Overall 2025 Soundbar Landscape
The 4 Soundbars That Will DOMINATE 2025 (Samsung, Nakamichi & More!)
Looking ahead to 2025, tech enthusiast Alex realized the soundbar scene was heating up. Four major players emerged from the early announcements, each vying for living room supremacy. Samsung’s Q990F aimed for refinement with a new sub and smarter AI. Nakamichi unleashed the beastly Shockwafe Wireless, challenging its own Dragon. Klipsch entered the ring with the Flexus Core 300, betting on Dirac Live room correction. And Hisense threw its hat in with the HT Saturn, a Sony HT-A9 inspired system. These four distinct approaches signaled a dynamic year for home audio upgrades.
Forget Old Soundbars: Why 2025 is the Year to Upgrade (CES Reveals)
Sarah looked at her aging soundbar. It was fine, but the 2025 CES reveals made her realize an upgrade was overdue. Samsung’s Q990F promised smarter sound and a refined sub. Nakamichi’s Shockwafe Wireless offered massive channel counts and powerful bass for less than its Dragon sibling. Klipsch introduced sophisticated Dirac Live room correction at potentially accessible prices with Flexus. Even Hisense jumped in with a multi-speaker system. Features like advanced AI processing, better wireless tech, and powerful room correction made 2025 feel like a significant leap forward for soundbar performance and features.
Samsung vs Nakamichi vs Klipsch vs Hisense: Predicting the 2025 Soundbar Winner
As the 2025 soundbar contenders were unveiled, tech reviewer Ben started handicapping the race. Samsung’s Q990F played it safe, banking on AI refinement and brand loyalty. Nakamichi’s Shockwafe Wireless aimed for overwhelming specs and power at a sub-Dragon price. Klipsch’s Flexus targeted audiophiles with Dirac Live room correction. Hisense’s HT Saturn aimed to mimic Sony’s successful HT-A9 format. Predicting a single winner was tough; Samsung likely moves units, Nakamichi excites enthusiasts, Klipsch targets precision, and Hisense offers a different form factor. The “winner” might depend entirely on the buyer’s priorities.
Wireless Atmos & Beyond: The Key Soundbar Tech You NEED in 2025
David considered his next soundbar purchase, focusing on the must-have tech for 2025. Wireless Dolby Atmos, featured prominently on Samsung’s Q990F, stood out, promising cleaner setups without sacrificing immersive audio. Advanced room correction, like Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro or Klipsch’s Dirac Live on the Flexus Core 300, became crucial for optimizing sound in real-world rooms. Enhanced AI processing for dialogue (Samsung’s AVA Pro) and smarter sound modes also emerged as key differentiators, alongside robust connectivity like HDMI 2.1 with full passthrough and broader Wi-Fi casting options (AirPlay/Chromecast).
Soundbar Showdown 2025: Which New System Offers the BEST Value?
Looking at the 2025 soundbar lineup, budget-conscious Chloe weighed the value propositions. Samsung’s Q990F, likely pricey, offered refinement and AI smarts. Nakamichi’s Shockwafe Wireless, at around twenty-five hundred dollars, delivered immense channel counts and potentially huge bass, undercutting the Dragon significantly. Klipsch’s Flexus Core 300 promised advanced room correction, but the total system cost and need for a potential full Dirac license were unknowns. Hisense’s HT Saturn seemed like a budget HT-A9 clone, but its performance pedigree was unproven. The best value likely lay between Nakamichi’s feature-packed power and Klipsch’s potential for acoustic precision, pending final pricing.
Samsung Q990F Focus
Samsung FIXED the Q990D’s Biggest Flaw? (New Q990F Sub!)
Many users, like Mike, loved the Samsung Q990D but found its large subwoofer overbearing in their space. Samsung apparently listened. The upcoming Q990F keeps the main bar and surrounds largely unchanged but swaps the bulky sub for a “cuter,” potentially dual-driver, force-canceling unit. Early reports suggest this smaller sub still delivers satisfying bass, potentially fixing the previous generation’s main physical drawback without sacrificing too much low-end punch. This targeted refinement addresses a key complaint, making the F model highly anticipated by those seeking powerful sound without a room-dominating subwoofer.
Is the Samsung Q990F Just a $3500 Subwoofer Upgrade? (What’s REALLY New?)
