When setting up a TV or similar devices, you may have noticed an HDMI port called ARC (Audio Return Channel).

The ARC standard was designed to reduce cable clutter, streamline your setup and make your audio and video devices play nicely together.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an audio and video equipment cable standard.

This popular and well-supported standard introduced the ARC protocol in HDMI version 1.4 in 2009. 

While ARC is not necessary, it makes setting up and using your equipment more convenient. It can also take advantage of newer audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS HD.

So, do you want to improve your home theater’s audio and video quality without adding extra cables or complexity?

HDMI ARC might be the answer. If this sounds good to you, we’ll explain what HDMI ARC is and how it can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more.

HDMI ARC: A quick overview

What should HDMI ARC be used for?

ARC and eARC (enhanced audio return channel) take advantage of the extra bandwidth available in HDMI cables to transfer audio signals from one device to another.

Previous to ARC, HDMI cables could only transfer audio in a singular direction.

Until the ARC standard was created, transferring sound from your TV to your audio equipment took multiple cables.

With HDMI ARC, you now only need one cable to achieve this. The HDMI cable is capable of sending and receiving audio from both directions.

ARC can transfer stereo and compressed 5.1 audio formats to and from your devices. It has a maximum bandwidth of about 1 Mbps per second.

The enhanced version is more capable but not nearly as common.

EARC supports the ARC audio formats and uncompressed 5.1, uncompressed 7.1, Dolby Atmos, and the DTS: X audio formats.

Furthermore, it can transfer significantly more data simultaneously with its 37 Mbps per second transfer rate.

Do I need HDMI ARC for a soundbar?

You don’t need HDMI ARC to connect to a soundbar. While ARC is useful and reduces the cables you need, there are various ways to connect to a soundbar.

If your soundbar supports it, you can connect external devices directly to it via HDMI cables and bypass the need for ARC altogether.

If your TV and soundbar both support Bluetooth audio, you can connect the two wirelessly and achieve similar results to ARC while keeping your cable usage down.

You can also connect your TV to the soundbar using an optical cable. This method isn’t as convenient but does a good job of getting sound from your TV to your audio equipment.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for ARC?

Fortunately, just about any HDMI cable you have lying around will work with ARC and eARC.

While ARC may have been introduced in HDMI version 1.4 and eARC was introduced in HDMI version 2.1, those refer to the ports themselves.

The cables haven’t changed all that much over the years, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting your old cables to work with ARC. 

Is HDMI ARC better than optical?

While optical is capable of getting sound from your TV to your audio equipment, it is not as good as HDMI ARC.

First, it has a maximum bandwidth of 384Kbps, less than half of the HDMI ARCs bandwidth.

Additionally, it does support the same stereo sound and compressed 5.1 audio formats as the standard ARC but doesn’t come close to matching eARC. 

Optical can’t handle various audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS HD, and Dolby Digital Plus. However, you lose out on potential other benefits of the ARC standard by using an optical cable.

HDMI ARC has an optional feature (which is required on eARC) to sync your audio and video for you. This auto-syncing feature is not available on the optical standard.

Optical is fine for use with older equipment or setups. If you choose between these two, there is almost no reason not to choose ARC.

HDMI ARC is the way to go

Hopefully, you now understand HDMI ARC and how it can benefit you.

Whether you’re looking to simplify your home theater setup or improve your devices’ audio and video quality, HDMI ARC can be a great solution.

Just be sure to check that your TV, receiver, and other devices are HDMI ARC-compatible before you start using them.

With HDMI ARC, you’ll enjoy a seamless and hassle-free home entertainment experience like never before.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Vizio sound bar HDMI ARC not working? Here’s how to fix it
• How to connect a Vizio sound bar to a Samsung TV
• Vizio Sound Bar turning on or off by itself? Here’s how to fix it
• How to connect Harman Kardon speakers to TV?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post What’s HDMI ARC? appeared first on KnowTechie.

In the world of hi-res music streaming services, a few big names tend to dominate the conversation.

Tidal, Spotify, and Qobuz are just three of the most popular options, with most music lovers pointing out that Qobuz beats the competition. But is Qobuz really worth it?

Personally speaking, yes, Qobuz is worth it. The streaming service offers a great selection of hi-res music, with a user interface that makes it easy to find the songs you want to hear.

The sound quality is excellent, and the Qobuz app is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

So, is Qobuz the best music streaming service? Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up against its competition.

Short on time? Skip ahead using the jump links below.

Qobuz Pros

Qobuz offers many great features that appeal to audiophiles and music lovers alike. Here are some of the service’s biggest selling points:

Hi-Res sound quality: One of the main reasons to sign up for Qobuz is its stellar sound quality.

The company offers lossless FLAC streams at up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is about as good as it gets when it comes to streaming music.

If you have a nice set of headphones or speakers, Qobuz’s hi-res streams will definitely make them sound better.

Availability of rare and hard-to-find tracks: If you’re a fan of niche genres or rare tracks, Qobuz is worth checking out.

The company has one of the deepest catalogs of any music streaming service, with millions of songs available to stream and download.

User-friendly interface: Another big selling point for Qobuz is its user interface, which is clean, simple, and easy to use.

The company’s desktop app is especially well designed and makes it easy to find the tracks you’re looking for–whether you’re searching by artist, album, genre, or even mood.

Reliability: As one of the lesser-known streaming services, Qobuz is seldom overwhelmed with too many users, which means it tends to be extremely reliable.

Other streaming services can often crash due to excessive use. For example, Spotify is often down, which will unquestionably annoy its users. 

Free 30-day trial: Last but not least, Qobuz offers a free 30-day trial to try out the service before you commit to a subscription. That’s a great way to see if Qobuz’s hi-res sound quality is worth the extra money.

Qobuz Cons 

Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning a few drawbacks. Here are some things to keep in mind before signing up for Qobuz. 

No smart speaker integration: Qobuz doesn’t work with any smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo or Google Home.

So if you’re looking fr a music streaming service that you can control with your voice, Qobuz isn’t the right choice. However, it does work with smart TV systems like Samsung TV and Chromecast.

The audio catalog isn’t exhaustive: While Qobuz has a very deep catalog of tracks, you may miss some of your favorites.

In that case, you may need to check out another music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.

All things considered, though, these are relatively minor complaints.

Overall, Qobuz is a great option for anyone who cares about sound quality and loves music, especially if you’re willing to pay a little extra for those perks. 

Why Qobuz Is Worth It

Now that we’ve gone over some of the pros and cons of Qobuz, it’s time to look at why the service is worth your hard-earned cash.

Qobuz Offers True CD-Quality Sound

The first reason Qobuz is worth it is that it offers true CD-quality sound. With a bitrate of up to 24-bit/192kHz, Qobuz is on the same level as Tidal’s HiFi subscription.

That means you’ll enjoy your favorite songs in high quality without worrying about sacrificing sound quality for file size. 

Minimal to No Buffering When Streaming Music

Another big selling point for Qobuz is its lack of buffering.

