Ideal for TV shows, podcasts, etc.: These Soundbars ensure clear dialogues
Not only the design of TVs is very flat nowadays, but also the sound they reproduce. Ultimately, the thin casing often does not offer enough volume to produce a balanced and satisfying sound. Furthermore, the problem often occurs that either action scenes are reproduced too loudly or quieter, dialog-heavy scenes, too silently.
An additional soundbar can solve this problem and significantly improve the sound of your TV. The soundbars listed here have one thing in common: They all come with a dedicated center channel, which means that the soundtrack of the voices is reproduced separately. This ensures that voices and dialogues can be understood clearly and you can enjoy podcasts, audio books or series to the fullest.
Best Soundbar for better voice clarity: Polk Audio Signa S4
- 3.1.2-channel-system
- External subwoofer
- Sound modes
- Dolby Atmos
- Dialog Enhancement Feature
- HDMI eARC
- Bluetooth
- No DTS
- No network connection
The Signa S4 is the first Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. certified soundbar from the American manufacturer Polk Audio. We are dealing with a 3.1.2-channel system that is equipped with a wireless, external subwoofer. The soundbar has a total of seven built-in speakers, including up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers that are responsible for the height channels of the three-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound. Standard content can also be watched with virtual 3D sound thanks to an up mixing function.
To reproduce voices and dialogs clearly and distinctly, the Signa S4 has a dedicated center channel. This is linked to Polk VoiceAdjust – a function for dialogue enhancement developed by the manufacturer. As a result, the volume of voices can be adjusted separately from the rest of the audio content. In the soundbar’s night mode, the VoiceAdjust function is boosted again, while the bass level is reduced. Other sound modes available include a music mode and a movie mode.
The soundbar has a Bluetooth interface to stream content like music and audio books wirelessly. Unfortunately, no smart features are available due to the missing network connection. Dolby Atmos content is transmitted via the HDMI output with eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality. support, other interfaces include an AUX port and an optical input.
Slim Smart Soundbar: Samsung HW-S60A
- Smart Features
- Compact design
- No Subwoofer
- No Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
The Samsung HW-S60A is designed with a chic look in mind, which integrates perfectly into your interior. With a width of around 76 centimeters, it is also quite compact and does not take up too much space. However, we have to go without a subwoofer in this 5.0-channel soundbar, which means that the bass is not quite convincing. Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. are also not supported due to the missing height channels, so surround sound is only generated virtually. However, the Dolby Digital and DTS sound can at least be adjusted individually, since the soundbar comes with a graphic equalizer and several EQ presets.
The soundbar has a total of seven integrated speakers. Thanks to the center speaker – as well as an additional dialog enhancement feature – you can enjoy your movies and audio books with crystal-clear voice reproduction. In addition, the stylish soundbar is equipped with all sorts of smart features that make streaming even easier. For example, the HW-S60A has Apple Airplay, Bluetooth and an integrated Amazon Alexa. A WiFi interface is also available.
All-in-one Soundbar: Sony HT-A5000
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- Smart Features
- High price
Those who do not have room for an external subwoofer might like the Sony HT-A5000. This model is an all-in-one soundbar, which means the subwoofer is already integrated. Otherwise, the soundbar has two height channels for playing 3D sound in the form of Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic.. The innovative sound formats can be transmitted uncompressed via HDMI 2.1 with eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality.. The bar is also equipped with a room correction so that the sound is optimally distributed within your own four walls.
There is also a center channel among the five main channels of the soundbar, which enables clearly locating voices in the sound image. The intelligibility is additionally improved with the help of a Dialogue Enhancement feature. The soundbar is equipped with all sorts of smart features so that you can easily stream your favorite movies, series or podcasts. Thus, it is equipped with Chromecast, Airplay and Bluetooth, as well as a Wi-Fi interface.
Soundbars for better voice clarity in comparison
 Polk Audio Signa S4 |  Samsung HW-S60A |  Sony HT-A5000 | |
| Channels | 3.1.2 | 5 (5.2 virtual) | 5.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | |||
| DTS | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X | ||
| HDMI 2.1 | 1x In + 1x Out | ||
| eARC | |||
| WLAN | |||
| Room size | up to 25 m2 | up to 25 m2 | up to 40 m2 |
| Subwoofer | External | Internal | |
| Satellites | |||
| Dimensions Height x Width x Depth HxWxD | 60 x 1046 x 95 mm | 68 x 764 x 125 mm | 67 x 1210 x 140 mm |
Frequently asked questions about Soundbars for better speech clarity
Do soundbars improve sound clarity?
Soundbars make dialogue clearer and easier to understand, especially if they feature a center speaker and a dialogue enhancement feature.
How can I improve my TV's speech clarity?
If you want to improve the clarity of your TV sound, look for speech-enhancing modes like a News or Clear Voice mode. You might also consider getting a soundbar with a dedicated center channel.
