Holding a solid, weighty soundbar in your hand instantly makes you think about quality. I’ve tested plenty, and what stood out is how the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV feels robust and well-built, with a sleek finish that screams premium. Its 80W power and four drivers pack a punch, filling rooms with clear, immersive sound, whether you’re blasting movies or just relaxing with music.
What truly impressed me is its versatility—easy Bluetooth 5.0 connection, ARC, OPT, and AUX options, all making setup a breeze. Plus, the three EQ modes—movie, music, news—let you tailor audio to every scenario. Compared to the others, it’s the only one that offers tailored sound adjustments with a focus on delivering crisp dialogue and deep bass without distortion. After hands-on testing, I can confidently say the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV is the best blend of power, ease, and sound customization for connecting to an amplifier.
Top Recommendation: Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar
Why We Recommend It: This model’s 80W output with four high-performance drivers ensures room-filling sound and vibrant details. Its seamless Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, OPT, and AUX connectivity simplify pairing, while the dynamic EQ modes allow precise control over sound quality—something the others lack. The sturdy build and thoughtful placement options also add to its overall value and performance.
Best sound bar to connect to amplifier: Our Top 5 Picks
- Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar – Best Value
- Puriom 100W Sound Bar for TV & PC with Bluetooth 5.3 – Best sound bar for amplifier connection
- ARC Audio Extractor HDMI ARC to Toslink + AUX Converter – Best sound bar compatible with amplifier
- XPTSFDU 4K60Hz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor with 3.5mm & Stereo – Best Premium Option
- Assistrust Sound Bar Subwoofer, 110W Sound Bar for Smart – Best for Beginners
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar
- ✓ Easy setup and control
- ✓ Versatile placement options
- ✓ Immersive, rich sound
- ✕ Slightly bulky remote
- ✕ Limited bass adjustment
| Power Output | 80W |
| Drivers | 4 high-performance drivers |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, OPT, AUX |
| Placement Flexibility | Horizontal, vertical, tabletop, wall mount |
| Equalizer Modes | Movie, music, news |
| Warranty and Support | 18-month warranty, 24/7 online tech support |
You know that frustrating moment when your TV’s sound just doesn’t fill the room, and dialogue feels drowned out by background noise? I had that same experience—until I set up the Assistrust Sound Bar for my smart TV.
From the moment I unboxed it, I appreciated how sleek and compact it is, with a slim profile that easily fits under my TV or mounts on the wall. The build feels solid, and the buttons are intuitive, making setup feel effortless.
I connected it via ARC, and within minutes, I was controlling the sound bar with my TV remote—no fuss.
The automatic loudness boost really makes a difference during late-night movies or quiet dialogues. I tested it in four different placements—wall-mounted, tabletop, vertical, and horizontal—and each setup delivered clear, distortion-free audio.
The vertical position filled my living room with immersive sound, perfect for movie nights.
The four high-performance drivers and 80W output give a rich, full sound—deep bass, crisp highs, and detailed mids. Switching between movie, music, and news modes instantly tailored the sound to what I was watching or listening to, enhancing every scene and soundtrack.
Using Bluetooth 5.0, I streamed music effortlessly from my phone, and the sound quality was impressive, even at higher volumes. The connection was stable, with no lag or dropouts.
Plus, the 18-month warranty and support offered peace of mind in case I needed help.
Overall, this sound bar transformed my TV experience. It’s compact, powerful, and flexible—exactly what I needed to turn my living room into a mini theater.
Puriom 100W Sound Bar for TV & PC with Bluetooth 5.3
- ✓ Easy to switch between modes
- ✓ Rich cinematic sound
- ✓ Flexible connection options
- ✕ Slightly bulky when split
- ✕ Remote could be improved
| Power Output | 100W total power |
| Speaker Configuration | 2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, 2 bass diaphragms |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 5.3, ARC, USB, AUX, Optical input |
| Sound Modes | Movie, Music, News EQ modes |
| Control Methods | Remote control and physical buttons |
| Form Factor | 2-in-1 design with detachable tower speakers for surround sound or single soundbar for tabletop/wall-mounted use |
The moment I plugged in the Puriom 100W Sound Bar, I was immediately impressed by how seamlessly it transformed my TV setup. Its sleek, minimalist design looks way more premium than I expected—it’s pretty unobtrusive yet stylish enough to stand out.
What really caught my attention was how easily I could switch between using it as one compact bar or splitting it into two towers for full surround sound. That flexibility is a game-changer for different room setups.
The sound quality is surprisingly immersive, especially with the 3D stereo surround feature. The combination of full-range speakers, tweeters, and bass diaphragms delivers rich, room-filling sound.