When you stream music from Qobuz, you can be confident that you’re getting a consistent, high-quality stream without interruptions.

Besides, who wants to listen to their favorite songs with pauses in between?

That said, ensuring your internet connection is strong enough to handle high-quality audio streaming is crucial. Otherwise, you may experience some buffering issues. 

Extensive Catalog of Music

Qobuz also has an extensive music catalog, with millions of tracks available to stream and download.

Whether you’re a mainstream pop or niche genre fan, you’re sure to find something you love on Qobuz. 

To put things into perspective, the streaming service boasts over 80 million tracks, while Tidal and Spotify’s catalogs clock in at 80 – 90 million based on independent estimates by SoundGuys.

That means you’re unlikely to run out of songs to listen to anytime soon.

Besides, the company is always adding new tracks to its catalog, so you’ll never get bored of listening to the same songs over and over again. 

You Get a Free 30-Day Trial

As I mentioned, Qobuz also offers free 30-day trials to new users.

If you’re unsure whether or not it’s the right streaming service for you, you can try it out without committing to paying for a subscription.

Simply put, it’s a risk-free way to test out the service and decide for yourself whether or not it’s worth your hard-earned cash. 

Qobuz Integrates With Many Devices

Qobuz integrates with many devices, including popular brands like Sonos, Bose, and Denon. That means you’ll be able to stream your favorite tunes on your preferred device without any issues. 

It’s also worth noting that Qobuz offers a dedicated app for Android and iOS devices.

So whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android phone, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite tunes on the go. However, remember that the service doesn’t support smart speakers or game consoles.

So if you’re looking for a streaming service that you can use on your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, Qobuz may not be the right choice for you. 

Discounts Are Available for Families

Last but not least, Qobuz offers discounts for families. If you’re a parent with young children, you can get a discount on your subscription.

For starters, up to 6 family members can use a single account. That means you won’t have to worry about your kids racking up a huge bill by streaming music all day long.

Plus, each family member will get their own personalized account with their own playlists and recommendations.

That way, everyone in the family can enjoy their listening experience without compromising.

Who Should Get Qobuz?

Anyone looking for a high-quality, comprehensive music streaming service will benefit from Qobuz. The service is worth considering if you’re a lossless audio fan.

Plus, if you often find yourself streaming over mobile data, Qobuz’s Hi-Fi plans let you download tracks and albums for offline playback in high fidelity.

Is Qobuz Better Than Tidal? 

Qobuz and Tidal are two streaming music giants, but which one reigns supreme? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Qobuz boasts a larger selection of hi-res audio tracks, but Tidal has some exclusive content from certain artists.

Both services have a similar price point for their premium subscriptions, but Qobuz offers a cheaper option without Hi-Res audio.

As for the user interface, it’s a matter of personal preference. Not sure which one to go with? Take advantage of the free trials and see which service floats your boat.

But ultimately, most audiophiles believe Qobuz is better than Tidal. While both services offer high-quality, lossless streaming, Qobuz’s sound quality is generally considered superior.

However, Tidal boasts a slightly more extensive catalog of songs. So, if you’re looking for a particular track that’s not available on Qobuz, Tidal is worth checking out.

Is Qobuz Truly Lossless? 

Qobuz is a truly lossless music streaming service. That means you’ll be able to enjoy CD-quality audio without any compression.

Besides, the company offers a hi-fi plan to stream and download tracks in 24-bit/192kHz quality.

If you’re an audiophile, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better streaming service than Qobuz.

How Much Does Qobuz Cost?

As we mentioned earlier, Qobuz offers a couple of streaming plans. And compared to other music streaming services, the monthly subscription cost is pretty fair.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much Qobuz costs for a single user:

The Bottom Line

Qobuz is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comprehensive music streaming service.

The company offers a wide range of plans to suit your needs and budget. Plus, it provides discounts for families.

With that said, Qobuz is not the right choice for everyone. You’ll need to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a streaming service that supports smart speakers or game consoles.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, Qobuz is definitely worth considering.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: BDI Centro 6452-2 standing desk
• Review: Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction headphones
• Review: Oclean X Pro Electric Toothbrush 
• Review: Gamesir X2 Pro mobile controller

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Qobuz – is this music streaming service better than Tidal? appeared first on KnowTechie.

JBL Speakers are best known for their quality sound, compact design, and durability.

The audio-hardware manufacturer is a subsidiary of Harman and has a promising future in the smart speaker market currently dominated by Amazon and Google.

The company offers different speakers for different setups, and it can be confusing to know how to connect them correctly to your devices.

So if you’re asking yourself, “can I connect my JBL speaker to my computer?” Yes, you can – you’ll just have to figure out which connection is best for your needs.

This post will help you with step-by-step instructions on how to pair JBL speakers with computers and laptops.

Connection method 1: (AUX cable)

Except for a few of the latest models, all JBL speakers offer two connectivity options: Bluetooth and AUX.

The latter is the simplest way to pair JBL speakers to your computer or laptop.

How to connect a JBL speaker to PC without Bluetooth

All you need is a 3.5mm male-to-male AUX cable and these step-by-step instructions:

• If your JBL speaker is powered off, you’ll have to turn on the speaker by pressing the power button. You can verify it by checking the visibility of the blue light on the ‘Power button.‘
• Next, lift the slot cover on the back of your JBL speaker to reveal the AUX input, where you can plug in the 3.5mm audio cable or connect a micro-USB cable.

• Insert one end of the AUX cable into the 3.5mm audio jack on your JBL speaker.
• After that, you have to insert the other end of the 3.5mm cable into the audio output port of your computer or laptop.

You might have to change the output device on your computer or laptop to play audio through your JBL speaker.

If you are using Windows 10

Find the ‘Volume‘ icon at the bottom right of your screen and click on it.

Next, click the ‘Upward’ Arrow next to your default output. Then, a panel will appear with all the available audio outputs.

Lastly, find and set your JBL speaker as your preferred audio output. 

If you are using macOS, then follow the below steps:

• Click the Apple Menu, which you can find in the upper-left corner of the screen.
• From the Apple Menu, click on System Preferences.

• Now, within the System Preferences, go to the Sound Preferences.

• Find the Output Button at the top of the Sound preferences window. Click this button.

• In Output settings, you’ll see a list of connected and recognized audio devices. Select the device you wish to set (in our case, JBL speaker) by clicking its entry in the list.

Connectivity method 2: (Bluetooth)

The following list of JBL speakers doesn’t have an AUX input, so the only way to connect them is via Bluetooth.

• JBL Flip 5
• JBL Charge 5
• JBL Pulse 4
• JBL Go 3
• JBL link 20
• JBL link 300
• JBL link 500

To start, ‘Turn On’ your JBL speaker, and press the Bluetooth button until you hear a sound.

Also, an LED light will continuously blink, indicating that your JBL Bluetooth speaker is in ‘Discovery mode.’

On Windows 10

• Go to the bottom-left corner of your screen and click the Start button. Alternatively, you can search ‘Bluetooth and other devices in the search box.
• Now, click the Settings icon in the Start Menu, and a ‘Windows Setting‘ Screen will appear.

