Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
SB-3
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response (-3 dB): 80 Hz – 30 kHz
- Sensitivity (1W@1M) Left and Right Channels: 84 dB
- Sensitivity (1W@1M) Centre Channel: 87 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Power Handling (RMS) Left and Right Channels: 40 W
- Power Handling (RMS) Centre Channel: 80 W
- System Power Handling (RMS) All Channels: 100 W
- Recommended Amplifier Requirements All Channels: 30 — 100 W
- Crossover Frequency All Channels: 80 — 120 Hz
- Maximum SPL: 104 (108.8 all channels driven) dBa
- Drive Unit Complement Left and Right Channels: 2 x 4" (100 mm) C-CAM cone bass/mid driver, 2 x 1" (25 mm) C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Drive Unit Complement Centre Channel: 2 x 4" (100 mm) C-CAM cone bass/mid driver, 1 x 1" (25 mm) C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Cabinet Dimensions (H x W x D) (Including Feet): 147 x 1307 x 93 mm (5 13/16 x 51 7/16 x 3 11/16")
- External Dimensions Including Bracket (H x W x D): 145 x 1307 x 100 mm (5 11/16 x 51 7/16 x 3 15/16")
- Weight: 9.1 kg (20 lb)
Description
The SB-3 is custom-built for screen sizes above 60 inch and features three separate driver arrays for left, centre, right channels in a single cabinet.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Monitor Audio's C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) drivers, specifically their "Gold Dome" tweeters and mid-bass drivers, are consistently praised for their unique combination of lightness, rigidity, and damping, resulting in clear, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.
- The "Rigid Surface Technology" (RST and RST II), employed on Monitor Audio's driver cones, enhances their stiffness and reduces distortion, leading to a fuller, more textured, and controlled sound, especially in the bass frequencies.
- They've developed a signature sound that balances detail, clarity, and a lively, energetic presentation while being smooth and non-fatiguing, making their speakers suitable for long listening sessions across various music genres.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
191
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
23
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
58
Founding Year
1972
Our take on the brand
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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What if you spend more?
SVS
Prime Satellite 5.1 System
1199
1199
/
1
Reviews
Immersive 5.1 Surround Sound for the Price of a Soundbar Unleash home cinema surround sound in any small to medium size room with the compact and versatile Prime Satellite 5.1 Surround Sound System. Small Speakers, Huge Sound Redefining performance in the compact speaker category, SVS Prime Satellite fits nearly anywhere and fills a space with immersive home theater surround sound. Easy to mount on a wall or place on furniture, it’s the biggest sounding small speaker available. Immersive, Breathtaking Bass Unleash room-shaking output you can feel with deep bass extension down to 20Hz. Featuring a 12-inch high-excursion driver, 325 watts RMS, 850+ watts peak amplifier, and the SVS subwoofer control smartphone app, SB-1000 Pro subwoofer is the ticket to thrilling and immersive home audio experiences.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Awesome gloss finish makes it look more expensive
- Integrates a little bit better with a subwoofer
- A little bit better sound quality in terms of resolution, especially in the high end, and a little bit of a wider sound stage
- More efficient than the Micas and has a bit easier time playing louder in a larger space than the Micas do
- Built in keyhole mount
Product Considerations
- Absolutely require a subwoofer, or else the user may be unhappy
- Heavier speakers so you might want to find a stud before mounting them
- The gloss finish version is significantly more expensive than its competitor
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SVS Prime Satellites offer about 20-25% better sound quality compared to Mica 000s
- SVS Prime Satellites are more efficient compared to Mica 000s
- SVS Prime Satellites have a wider sound stage compared to Mica 000s
- Sound signature is very similar between the two, both on the brighter side of neutral, but the SVSs are a little bit more brighter and a little bit forward
Takeaway: The Prime Satellites offer a gloss finish and improved sound quality, especially in the high end, when paired with a subwoofer. They are also more efficient and have a wider soundstage compared to some alternatives, making them a good choice if aesthetics and performance are important.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Devialet
Dione
2199
2199
/
27
Reviews
Dolby Atmos® | 101 dB SPL | 950 Watts RMSDevialet Dione is Devialet’s acoustic engineering applied to home cinema: a high-end, all-in-one Dolby Atmos® 5.1.2 soundbar that elevates all contents on your television.A true all-in-one soundbar.Seventeen autonomous high-end drivers, all powered by proprietary Devialet technologies, come together to deliver deep infrabass and crystal-clear treble. A plug-and-play way to enjoy a vivid, cinematic viewing experience in a 3D, 5.1.2 configuration. Do you dare to feel the crescendo?