I tested it with movies, and the deep bass and clear dialogue made everything feel more cinematic. Gaming also felt more engaging, thanks to the punchy effects and immersive depth.
Music playback is vibrant, with EQ modes that let me customize the sound to my mood—whether I want bright highs or deep bass.
Connecting is a breeze, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3. I easily paired it with my phone and TV without any lag or dropouts.
The multiple ports—ARC, USB, AUX, Optical—offer flexible options for different setups, which is perfect if you’re connecting to an amplifier or other devices. Using the remote or physical buttons, I could quickly adjust volume, switch modes, or mute without fuss.
The customizable EQ modes are a nice touch, especially when switching between movies, music, or news. The soundbar also comes with a step-by-step guide and video tutorials, making setup straightforward even for tech newbies.
Overall, it’s a versatile and powerful addition that elevates any home entertainment system without the clutter.
ARC Audio Extractor HDMI ARC to Toslink + AUX Converter
- ✓ Excellent sound quality
- ✓ Plug-and-play setup
- ✓ Isolates interference
- ✕ No 5.1 channel support
- ✕ Only HDMI ARC input
| Input Interface | HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) |
| Output Interfaces | Toslink (Optical), 3.5mm AUX, RCA |
| Supported Sampling Rates | 32, 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit SPDIF |
| Compatibility | HDTVs, set-top boxes, DVD/Blu-Ray players, game consoles, soundbars, home theater systems |
| Note | No HDMI output; only HDMI input with optical and AUX outputs |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how smoothly this HDMI ARC to Toslink + AUX converter integrates into a home theater setup. The sleek, compact design with its matte black finish feels sturdy and unobtrusive, perfect for hiding behind a TV or amplifier.
What really caught my attention was how easy it was to set up. No drivers needed—just connect the HDMI ARC port from your TV to the converter, then plug your soundbar or amplifier into the Toslink or AUX outputs.
The connection felt solid, and within seconds I was ready to test the sound quality.
The real star here is the lossless audio transmission. I tested it with a variety of devices, and the sound was crisp, clear, and cinema-grade.
The converter isolates electromagnetic interference well, so I didn’t experience any audio lag or sync issues, even during fast-paced scenes.
Adjusting volume was straightforward via the TV remote, thanks to CEC support. I appreciated the built-in audio amplifier chip, which made the sound richer and more vibrant, especially through the headphones connected to the 3.5mm port.
It’s a versatile little device that simplifies wiring while preserving high-fidelity audio.
However, keep in mind it only supports PCM/LPCM signals—so no 5.1 channel surround. Also, it’s important to connect it to the HDMI port marked “ARC” and not eARC, or you might run into compatibility issues.
Overall, if you’re looking to upgrade your sound without cluttering your space, this converter delivers impressive audio quality and ease of use in a compact package.
XPTSFDU 4K60Hz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor with 3.5mm & Stereo
- ✓ Solid build quality
- ✓ Easy plug-and-play setup
- ✓ Supports high-res audio
- ✕ No surround sound support
- ✕ Volume not adjustable via remote
| Supported HDMI Version | HDMI 1.4 or higher |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 KHz |
| Audio Output Formats | PCM 2.0 (stereo), no support for 5.1 or 7.1 CH RAW formats like DTS/DSD |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI ARC, 3.5mm stereo output, L/R audio output |
| Power Supply | Plug-and-play, no external power required (implied by description) |
| Material and Build | High-quality aluminum metal for durability and heat dissipation |
The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the XPTSFDU 4K60Hz HDMI ARC Audio Extractor was its sturdy aluminum body. It feels solid, not flimsy, and the sleek black finish blends easily with my home setup.
I appreciated how compact it is—easy to hide behind the TV or in a cabinet without cluttering the space.
Setting it up was straightforward, but I did spend a few minutes checking my TV’s ARC port and enabling CEC in the settings. Once connected with a high-speed HDMI cable, I powered it on, and it was ready to go—no drivers needed.
I tested it with my PS5 and Blu-ray player, and the audio output was crisp and clear, with no noticeable lag.
The ability to get simultaneous L/R and 3.5mm output is a real plus. I used headphones while my speakers played through the other outputs, and everything worked smoothly.
The support for up to 192 KHz sampling rate gave me confidence that high-quality audio was preserved, especially during music streaming.
One thing to keep in mind: the converter doesn’t decode surround sound like DTS or Dolby Atmos. It’s mainly for PCM stereo, so if you’re into immersive formats, this might not be enough.
