Best Midrange Soundbar – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine watching your favorite movie, but the explosions sound like a whisper and the dialogue is hard to understand. Or maybe you’re trying to get lost in your music, but the sound feels flat and lifeless. It’s a common problem many of us face when our TV’s built-in speakers just don’t cut it. Upgrading your sound can make a huge difference, and that’s where a midrange soundbar comes in.

But with so many brands and features, picking the right one can feel like a maze. You want good sound without spending a fortune, and it’s tough to know which ones deliver the best bang for your buck. Are you confused by terms like “Dolby Atmos” or wondering if you need a subwoofer? You’re not alone!

In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a great midrange soundbar. We’ll help you understand the important features and show you how to find a system that will bring your movies, music, and games to life. Get ready to say goodbye to weak sound and hello to an immersive audio experience that won’t break the bank!

Our Top 5 Midrange Soundbar Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Midrange Soundbar Detailed Reviews

1. Denon DHT-S218 Sound Bar (Black)

Denon DHT-S218 Sound Bar (Black), 2.1-Channel, 3D Audio with Dolby Atmos, 2 Built-in Subwoofers, Dual Midrange Drivers & Tweeters, 4K UHD HDMI with eARC, Dialog Enhancer, Multi-Pairing & Multi-Point

Rating: 9.4/10

The Denon DHT-S218 Sound Bar in sleek black is a 2.1-channel system that brings 3D cinematic sound to your living room. It features Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience, and two built-in subwoofers for deep bass. Dual midrange drivers and tweeters deliver clear highs and mids, making movies and music sound amazing. Plus, it connects easily to your TV with 4K UHD HDMI and supports advanced features like dialog enhancement.

What We Like:

  • The sound quality is impressive, with Dolby Atmos creating a truly 3D effect.
  • Built-in subwoofers deliver strong bass without needing a separate unit.
  • Dialog Enhancer makes voices easy to hear, even during loud movie scenes.
  • Bluetooth LE Audio allows for high-quality wireless streaming from your phone or tablet.
  • Multi-pairing and multi-point make it simple to switch between different devices.
  • Pure Mode offers a clean, unadulterated listening experience for music lovers.
  • Easy setup with the included HDMI cable and eARC support.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the subwoofers are good, some audiophiles might desire even more powerful bass.
  • The remote control could be more intuitive with more dedicated buttons for sound modes.

Overall, the Denon DHT-S218 soundbar is a fantastic upgrade for any home theater, offering premium sound and user-friendly features at a great value.

2. Samsung HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X

Samsung HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X, Subwoofer Included, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite, Game Mode, Bluetooth, Wireless Surround Sound Compatible

Rating: 8.7/10

Upgrade your home entertainment with the Samsung HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar. This soundbar packs a punch with its DTS Virtual:X technology, creating an immersive 3D sound experience. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, whether you’re watching movies or playing games. Plus, the included subwoofer delivers powerful bass that makes every explosion and rumble feel real. It’s designed to make your sound setup simple and enjoyable.

What We Like:

  • DTS Virtual:X makes sound feel like it’s all around you.
  • The included subwoofer adds deep, powerful bass.
  • Bass Boost lets you easily feel more rumble.
  • Adaptive Sound Lite makes dialogue clear and audio just right.
  • Game Mode improves your gaming with better sound.
  • One remote controls both your TV and soundbar.
  • Bluetooth lets you connect your devices easily.
  • Night Mode lets you enjoy sound without disturbing others.
  • Voice Enhance makes voices easier to hear.
  • It’s ready for optional Samsung wireless surround speakers.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it offers wireless surround sound compatibility, you need to buy the extra speakers separately.

The Samsung HW-C450 soundbar offers a fantastic way to enhance your audio experience. It brings impressive sound and smart features to your living room.

3. DS18 JL-SB6 Sound Bar Enclosure Upgrade with 6.5″ Neodymium Mid-Range and Tweeter Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU

DS18 JL-SB6 Sound Bar Enclosure Upgrade with 6.5" Neodymium Mid-Range and Tweeter Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU | Gladiator JT Models 2018-2023 Left and Right Speakers (Pair)

Rating: 8.8/10

Rev up your Jeep’s audio experience with the DS18 JL-SB6 Sound Bar Enclosure Upgrade. This kit replaces your factory speakers with powerful 6.5″ Neodymium mid-range speakers and 1″ dome tweeters. It’s designed specifically for Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU and Gladiator JT models from 2018 to 2023. Get ready for clearer, louder sound on your off-road adventures.