Hearing about the Samsung Q990F, Sarah initially scoffed, thinking, “Great, a new sub for likely three thousand five hundred dollars.” While the smaller subwoofer is the most obvious physical change from the Q990D, Samsung hints at more. Murky chip upgrades are possible. More concretely, the software sees enhancements like “Pro” versions of Active Voice Amplifier and Q Symphony, leveraging AI for supposedly better dialogue clarity and TV speaker integration. While the core 11.1.4 channel count and driver layout remain, the focus shifts heavily towards AI sound optimization and that redesigned, more manageable subwoofer.
Samsung’s SECRET WEAPON? How AI Sound Makes the Q990F Sound HUGE
Samsung seems less interested in adding more physical speakers to the Q990F, sticking to the four-piece kit. Instead, Leo noticed their strategy heavily leans on software and AI. Features like SpaceFit Sound Pro (auto room correction), Adaptive Voice Amplifier Pro, and Adaptive Sound Mode are continuously refined. Samsung appears to be betting that advanced algorithms analyzing room acoustics and content in real-time can create a wider, more immersive soundstage and clearer dialogue than hardware changes alone, making AI the core of their “make magic happen” approach within the four-component constraint.
Q Symphony Pro & AVA Pro: Can AI FINALLY Fix Dialogue Clarity? (Q990F)
Straining to hear dialogue during action scenes was Maria’s biggest soundbar frustration. The Samsung Q990F introduces “Pro” versions of Q Symphony (integrating TV speakers) and Active Voice Amplifier, specifically targeting this issue. Samsung claims these enhanced AI features work more effectively to isolate and boost dialogue frequencies, making speech clearer even during complex sound mixes or at lower volumes. Whether this AI advancement truly conquers the common muffled dialogue problem remains to be seen, but it’s a key focus for the Q990F’s software improvements over the Q990D.
Samsung Ditches Home Theater Dreams? Why the Q990F Sticks to 4 Pieces
Enthusiast Ben hoped Samsung might expand its flagship soundbar into a more modular system, perhaps allowing multiple Music Frames as fronts or extra surrounds. The Q990F reveal dashed those hopes. Sticking rigidly to the bar, sub, and two surrounds (four components total), Samsung seems uninterested in blurring lines with traditional, multi-component home theater setups. The lack of updates allowing dual Music Frames with Q Symphony reinforces this. Samsung appears committed to optimizing within the four-piece constraint via software, leaving more experimental, expandable systems to competitors like Sonos or Sony.
Samsung’s “Secret” Tech That Rivals Home Theater? (Q990F & Eclipsa Audio)
Recalling a “What Hi-Fi?” report about a mysterious Samsung demo that allegedly made a soundbar sound like a true home theater system with wide separation, Chris wondered if this tech reached the Q990F. While details are scarce, some of that perceived wideness could relate to Eclipsa Audio, a new object-based audio format developed with Google. Eclipsa allows creators finer control over sound placement and reflections. If implemented in the Q990F and used in content (like YouTube), it could potentially create a more convincing spatial effect than standard Atmos/DTS:X alone on Samsung hardware.
Eclipsa Audio Explained: Will Samsung & Google Change Surround Sound?
David heard about Eclipsa Audio, announced alongside the Samsung Q990F. Developed by Samsung and Google, it’s presented as a less restrictive competitor to Dolby Atmos. It gives content creators more tools to precisely place sounds, adjust their intensity, and control spatial reflections within a 3D audio mix. While initially focused on platforms like YouTube, its potential lies in creating more detailed and tailored immersive experiences, especially on compatible hardware like Samsung’s soundbars. Whether it gains widespread adoption beyond specialized channels remains uncertain, but it represents a significant new player in object-based audio.
Wireless Atmos & DTS:X on Q990F: Is Cable-Free Finally Perfected?
The promise of Wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, carried over from the Q990D to the Q990F, appealed greatly to Anya, who hated HDMI cable clutter running to her TV. This feature allows compatible Samsung TVs to transmit high-quality, lossless immersive audio formats directly to the soundbar over Wi-Fi. While convenient, questions remain about its robustness – potential latency, dropouts, or compression compared to a dedicated HDMI eARC connection. The Q990F continues this tech, suggesting Samsung is confident, but real-world stability and fidelity compared to wired connections are key aspects users will scrutinize.