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity and detail across the full-range drivers create a satisfyingly rich listening experience
- Remarkable bass performance delivers a deep and weighty low-end that rivals systems with external subwoofers
- Expansive, informative, and assertive full-range sound transforms the viewing experience
- Striking, high-end design features a unique rotatable center channel ('Orb') for versatile placement options
- Elegant, simple Dolby Atmos speaker provides sound without much added physical or sonic clutter
Product Considerations
- High price tag compared to competitors, especially considering the lack of DTS:X support and HDMI passthrough
- Middling surround sound performance offers a limited ability to create a truly enveloping soundfield
- Lacks sound enhancement features, like bass/treble adjustments, graphic EQ, or individual channel volume controls
- Bass can be overpowering at times
- Lacks a remote control, relying on a mobile app or HDMI-CEC for control
Takeaway: The Devialet Dione is a unique and powerful soundbar that delivers exceptional bass and clear audio, making movies and music sound great. It is a stylish, all-in-one solution for those who want high-end sound without the clutter of a traditional surround system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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Sonos
Ray (Immersive Set)
1056
1056
/
9
Reviews
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Product Strengths
- Clear and detailed audio, enhancing dialogue clarity significantly over TV speakers
- Compact size and aesthetic design make it suitable for smaller TVs (around 40-50 inches) and rooms, with flexible placement options
- Integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, offering user-friendly operation and a cohesive app for control and setup
- Versatile connectivity through Wi-Fi and Apple Airplay 2, enabling wireless music streaming and integration with other Sonos speakers
Product Considerations
- Limited bass performance, potentially requiring a separate subwoofer for a more immersive experience
- Only connects to TVs via an optical port, lacking HDMI ARC and the ability to support higher quality audio formats
- Absence of Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its versatility for direct connections with devices
- Soundstage is narrower compared to wider soundbars, which may not provide as immersive a listening experience, although it does output in stereo
- The use of an optical connection means users have to go through an additional setup process so that their TV's remote can adjust the volume on it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2: Offers a more affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, sacrificing some features of the Beam Gen 2—such as Dolby Atmos and HDMI connectivity
- Vs Roku Streambar Pro: Has similar audio performance but fewer connectivity options
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and stylish soundbar that noticeably upgrades the sound quality of the TV, especially for dialogue. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it a great choice for those looking to expand their multi-room audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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What competes at this price?
Bowers & Wilkins
Panorama 3
999
/
Released
2022
Panorama 3 is a Dolby Atmos-enabled, Amazon Alexa-compatible, home theater powerhouse in a single, elegant component. Bowers & Wilkins draws on its decades of collaboration with the world's most famous recording studios to deliver stunning sound.
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunning design and premium build quality, using a mix of textures and materials for a tailored look
- Clear and intelligible dialogue, especially with a slight emphasis on the vocal range
- Easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface
- Powerful sound that can fill a small-to-medium-sized room, driven by a 400-watt amplifier
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance, creating a taller, broader, and deeper soundstage, especially with Atmos content
- Only one HDMI input and no HDMI input passthrough
Product Considerations
- Lacks adjustability and customization options like individual channel level controls, EQ presets, or dialogue enhancements
- Bass performance lacks physicality and visceral impact compared to soundbars with separate subwoofers
- The soundbar requires a true Dolby Surround or Atmos signal for best results, stereo mixes can sound constrained
- Some reviewers noted occasional HDMI handshake issues when switching between Atmos and stereo content
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Samsung Q950A—the Samsung is better overall, sounds good with almost any signal, and has more bass and features, but the Panorama 3 has better design and ease of use
- Vs Sonos Beam Gen 2—the Panorama 3 is more convincing and confident in larger spaces, but the Beam Gen 2 is expandable and more affordable
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage—the Beosound Stage does a better job with non-Atmos content and offers more flexibility and customization, but the Panorama 3 is equal to or slightly better spatially with Atmos content
- Vs Bose 900—the Bose 900 sounds great with non-Atmos content and is expandable, but the Panorama 3 does a better job spatially with Dolby Atmos movies as an all-in-one solution
Takeaway: The Panorama 3 is a stylish and simple to use soundbar that delivers a powerful and detailed audio experience. With its impressive Atmos performance, it's a good choice for those looking to upgrade their TV's sound without the complexities of a full home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Product Page
Bluesound
Pulse Soundbar+
999
/
Released
2021
Take your home theater to a new dimension with the PULSE SOUNDBAR+, compatible with Dolby Atmos for fully immersive sound. The PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is designed to seamlessly fit in with your existing TV set-up and enhance Atmos-encoded sound experience with precision that will make you feel like you are right in the center of the action.