What We Like:

  • Big sound upgrade from 4″ to 6.5″ speakers.
  • Neodymium magnets mean lighter, more powerful speakers.
  • Includes a separate 1″ dome tweeter for crisp highs.
  • Tough injection-molded plastic enclosures built to last.
  • Stylish new grilles make your Jeep look even cooler.
  • Easy installation with all tools and screws included.
  • Plug-and-play connectors make wiring simple.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Cutting the factory soundbar is necessary, which can be intimidating for some.
  • The 2.5″ speaker depth might limit some aftermarket speaker choices if you decide to swap them later.

This DS18 JL-SB6 upgrade kit delivers impressive sound and a stylish look for your Jeep. If you’re ready to cut into your soundbar, prepare for a significant audio boost.

4. DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar 37″ – Will Accommodate 4 x 6 Midrange + 2 Tweeter – Fits Most ATV

DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar 37" - Will Accommodate 4 x 6 Midrange + 2 Tweeter – Fits Most ATV, UVT, SXS

Rating: 9.5/10

Get ready to crank up the volume on your adventures with the DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar! This awesome sound bar is designed to fit most ATVs, UTVs, and SXS vehicles, making it easy to add some serious sound to your ride. It’s built tough to handle the outdoors and is ready for your custom speaker setup.

What We Like:

  • It fits a lot of speakers: You can install four 6-inch midrange speakers and two tweeters. (The PRO-X6.4BM and PRO-TW3L are recommended to go with it!)
  • Built to last: The material resists UV rays, so it won’t fade or get damaged by the sun. It’s also made of strong, high-density plastic.
  • Modern design: DS18 always creates cool, up-to-date products that stand out.
  • Easy installation: It’s designed to fit most roll cages, making it simpler to get your music playing.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Speaker choice: While it accommodates many speakers, you need to buy the speakers separately.
  • Specific fit: While “universal,” double-checking your roll cage dimensions before buying is always a good idea.

This sound bar is a fantastic way to upgrade your off-road experience with great sound. It’s a durable and versatile choice for any outdoor enthusiast looking to add some tunes to their ride.

5. DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar 37″ – Will Accommodate 4 x 6 Midrange + 2 Tweeter – Fits Most ATV

DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar 37" - Will Accommodate 4 x 6 Midrange + 2 Tweeter – Fits Most ATV, UVT, SXS (Renewed)

Rating: 9.4/10

The DS18 RCBAR46-37 Universal Roll Cage Sound Bar is a great addition to your off-road adventures. This 37-inch sound bar fits most ATVs, UTVs, and SXS vehicles. It’s designed to hold four 6-inch midrange speakers and two tweeters, giving you clear and powerful sound. Even though this is a renewed product, it offers a fantastic way to upgrade your vehicle’s audio system.

What We Like:

  • It’s built to fit a wide variety of off-road vehicles, making it super versatile.
  • You can install four 6-inch midrange speakers and two tweeters, which means you can get really good sound quality.
  • It’s a renewed product, so you might get it at a good price.
  • It upgrades your ATV or UTV with a better sound system.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The description doesn’t mention specific details about the materials or construction, which would be helpful.
  • It’s a renewed item, so the condition might vary, and there’s no guarantee of a brand-new look or feel.
  • The “N/A” for features is a bit unhelpful; more specifics would be great.

This DS18 sound bar offers a solid audio upgrade for your off-road machine. It’s a smart choice if you want to enjoy your favorite music while exploring the outdoors.

Your Guide to a Better Soundbar Experience

Choosing the Right Midrange Soundbar: A Smart Move

You’re ready to upgrade your TV’s sound. A good midrange soundbar makes a big difference. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive either. This guide helps you find the perfect one for your living room.

1. Key Features to Look For

Sound Quality is King

The most important thing is how it sounds. Look for soundbars that offer clear dialogue. This means you can easily hear what characters are saying. Good bass is also important. It makes explosions and music sound powerful. Some soundbars have virtual surround sound. This makes it feel like sound is coming from all around you, even without extra speakers.