• Click on ‘Devices’ and navigate to the ‘Bluetooth and other devices’ screen.
• Enable Bluetooth by toggling on the switch if it’s not already.

• Now, click ‘Add Bluetooth or Other Device‘ at the top of the screen. The Add a Device Screen will pop up instantly.

• From here, you will have to select ‘Bluetooth’ in the Add a Device screen. After a few seconds a list of ‘Discoverable Devices‘ will appear on the screen.

• From the list of available Bluetooth Devices, select your JBL speaker. The Bluetooth light will stop blinking on your JBL speaker, which indicates that your Bluetooth speaker is now paired with your PC or laptop.

On macOS

• Click the Apple icon on the upper-left corner of the screen to open the Apple Menu.
• Select the System Preferences within the Apple Menu, and select the Bluetooth icon.

• Within the Bluetooth window, you can see the list of Bluetooth-available devices. if you don’t see anything that means you have to turn on Bluetooth first.
• Click on the Connect Button next to your JBL speaker from the list.

• There you go; your JBL Bluetooth speaker is now paired to macOS.

What if my computer or laptop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth?

If your computer or laptop doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you’ll have to purchase a Bluetooth adapter to plug into the computer’s USB port.

Once you have the adapter, simply turn on the Bluetooth feature on your computer or laptop and put your JBL speakers into pairing mode.

Then, on your computer or laptop, select the JBL speakers from the list of available Bluetooth devices and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

Connecting a JBL speaker to a PC: Quick and easy

In conclusion, this article shows you how to connect your JBL speakers to PC and laptops through the AUX port or Bluetooth.

We have also given detailed instructions for Windows 10 and macOS users.

Overall, the process for connecting JBL speakers to a computer or laptop is relatively simple.

So whatever your chosen device, follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy great-quality audio in no time.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• JBL speaker won’t connect? JBL speaker keeps disconnecting? Here’s how to fix that
• How do I reset my JBL speaker?
• How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?
• Can you pair JBL speakers together?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Like any other soundbar, Bose soundbars have their fair share of problems.

Users have reported a wide range of issues, including audio dropouts, soundbars not responding to remotes, or soundbars simply producing no sound.

Likewise, other issues include the soundbar failing to connect to Wi-Fi or the Bose app.

Even if you’re not having any problems with your soundbar, you might still want to give it to someone else or start over from scratch.

No matter what the reason, if you need to reset your Bose soundbar, we’re here to help.

So, you have a couple of options. You can either soft or hard reset a Bose Soundbar.

A soft reset is useful when the soundbar is frozen or unresponsive. And a hard reset comes in handy when you want to wipe the device’s settings and start from scratch.

READ MORE: Bose Soundbar 700 won’t connect to the Bose app? Here’s how to fix it

This guide will show you how to reset the Bose soundbar both ways. With this in mind, we will cover these models:

How to soft reset a Bose soundbar?

On the positive side, the good thing about a restart is that it doesn’t delete any of your settings or data.

So, if your soundbar is acting up, you can try a soft reset and see if it solves the problem.

READ MORE: How to connect two Bose speakers together

Power cycling the Bose soundbar may not seem to make any difference, but it can often fix minor software glitches.

How to perform a Bose soundbar factory reset?

With this in mind, a hard reset will completely reboot the Bose Soundbar back to the factory defaults.

In effect, doing this involves pressing and holding a combination of buttons on the Bose remote for a few seconds.

The buttons differ from model to model, but the process is usually the same.

How to perform a Bose soundbar reset (hard reset): Step-by-step instructions

If it’s powered off, turn on the Bose Soundbar by pressing the power button.

From here, you’ll need to remove your Bose Soundbar from the ‘Bose’ account.

To do this, open the ‘Bose Music’ app, then tap on “My Account” > find and Select “Manage Products” > Tap Edit > tap on the circle on the left of your Product > Tap Delete.

READ MORE: How to connect a Bose soundbar to your TV

How to factory reset a Bose Soundbar 700, 900, 500 and 300

For the Bose Soundbar 500, 700, and 900: Press and hold the ‘Power‘ and ‘Skip forward‘ buttons simultaneously for at least 5 seconds.

For the Bose Soundbar 300: Press and hold the ‘Play/Pause‘ and ‘Volume –’ for a few seconds.

Your Bose Soundbar will now reset, and it will take a couple of minutes for the process to complete.

Watch for ‘Solid Amber’ and ‘Solid White’ lights on your soundbar. If you see a ‘Solid Amber’ light, it means the reset process is complete.

Your soundbar will now be set to factory defaults. You can now go ahead and set it up again.

Remember that if a voice assistant (Alexa/Google Assistant) has been set up on your Bose Soundbar, you might have to remove it to factory reset the device.

To remove a voice assistant from the Bose app, follow these steps:

Open ‘Bose Music App’>Tap Settings >Tap Voice Assistant > Select Google Assistant/Alexa > Tap Remove Account > Select Remove.

Bose soundbar not turning on?

Ensure that it is securely connected to the power source and that the outlet works. You may also need to reset the soundbar.

Bose soundbar not producing sound?

Check the volume settings and ensure that the mute function isn’t enabled.

Also, check any audio cables and make sure they are securely connected to the soundbar and the source device.

Bose soundbar not responding to the remote control?

Try replacing the batteries in the remote and check for obstructions between the remote and the soundbar.

Is it producing distorted or fuzzy sounds?

Try adjusting the audio settings on the soundbar and the source device. You should also check the audio cables and see if they’re damaged.

Bose sound bar still not working?

We won’t recommend resetting your Bose Soundbar unless it’s absolutely necessary.

But, setting up the device from scratch can be a pain as you have to set up all your settings again.

However, you can power cycle or soft reset the soundbar whenever your Bose soundbar is not working properly.

If you are facing any issues with your Bose Soundbar and rebooting the device doesn’t work, we suggest that you contact Bose customer support.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Bose remote not working?
• Here’s how to reset Vizio TV without remote? 2 methods
• How to reset a Vizio sound bar?
• Here’s how to reset your JBL speaker?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to reset a Bose soundbar: Step-by-step appeared first on KnowTechie.

The best wireless earbuds have a trifecta of qualities – audio quality, solid connectivity, and comfort.

Once those are satisfied, you can add other features, like active noise canceling, stylish exteriors, and charging cases for times you’re away from a charger.

And thanks to advances in Bluetooth protocols, you can get great sound out of wireless earbuds. Sure, there are other options, but nobody likes jogging in bulky over-ear headphones.

But with so many options out there, what are the best earbuds? Well, that’s where we come in, and we’ll give you plenty of options to sift through.

We’ve included both true wireless (TWS) earbuds and some with wires. Which type suits you is a matter of preference.

While some prefer the size of TWS, others like that the wire will catch the earbud if it falls out of their ear. Regardless of your preference, we have a solid list lined up.

We’ll keep revising this list as the year progresses, but here are the best wireless earbuds.

PaMu Z1 ($69)

For a really nice price, you get a lot of sonic performance from the PaMu Z1 wireless earbuds.

