When there is no possibility to place six full-fledged acoustic systems in the living room, and the sound provided by the speakers built into the TV is in dissonance with the luxurious picture, you have to look for compromise solutions.
Another common soundbar extension is a content source, be it a Blu-ray/DVD player or a multimedia player that reads information from external USB drives, network storage, and the Internet. Often, developers provide integration tools with mobile gadgets such as iPods or iPhones. But all these extensions are just nice bonuses, while the main criterion for evaluating such devices is the sound quality. And here it is worth making an important reservation. Many soundbars are equipped with DSP sound processors, which are used to create a virtual surround sound. The operating algorithms of these processors, as well as the principles of creating a volumetric illusion of a sound canvas, are the know-how of each manufacturer and vary in their effectiveness.
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Test system:
1. Source 1 – Dune HD Base 3.0 multimedia player
2. Source 2 – Panasonic DMP-BDT100 3D Blu-ray player
3. HDMI cables – Onetech VHD1202, 2 m long
4. Digital coaxial and optical cables – Analysis Plus
5. Plasma 3D TV – Samsung PS50C6900
Test material:
1. Avatar 3D Blu-ray Disc, DTS-HD MA
2. Quantum of Solace Blu-ray Disc Image, DTS-HD MA
3. Aliens vs. Predator Blu-ray Disc Image, DTS-HD MA
4. Batman: The Dark Knight Blu-ray Disc Image, Dolby TrueHD
Philips HTS9140/51
Before us is a combination from the largest European manufacturer of consumer electronics, equipped not only with the Ambisound virtual surround sound system but also with a 3D Blu-ray player.
The popular MKV container is supported, but the player built into the soundbar is not familiar with .m2ts and FLAC files. The model lacks an algorithm for automatic calibration of listening room parameters, but a convenient procedure for configuring the Ambisound mode is launched through the system menu. By the way, We had a very high opinion of this virtual surround sound system – it created a complete illusion that real speakers were working behind the audience. The sound of the Philips HTS9140/51 was distinguished by crystal clarity and good detail. However, the impression was spoiled by the rather low overload capacity of the device as a whole – distortions were noticeable to the ear even at medium volume. This remark applies especially to the subwoofer.
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The analysis of the obtained results reveals a reasonable pattern: at comparable prices, the presence of a built-in disc player leads to the deterioration of the acoustic parameters of the system. Philips HTS9140/51 is a clear example of this. The unevenness of the frequency response (Fig. 1) can also be explained by the original orientation of the speakers in the case of building a three-dimensional sound stage. However nonlinear distortions greatly worsen the listening experience. Even at an average output signal level, the products of these distortions are not only easily recorded by measuring equipment in most of the midrange frequencies (Fig. 2), but are also clearly audible. The picture is similar in the bass range. At a level above 90 dB SPL (Fig. 3 shows the behavior of the THD for this level), a significant increase in THD is observed. At a sound pressure level of 96 dB SPL, the average value of the measured parameter is 7.2%, which is the worst value in the test
Passport data:
Name – Philips HTS9140/51 | Disc drive – Blu-ray | 3D compatibility – yes | Built-in surround sound decoder – Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA | Auto calibration system – no | RMS output power (30% THD), W – 600 | Video inputs – no | Video outputs – composite, component, HDMI v.1.4 | Audio inputs – minijack, digital optical, digital coaxial | Audio outputs – 2 x RCA | Data exchange – USB 2.0 Host, Ethernet 100Base-TX/10Base-T | Additionally – optional docking station for iPod/iPhone, optional Wi-Fi adapter, FM radio tuner
Soundbar
Frequency response, Hz – 150—20,000
Dynamic heads – 6 x 6.35 cm
Acoustic design – closed case
Dimensions, cm – 95.5 x 15.5 x 9.6 |
Weight, kg – 6.6
Subwoofer
Type–passive subwoofer
Frequency response, Hz – 20-150
Dynamic head – 16.5 cm
Acoustic design – bass reflex
Dimensions, cm – 19.6 x 39.7 x 34.2
Weight, kg – 6.03
Ratings:
Design – 90%
Sound – 80%
Functions – 90%
Ergonomics – 95%
Final score – 85%
Pros: solid design, rich functional equipment, Ambisound system
Cons: low overload capacity of the acoustics
Conclusion:
The stylish Philips HTS9140/51 system will not only eliminate the need to purchase a separate 3D Blu-ray player but will also give the illusion of owning a full-fledged surround sound system.
LG HLX55W:
Price – 24,990 rub.
The LG soundbar can serve as a stylish high-tech decoration for the living room, and its functionality and acoustic capabilities will be a pleasant addition to the stunning appearance.