Samsung Q990F vs Q990D: Is the Upgrade Worth Waiting For?
Already considering the excellent Samsung Q990D, James learned about the upcoming Q990F. Should he wait? The core system (11.1.4 channels, bar/surround design, wireless Atmos, HDMI 2.1 features) remained largely identical. The F model offered a significantly smaller, redesigned subwoofer and potentially enhanced AI features for dialogue (AVA Pro, Q Symphony Pro), plus maybe minor chip upgrades. If the Q990D’s large sub was a major deterrent or cutting-edge AI dialogue enhancement was critical, waiting might be worthwhile. Otherwise, finding a deal on the very similar Q990D could be the smarter move.
SpaceFit Sound Pro Daily Tuning: Does it Actually Work? (Q990F Experience)
The Samsung Q990F retains SpaceFit Sound Pro, which automatically calibrates the sound to the room not just once, but reportedly on an ongoing daily or weekly basis. Intrigued, Lisa wondered how effective this constant auto-tuning was. Does it subtly adapt to minor changes like moved furniture or curtains? Does it maintain optimal sound balance over time without user intervention? Real-world user experiences will be needed to determine if this continuous background calibration provides a tangible, consistent benefit in maintaining ideal sound quality or if it’s more of a background gimmick with little perceptible effect.
Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless Focus
Nakamichi Ditches Dragon Design? Shockwafe Wireless GOES BIGGER (10″ Subs!)
Fans of Nakamichi’s Dragon, like Ken, were surprised by the Shockwafe Wireless design. Instead of iterating on the Dragon’s compact quad 8-inch subs, the Shockwafe Wireless boasts two larger 10-inch downward-firing woofers. This shift suggests a return to the Shockwafe line’s reputation for powerful, potentially deeper bass, prioritizing sheer low-end output over the Dragon’s unique multi-sub configuration. This change, along with different main bar drivers, signals a distinct direction, potentially aiming for more traditional, impactful bass response even compared to its ultra-premium sibling, despite the lower price point.
Behold! Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless 11.2.6 System REVEALED
Nakamichi enthusiast Maria eagerly awaited news after the Dragon, and the Shockwafe Wireless 11.2.6 didn’t disappoint in ambition. This system packs a stunning channel count: eleven surround channels, two subwoofers, and six height channels, delivered via the main bar, two large bipolar surrounds (with fixed up-firing drivers), and the dual 10-inch subs. It even boasts more drivers in the main bar (11) than the flagship Dragon. Nakamichi clearly isn’t shying away from complex, high-channel-count systems, aiming to deliver an immensely enveloping sound field within a soundbar kit format.
New Drivers, No AMTs: Is the Shockwafe Wireless Sound BETTER Than Dragon?
Comparing the upcoming Shockwafe Wireless to his Dragon, Paul noted a key difference: the Shockwafe uses new drivers from partner Peerless, specifically not the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeters found on the Dragon. While AMTs are often praised for clarity, the effectiveness of the Dragon’s overall driver set was considered slightly underwhelming by some. Could these new Peerless drivers, potentially optimized differently, offer better overall sound dispersion and a more cohesive sound signature, even without the exotic AMT tech? This driver change is a crucial factor in whether the Shockwafe might subjectively sound “better” or more effective spatially.
Shockwafe Wireless vs Dragon: Why Cheaper Might Be SMARTER ($2500!)
Facing a choice between Nakamichi’s flagship Dragon (around $3200+ reduced price) and the new Shockwafe Wireless (around $2500), value-conscious Tom saw a compelling argument for the cheaper option. The Shockwafe offers more channels (11.2.6 vs Dragon’s variable setups), potentially more impactful bass with its dual 10-inch subs, full HDMI 2.1 passthrough, and new connectivity like AirPlay/Wi-Fi. While it lacks rotating surrounds and AMT tweeters, the seven-hundred-dollar savings combined with potentially more conventional strengths (bass, connectivity) could make the Shockwafe Wireless the smarter, more practical high-end choice for many buyers.
Can Downward-Firing Subs DELIGHT? Nakamichi Shockwafe Bass Potential
Recalling positive experiences with downward-firing subs on Klipsch and JBL soundbars, Chloe felt optimistic about the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless’s dual 10-inch downward-firing woofers. Unlike the Dragon’s front/side-firing setup, downward-firing designs often interact more consistently with room boundaries, potentially providing smoother, more evenly distributed bass. Combined with the large driver size and Nakamichi’s claim of 20Hz extension, these subs seem poised to deliver the deep, powerful, and potentially less placement-sensitive bass performance that Shockwafe systems are known for, possibly exceeding the Dragon’s more complex quad-sub array in sheer impact.