They’ve got hybrid Active Noise Canceling, Bluetooth 5.2 for solid wireless connection, 6.5 hours of playback from a single charge, and a total of 24hrs due to the charging case.

That case charges via USB-C or Qi wireless, and the 10mm titanium drivers give a powerful sound.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249)

Apple upgraded the internals of its AirPods Pro for the second time around. The new H2 chipset improved active noise cancelation and transparency modes, and the stems now have swipe gestures for volume control.

The charging case works with Find My and has a small speaker for battery notifications and to play sound if you lose them.

You also get a more balanced sound signature, punchy low end, clear mids, and treble. Battery life is improved to six hours on a charge, with a total of 30 hours with the battery in the charging case.

Oddict Twig Pro ($149)

These aptX Adaptive capable TWS earbuds from Oddict sound as good as they look.

Powered by 12mm dual layered carbon drivers, you get active noise canceling, 5.5 hours of playback in the buds, and another 1.5 charges in the case.

That’s less than many TWS sets, but the Twig Pro’s charging case is much easier to pocket.

Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport ($249)

We’re big fans of anything Master & Dynamic puts out, and for good reason.

Every pair we’ve used has stellar sound quality, intuitive physical controls, and a style that just won’t quit.

The MW08 Sport comes with a Kevlar charging case for a little less weight to carry around, and it recharges via Qi-compatible charging pads.

The active noise canceling is decent, and they have a transparency mode, so you don’t feel cut off from your surroundings.

Gravastar Sirius Pro ($130)

Sometimes you want your earbuds to look different. The Gravastar Sirius Pro comes in an alloy charging case that’s literally out of this world.

They come IPX5 rated for sweat and rain protection and give you 4hrs of listening, with another three charges in the case.

The neat thing is its Gaming/Music/Movie modes, which tweak sound and latency to suit the content. Oh, and that metal case is handy as a bottle opener for those warm, lazy summer nights.

Read our review of Gravastar’s Sirius Pro here.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($279)

Bose has been shutting out the world for decades with some of the best active noise canceling around. The QuietComfort Earbuds continue in that proud tradition, with rich sound and a comfortable fit.

The six-hour battery life is bolstered by two more full charges in the case, which also has fast charging to top you back up in no time.

Sony WF-1000XM4 ($278)

If the main thing you want from your wireless earbuds is active noise canceling, the Sony WF-1000XM4 should be the first thing on your list.

They are better than anything else on the market, with ANC that doesn’t affect the full-bodied sound signature when on.

If satisfied Amazon customers are anything to go by, they’re also comfortable to wear and have great on-call quality.

Audeze LCDi3 ($899)

What’s as good as over-ear headphones but fits inside your ear?

Audeze’s LCDi3 wireless earbuds are one of the best-sounding IEMs that also comes with a wireless option.

You have to deal with a cable running behind your neck to use them wirelessly, but that’s worth it when you hear the expansive sound.

They’re also tweakable with the Audeze app so that you can turn the reference sound into something closer to your preferences.

1MORE EVO ($169.99)

1MORE has long been a favorite of KnowTechie, and EVO is no exception.

Two drivers give you solid performance across the frequency band with clean, deep bass. LDAC support means high-quality source material.

Bluetooth 5.2 means rock-solid connectivity.

That’s just for starters. You also get four ANC modes, two transparency modes, and sensitive touch controls.

With ANC off, get 8 hours of playback (based on playback at 50% volume), with 2.5 more charges in the case. Oh, and IPX4 rating, so they’re great to use when getting your sweat on.

Nura NuraTrue ($200)

Nura’s true wireless IEMs, the NuraTrue, customize their sound signature to your ears, just like on the larger NuraPhone. They sound excellent even before tweaking, and that’s the beginning.

You also get active noise cancelation, IPX4 waterproofing, fast charging, and Hi-Res audio support.

Google Pixel Buds Pro ($200)

Google Pixel owners are going to want to pick up a pair of Pixel Buds Pro. They come with Pixel-specific bonuses like easier settings, and Spatial Audio is planned for early 2023.

Multipoint Bluetooth support is a big feature, as is active noise cancellation. They also have quality sound, long battery life, and are comfortable to wear for long periods.

Beyerdynamic Free Byrd ($249)

Beyerdynamic’s first pair of TWS earbuds is a heavy hitter.

Quality sound, ANC that removes background noise without fatiguing, and up to 11 hours of playback combined in a tidy little package.

The carrying case has another 19 hours’ worth of charge in it. You get aptX Adaptive and AAC, IPX4 waterproofing, and a ton of ear tips to find your best fit.

The best part? Mimi Sound Personalization, which tweaks the EQ from a two-minute listening test, so the sound quality is personal to you.

The best wireless earbuds don’t have to break the bank

As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of great options for in-ear headphones that don’t break the bank.

For example, the PaMu Z1 in-ear headphones cost about the same price as a new video game.

But, if you have the ability to splurge, there are also great options that provide amazing sound clarity and features.

At the end of the day, any of these options will treat you right, so look through the guide to find the perfect fit (both literally and figuratively) for you.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best Spotify alternatives for streaming music
• Review: EarFun Free Pro 2 – true wireless earbuds with ANC that won’t break the bank
• The Audeze Euclid in-ear headphones are expensive, but nearly perfect
• Review: Tribit XSound Mega – a hefty Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The best wireless earbuds (2022) appeared first on KnowTechie.

Released in 2018, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a one-stop solution for all your audio needs.

The soundbar offers a well-balanced sound profile and a range of smart features, such as support for voice assistants, Spotify music streaming, and multi-room capabilities.

However, the Bose Music app is required to access most of these features, and many users have reported connectivity issues with the app.

So if your new Bose Soundbar 700 won’t connect to the Bose app or has just stopped working, this post will offer a few easy fixes that should help you out.

Disconnections from the Bose App can be frustrating, but there are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue.

If your Bose Soundbar 700 is not connecting to the app, one or two of these steps will hopefully help you fix the issue.

Check the distance

You first need to check the distance between your Bose Soundbar 700 and the smartphone on which the Bose Music app is installed.

Per the company’s recommendations, the distance should not exceed 30 feet or 10 meters.

READ MORE: How to reset a Bose soundbar

Ensure you enabled Bluetooth on your smartphone, as the Bose app uses BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to detect the soundbar.

For iPhone users running iOS 13 and above, as soon as you install the Bose Music app and open it, a notification asks for permission to allow Bose Music app to use Bluetooth.

If you have denied it, then the app won’t be able to detect the soundbar.

Check the Bose Music app

Sometimes, the issue could be with the Bose Music app, not the soundbar. If the Soundbar 700 isn’t showing up in the app, you might have to restart the app.

READ MORE: How to connect two Bose speakers together

Check if any updates are available for the Bose Music app. If yes, then make sure to install them, as updates usually bring bug fixes and improvements.

Apart from the Bluetooth connectivity, you would also have to allow the app permission to access your location.

