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Sharp HT-SB200 Soundbar Review
| Author | Danny Phillips |
| Published | 20th Aug 2009 |
| Manufacturer | Sharp |
| Price | £95.65 (Exc VAT) |
| as reviewed | £110.00 (Inc VAT) |
| Latest Price | Click here |
| Design |  |
| Features |  |
| Performance | |
| Value |  |
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TrustedReviews NewslettersFollowing in the footsteps of Samsung's HT-WS1G, B&W's Panorama and Crystal Audio's SSB-1, Sharp's first soundbar is designed to offer an upgrade from the soggy sound quality of most flatpanel TVs.
But improved audio isn't the only reason why these all-in-one sound systems are taking off in a big way - they're wall-mountable, which makes minimal demands on your living space, the lack of rear speakers keeps ugly cables to a minimum and their stylish, unimposing designs are guaranteed to get the green light from sceptical spouses.
At one end of the soundbar spectrum, you have models like the Philips HTS8100, which packs everything you need into a single box - DVD player, 5.1 sound decoding/amplification and speakers. At the other end are models like the Monitor Audio Radius One HD, which are simply three passive speakers shaped into a soundbar. The Sharp sits somewhere between the two, boasting 32W of built-in amplification and sound processing, but no on-board decoding.
It's a 2.1-channel system, housing full-range left and right speakers and four built-in subwoofers, but like most soundbars it features some token surround sound tech that claims to simulate the 5.1-channel experience. In this instance it's HDSS (High Definition Sound Standard) and SRS WOW HD.
The HT-SB200 is an unassuming unit, designed to blend in seamlessly with your TV rather than divert attention from it. That's not to say it's ugly - the black finish is actually smart and tasteful - but it lacks the upmarket sparkle of the Samsung HT-WS1G.
At 65mm high and 70mm deep, it's remarkably compact plus its 800mm width makes it best-suited for TVs between 32 and 42in. It doesn't have to be wall-mounted - four screw-in feet are supplied for table top placement on your AV rack, but wall-mounting is the most aesthetically pleasing option.
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drdark said on 20th August 2009
smc8788 said on 20th August 2009
@ drdark - Probably neither. For a living room TV setup the T40s, while great 2.0 computer speakers, will be far too puny for said use. The soundbar would be better but going by th... more
austin316gb said on 23rd August 2009
@smc8788 - Going for second hand is all well and good if you know what to look for but I have no clue so I'd either end up paying too much, getting the wrong thing or buying rubbis... more
Geoff Richards said on 23rd August 2009
Digitheatre DTS - amen to that! :)
Instead, the lads in Kings Langley created the Pure brand and have dominated the DAB radio market ever since. Oh, and in their spa... more
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Hmmm...
Been intrigued by sound bars for a while, but found them a bit pricey.
Now trying to decide though: this soundbar or Creative Gigaworks T40 series2 speakers?