Soundbar Vs. Bookshelf Speakers: What Is The Difference?

Sound is crucial for every aspect of our lives. However, not all the speakers on monitors, LEDs, and even TVs meet our demand. The choices narrow down into soundbar vs. bookshelf speakers since they fit best for most units. When deciding between two types of sound systems, there are various aspects to consider. This post will show you all the essential factors to consider before purchasing that ideal sound system component.

Sound is crucial for every aspect of our lives. However, not all the speakers on monitors, LEDs, and even TVs meet our demand. 

The choices narrow down into soundbar vs. bookshelf speakers since they fit best for most units. 

When deciding between two types of sound systems, there are various aspects to consider. This post will show you all the essential factors to consider before purchasing that ideal sound system component.

What Is A Soundbar?

Soundbars are a terrific option to update your TV's soundtrack. Some high-end models are capable of simulating a stable surround sound experience.

Soundbars often include many speakers and may or may not feature a built-in subwoofer.

If your item's model number is 5.1.2, it contains a subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a sound system that reflects sound off the ceilings for a more dramatic impact.

If the soundbar supports HDMI, it just needs one wire, which simplifies installation and wiring. With excellent surround sound, you can watch films or play games.

What Are Bookshelf Speakers?

Bookshelf speakers are small and portable devices. They usually feature tweeters with mid-range drivers. If you want more rumble or tremor, you may require an extra subwoofer.

When purchasing the speaker, make sure the amplifiers are compatible.

These products are available in a range of pricing points, from low to high.

The speakers have two-way or three-way configurations. Hence, they are great for music fans. A woofer may work in the three-way system to add more boom and bass. 

Differences Between Soundbar Vs. Bookshelf Speakers

Based on real-life experience, we will establish a comparison between different kinds of speakers. Let's take a closer look at those aspects.

Sensitivity rating

A sensitivity rating indicates how much intensity a sound system with a particular amount of electricity will create. It can have an impact on all types of materials and drivers in your sound system. 

The sound system's sensitivity is often 88dB. The lowest rating is 84dB, and falling below that level might influence audio quality.

Most bookshelf loudspeakers come with a sensitivity rating of somewhere between 88dB and 92dB. A value of more than 92dB is excellent. 

Soundbars, on the other hand, generally have a similar sensitivity rating. The stronger the audio output, the greater the rating.

The devices have identical sensitivity ratings. (Link)

Input impedance

Another crucial criterion to consider is input impedance, and the impedance of a sound system should not be too high or too low. A rating of 6-8 ohms is ideal.

A high-impedance system requires more power. When the appropriate impedance is unobtainable, the sound gets weaker. Low impedance, on the other hand, ruins the speaker by causing it to overheat.

The impedance of bookshelf speakers is usually 6 ohms to 8 ohms. Music lovers highly appreciate the full and gorgeous sound quality of 4ohm speakers.

The average input impedance for the soundbars is 8 ohms. Soundbars with a 4-ohm impedance are also accessible.

Inputs

Numerous connector ports, CEC, HDMI, and wireless connectivity, like WiFi and Bluetooth, are available on both systems.

However, establishing a soundbar is easier than building up a bookshelf loudspeaker since most HDMI connections are adequate.

HDMI cables are enough for soundbars (Link)

Frequency response

The frequency response, known as frequency range, indicates how high or low the speaker can go—the lower the level, the richer and more accurate the bass. 

Any bookshelf loudspeakers that achieve a frequency of 50Hz or below are adequate and do not need subwoofers.

On the other hand, subwoofers are advisable if you're an audiophile who needs to listen to a more precise bass. Subwoofers may produce low-frequency sounds between 35Hz and 200Hz.

Soundbars, on the other hand, may produce a lower sound frequency, 20Hz. The tweeter of a bar may also indicate a frequency range of 2000 Hz to 20000 Hz.

Placement

To produce the most refined sound, you need to place the speakers as close to the wall as possible. Adjust the speakers if the gap between the two walls is the same. 