In addition to this, you can also try removing and re-adding the Bose Soundbar 700  from the Bose Music app.

Once it is removed, restart the app and soundbar, and then try adding the soundbar from scratch.

READ MORE: How to connect a Bose soundbar to your TV

Another option is to uninstall the Bose Music app on your iPhone.

If you don’t have an iPhone, clear the app’s cache if you’re on an Android device. If that doesn’t fix the issue, you might have to delete and reinstall the Bose Music app.

To do so, first, delete the app and then restart your smartphone.

Now go to the App Store/Google Play Store and download the Bose Music app. Then open the app and try setting up the soundbar again.

Check the router

If other devices on your network are taking up most of the router bandwidth, the Bose Music app might not be able to connect to the soundbar.

So, temporarily unplug such devices from the network and check if that fixes the issue.

Bose also recommends disabling these settings for your Wi-Fi network:

• Access Point / AP mode
• Wireless Isolation mode
• Wireless AP mode

If your router is broadcasting more than one network at a time, it can be the case that your smartphone and soundbar are not connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Try disabling all networks except the one you want to connect to and see if that solves the issue.

Also, if your router uses a Wi-Fi extender, try connecting your phone to the network without using the extender.

Also, you should reboot the router as well. To do it, simply unplug the router from the power outlet and wait for a minute or two.

From here, plug it back in and once the router is back online, try connecting the Bose Soundbar 700 to the app again.

Check the Wi-Fi Connection

If you are still facing issues, the Bose Soundbar 700 might be unable to connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

If you are setting up your soundbar for the first time, it needs to appear in the app first so you can fill in your Wi-Fi credentials.

But in our case, the device is either not appearing or is refusing to connect via the app.

There is an alternate way to connect the Soundbar 700 to your home network without using the app, but it is quite tedious.

You can use the soundbar’s built-in WiFi settings to connect the Bose Soundbar 700 to your home network without using the Bose Music app. Here’s how to do it

If the above steps don’t help, the next and final step is to reset your Bose Soundbar 700.

You can either power cycle, soft reset the device, or erase all data by factory resetting it to its default settings.

To soft reset, simply unplug the device from the power socket and wait for a minute. Now plug it back in and turn it ON.

If that doesn’t work, you can try factory resetting the device, which will erase all data and settings.

To do that, press and hold the ‘Power‘ and ‘Skip Forwards‘ buttons for 4-5 seconds.

With all the different settings and options on your Bose Soundbar 700, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out why it won’t connect to the app.

Whether it is an issue with your network or a problem with your device settings, these tips should help you fix it.

In closing, these are some solutions to fix a Bose Soundbar 700 that’s not connecting with the Bose Music App.

In most cases, one of the above methods should work.

Here’s one final tip: Ensure your soundbar is connected to the same WiFi network as your phone or other devices.

You can check this by going to the settings on your phone and looking for the network name listed under WiFi.

If your soundbar is not connected to the same network, try connecting it to the same network and see if that fixes the issue.

If you’ve tried all of these steps and you’re still having trouble, it may be worth contacting Bose support for further assistance.

They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or help you determine if there is a problem with your soundbar.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Bose remote not working? Here are 5 simple fixes you can try
• How to reset Vizio TV without remote? 2 methods
• How to reset Hisense TV without remote?
• How to connect a Vizio sound bar to a Samsung TV?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Bose Soundbar 700 won’t connect to the Bose app? Here’s how to fix it appeared first on KnowTechie.

Vizio Soundbars are some of the most popular soundbars on the market.

They offer great value for the money and a robust set of features that include built-in voice assistants and Dolby Atmos support.

But like any technology, they have their fair share of issues.

One common problem that users have reported is that their Vizio sound bar keeps turning on or off by itself.

This guide has compiled a list of troubleshooting tips to help you fix this problem. Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s jump right to it.

How to fix a Vizio Sound Bar turning on or off by itself

READ MORE: Vizio sound bar HDMI ARC not working? Here’s how to fix it

There can be several reasons for this problem. It could be a hardware issue, or it could be a software/firmware issue.

We can’t claim that the below-mentioned tips will fix the problem for you, but they work in most cases.

Here are some of the most common reason’s why your Vizio soundbar automatically turns off or on

1. Software related issues
2. Firmware update needed
3. Multiple TV setups
4. Eco settings (Power saving mode)

Step 1: Fix software-related issues

One of the common reasons for this problem is outdated software or firmware. Vizio regularly releases firmware updates for its soundbars.

These updates not only improve the device’s overall performance but also fix bugs and glitches.

Update the soundbar to the latest firmware to see if it fixes the problem. You can update the firmware using the Vizio SmartCast app.

READ MORE: How to reset a Hisense TV without a remote

Conversely, if you have recently updated the soundbar to the new firmware, that is when the problem started.

We recommend you reset the device to factory defaults to erase the new firmware settings.

Visit our guide on how to reset a Vizio Soundbar for more details.

Step 2: Toggle Off the Eco Mode

Vizio Soundbars with ‘Echo Mode’ enabled can automatically turn off after a certain period of inactivity.

Though this mode saves energy, it can cause the soundbar to turn off randomly. To fix this problem, you need to disable the ‘Echo Mode’ using a remote.

READ MORE: How to connect a Vizio sound bar to Wi-Fi/Internet

Step 3: Tweak Your Conncected Devices Settings

When the Vizio soundbar is connected to multiple devices, it is possible that it is getting turned off by one of the devices.

For instance, if you have a Vizio Soundbar connected to a TV and a gaming console through HDMI, it is possible that the gaming console is sending a signal to turn off the soundbar.

To fix this issue, set up the soundbar in a way that only receives power input signals from the TV.

Why does my Vizio sound bar keep disconnecting?

Again, your Vizio soundbar turns on by itself because it could be a problem with the wireless connection, the power supply, or the sound bar itself.

To recap, if your Vizio soundbar keeps turning off, it is recommended to try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Ensure the remote control is properly paired with the sound bar and the batteries are fresh.
2. Check the power cord and connections for any damage or lose connections.
3. Reset the soundbar by unplugging it from the power source and waiting for a few minutes before plugging it back in.

Hopefully, this guide helped you fix your Vizio soundbar.

READ MORE: How to connect a Vizio sound bar to a Samsung TV

And if you have gone through all these troubleshooting steps to no avail, we recommend contacting Vizio support for further assistance.

The support team receives these types of queries daily, so they will be able, more than anyone else, to help you out.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Vizio sound bar won’t turn on? Here’s how to fix it
• How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops?
• JBL speaker won’t connect? JBL speaker keeps disconnecting? Here’s how to fix that
• How do I reset my JBL speaker?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Vizio Sound Bar turning on or off by itself? Here’s how to fix it appeared first on KnowTechie.

JBL has been around for decades, but most know the company for its durable, premium portable speakers.

Whether you want to annoy everyone at the beach with your questionable music taste or turn your phone into a full-fledged sound system, JBL offers something for everyone.

What a lot of people don’t know is that JBL Bluetooth speakers connect easily to each other.