“Ultra” Height Dispersion: Does Shockwafe Wireless FIX Dragon’s Spatial Audio?
The Dragon’s “Adaptive Height Dispersion” feature didn’t make a huge difference for David. Seeing Nakamichi brand the Shockwafe Wireless’s version as “Ultra Adaptive Height Dispersion” piqued his interest. Could this enhanced version, potentially aided by two extra tweeters on top of the main bar compared to Dragon, create a more noticeable and effective spread of height channel audio? Improving the sense of verticality and overhead effects was an area the Dragon could improve upon. Whether “Ultra” translates to a tangible spatial audio upgrade is a key question for the Shockwafe’s immersive capabilities.
Gaming on the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless? (HDMI 2.1 Tested!)
As an avid gamer, James needed his soundbar to handle the latest console features. He was relieved to see the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless equipped with two HDMI 2.1 inputs (though fewer than Dragon’s three). These ports support crucial gaming features like 4K 120Hz, 8K 60Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ passthrough. This ensures that connecting a PS5 or Xbox Series X directly through the soundbar won’t compromise video quality or essential gaming performance features, making it a viable option for high-end gaming setups.
Nakamichi Finally Gets AirPlay & Wi-Fi! (Shockwafe Wireless Connectivity)
A major drawback of the Nakamichi Dragon for Sarah was its lack of modern streaming conveniences. The Shockwafe Wireless addresses this head-on. It includes support for Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling features like over-the-air firmware updates (confirmed by Nakamichi) and, significantly, Apple AirPlay support. While Chromecast isn’t mentioned, the addition of Wi-Fi and AirPlay brings Nakamichi’s connectivity into the modern era, making it much easier to stream music and integrate the soundbar into a smart home ecosystem compared to the more isolated Dragon.
Is the Shockwafe Wireless the BADDEST Soundbar Under $3000?
Priced around twenty-five hundred dollars, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless presents a compelling case for being the most formidable soundbar system below the ultra-premium tier. With its massive 11.2.6 channel count, dual 10-inch subwoofers promising deep bass, full HDMI 2.1 support, and improved connectivity (Wi-Fi, AirPlay), it offers an overwhelming feature set and potential performance package for its price. While real-world sound quality needs testing, on paper, it looks poised to deliver an incredibly powerful and immersive experience, challenging systems costing significantly more and potentially earning the title of “baddest” in its class.
Learning from Dragon: How Shockwafe Wireless Could Perfect Nakamichi’s Formula
Reflecting on the Dragon, reviewer Ben saw the Shockwafe Wireless as Nakamichi’s chance to refine their ultra-high-channel-count formula. While Dragon pushed boundaries, its spatial dispersion and bass integration weren’t universally perfect. The Shockwafe’s different driver choices (Peerless vs AMT), potentially more effective height dispersion (“Ultra” ADH), and more conventional downward-firing 10-inch subs might address some of Dragon’s subtle shortcomings. By possibly improving spatial effects and delivering more straightforwardly impactful bass, all while adding modern connectivity and costing less, the Shockwafe could represent a more polished, accessible execution of Nakamichi’s ambitious vision.
Klipsch Flexus Core 300 Focus
Unlock PERFECT Room Sound for CHEAP? Klipsch Flexus Dirac Live Explained
Hearing that the new Klipsch Flexus Core 300 soundbar included Dirac Live room correction excited acoustically-minded Alex. Dirac Live is advanced software that analyzes a room’s acoustic problems (like asymmetrical reflections) and creates filters to correct them, aiming for much clearer, more balanced sound tailored to the specific listening environment. The inclusion of this powerful tool, typically found in higher-end AV receivers, in a potentially affordable soundbar system like the Flexus Core 300 offers the promise of achieving significantly better sound quality than competitors relying on simpler correction methods.
Klipsch Flexus Core 300: Is Limited Dirac Live Enough for You?
