5 Best Passive Soundbars
Updated on May 2, 2023

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OUR TOP PICKS

KEF
KEF Q650c:

Bottom Line
The soundbar highlights a special Uni-Q driver that conveys clear and precise sound with superb detail and imaging.
Pros
Top-of-the-line sound quality, remarkable Uni-Q driver.
Cons
Costly

Monitor Audio
Monitor Audio Bronze C150

Bottom Line
The Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is a versatile soundbar with a sleek design and great sound quality.
Pros
The soundbar highlights two bass drivers and a tweeter that conveys clear and definite sound.
Cons
Bass may not be punchy enough for some listeners.

Q Acoustics
Q Acoustics 3090Ci

Bottom Line
The Q Acoustics 3090Ci is a top-of-the-line soundbar that conveys perfectly clear sound with great detail and imaging.
Pros
Top-of-the-line sound quality, novel bureau plan, completely clear sound.
Cons
expensive and likely to require a separate power amplifier or receiver.

ELAC
ELAC 2.0 Release C5.2

Bottom Line
The ELAC Introduction 2.0 C5.2 soundbar is a financial plan accommodating choice that offers incredible sound quality at its cost range.
Pros
Simple design, excellent sound quality, and affordable.
Cons
Limited features; powering may necessitate a separate amplifier or receiver.

Top Pick
Klipsch
Klipsch RP-450C

Bottom Line
The sleek design of this soundbar makes for excellent sound quality.
Pros
sleek design, powerful bass, and excellent sound quality.
Cons
expensive and likely to require a separate power amplifier or receiver.
How we tested
The 5 Best Passive Soundbars are typically evaluated based on sound quality, features, design, brand reputation, and value for money. Sound quality is the most important factor, with clarity, detail, and balance being key considerations. Other factors that may be taken into account include frequency response, ease of installation, compatibility with other devices, and customer reviews.

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Article
Buying Guide for the Best Passive Soundbars
Here are some important things to keep in mind when looking for a passive soundbar:
Audio Quality
Sound quality is the most important consideration when purchasing a passive soundbar. Look for a soundbar that has good imaging and detail as well as clear, accurate sound. When assessing the sound quality, take into account the size of the soundbar, the variety of drivers, and the number of drivers.
Compatibility
Ensure the soundbar you pick is viable with your current sound framework. Look for a soundbar that works well with your amplifier or receiver and can be easily incorporated into your existing setup.
Design
Take into consideration the soundbar's aesthetics and design. Choose a soundbar that is the right size for your room and matches your existing decor. Check to see that the soundbar doesn't block the view of the screen and fits snugly into your home theater setup.
Price
The cost of passive soundbars can range from low-cost options to expensive ones. Choose a soundbar that provides the best value for your money after taking your budget into consideration. Keep in mind that while higher-priced models might have better sound quality, they might not be the best option for your requirements.
Reputation of a brand
Choose a reputable brand that has a track record of producing audio equipment of the highest quality. Research client reviews and feedbacks to find out about the quality and dependability of the soundbar you're thinking about.
Connectivity
Take into consideration the soundbar's connectivity options. Choose a soundbar that supports HDMI, RCA, and optical inputs among other options. Check to see that it is simple to connect the soundbar to your television, Blu-ray player, or other audio sources.
Size
Consider the size of the soundbar and ensure it fits easily in your home theater arrangement. Choose a soundbar model that is appropriate for the space you intend to use.
Driver Arrangement
Search for an inactive soundbar with a driver setup that suits your necessities. The soundbar's frequency response and sound quality are determined by its driver configuration. Some soundbars have a 2-way setup, while others have a 3-way or 4-way design. Choose a configuration for the driver based on the content you'll be listening to the most.
Handling of Power
A passive soundbar should have a power handling capacity that is comparable to that of your receiver or amplifier. The maximum amount of power the soundbar can handle without causing distortion is determined by its power handling capacity. Pick a soundbar with a power taking care of limit that matches your enhancer or recipient to try not to harm your gear.
Room Acoustics
Consider the acoustics of the room where the soundbar will be put. The acoustics of the room can influence the sound nature of the soundbar. Search for a soundbar that has flexible settings for bass and high pitch to make up for the acoustics of the room.
Other features
Take into consideration any additional features that the soundbar might have, such as compatibility with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant or a built-in subwoofer. Look for a soundbar with features that make your listening experience better and are important to you.
FAQs
What exactly is a passive soundbar?
A type of soundbar called a passive soundbar requires power from an external amplifier or receiver. Dissimilar to dynamic soundbars, which have inherent enhancers, detached soundbars are intended to work with an outside speaker or beneficiary to convey great sound.
What differentiates a soundbar from a conventional speaker system?
A soundbar is a reduced speaker framework that is intended to convey excellent sound for home theater frameworks. On the other hand, traditional speaker systems can include multiple speakers that are made to be used in a specific listening room and can be floor-standing bookshelf, or in-wall.
Updated May 2, 2023
Written by
Emily Sandars