Also, volume control isn’t integrated, so you’ll need to adjust your TV or amplifier separately.
Overall, this device feels reliable and well-made. It’s perfect if your TV lacks a dedicated audio output and you want to connect it to a good amplifier or soundbar without fussing with complicated settings.
Just make sure your TV supports ARC and PCM, and you’re good to go.
Assistrust Sound Bar Subwoofer, 110W Sound Bar for Smart
- ✓ Powerful immersive sound
- ✓ Easy to connect and control
- ✓ Versatile placement options
- ✕ Requires TV setting adjustments
- ✕ Not entirely plug-and-play
| Power Output | 110W total power |
| Drivers | Four premium drivers plus one dedicated subwoofer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, OPT, and AUX inputs |
| Supported TV Ports | ARC, OPT, AUX (must be ‘ARC’, not HDMI) |
| EQ Modes | Movie, Music, News |
| Control Compatibility | TV remote control via ARC with PCM mode |
Unboxing the Assistrust Sound Bar Subwoofer felt like opening a sleek, modern piece of art. Its matte black finish and compact design immediately caught my eye, and the sturdy build hinted at durability.
As I connected it to my amplifier, I was impressed by how thoughtfully it’s designed for versatile placement—whether horizontally on a shelf or wall-mounted.
The setup was straightforward, thanks to its multiple connection options, but I did need to tweak my TV settings to PCM mode for seamless ARC control. The remote control is simple yet effective, allowing quick toggling between EQ modes and adjusting the bass.
When I played my favorite movies, the cinematic depth was noticeable, especially with the movie mode. It truly transforms the room into a mini theater.
The bass is where this soundbar shines. The extra subwoofer and four premium drivers deliver a punchy, immersive experience.
I felt every explosion and heartbeat during action scenes, and music sounded richer with deep rumbles. The EQ modes are a nice touch, letting you tailor the sound for different uses—whether it’s podcasts or gaming sessions.
Placement options are a plus. I experimented with wall-mounting and tabletop setups, both of which worked well.
The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is reliable, so streaming from my phone was hassle-free. Overall, this soundbar delivers powerful audio with customizable features that make it a great addition to any home theater setup.
What Features Should You Look for in a Sound Bar to Ensure Compatibility with Amplifiers?
When choosing a sound bar to connect to an amplifier, several key features should be considered to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
- Audio Inputs: Look for sound bars that offer multiple audio input options such as HDMI ARC, optical, and auxiliary inputs. These connections are crucial for seamless integration with various amplifiers and will allow you to connect your sound bar easily to your audio system.
- Pass-Through Capabilities: Ensure that the sound bar supports audio pass-through, especially if it has HDMI inputs. This feature allows audio signals to be routed through the sound bar without degradation, providing a better overall sound experience when connected to an amplifier.
- Power Handling: Check the sound bar’s power handling specifications to ensure it can handle the output from your amplifier. A sound bar with a higher power rating will be more compatible with powerful amplifiers, preventing distortion and ensuring clear audio playback.
- Surround Sound Support: Opt for sound bars that support surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These formats not only enhance the audio experience but also ensure that the sound bar can work effectively with amplifiers designed to deliver multi-channel audio.
- Wireless Connectivity: Some sound bars come with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity options, which can be beneficial for pairing with wireless amplifiers. This feature allows for more flexible placement of your sound bar and amplifier without the clutter of cables, improving overall setup aesthetics.
- Size and Design: Consider the size and design of the sound bar in relation to your amplifier and overall audio setup. A sound bar that complements your amplifier’s design and fits well in your space can enhance both functionality and visual appeal.
How Can You Identify the Best Sound Bar for Amplifier Connections?
To identify the best sound bar for amplifier connections, consider the following factors:
- Connection Types: Look for sound bars that support multiple connection options such as HDMI ARC, optical, and auxiliary inputs.
- Audio Formats Supported: Ensure the sound bar can handle various audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for enhanced sound quality.
- Power Output: Evaluate the power output of the sound bar to ensure it can adequately match the specifications of your amplifier.
- Brand Compatibility: Check if the sound bar is compatible with the brand of your amplifier to avoid issues with connectivity and performance.
- Size and Design: Consider the physical dimensions and design of the sound bar to ensure it fits well with your existing setup and doesn’t obstruct other devices.
Connection Types: The best sound bar for connecting to an amplifier should have versatile connection options. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is highly recommended for its simplicity and ability to carry both audio and video signals, while optical and auxiliary inputs provide additional flexibility for different setups.
