Amazon Fire TV Soundbar review: A compact and affordable solution to the problem of poor TV audio

The age-old problem of poor TV audio has plagued viewers for decades. With the switch from old CRT sets to sleek new flat-panel TVs, we lost something important - decent sound quality. The solution, of course, is a soundbar, and these days you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who buys a new TV without considering an accompanying soundbar to boost their viewing experience. In this article, I’ll be taking a closer look at the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, a compact and affordable solution for those looking to upgrade their TV’s audio capabilities. I’ll be putting it through its paces to see if it’s worth the relatively low price tag of £120.

The State of Soundbars

It wasn’t always this way. In fact, it wasn’t until the early-to-mid 90s that soundbars really started to gain popularity as a solution to the problem of poor TV audio. Altec Lansing was first to market with its ‘Sound of the Theatre’ ADA106 back in 1998, but it wouldn’t be until later that soundbars really rose to prominence. Fast-forward to today, and it’s hard to find someone who buys a TV without considering a soundbar to go along with it. And why not? With even basic soundbars offering a significant improvement over the built-in speakers of most modern TVs, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to enhance their viewing experience.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar: Specs and Setup

So, what exactly does the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar have to offer? Here are the key specs:

• Speaker channels: 2.0
• Audio power: 2x 20W
• EQ modes: Films, Music, Dialogue
• Audio codec: DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Digital
• Connections: HDMI, Digital Optical, USB-A, Bluetooth
• Compatibility: Smart TVs and smart TVs with streaming media players
• Dimensions: 610 x 90 x 65mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 1.8kg
• Included in box: Fire TV Soundbar, remote, HDMI cable, power cable, 2x AAA batteries, wall mounting kit, and Quick Start Guide

Setting up the Fire TV Soundbar is a breeze. Simply plug it in, connect it to your TV via HDMI, and you’re good to go. The included remote makes it easy to control the soundbar, and you can also use your TV’s remote if it’s compatible. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music from your phone or tablet, making the Fire TV Soundbar a great option for music lovers.

Design and Functionality

The Fire TV Soundbar is decidedly minimalist in its design, with a sleek black finish and a black grille covering the entire length of the device. It’s compact, too, measuring just 65cm in length, making it easy to place under your TV. The five buttons on top - for on/off, input selection, Bluetooth pairing, and volume up and down - are simple and intuitive to use, and the bundled remote makes it easy to control the soundbar from the comfort of your sofa.

But how does it sound? In short, it’s a revelation. The additional power output makes an immediate and obvious improvement to audio performance, with the DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Digital codecs delivering a sumptuous and truly immersive virtual 3D surround soundscape. Dialogue is clear and crisp, and bass is rich and satisfying. For a soundbar of this size and price, it’s a remarkable achievement.

Verdict

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar may not be the best-sounding soundbar on the market, but it’s a great option for those looking for a compact and affordable solution to the problem of poor TV audio. With its sleek design, easy setup, and impressive audio quality, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their viewing experience. And at just £120, it’s a steal.

Photo: Amazon

Rating: 4.5/5

Price: £120

Buy Now: Amazon

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Amazon Fire TV Soundbar specs:

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Photo: Amazon

Photo: Amazon

Photo: Amazon