Design should never take precedence over functionality. Although it sometimes happens, today it is not the usual and what we do have are proposals that together with some interesting technical characteristics provide that plus in the aesthetic section that allows it to differentiate itself from the rest of the competition. An example of this are these sound bars with a very striking design.
Beyond sound quality
As with televisions, manufacturers of audio devices also try to do their bit in terms of design. Always, as we said before, without forgetting or compromising what really matters: the sound quality.
During the last years it is true that the proposals in sound bars have been advancing towards more minimalist and sober designs with design lines that fit perfectly in all kinds of environments. That together with some sober finishes have allowed us to focus on the image and watch the sound experience when watching a movie or series.
However, there are still manufacturers who are committed to giving that twist to the subject of design to achieve a point of showiness that allows them to add value to their product. And incidentally raise the price for the exclusivity that may come from having a sound bar that does not seem like a sound bar.
In the event that you are one of these users interested in a bar of this type, we have compiled some of the most striking devices that you can buy right now. Although, surely, the price is what least convinces you of each of them.
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar
Bowers & Wilkins is one of those brands that have always stood out from the rest of the options on the market due to their design. This Formation Bar is true that it is one of the sound bars plus sound bar. That is, its shape does not differ much from the rest of the options on the market, but it does introduce that drawing that covers the nine integrated speakers and that gives it a point of decoration rather than a sound device.
With a strong promise in the sound quality it can achieve, this bar also offers support for AirPlay 2, Dolby sound and the patented Formation technology with which the joint use with other brand sound solutions allow precise synchronization for a sound. high quality.
B&O Beosound Stage
In the same way that the previous manufacturer, Bang & Olufsen or B&O is another of the brands that is still more concerned about the design of their products. At the end of 2019, he presented two devices that were focused on audio, which were quite striking for those seeking that quality and aesthetic differentiation.
The first is the B&O Beosound Stage , a very aesthetic soundbar when we put it on the wall. Because it is true that it does not hide what it is, but it does provide that point that will attract the attention of all who love the minimalist and functional. In addition, available in various finishes for the frame that surrounds it, it is a solution where details such as controls are taken care of so that the integration is very pleasant.
Logically, this is not just another sound bar with a striking aesthetic, quality is something that the brand also cares for and here it offers a total of 11 speakers (3 tweeters, 4 mids and 4 woofers). Along with the latest in sound technology, with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD as well as AirPlay2, Chromecast, BT 4.2, QPlay 2.0, BeoLink Multiroom, etc., it is a very high-level proposal.
Depending on the finish of the sound bar, the price can vary from 1,500 euros to 2,250 euros .
Of course, if you are looking for something really striking, pay attention to B&O Beovision Harmony . This is not a sound bar, but it is worth mentioning because it offers a sound system integrated into a motorized cabinet where practically any television can be placed and depending on whether we have it active or we will not achieve a different aesthetic.
Striking? Yes, a lot, but despite the included LG OLEC C9 77-inch TV, one of the best screens on the market, the price is 18,500 euros. So we fear that for the majority it will remain anecdotal.
911 Soundbar Black Edition
Porsche is one of the most iconic brands in the world, a fame that it has been achieving over the years and in particular since the launch of the legendary Porsche 911. Well, based on the design of its famous car, the 911 Soundbar arrives, a sound bar that once placed on top of a piece of furniture could look like anything but that.
If you look, at the top there is a piece that simulates the rear silencer and the exhaust pipe that become the resonance system. Little can really be said about this proposal that it is much better to see it and draw your own conclusions than to be told about it.
Of course, beyond the striking of its design, the truth is that here it must be said that without doubting that it will sound very good, its sound system bets only on a 2.1 configuration. So, despite having support for Dolby Digital, DTS TruSurround, etc., here we do admit that you may pay more for exclusivity than for the listening proposal. It costs 3,400 euros.
Yamaha YSP-5600
This latest Yamaha soundbar, the YSP-5600, may not stand out too much for its design, but when you take into account its interior, things change. And it has a total of 44 speakers , you read correctly, with which they promise to offer an experience that completely differentiates them from other proposals on the market.
The use of so many loudspeakers allows the sound to be precisely adapted so that when it is projected it is aimed at the user in the most optimal way possible. This together with new technologies allows you to enjoy 3D audio or spatial sound.
Undoubtedly, a solution that will attract attention for its capabilities, for the generous size to introduce such a number of speakers and for that physical section when it comes to concealing such a particular internal proposal without appearing anything other than a bar sound where the fusion with the environment is something important too
Taking into account the bet it represents, its approximate 1,350 euros that cost do not seem very disproportionate.