While the inclusion of Dirac Live on the Klipsch Flexus Core 300 was exciting for Maria, she discovered a catch: the included license is bandwidth-limited, only correcting frequencies from 20Hz up to 500Hz. This range primarily covers bass and lower midrange frequencies, crucial for tackling room modes and boominess. However, it won’t correct issues in the upper midrange and treble, which affect clarity and imaging. Whether this limited correction is sufficient depends on the user’s room problems and expectations; it addresses the most common issues but isn’t the full-range solution some might hope for out-of-the-box.
The Hidden Cost of Klipsch Flexus: Upgrading to Full Bandwidth Dirac Live
Discovering the Klipsch Flexus Core 300 only included a limited (20-500Hz) Dirac Live license left James wanting more. Klipsch confirmed a full bandwidth license (20Hz-20kHz), capable of correcting the entire frequency spectrum for maximum clarity and accuracy, will be available for purchase separately via Dirac’s website later. This means achieving the absolute best sound the system is capable of involves an additional, currently unspecified cost beyond the initial soundbar purchase. Buyers need to factor in this potential upgrade expense if they desire the ultimate level of room correction offered by the full Dirac Live suite.
Klipsch Takes on Room Acoustics: Why Flexus Core 300 Could Be Special
Klipsch, known for its dynamic speakers, took a sophisticated turn with the Flexus Core 300 by incorporating Dirac Live. Leo realized this wasn’t just another soundbar; it was an attempt to seriously address the biggest variable in audio quality: the listening room. By including professional-grade room correction software aimed at minimizing negative room interactions like asynchronous reflections, Klipsch is providing users a tool to achieve sound quality potentially far superior to competitors that ignore or use basic corrections. This focus on acoustic optimization could make the Flexus system truly special for discerning listeners in imperfect rooms.
Modular Sound, Pro Correction: Building the Ultimate Klipsch Flexus System
The Klipsch Flexus line isn’t just the Core 300 soundbar; it includes matching wireless surrounds (Flexus Surr 200) and a subwoofer (Flexus Sub 200). For enthusiast Sarah, this modularity, combined with Dirac Live, offered exciting possibilities. She could start with the Core 300 and its bass/lower-mid correction, then add surrounds and a sub later for a full immersive setup. Furthermore, upgrading to the full Dirac Live license would allow her to calibrate the entire multi-component system precisely to her room, potentially creating a highly optimized, high-performance Klipsch surround sound experience tailored perfectly to her space.
Hisense HT Saturn Focus
Hisense Tries to Copy Sony’s BEST Soundbar… Does it FAIL? (HT Saturn)
Seeing the Hisense HT Saturn – a five-speaker system (four satellites, one sub) running through a control box – David immediately thought of the highly successful Sony HT-A9 Quad system. Hisense seemed to be directly mimicking Sony’s innovative form factor. However, initial specs suggested potential shortcomings: fewer drivers overall (13 vs Sony’s 16 in satellites), a smaller sub (6-inch), and fewer up-firing channels (two vs Sony’s four). While imitation is flattery, the question arose: could Hisense replicate Sony’s magic, or was the Saturn a pale, underpowered copy destined to fail?
4.1.2 Channels for 85″ TVs? Unpacking the Hisense HT Saturn Confusion
The Hisense HT Saturn being marketed for huge 85-inch+ TVs, yet only offering a 4.1.2 channel configuration, seemed perplexing to Lisa. Four surround channels, one sub, and only two height channels felt underwhelming for such large screens. The system does utilize twelve drivers across its four satellite speakers plus the sub driver. Crucially, Hisense stated it uses a compatible Hisense TV as the center channel (similar to Sony’s Acoustic Center Sync). This explains the “.1” but still leaves the height channel count lower than many premium soundbars aiming for convincing Atmos immersion.
Hisense HT Saturn vs Sony HT-A9 Quad: Is Cheaper Just… Worse?
Comparing the Hisense HT Saturn directly to the Sony HT-A9 Quad it clearly emulates, Ken noted significant spec differences suggesting potential inferiority, despite the likely lower price of the Hisense. The Saturn has fewer drivers in its satellites (12 total vs Sony’s 16), only two up-firing drivers for Atmos height effects (vs Sony’s four), and a smaller subwoofer (6-inch vs Sony’s optional larger ones). While both boast room correction features, Sony’s pedigree and superior hardware specifications strongly suggest the HT-A9 remains the “genuine article,” with the Saturn potentially being a compromised, budget alternative.
