Onkyo aims to bring cinematic sound to listening rooms where space or budget preclude use of a multi-speaker surround-sound setup by introducing two additions to its Envision Cinema line with a new soundbar system and an all-in-one TV-base speaker system.
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The LS-B50 (soundbar with wireless subwoofer) and LS-T10 combine a multi-channel, multi-speaker array with DSP technology. As well as boosting audio from TV, gaming consoles and media players, these audio systems only require a single digital cable to connect. Operating these units is simplified by using a regular TV remote control since both the LS-B50 and LS-T10 are preprogrammed with IR codes for nine major TV brands and learning ability for others. This feature is also available on the Onkyo's initial Envision Cinema offering, the LS-3100.
These products double as home hi-fi systems with Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming via mobile and PC. USB ports are also included to play audio from flash-memory-enabled media players such as smartphones, tablets, and mass storage-class devices.
The LS-B50 packs eight drivers (six full-range drivers and two ring-radiator tweeters) into very compact package. The LS-T10, meanwhile, features a total of six full-range drivers plus an integrated subwoofer and is designed to slip underneath the television base.
Both models feature an efficient six-channel digital amplifier with audio output controlled by AuraSphere DSP from Onkyo. Advanced algorithms reportedly manage equalization and sound pressure levels in real time to create a realistic 3D immersion field from regular PCM stereo or Dolby Digital sources.
The LS-B50 adds a wireless active subwoofer, while the LS-B40 includes a subwoofer pre-out. Wall-mounting kits and IR flashers enable flexible soundbar placement.
The LS-B50 and LS-T10 Envision Cinema products are now available and have suggested retail prices of $699 and $499 respectively.
Additional Resources
• Read more soundbar news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Explore reviews in our Soundbar Review section.
• See related reviews in our Subwoofer Review section.
