The TV and movie industries have changed the way we will experience sound forever. Traditional speaker bars went through a boom in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but now they seem almost passé. The television and movie industries have found a way to utilize modern technology to deliver an incredible audio experience straight to our home; the soundbar!
What is a soundbar exactly? A soundbar is a box that sits between your TV and the wall, containing speakers and an amplifier. The soundbar connects to your TV via HDMI, and allows for wireless speakers and microphones to be used throughout the home. A remote, usually with a touchscreen display, is used to operate the device.
This article will go over the differences between the 2.1 and 3.1 soundbars, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs. We will also cover the pros and cons of both options and which one is better for your home theater room!
Table of Contents
2.1 vs 3.1 Soundbar: What Is The Difference?
While both the 2.1 and 3.1 soundbars can play nicely with modern TVs and movie cameras, they serve different purposes. The 2.1 soundbar was originally designed for use with a computer or notebook, where the screen was the focus. This model comes with only two 1.0 stereo speakers, and a subwoofer, as well as a single HDMI port. Its range is relatively short and doesn’t cover as much volume as some of its counterparts.
The 3.1 soundbar was developed with home theaters in mind, where the focus is on delivering a full high-quality movie experience. Three 1.0 stereo speakers and a full-range amplifier are incorporated into one device, with two HDMI ports and a dedicated subwoofer for additional connections.
Which One Should You Get?
Depending on your needs, you may want to choose one of these TV soundbars over the other. If you have a home theater room and want a speaker system that can cover the entire room, the 3.1 soundbar is the one for you. It has a much broader range and can play louder volumes than the 2.1 model. In addition, the 3.1 soundbar offers greater flexibility due to its expanded number of HDMI ports, as well as a dedicated subwoofer for increased bass response.
2.1 vs 3.1 Soundbar: Pros And Cons
The 2.1 soundbar has a fairly simple set-up procedure and a straightforward design. It is also relatively inexpensive, considering its lack of features, but if you’re looking for something that can cover the basics, this model won’t disappoint. If you’re looking for something more high-end, however, you may want to consider the 3.1 soundbar instead.
The 3.1 soundbar has a more complex design due to its inclusion of additional features. It is also more expensive than the 2.1 model, primarily due to its increased feature set. Some of the things you’ll find on the 3.1 soundbar are a built-in camera, microphone, and speaker reflection reduction technology. Depending on your needs, you may or may not want to include these features in your home theater setup.
Why Is The Subwoofer Important?
The subwoofer is an important aspect of any home theater setup, primarily because it allows for greater bass response. If you watch a lot of movies and TV shows, you’ll notice the difference once you get used to it. When watching movies or TV shows with a lot of bass, it really enhances the overall experience. This is why most people opt for the 3.1 soundbar over the 2.1 model, as the former has a dedicated subwoofer that can pump out a lot of low end while the latter does not.
Final Takeaway
When watching movies and TV shows at home, the use of surround sound is becoming commonplace. With newer soundbars like the ones mentioned above, you’ll find that almost all TVs and movie cameras can be used to their fullest potential, playing back all the sound in high fidelity. While most people will opt for the 3.1 model due to its increased feature set and broader range of outputs, if you have a small TV and just want something that can play basic audio from a computer or notebook, the 2.1 soundbar will suffice.