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressively detailed, solid, and satisfying Dolby Atmos delivery
- Effectively combines spaciousness and clarity when playing non-Atmos soundtracks
- Sound is clear and crisp
- Has a rich, wide sound and handles Dolby Atmos content well
- The soundbar is more musical than most and is able to exhibit a lot of subtlety and has great dialogue reproduction
Product Considerations
- Music lacks drive and drama
- The soundbar is taller than average and may block part of the screen if placed on the same surface as a TV
- Initial setup can be difficult
- Lacks HDMI inputs, requiring the TV to be connected via optical cable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Arc: The Pulse Soundbar+ offers music tracks full of sound color splendor, but the Sonos Arc is punchier, better organized, and more engaging overall
- Vs Sonos Arc: Sonos has dedicated upward-firing speakers, while the Bluesound does not
- Vs Sonos: Bluesound has a richer soundstage than Sonos
Takeaway: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ provides detailed and solid sound for both movies and music. It is a good choice for those who appreciate nuance and detail, with the added benefit of BluOS streaming and multiroom capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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GoldenEar
SuperCinema 3D Array X
995
/
Released
The SuperCinema® 3D Array® soundbars are remarkable loudspeaker systems that combine the elegant form factor of a soundbar with the extraordinary sonic performance of a true discrete-speaker surround system.
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extruded aluminum housing provides exceptional build quality.
- 3D Array technology cancels out crosstalk distortion, providing sound that performs almost like having separate speakers, with good channel separation.
- Folded ribbon tweeters provide delicate sound that is not fatiguing or ear-piercing at louder levels.
- The soundbar can handle up to 300 watts per channel, providing a truly cinematic experience with quiet parts being real quiet and loud parts getting real loud.
- Soundstage can be surprisingly wide.
Product Considerations
- Bass response benefits from pairing with a subwoofer.
- Frequency response only reaches down to 80 Hz.
- Auto room correction should not be used.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- As good as flagship soundbars from Samsung and LG.
Takeaway: The SuperCinema soundbar offers a cinematic experience with impressive sound separation and a wide soundstage thanks to its unique technology. This soundbar is a good option for those seeking a sleek, powerful, and customizable audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Sonos
Ray (Surround Set)
637
/
Released
2022
Feel like you're at the centre of every story, game, and song with surround sound powered by a compact, versatile soundbar and pair of rear speakers.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear dialogue and good vocal clarity, making it a solid choice as an upgrade over TV speakers for vocal-centric content
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller TVs (around 40-55 inches) and rooms
- Easy to set up and integrate into the Sonos ecosystem using the Sonos app
- Balanced, crisp sound that surpasses many budget soundbars and offers better sound than the majority of internal TV speakers
- Full Sonos wireless support with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
Product Considerations
- Lacks low bass, which can make it disappointing for movies or music with a lot of bass, if listening to music with a higher value soundbar
- No HDMI connectivity, relying on optical input, which may cause control issues for some users
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Trueplay room correction is only available for iOS devices
- IR volume adjustments can be problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Beam Gen 2 is the 'utmost winner' with better sound, connectivity, fit, build, and aesthetic
- The Sonos Beam is better with a discrete center channel to improve dialogue reproduction
Takeaway: The Sonos Ray is a compact and capable soundbar that greatly improves the TV's sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy music. Its small size and easy setup make it a good fit for smaller spaces and those new to the Sonos ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Denon
Home 550
649
/
Released
2021
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact design fits easily in most rooms.
- Integration with the HEOS ecosystem allows for multi-room audio.
- Clear dialogue reproduction, especially with the Dialogue Enhancer feature.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio.
- Versatile connectivity options include HDMI eARC, a full HDMI in, optical input, USB, Ethernet, and 3.5mm AUX input.
Product Considerations
- Volume may be limited, potentially exhibiting compression or harshness at maximum volume.
- Simulated surround sound, with a limited Dolby Atmos effect, may not provide the most immersive experience.
- Bass reproduction can be lacking and may require the addition of a separate subwoofer.
- The HEOS app has been described as clunky and not very user-friendly.
- The sound can be a little boomy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), the Denon offers more connectivity with an extra HDMI input, but the Sonos has better center and surround performances and a more persuasive Dolby Atmos effect.
- Compared to the Yamaha YAS-209, one may prefer the Yamaha for more bass because it comes with a dedicated sub.
- Compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the Denon supports Atmos content and comes with more sound enhancement features, including EQ presets and auto-volume mode.
- It can fly solo or work as the cornerstone of a larger multi-room sound system, similar to the Polk React and Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Takeaway: The Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is a compact and feature-rich soundbar that offers good sound, especially when paired with additional speakers and is a good fit if already invested in the HEOS ecosystem. It is a versatile option for enhancing TV audio and enjoying high-resolution music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
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