Can Hisense Compete in High-End Audio? (HT Saturn First Look)
Hisense is known for TVs, but their audio equipment pedigree is less established. The announcement of the HT Saturn, a complex multi-speaker system aiming at the high-end market dominated by Sony, Samsung, and others, raised eyebrows for Maria. Can Hisense deliver audio quality and sophisticated processing (like its room correction feature) to truly compete with brands that have decades of audio R&D? The Saturn represents a bold move, but its success hinges entirely on whether Hisense’s audio engineering can match its ambition and overcome skepticism about its capabilities in premium sound reproduction.
Forget AirPlay/Chromecast? Hisense HT Saturn’s Connectivity Limitations
Looking at the Hisense HT Saturn’s features, connectivity-focused Alex noticed some omissions compared to competitors. While it reportedly has HDMI eARC, an HDMI input (passthrough capabilities unknown), and Bluetooth 5.3, there was no mention of Wi-Fi-based casting standards like Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast. For users who rely heavily on these platforms for easy music streaming or multi-room audio integration, this lack of support could be a significant drawback compared to systems from Samsung or Nakamichi (Shockwafe Wireless) that offer broader network connectivity options beyond basic Bluetooth.
Conceptual & Technical Angles
Soundbar AI in 2025: Gimmick or Game Changer? (Samsung Focus)
Samsung heavily emphasized AI sound features like AVA Pro and SpaceFit Sound Pro in its Q990F announcement. Tech analyst Priya wondered: is this advanced processing truly enhancing the audio experience, or is it mostly marketing jargon? Can AI genuinely adapt sound in real-time to room conditions and content nuances better than traditional calibration? While promising clearer dialogue and optimized soundstages, the real-world effectiveness and subtlety of these AI algorithms will determine if they represent a true step forward in soundbar intelligence or just a complex layer of processing with questionable audible benefits.
Dirac Live on Soundbars: The Future of Home Audio Correction? (Klipsch)
The inclusion of Dirac Live on the Klipsch Flexus Core 300 signaled a potential shift for soundbars, thought audiophile Mark. Bringing professional-grade room correction, previously reserved for AV receivers, into the soundbar space could dramatically improve audio quality for average users dealing with imperfect rooms. If successful and adopted by more manufacturers (even with limited bandwidth licenses initially), Dirac Live or similar advanced systems could become a standard expectation, moving beyond basic EQ adjustments to offer truly tailored, acoustically optimized sound directly from the soundbar itself, representing a significant evolution.
Wireless Surround Sound: Have We Finally Ditched Speaker Wires for Good?
Systems like the Samsung Q990F (wireless sub/surrounds), Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless, Klipsch Flexus (wireless peripherals), and Hisense HT Saturn all rely heavily on wireless connections between components. For home theater enthusiast Sarah, this trend raised a question: have we reached a point where wireless reliability and fidelity match wired connections for surround sound? While setup is vastly simplified, concerns about potential dropouts, latency, and possible audio compression with some wireless protocols still linger for purists. 2025’s systems will further test if wireless has truly conquered these final hurdles for seamless, high-quality immersive audio.
HDMI 2.1 Soundbar Passthrough: Ensuring Full Compatibility (4K120, VRR)
Gamers like James connecting consoles through their soundbars needed assurance that crucial video features weren’t lost. The confirmation that systems like the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless and Samsung Q990F support full HDMI 2.1 passthrough is vital. This means the soundbar’s HDMI inputs and output can handle signals carrying 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and advanced HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+). Without this full compatibility, gamers would face compromises, making robust HDMI 2.1 support a non-negotiable feature for modern, high-performance soundbar systems in 2025.
Downward vs Front-Firing Subs in Soundbars: Which is Better? (Nakamichi)
Noticing the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless uses downward-firing subs while the Dragon used a mix, bass enthusiast Chloe pondered the difference. Downward-firing designs interact directly with the floor, often resulting in a sense of omnidirectional bass that can feel powerful and fill a room easily, sometimes being less sensitive to exact placement. Front/side-firing subs can be more directional, potentially offering tighter, punchier bass but sometimes creating nulls or peaks depending on room position. Experience suggests downward-firing often provides more consistent positive results in typical living rooms for soundbar kits, potentially favoring the Shockwafe’s approach for reliable impact.