To the right and left of the cylinder are grouped dynamic emitters, covered with black metal grilles. It is noteworthy that there are no controls on the top panel of the device, thanks to which the soundbar can be hung tightly under the TV. On the left wall, there is a USB port, an analog Aux input for connecting mobile gadgets, and a connector for the iPod / iPhone docking station, included in the LG HLX55W package. The main switching panel is located at the back, in a niche of the case, devoid of any cover. To connect to the TV, there is an HDMI v. 1.4 output, supporting 3D video. If you need to connect external content sources, you can use the digital optical input. The supplied bracket will come in handy for mounting the soundbar on the wall. The second component of the system is a wireless active subwoofer, enclosed in a rectangular MDF case. The dynamic head and the phase inverter port are brought out to its front panel and covered with a grill.
The amplitude-frequency characteristic graph of the LG HLX55W soundbar demonstrates moderate unevenness in the mid-frequency range. The sensitivity spread (+/- 2.8 dB) here is determined mainly by a noticeable drop at 200 Hz (Fig. 1). The very fact that the lower part of the vocal range will be reproduced by a subwoofer does not cause delight, and here, and up to the middle of the mid-range, a noticeable increase in nonlinear distortions is observed even at an average level of the reproduced signal (Fig. 2, THD 88 dB SPL). Starting from the third octave of the high-frequency band, an imbalance in the characteristic is noticeable, which will lead to an accentuation of the high-frequency register when listening to musical material. The calculated lower cutoff frequency at the level of -10 dB is 42 Hz, but taking into account the behavior of the values of the nonlinear distortion coefficient at different volume levels, we are inclined to believe that this parameter is 50 Hz (Fig. 3).
FAQs for LG HLX55W Floor Speaker
1. What are the main features of the LG HLX55W Floor Speaker?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W features a sleek design with a 3-way speaker configuration, including a 6.5-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch tweeter. It is designed to deliver high-quality sound with a frequency response range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, making it suitable for a wide variety of audio content.
2. How does the HLX55W perform in home theater setups?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W is optimized for home theater use, providing clear dialogue and immersive sound effects. Its powerful bass response enhances action scenes, while the detailed midrange and highs ensure a balanced audio experience, making it a great choice for movie lovers.
3. Can the HLX55W be used for music playback?
- Answer: Yes, the LG HLX55W is well-suited for music playback as well. Its ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies allows for a rich and dynamic sound, making it ideal for various music genres, from classical to rock.
4. What types of connectivity options does the HLX55W offer?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W includes a range of connectivity options, such as binding posts for speaker wire connections. It is compatible with a variety of audio systems and receivers, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.
5. How does the LG HLX55W compare to other floor speakers in its price range?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W is often praised for its performance-to-price ratio. Compared to other floor speakers in its price range, it offers solid build quality and impressive sound reproduction, making it a competitive choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners.
6. What are the dimensions and weight of the HLX55W?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W measures approximately 38.2 x 8.5 x 11.4 inches (H x W x D) and weighs around 40 pounds. Its tall and slender design allows it to fit well in various room setups without taking up too much space.
7. Is the HLX55W easy to set up and install?
- Answer: Yes, the LG HLX55W is designed for easy setup. With straightforward connectivity options and a user-friendly design, users can quickly install and adjust the speaker to suit their audio preferences.
8. What kind of warranty does the HLX55W come with?
- Answer: The LG HLX55W typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that varies by region. For specific warranty details, it’s best to check with the retailer or LG directly.
Specification
Passport data:
Name – LG HLX55W
Disc drive – Blu-ray
3D compatibility – yes
Built-in surround sound decoder – Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA
Auto calibration system – no
RMS output power (10% THD), W – 60 x 4 + 120
Video inputs – no
Video outputs – composite, HDMI v.1.4
Audio inputs – minijack, digital optical
Audio outputs – no
Data exchange – USB 2.0 Host, Ethernet 100Base-TX/10Base-T, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Additionally – wireless subwoofer connection, iPod/iPhone docking station included, FM radio tuner
Soundbar
Frequency response, Hz – no data
Dynamic heads – no data
Acoustic design – closed case
Dimensions, cm – 104.0 x 16.6 x 9.2
Weight, kg – 5.3
Subwoofer
Type – wireless active subwoofer
Frequency response, Hz – no data
Dynamic head – no data Acoustic design – bass reflex
Dimensions, cm – 19.6 x 39.0 x 35.6
Weight, kg – 6.82
Ratings:
Design – 95%
Sound – 85%
Functions – 95%
Ergonomics – 90%
Итоговая оценка – 90%
Pros: Great design, rich functionality, iPod dock included
Cons: No support for FLAC format and 24-bit/96 kHz audio
Conclusion:
LG HLX55W is capable of capturing fans of high-tech design and various technical art objects without a fight. The rest will be pleased with balanced and comfortable sound and traditionally developed functionality.