The feature dubbed ‘Connect’ rolled out with the Pulse 2, Clip 2, and Flip 3, allowing users to link multiple JBL speakers together. The maximum limit was set to two devices at a time.

Short on time? Skip ahead using the jump links below.

Naturally, the company saw potential in its lineup of portable speakers.

So, it released the next generation of speakers with the ‘Connect+’ (JBL Connect Plus) communication protocol that extended the limit to 100 speakers.

So whether you’re looking to pair one or 100 JBL speakers, this post will offer step-by-step instructions on connecting your speakers together, regardless of the connection method.

If you need more, further down, you’ll find a FAQs section that better explains the connectivity process and its limitations. Let’s get to it.

You can download the smartphone app (‘JBL Portable’ (Android, iOS), formerly named ‘JBL Connect’) to visualize the pairing process.

In the app, you can switch between ‘Party’ and ‘Stereo’ modes once multiple speakers are connected. 

JBL speakers can connect with each other as long as they follow the same protocol. 

READ MORE: How do I reset my JBL speaker?

For example, Pulse 3 and Charge 4 can connect together, whereas Pulse 2 and Flip 4 can’t connect because they follow different communication protocols.

Keep in mind that JBL’s communication protocols are not backward compatible. Also, older models can’t upgrade to ‘Connect+’  or ‘Party Boost’ except for the JBL Charge 3.

The limit varies from model to model and depends mainly on the communication protocol. 

READ MORE: JBL speaker won’t connect? Here’s how to fix that

As mentioned earlier, the connection limit is two for models that support the ‘connect’ protocol. Whereas those with the latest protocols can connect to 100 speakers simultaneously.

JBL’s smartphone app allows you to set two or multiple connected JBL speakers to either ‘Stereo‘ or ‘Party‘ Mode.

READ MORE: How to connect JBL speakers to iPhone?

However, only identical JBL speakers can give you Stereo sound. Any other configuration will result in a dual-mono sound.

No, the old JBL speakers with Connect+ technology cannot upgrade to ‘PartyBoost.’

With only one exception of the JBL Charge 3, the company has strictly isolated its communication protocols. 

So if your JBL speaker has hit its upgrade ceiling, all you can do is shell out some extra bucks for the latest device.

You can delink one or multiple JBL speakers from the rest in a multi-pairing scenario without any inconvenience.

You can either press the power button to turn it off or the connect button to unpair it.

However, before disconnecting, make sure you’re not disconnecting the primary speaker (the one connected to the audio source).

While ‘Connect+’ significantly improved over the original ‘Connect,’ PartyBoost has nothing to offer more than the connectivity range.

READ MORE: How to connect JBL speakers to computers and laptops?

The latest Speakers with PartyBoost have a wireless range of 60+ feet compared to 30+ in those with Connect+.

Pairing multiple JBL speakers together isn’t so hard

Pairing two or multiple JBL speakers is a breeze, but make sure that all of them have the same communication protocol. 

You can connect up to 100 portable JBL speakers with JBL’s latest connection types (Connect+ or PartyBoost), whereas the old ones (‘Connect’) can be linked to only one extra speaker. 

Hopefully, this post will make the pairing process easy for you. 

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Wired headphones are “in” again: 5 of the best ones
• Harman’s new headphones will set you back a whopping $999
• How to setup a Blue Yeti microphone
• Audeze’s new $4,500 headphones are perfect for people with too much money

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect JBL speakers together appeared first on KnowTechie.

The tech industry has an identity problem. When a company hits on a product that becomes so successful, every other tech company rushes to mimic it.

While slight tweaks are made to the various styles, they usually follow a similar pattern. This phenomenon has been in full swing within the earbuds market for some time.

That was the case until HHOGene entered the market with the GPods.

Review

Learn More

Quick Verdict

The $139 HHOGene GPod earbuds set themselves apart from the pack with a unique design, great sound quality, and decent battery life. They are a bit bulky and can’t be easily transported in their case, but the featured light-up design is what truly shines here.

HHOGene is a new company, and after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, the GPods were born.

The HHOGene GPods take traditional earbuds’ design and add something unique to the space: customization. They come in black or white, with a unique light-up design.

So, do GPods live up to the hype, or are they just a gimmick? I spent the past few weeks figuring that out. Let’s dive in and see what they’re all about.

Specifications

Light-up design

The GPods stem, or ‘shell’ as HHOGene refers to it, has fully adjustable LED lights.

HHOGene says these earbuds display over 300,000 color combinations in addition to four lighting modes: ripple, pulse, bright, and breath.

Each lighting mode causes the lights to display in a different pattern or static color.

The lights are fully adjustable within the app. You even have the ability to create a custom color profile from a photo.

Customizable

To make the earbuds even more customizable, the company offers snap-on shells

GPod shells are little plastic caps that cover the LED lights to create various designs. The shells included are: Tiger Stripes, Dare to Shine, The Ripples, and The Skull.

You can buy these and FIFA World Cup shells separately for $20 each. HHOGene includes four shells in the GPods Premium Set.

Sound quality and features

GPods are solidly built and sound fantastic. They include four different gel tips for the perfect fit. Even after extended play sessions, they never felt uncomfortable.

The 10mm high-definition drivers do a great job of delivering punchy bass while producing crisp and clear sound. These earbuds support SBC and AAC audio codecs.

Listening modes

You get a few different listening modes with the HHOGene GPods.

For instance, there is active noise cancellation (ANC), capable of reducing background sound levels up to 25 decibels. ANC on these earbuds is good but not great.

I could make out some noise around me, but the earbuds were able to suppress it a bit. Don’t expect the GPods to drown out the sound around you completely, however.

You can also enable transparency mode if you want to hear the world around you. This allows ambient noise to come in, keeping you in tune with your surroundings.

Transparency mode worked well enough for my use. I did have trouble understanding others around me if the volume was too high, though.

If I set the volume mid-way or lower, I could have a full conversation with someone without pausing my content.

Touch controls and IPX4 rated

GPods feature touch controls to answer and reject calls, skip tracks, pause and play content, or change ANC settings.

In addition, they are IPX4 rated, which means they can withstand a splash of water in any direction.

I wish they were IPX5 for better protection, but IPX4 should be enough to take them out in the rain without worrying about ruining them.

Battery life

HHOGene rates the GPods battery life at five hours (four with ANC active) with another 15 hours from the charging case.

During my testing, these numbers proved accurate. With a combination of ANC on and off, I got about four hours and 15 minutes before I had to charge them.

If your GPods battery is running low, a 10-minute charge is good enough for an additional two hours of listening.

Pocketability

The charging case is pretty large and hurts the overall pocketability of these earbuds. At 65mm x 39mm, the case doesn’t easily fit into your pocket.

Large, loose pockets can fit them, but it won’t be comfortable. You can forget about putting this case into tighter pockets. GPods are best carried by hand or tossing it into a bag.

HHOGene GPods app

The HHOGene app is where all the customization lives. It’s laid out well and offers an intuitive way to change your settings quickly.

The top of the app features a live view of your current selection, letting you see what your GPods look like without having to take them out of your ears.