Connectivity Matters

You need to connect your soundbar to your TV. HDMI is the best way. It sends both picture and sound. Look for HDMI ARC or eARC. This lets you control the soundbar with your TV remote. Bluetooth is also handy. You can stream music from your phone or tablet easily.

Subwoofer: Bass Boost

Many midrange soundbars come with a subwoofer. This is a separate speaker just for bass. It makes your movies and music rumble. Some soundbars have built-in subwoofers, but a separate one usually gives you deeper bass.

Ease of Use

You want a soundbar that’s simple to set up. Most plug-and-play. A clear remote control is a plus. Some soundbars connect to smart home systems, which can be cool.

2. Important Materials

Build Quality

Soundbars are often made of plastic. Look for sturdy plastic that doesn’t feel cheap. Some have fabric grilles over the speakers. Good fabric feels nice and protects the speakers.

Metal Accents

Some higher-end midrange soundbars use metal for parts. This can make them look more premium. It also adds durability.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What Makes it Better?
  • More Speakers: Soundbars with more drivers (the speaker parts) inside can produce a richer sound.
  • Dolby Atmos/DTS:X: These are advanced sound technologies. They create a more immersive experience, making sound feel like it’s coming from above you.
  • Wireless Subwoofer: No messy wires makes setup easier and cleaner.
  • Calibration Features: Some soundbars can adjust their sound to your room. This improves how the sound fills your space.
What Makes it Worse?
  • Weak Bass: If the soundbar can’t produce good low-end sounds, movies and music will feel flat.
  • Distortion at High Volumes: A bad soundbar will sound fuzzy or crackly when you turn it up loud.
  • Limited Connectivity: Not having enough HDMI ports or lacking Bluetooth can be a problem.
  • Complex Setup: If it’s hard to get working, it ruins the experience.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Movie Nights Made Better

A midrange soundbar transforms your TV into a mini-cinema. Dialogue is clear, and action scenes have impact. You’ll feel more immersed in your favorite shows and movies.

Gaming Adventures

Gamers will love the improved sound. Explosions feel real, and you can hear enemies sneaking up on you. This gives you an edge.

Music Streaming

Use Bluetooth to play music from your phone. A good soundbar makes your music sound much better than your TV speakers. It’s great for parties or just relaxing.

Simple Living Room Upgrade

If you want better sound without a complicated home theater system, a midrange soundbar is perfect. It’s a simple way to make your TV experience much more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a soundbar and a soundbase?

A: A soundbar is a long, slim speaker that sits in front of or below your TV. A soundbase is a thicker box that your TV can sit on top of. Soundbars are more common now.

Q: Do I need a subwoofer with a soundbar?

A: A subwoofer adds deep bass, making movies and music sound much better. Many midrange soundbars come with one, and it’s a great addition.

Q: What does HDMI ARC mean?

A: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets your TV send audio back to the soundbar through a single HDMI cable. This means you can often use your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume.

Q: Can I connect my phone to a soundbar?

A: Yes, most midrange soundbars have Bluetooth. This lets you easily stream music from your phone or tablet.

Q: Is virtual surround sound as good as real surround sound?

A: Virtual surround sound tries to mimic surround sound using just the speakers in the soundbar. It can be good, but it’s not as immersive as a system with separate speakers placed around your room.

Q: How do I set up a soundbar?

A: Setup is usually very simple. You’ll likely connect the soundbar to your TV with an HDMI cable and plug it into power. Then, you might need to change your TV’s audio settings.

Q: What is Dolby Atmos?

A: Dolby Atmos is a technology that adds height to sound. It makes it feel like sounds are coming from above you, creating a more 3D audio experience.

Q: Can I use my TV remote with a soundbar?

A: If your soundbar supports HDMI ARC or CEC, you can usually control its volume with your TV remote.

Q: Are soundbars good for dialogue?

A: Yes, good midrange soundbars focus on clear dialogue. This is often a key feature that sets them apart from basic TV speakers.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on a midrange soundbar?

A: Midrange soundbars typically cost between $200 and $600. This price range offers a good balance of features and sound quality.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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