soundbar 900. This gem of a soundbar offers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience, sending sound in all directions to deliver a 360-degree audio experience that is nothing short of remarkable. Packed into a sleek and seamlessly integrated cabinet, this soundbar’s nine speakers work tirelessly to elevate your content.
The unique calibration process, executed with a headset, might seem unconventional, but it’s part of what allows Bose to deliver an audio experience that adapts to the acoustics of your space. This intuitive room tuning software separates the Smart Soundbar 900 from the pack, giving it a versatility few can match. Though reviews seem divided on the ease of setup and connectivity, the consensus agrees that once you have it up and running, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a formidable piece of hardware. Whether you’re an aficionado of jazz and pop, or simply crave a clear, robust sound, the Smart Soundbar 900 stands out as the most versatile soundbar on the market, and an impressive rival to the Sony HT-A5000 and Sonos Arc.
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The Sonos Arc comes into play when you’re seeking not just sound, but an audio experience that encapsulates you. Its ability to deliver robust, high-quality sound is largely credited to its eleven high-performance drivers that generate impressive bass and vivid detail. The Arc manages to produce sound that is remarkably loud and bassy, a trait that has pleasantly surprised many in the audio world.
Looking at aesthetic, this isn’t a soundbar that needs to fight for attention. With its elongated shape, soft profile, and seamless facade, the Arc blends effortlessly into your living space, quietly commanding attention without pulling focus. And while it stands alone as a fantastic soundbar for a moderate-sized room, pairing it with Sonos Ones for surround sound can take the audio experience to new heights. Despite initial skepticism from some, the Arc wins over its users with its surprisingly full, rich sound, especially after a bit of ‘break-in’ time while it adjusts to the room. If it’s an immersive movie night you’re after, the Arc paired with a sub and Play Ones delivers an unparalleled 5.1 setup. When you’re looking for a soundbar that provides a multi-dimensional listening experience, the Sonos Arc is your top choice.
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In the realm of soundbars, the LG S80QR stands atop the mountain. It’s no ordinary soundbar but an embodiment of LG’s innovative spirit, offering a truly immersive 5.1.3ch home cinema sound experience. Its greatness lies not only in its state-of-the-art technology but also in its superb ability to deliver premium sound quality that is both full-bodied and well-rounded.
The LG S80QR provides superior bass, resulting from the novel speaker driver, chamber, and subwoofer design that have been engineered to improve both sound pressure and bass quality. Furthermore, with Dolby Atmos on board, the soundbar creates a three-dimensional sound experience that envelops the listener. The design of the system effortlessly matches TV sizes from 55 to 65 inches, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment system. Users find themselves awed by the house-shaking bass, easy setup, and the deep integration with LG TVs. However, the size of the subwoofer could be a surprise for those with space constraints.
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Being the best doesn’t always mean being the most complex. JBL’s Bar 700 stands as a testament to that. This 5.1-channel soundbar is proof that it’s possible to deliver high quality, versatile sound without convoluting the experience. No more wrestling with wires or messing with power connections. Simply place the two detachable, battery-powered surround speakers where you desire, and let the immersive sounds sweep you away.
The Bar 700 transforms your audio experiences with a hefty 620W of output power. From exhilarating action scenes to poignant dialogue, the sound quality remains impeccable, thanks to the mighty 10″ wireless subwoofer. The inbuilt Wi-Fi, bolstered by AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast, provides access to a vast world of music streaming services, ensuring that you have an unlimited supply of high-definition audio content. The convenience doesn’t end there. Despite being packed with an array of powerful features, the JBL Bar 700 remains user-friendly. Long-term owners rave about the intuitive calibration process, effortless set-up, and its impressive versatility. Despite a few grievances about software updates and Wi-Fi connectivity, most agree that it’s clearly one of the best investments at this price point.
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Indisputably making its mark in the high-end sphere, Sony’s HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar and Sony SA-SW3 Wireless Subwoofer combo offers an acoustically brilliant performance that’s sure to delight both casual listeners and seasoned audiophiles. Hailed as the ‘best overall soundbar’ in our earlier review, this system epitomizes Sony’s steadfast commitment to superior sound clarity and intricate detailing. The HT-A5000 particularly impresses with its sound field optimization—clever technology that adapts the sound to your room’s unique acoustic environment, eliminating the need for precise speaker placement, which is a noteworthy innovation in soundbar technology.
Accompanied by the SW3 wireless subwoofer, the setup takes your auditory experience to an entirely new level. The subwoofer, armed with a potent 160mm driver, delivers a deep, distortion-free 200W bass output. This feature-rich duo breathes life into every audio nuance, capturing everything from whispered dialogues to thunderous explosions. Users of this sophisticated audio system commend its impeccable sound quality, well-balanced output, and the immersive 360-degree spatial sound mapping. Despite its premium pricing, the stellar performance it consistently delivers makes it a worthwhile investment for those serious about sound. For those with a more flexible budget, the Sony HT-A7000 may also be an option worth considering. While it commands a higher price point, the enhanced features and superior sound quality could provide further value for all levels of listeners. However, the HT-A5000 and SW3 combo, with its unrivaled blend of usability and high-end performance, remains a tough contender in the premium soundbar market.
Trying to put a price limit on audio gear is never really a forgiving thing to do. Especially if you are one of those who rarely accept compromises. With that said, asking this question is perfectly reasonable. The main worry here is whether or not you can even get audiophile grade audio performance from a soundbar. After all, the whole point of these devices is to be a more sleek alternative to bulky speaker cabinets. The truth is that audio quality is not always the only metric, especially when you are dealing with high end models. Even some of the best soundbars on the market will feature smaller drivers, but it is all about how those drivers are used. With that said, $1000 will buy you plenty of speakers.
Another thing to consider is the quality of both materials and components that go into soundbars from this price range. All of that has an impact on the performance, durability as well as aesthetics of these units. When it comes to built in features, you will start to see much more HDMI support and advanced audio management. However these are present in cheaper soundbars as well, just not this frequently. What most high end soundbars offer is convenience. What we mean by this are Multi Room controls, native support for all kinds of services and more.
At a certain point, any additional dollar you invest into a soundbar doesn’t get you so many performance upgrades or hardware upgrades. What you do get most often are convenience and feature upgrades. Figuring out whether or not this is worth the extra cost is something every user has to do for themselves. With that said, it also comes down to brands. Some brands will focus more on pure, raw performance, while others will push an inherently weaker system to an acceptable level using digital audio management solutions. Once you reach the $1000 price range, there are more variables to think about than you will see in cheaper soundbars.
Deciding to go with a $1000 soundbar is a great way to complete your home theater setup. We have shown you some of the best models in this price range, including one compact unit that is aimed at those who value a clean look. Each of these brings its own set of features, performance profiles and aesthetic solutions. However, they all deliver audio quality that puts them in a category of their own. Whether you want a solid solution for your home theater, or a single speaker setup for all your audio needs, these soundbars will work more than well.
With a rich history spanning over 15 years in an array of audio disciplines, our ethos is rooted in real-world performance analysis and detailed long-term evaluations. We discerningly sift through a multitude of user reviews to distill the true experience of ownership.
This diligent approach allows us to curate and showcase only those products that resonate with excellence, whether you’re a casual listener just beginning your audio journey or an experienced audiophile seeking the next level in sound experience.
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