The default page is where you adjust GPods lighting colors. You get a selection of preset colors at the bottom of the page, or you can follow a link to see additional color profiles.

Selecting the Light tab lets you change the brightness level, turn the lights on or off, and adjust its lighting modes.

The Hear tab lets you turn on ANC, transparency mode, or turn off noise control altogether. The Shell tab lets you preview various shells and see what they would look like on the GPods.

Hitting the menu at the top left brings you to the HHOGene Shop, where you can leave feedback or get any product help. You can also disconnect GPods from this menu.

Alternative options worth checking out

Imageㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ	Product	Price
	Oddict Twig ProBest Traditional Design Premium sound Traditional design Good battery life	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
	Bose QuietComfort EarbudsBest Premium Earbuds Great sound quality Great battery life Good ANC	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
	Shockz OpenRun ProBest Bone Conduction Headphones Surprisingly good sound quality Great for running Excellent battery life	Learn MoreRead the Reviews

Final verdict

The HHOGene GPods aren’t cheap, with a base price of $139 and the premium set costing $200.

Initially, I was skeptical that the price was inflated due to its unique light-up design. Those worries melted away the moment I began to use them.

These earbuds sound great, fit in my ear well, and last a decent amount of time without having to charge them. I had no issues taking them out on a run or wearing them around the house.

My preferred setting is to enable transparency mode and to keep the lighting at a steady glow.

The GPods truly stand out from the crowd, so don’t be surprised if people stop to ask you about them once in a while.

Where to find GPods

As of now, the only place you can find GPods is directly from HHOGene’s website. They cost $139.99 and come in black or white.

Review

HHOGene GPods

GPods are the world’s first true wireless earbuds with light, featuring a unique shell design, active noise cancellation, and powerful 10mm drivers. The combination of these features separates GPods from the rest of the pack.

See at HHOGene

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Lockly Vision Elite smart lock
• Review: AGM H5 Pro smartphone
• Review: INNOCN 27 4K mini LED monitor
• Review: Nuphy Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. KnowTechie was provided with a unit for this review.

The post Review: HHOGene GPods light earbuds appeared first on KnowTechie.

No, you didn’t misread that. This piece of functional modern art costs $12,000. Porsche Design only made 500 of them for the entire world, but we imagine the target market is small.

The 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro has enough oomph to go 0-60 in a really short time. The 2.1.2 virtual surround system has 300 watts of system power, 4K-compatible HDMI ports for input, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.0.

And don’t forget — the original Porsche 992 GTS exhaust system. That’s the internal name for the 911 GTS before it gets to the consumer market, and you can now have a piece of it on your wall.

Well, assuming you have $12,000 to spare, in a looming recession, with inflation out of control. Oh, and a wall able to hold 65kg (143.3 lbs).

You’ll have to be a purveyor of purloined Porsche parts to really enjoy this soundbar in your home. Even Dolby Atmos DTS-HD, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast support won’t be enough of a draw for most.

Maybe this soundbar will appeal to true gearheads. It’ll certainly turn heads, just as much as the car that also uses that exhaust system.

Porsche Design isn’t the only company making oddball speaker systems. These options are a great way to decorate while hiding functionality so you can listen to music wherever you are.

It’s also not the only time Porsche Design has put an exhaust system on a speaker. The last version was $3,500, and featured 2.1 virtual surround and 200 watts of power.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Razer launches new $99 Leviathan V2 X soundbar for PCs
• Vizio is going all-out on smart TVs and soundbars in 2023
• Review: Monoprice Soundstage 3 portable Bluetooth speaker
• Volvo will stop selling gas guzzlers by 2030

The post Porsche’s $12K soundbar features a 992 GTS exhaust system appeared first on KnowTechie.

The new Leviathan V2 X PC loses some of the audio quality that the bigger, more expensive cousin has. For instance, you don’t get a subwoofer or THX Spatial Audio.

What you do get are two full-range racetrack drivers and two passive bass radiators. The baby Leviathan also connects to your PC using USB-C with Power Delivery.

The soundbar also has Bluetooth 5.0, so you can connect your smartphone and other devices.

Razer says that the sound output of the new soundbar will be dependent on what device is plugged into the USB-C port. The max output is 90 dB at one meter away from the soundbar.

The nice thing is that you can power it from a wall socket, but you’ll have to provide your own USB-C charger. It’s only 400mm long, giving even the smallest desks a chance at full-sized speakers.

It wouldn’t be a Razer device without a mention of Chroma RGB, the company’s signature lighting system. Sadly, you get fewer lighting zones here, at 14 (vs. 16 on the larger Leviathan).

The soundbar is 4/5ths the size, though, so you end up with smaller lighting sections which might suit some color patterns better.

For under a hundred bucks, this looks to be good value. It brings stereo sound to your PC, and you can always use Window’s inbuilt spatial sound to give it some more presence.

You can preorder the $99 Razer Leviathan V2 X PC now, with Razer starting shipping on September 28.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Razer resurrects the DeathStalker name with three new keyboards
• Razer’s new Stream Controller lets you easily control your PC
• The Razer Kishi V2 might be the best new way to game on the go
• Razer now makes a Linux laptop, but not for gamers

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Razer launches new $99 Leviathan V2 X soundbar for PCs appeared first on KnowTechie.

Yup, that’s right, you can win this highly-rated home audio system just by simply throwing your name in a hat. Seriously, it’s that easy, and it shouldn’t take you more than three minutes out of your day to enter.

So, what’s up for grabs? Bomaker is giving away one Tapio III soundbar and subwoofer, valued at $139.99. Here’s everything you need to know.

Bomaker Tapio III – Key features

For a soundbar that costs $139.99, this unit offers a ton of features. You get high-definition sound, 3D surround sound, a room-shaking subwoofer, and much more.

Here’s a quick breakdown of all the key takeaways:

• Four 2.25″ Full-Range Speakers: Excellent 2.1 sound, fully optimized sound for movies or video games.
• 190W Peak Power: This soundbar boasts 3D surround sound, 125dB output, and an increase in power of up to 25% over other portable bars.
• Intuitive Controls: Switch modes easily with the included wireless remote: Game, Bass +, 3D, Music, News, and Movie
• 50Hz – 20KHz Deep Bass: A Powerful 100W subwoofer with a 5.25 ″ speaker delivers the deepest bass you’ve ever heard.
• Multiple Inputs: Connect the soundbar to your TV via an HDMI ARC, optical cable, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Not bad for a soundbar you could potentially get for free, right? Let’s proceed to the giveaway if this is checking off all the right boxes.

How to enter

It’s simple. For your chance to win, enter your details into the Gleam widget below.

You can also gain extra entries by doing the other things on the list, like sharing this giveaway with your friends, signing up for our newsletter, and following or liking us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Additionally, entrants must like and follow Ultimea’s (Bomaker’s parent company) Facebook and Instagram pages, along with filling out a short survey. We’ll verify these requirements to ensure entrants follow the rules.

NOTE: Remember that you’ll have to enter through the widget below for your entry to count.

