Explaining sound bar vs LR speakers for stereo

[geek101]

How do I explain that a sound bar not spanning the length of LR separate speakers can’t match that stereo image of the LR speakers?.

 

[DVDdoug]

A measuring tape?

But soundbars aim the speakers to bounce the sound around and they may have some processing to simulate surround sound (or they may get an up-mixed signal from the TV/AVR) so they MIGHT give a more immersive sound, And with surround tracks, a more solid center.

Different people might have different preferences, and your preference may depend on the quality of each. A good soundbar could sound better than cheap speakers.

 

[kemmler3D]

How do I explain that a sound bar not spanning the length of LR separate speakers can’t match that stereo image of the LR speakers?.

I would say the simplest way to explain it, is, your ear will generally hear sounds coming from where they physically come from. So a sound won't seem like it's coming from 10 feet to your left unless there's a speaker there.

This is an oversimplification - it gets more complicated when the same sound is coming from two speakers at once, which can create a stereo image, or when the sound bounces off something before coming to your ear, which can expand (or blur, or damage) the stereo image.

If they bounce sound off your walls in some fashion, some soundbars can sound wider than their physical width, under the right room conditions.

 

[Ellebob]

Soundbars can actually have a wider soundstage then speakers depending on design. They use two audio techniques. One is to aim the speakers outward. The other is a bit of an audio trick as it does alter the frequency response. If you play the same sound through two speakers side by side but delay one of the speakers the sound will come from more left or right depending which speaker is delayed. This is how sound bars create a wider image than they appear capable and can sometimes create a wider sounstage then speakers placed further apart. Like I said it is a bit of an audio trick and does change the sound, so the sound needs to be compensated with EQ.

Soundbars typically have other limitations that a pair of bookshelf speakers or towers do not have. Many people prefer having a nice set of speakers for music or TV tinstead of a sound bar. Other limitations are dispersion. When you place drivers side by side horizontally you will get dips in the frequency response and not have as good dispersion because of these dips, even when playing using audio tricks. Sound bar drivers are typically smaller maybe 2-3" and won't play as low without EQ. They also won't play as loud without distortion. A bookshelf with a 5" or larger woofer will play louder with less distortion and have better dynamics. And most towers will play lower and louder yet. Size matters for speakers.

Each has its pros and cons and it depends on the application which is better. In general, I prefer a nice pair of speakers over a sound bar. YMMV.

 

[geek101]

Soundbars can actually have a wider soundstage then speakers depending on design. They use two audio techniques. One is to aim the speakers outward. The other is a bit of an audio trick as it does alter the frequency response. If you play the same sound through two speakers side by side but delay one of the speakers the sound will come from more left or right depending which speaker is delayed. This is how sound bars create a wider image than they appear capable and can sometimes create a wider sounstage then speakers placed further apart. Like I said it is a bit of an audio trick and does change the sound, so the sound needs to be compensated with EQ.

Soundbars typically have other limitations that a pair of bookshelf speakers or towers do not have. Many people prefer having a nice set of speakers for music or TV tinstead of a sound bar. Other limitations are dispersion. When you place drivers side by side horizontally you will get dips in the frequency response and not have as good dispersion because of these dips, even when playing using audio tricks. Sound bar drivers are typically smaller maybe 2-3" and won't play as low without EQ. They also won't play as loud without distortion. A bookshelf with a 5" or larger woofer will play louder with less distortion and have better dynamics. And most towers will play lower and louder yet. Size matters for speakers.

Each has its pros and cons and it depends on the application which is better. In general, I prefer a nice pair of speakers over a sound bar. YMMV.

Thank you for explanation.

I would think imaging will be harder with a sound bar . Even given optimal room (if that exists) for a sound bar will the imaging the precise as recording intended.

Frequency response and distortion can be measured but imaging so far I am not sure how to measure it.

No one claims for music soundbars best separate LR speakers. I guess just A/B test is the only way to check for imaging.

I am hoping for a simple scientific explanation on how single sound bar not as long as two speakers can’t produce perfect imaging .