Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Review
Product Information & Ratings
Review Summary
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is affordable and aims to boost your TV's audio experience. The sound it produces, for the price, is actually quite good, and the setup couldn't be easier. The Fire TV Soundbar integrates perfectly with the Fire TV experience and has Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X support. Although the soundbar is relatively compact, the sound it produces has some serious heft, especially when it comes to low frequencies. So, is it worth the purchase? Let's find out.
Design & Build Quality
The Fire TV Soundbar has a slim, trim, compact design that fits right into any entertainment system's decor. At 24 inches wide, the soundbar is wider than it is deep or tall, with a cabinet that is 4.4 inches deep and a height of 3.4 inches, which is perfectly sized to sit under most TVs. The remote control for the soundbar is basic, but it performs two functions that I consider pivotal: it adjusts the volume (any soundbar you get must have a volume that you can control) and mutes the sound (please, always a necessary function). His LED indicator tells you what the soundbar is doing, but that's pretty basic in terms of functionality and very basic in terms of what the soundbar performs.
Sound Performance
Though small, the Fire TV Soundbar is decent for its price. DTS Virtual:X processing is used to make it sound better than it is. When watching a movie with this soundbar, there’s an illusion of sound coming from above and to the sides, but the sound is mostly front and center. Bass is weak, and the sound is a little “boomy” when listening to dialogue. You can use the Fire TV Soundbar with your TV's Alexa for some smart home capability. You can also take advantage of the Bluetooth connection to discover the sound bar's true potential.
Usability & Setup
The Fire TV Soundbar is easy to set up and get to work. It connects to the TV using either an HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable, and Amazon includes both cables in the box. The soundbar is easy to control, too, whether you're using the included remote or the main TV remote, thanks to the fact that it too connects via HDMI ARC. If you want to boost the bass, you can add the Fire TV Soundbar Subwoofer, which isn't included in the package. Finally, if you're into wireless audio, the Fire TV Soundbar can connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Value for Money
At $119, the Fire TV Soundbar is a solid choice for folks in search of a basic audio system for their TV. Its support for DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio may help it stand out in a crowded field of budget soundbars, and its seasonal price drops may keep it competitive. However, it can't match some more sophisticated rivals for either basic or advanced features—and if you're craving serious bass, the Fire TV Soundbar doesn't offer that, either.
Who It’s For
- Shoppers on a Budget: Users who are looking for an inexpensive way to boost the sound quality of their TVs. They want something that is affordable yet offers enhanced audio features beyond what the TV provides.
- Minimalist Users: Users want a soundbar because they want something that can deliver audio quality better than that of a TV, yet they don't want something that is big and bulky and that dominates their entertainment setup.
- TV Streamers: Users want something that can better mimic the audio experience of a movie theater. They watch a lot of content, and they want something that enhances the total immersion of that experience.
Overall Rating: 3.7
Accessible audio solutions for improved TV sound; that's the name of the game with the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar. Short and sweet, DTS Virtual:X is what you get with this soundbar. It's a kind of computery voodoo that provides an immersive experience without the need for any extra speakers, making this a solid option for those who don't want to mess with all that. And you will find satisfactory audio from this soundbar without any extra fuss.
Pros
- Affordability: At $119, the Fire TV Soundbar is one of the more budget-friendly options on the market, making it an accessible choice for users looking to improve their TV sound without breaking the bank
- Compact Design: Its slim 24-inch frame fits easily under most TVs and is ideal for smaller spaces where a full sound system isn’t feasible. The included remote and Bluetooth compatibility add convenience
- DTS Virtual Processing: This feature creates a simulated surround sound effect, adding depth to audio and enhancing the experience for movies and TV shows, despite the soundbar’s basic 2.0-channel setup
- Easy Setup: Connecting via HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable, the soundbar is easy to set up and use, and it supports volume control through your TV’s remote, adding to its user-friendly nature
Cons
- Limited Bass and Low-Frequency Support: The soundbar lacks a built-in subwoofer, resulting in limited bass impact. For those looking for deeper, richer bass, this model may fall short without the additional subwoofer option
- No Integrated Alexa: While labeled a Fire TV device, the soundbar lacks a built-in microphone for Alexa voice control. Full functionality requires pairing it with another Amazon Fire device
- Basic Sound Performance: Although decent for its price, the sound quality can feel “boomy” and may distort at higher volumes, making it less suitable for users who want a high-fidelity audio experience
Key Features
- DTS Virtualand Dolby Audio: These audio enhancements aim to improve immersion, especially in movies and shows.
- Connectivity Options: HDMI ARC/eARC and optical input options are provided, and it supports Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices.
- Three EQ Modes: Movie, Dialogue, and Music presets allow users to customize the audio profile to suit different types of content
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