It would help point your players down the broadest wall to achieve their maximum capacity for the sound waves. 

To get the best sound, place the devices at ear level. You create a perfect triangle between you and the speakers by guaranteeing that their distances are equal.

How to place the speakers for the best sound (Link)

Soundbars are tiny and narrow in comparison. You can place them underneath the monitors to produce excellent audio. If you have mounted your TV on the wall, position the soundbar directly beneath it.

You need to place the soundbars under the TV (Link)

Size

A standard speaker measures 6.9 x 10.5 x 11.9 inches (length x width x height). It weighs from 10 to 20 pounds when paired.

A soundbar typically measures 2.21 x 26.5 x 4 inches and weighs 8 to 10 pounds.

The soundbars are simply wall-mounted due to their smaller size. On the other hand, bookshelf speakers are not suitable for wall installation because of their considerable weight.

Channels

Soundbars offer a variety of channel selections. Even today, you may get a soundbar with a 7:1 band. It includes 2:1 and 5:1. 

They all focus on transforming a place into an amusement center, which is an idea that most people find exciting.

The concept for bookshelf loudspeakers is different. Instead, they judge how loud and robust the bass is. Gamers are the ones that love this feature most. 

We have gone through the most important factors when it comes to these two sound systems. Now, let's summarize the differences with this comparison table.

 

Soundbars

Bookshelf speakers 

Sensitivity rating

88dB to 92dB

88dB to 92dB

Input impedance

8 ohms

6 ohms to 8 ohms

Inputs

Numerous options but HDMI only may be sufficient 

Numerous options 

Frequency response

20Hz

50Hz

Placement

Under the display

The positions of two speakers and you can make a triangle

Size

- Dimensions: 2.21 x 26.5 x 4

- Weight: 8 to 10 pounds 

- Dimensions: 6.9 x 10.5 x 11.9

- Weight: 10 to 20 pounds 

Channels

Multiple

Limited

 

Pros And Cons Of Soundbar And Bookshelf Speakers

Even when a model can create high-quality sounds, it may have some drawbacks that you don't want to face. 

The pros and cons below will help you understand more about the two units. Please check both sides before jumping to a conclusion.

Soundbar

Soundbars can produce excellent sounds. They also offer a wide range of channels to collaborate. Here are some pros and cons of the devices. 

Pros:

  • Affordable

  • Easy setup

  • Compact

  • Various channels

Cons:

  • Less flexible 

  • Unfittable to some large drivers

Bookshelf speakers

The speakers are robust and functional. The sound they create may even be richer and more delicate than their competitors. 

Pros:

  • Flexible

  • High-quality sound

  • Compatible with different kinds of drivers

Cons:

  • More space needed

  • More challenging to install

  • Maybe expensive

What Should You Choose? 

The answer depends on your requirements. We will share some cases that one can work better than the other. 

For music

The bookshelf loudspeakers should be the way to go. Their sound level is higher by default, but you can also upgrade them to enhance the quality. 

On the other hand, soundbars are not very appealing to music fans unless you go for a more costly one with distinct subunits. You'll undoubtedly have to pay more for it.

For TV

Both provide a robust, bass-heavy sound with an immersive feel. However, they function differently when it comes to sound from films.

Soundbars typically include at least a channel-centric setting, which is why they create sig clear sound, especially for dialogue sharpness.

On the other hand, the music in the background on bookshelf speakers is sometimes too loud to hear the dialogue.

Final Words

Soundbars are more convenient and come with multiple channel selections, making them perfect for any home theater setup. 

Meanwhile, the bookshelf speakers are excellent at producing high-quality sound. They are ideal if you want to immerse yourself in your favorite music.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading! 

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Shani Maddox
Shani Maddox
Hello! I'm Shani Maddox, a copywriter and freelancer based in the United States. I specialize in creating compelling, persuasive, and interesting marketing materials like website content, brochures, and email campaigns.