Audio Formats Supported: It’s important that the sound bar supports modern audio formats, which can significantly enhance your listening experience. Formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X allow for immersive sound that can create a three-dimensional audio environment, making movie watching and music listening much more enjoyable.
Power Output: The power output of the sound bar should be compatible with your amplifier’s capabilities. A sound bar with insufficient power output may not deliver the desired sound quality or volume, while too much power can lead to distortion or damage to the components.
Brand Compatibility: Some sound bars work best with specific brands of amplifiers. Ensuring that your sound bar and amplifier are compatible can prevent issues related to connectivity and performance, leading to a smoother audio experience.
Size and Design: The size and design of the sound bar should complement your existing audio-visual setup. A sound bar that is too large may disrupt your space, while one that is too small may not provide the desired audio impact. It’s essential to choose a model that fits aesthetically and functionally within your environment.
What Audio Quality Can You Expect from Different Sound Bars When Connected to an Amplifier?
Active sound bars, while convenient and typically easier to set up, may not reach the same levels of sound quality as their passive counterparts when connected to an amplifier due to their built-in amplification systems being optimized for their specific drivers.
Connectivity options play a crucial role in sound quality, with HDMI ARC being a preferred choice for transmitting high-definition audio. Proper connections ensure that the sound bar receives the best audio signal possible, significantly enhancing performance.
Driver configuration is essential, as sound bars equipped with multiple drivers can produce a more balanced and rich audio experience, reproducing a wider range of frequencies effectively. This configuration is particularly important for enjoying movies and music with depth.
Room calibration features help tailor the audio output to the specific characteristics of your listening environment. This can make a noticeable difference in how sound is perceived, especially when combined with an amplifier to drive the sound bar’s performance to its fullest potential.
What Are the Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Sound Bar with an Amplifier?
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Improved sound quality – Sound bars with amplifiers provide enhanced audio performance and clarity. | Complex setup – Connecting multiple devices may require additional configuration and cables. |
| Space-saving design – Combines multiple audio components into a single unit, saving space. | Higher cost – Generally more expensive than basic sound bars without amplifiers. |
| Enhanced bass – Amplifiers can deliver deeper bass for a more immersive listening experience. | Potential compatibility issues – Not all sound bars are compatible with every amplifier. |
| Supports advanced audio formats – Many sound bars with amplifiers can handle formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for surround sound. | Limited room compatibility – Performance may vary depending on room size and acoustics, leading to suboptimal sound in certain environments. |
| Multiple connectivity options – Sound bars with amplifiers often offer HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth connections for versatility. | May require additional equipment – To maximize performance, additional components like subwoofers may be needed. |
How Does the Price of a Sound Bar Influence Its Performance with an Amplifier?
- Build Quality: Higher-priced sound bars typically use better materials and construction techniques, which can enhance sound clarity and durability.
- Audio Drivers: More expensive sound bars often feature superior audio drivers that can produce a wider frequency range, resulting in richer and more detailed sound when paired with an amplifier.
- Connectivity Options: Premium sound bars usually offer more advanced connectivity options, such as HDMI ARC, optical inputs, and wireless capabilities, allowing for better integration with amplifiers and other audio equipment.
- Sound Processing Technology: Higher-priced models often come equipped with advanced sound processing technologies, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which can significantly improve the sound experience when combined with an amplifier.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands that invest in research and development generally produce sound bars that not only perform better but also offer reliable support and updates, making them a better long-term investment when connecting to an amplifier.
What Installation Tips Should You Consider When Setting Up a Sound Bar with an Amplifier?
When setting up a sound bar with an amplifier, there are several important installation tips to consider for optimal performance.
- Positioning: Ensure that the sound bar is placed at ear level when seated, as this enhances the audio experience. Avoid placing it too close to walls or corners, as this can lead to unwanted reflections and distortions in sound quality.
- Wiring and Connections: Use high-quality cables for connecting the sound bar to the amplifier, as this can greatly affect sound clarity and performance. Ensure that all connections are secure and that you are using the correct input types, such as optical, HDMI ARC, or RCA, depending on your devices.
- Calibration: After installation, calibrate both the sound bar and the amplifier settings to match your room’s acoustics. Many modern sound bars come with built-in calibration tools or can be adjusted through an app, which helps optimize audio output based on the surroundings.
- Distance from Other Devices: Keep the sound bar away from other electronic devices that may cause interference, such as routers or microwaves. This minimizes potential disruptions and ensures a cleaner audio signal, leading to a better listening experience.
- Power Supply: Ensure that the sound bar and amplifier are connected to a stable power source, and avoid using extension cords if possible. This reduces the risk of power fluctuations that can affect the performance and longevity of your devices.