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Sonic BOOM: 10 blast-tastic soundbars

Fatten up your fat telly audio

Maxell MXSP-SB3000

RH Numbers

For such a substantially built and well-equipped soundbase, this Maxell appears redonkulously cheap. Featuring a trio of HDMI inputs, one ARC compliant, along with aptX Bluetooth and digital coxial and optical audio inputs, it’s surprisingly accommodating, while the tapered edges and cloth grille speaker of proper loudspeaker construction.

Maxell MXSP-SB3000

There’s a meaty powerplant here too, with a 100W downward firing integrated subwoofer and 2 x 30W stereo speakers. In truth, there’s not a massive amount of finesse to its performance, but it’ll blast any onboard TV sound system into next week; it also sounds reasonably well balanced. Something of a steal for bargain hunters who don’t want to suffer the indignity of a lightweight speaker solution when their mates come round.

Price £229
More info Maxell

Onkyo LS-T10

RH Numbers

If there was one word to describe Onkyo’s TV audio upgrade, it’s "badass". A pedestal design, the LT-T10 incorporates six drivers, a 12cm downward facing subwoofer, and is as subtle as a dancing hippo. Four forward facing drivers located behind the metallic grille are augmented by two side firing drivers cosseted in fabric.

Onkyo LS-T10

Build quality is similarly substantial, there’s no fear it’ll buckle under the weight of big TV. Connections include coaxial and optical digital inputs, plus a stereo minijack. The enclosure also supports aptX Bluetooth. Audio performance is just about on the right side of hi-fi, with some pleasingly gut wobbling bass. Dialogue can be a little sharp, but the soundstage is expansive. This is a solid sonic pedestal that works well with most types of content.

Price £350
More info Onkyo

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