Again, The giveaway entry form will show all the ways to enter in the widget below. Try this direct link to the contest if it isn’t loading.

The giveaway will run from September 20 to September 25. One winner will be selected and announced on August 28. Entries are limited to readers from the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK.

Once selected, one winner will receive a Bomaker Tapio III, valued at $149.99. Good luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. KnowTechie’s opinions, reviews, and other editorial content remain objective and are not influenced by the sponsorship.

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Giveaway: Enter to win a Bomaker Tapio III soundbar appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Haylou PurFree bone conduction headphones are a new experience for me. I have reviewed a lot of headphones. Most of them either stick in my ear, or at least hang out of my ear.

While the Oladance Stereo headphones were a surprise, these were something different. As a top hat-wearing, pocket-watch-wielding audiophile, I’m in it for the quality of music.

That’s hard to achieve when the headphones sit off your ears. There’s music somewhere, but it’s not in your head.

That’s not to say this is a criticism of the Haylou PurFree headphones. There is something to be said for bone conduction headphones and their purpose in this world.

This technology has a reason for existing, and after a few days of use, it became apparent to me. These headphones match a certain lifestyle. I found they can exist alongside headphones that are used purely for music.

Big sound, somewhere

Most headphones work by pushing sound through the air. The reason headphones like the JVC Riptidz sound so banging to someone like me, is because they are literally in your ear.

That’s what you want if you want music in your head. Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound through vibrations on your skull. They skip the eardrum and go right to the inner ear.

That means that there is less damage to your eardrum over time. Basically, if you just use bone conduction headphones, then your mom can’t yell at you about going deaf from listening to music at full blast all the time.

When it comes to the quality of sound, it’s almost not comparable because of the delivery system differences. I can’t say one is better than the other, but I can say the Haylou PurFree headphones slap.

After having them for a few days, I found myself wearing them all the time. They weren’t even in the right place on my head consistently. Sometimes they were on my skull, sometimes on my neck. But even with the directional sound, I could still hear them due to the vibrations.

If you like music on all the time, but don’t want to disturb the household while also hearing the household, then these are perfect.

Essentially, instead of music jammed in your head, blocking out the outside world, you have music vibrating into you. You stay aware of the outside world, but you have music in your bones.

While the depth of sound is lacking, that’s a comparison that shouldn’t exist here, so I’ll drop it. The headphones do come with earplugs, in case you do want to blank out your surroundings.

Run, sweat, cycle

As a part-time cyclist and full-time home chef, the Haylou PurFree headphones make sense. They are IP67-rated waterproof. This means they are sweatproof without degradation.

The wrap-around style stays on your head while you run, as well, if that’s your kind of thing.

When I cycle, I don’t wear earbuds. It’s dangerous around here. I need to be able to hear everything going on around me so I don’t die.

With these headphones though, that paradigm is changed. I can do both. I can have riding music while still being aware of my surroundings. That’s freaking awesome.

The directional audio delivers a moderate bass thump, if you press them hard against your skull. I’ll be honest, even in optimal head position, the sound you’re hearing has some distance to it as much as you feel it vibrating in your bones.

Using Bluetooth 5.2 technology, there is no fidelity loss. The sound is unbroken without major distortion. These are not audiophile headphones, they are active wear headphones.

Recharge your style

The Haylou PurFree headphones offer about eight hours of battery life when charged fully. They feature dual microphones and a cVc noise cancellation algorithm. This helps clear up background noise when you use them for a phone call.

There is one slight downside with these headphones, however. I review a lot of technology, and there is one serious pain point. That’s the physical charging technology.

These headphones have a proprietary charger. It’s a magnetic clip. You lose that cable, you’re shit out of luck. I can understand with the form factor why it’s not USB-C, but it’s still annoying.

I suppose, though, most earbuds have to sit in a case (which is proprietary) to be charged via USB-C, so it’s not that huge of a gripe.

All things considered, these are a great buy if you live an active lifestyle and need something that will workout with you.

They aren’t for pure music enjoyment, but they don’t dampen the experience either. They offer you music (or podcasts or whatever) when you might not be using regular headphones. That’s a bonus.

There are a ton of bone conduction headphones on the market, so it’s hard to say how these ones stack up. Many of them have seemingly made up names and vary in price from $40 to $150.

Shokz is the most popular brand for these types of headphones. Another popular option comes from Panadia, and they are on the cheaper end at $45.

The Haylou PurFree bone conduction headphones retail for $78.66 (down from $133.32) and are available at Amazon (for $95.99, oddly enough) and through AliExpress (for $78.66).

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Blue Tiger Solare solar-powered headset
• Review: Monoprice Soundstage 3 portable Bluetooth speaker
• Review: EarFun Free Pro 2 – true wireless earbuds with ANC that won’t break the bank
• Review: DaVinci IQ2 Carbon Fiber

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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That means you can leave your phone in your pocket more. The touchscreen has multiple screens to flick through, from managing your music to adjusting the earbuds’ settings and calls, messages, and social media notifications.

It’s essentially putting a smartwatch onto your earbuds case, which sounds like a smart idea. Not everyone wants to wear something on their wrist or keep their phone easily accessible. It also replicates the JBL app functionality.

The Tour Pro 2 looks like capable earbuds too. They use the latest Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, have adaptive noise cancellation, and JBL tweaked 10mm drivers.

Battery life is rated at 10 hours before needing a charge, with a total of 40 hours with the charging case. Six microphones are built-in for calls and noise canceling.

JBL is also launching a pair of over-ears, the Tour One M2. They use 40mm, dynamic drivers, have adaptive noise cancelation, and supposedly “outperforms the competition and JBL’s own previous headphones,” according to JBL.

The sad news for American consumers is that JBL has no plans to launch in the US market. Anyone who wants them will need to import from Europe, or maybe the UK. This goes for both the headphones and earbuds.

The JBL Tour Pro 2 will be on sale in Europe and the UK in January 2023 for €249 / £220. They will come in champagne and black.

The JBL Tour One M2 will cost €299/ £279.99, in the same two colors, and the same Europe/UK-only availability.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Urbanista’s latest earbuds get power from any light source
• Apple VR headset: Release date, features, and price
• Apple’s AirPods could get USB-C charging by 2023, but nothing is official
• Spotify finally adds new ‘play’ and ‘shuffle’ buttons, but there’s a catch

The post JBL’s newest earbuds have a touchscreen on the charging case appeared first on KnowTechie.

The biggest improvement in the Momentum 4 is the 60-hour battery life. Sennheiser says that’s with ANC on. Expect longer battery life if you don’t use the noise cancellation.

The company also notes that the Momentum 4 headphones can fast charge, with six hours of battery life from a ten-minute charge. That’s pretty awesome.

Battery life aside, the Momentum 4 might as well have a different model name. They’re no longer gleaming examples of industrial design.

The exposed metal headband of the prior models has been replaced by a cloth-draped one. The physical controls are mostly gone, too, with a touch panel on the right earcup controlling things now.

The new design does mean the earcups rotate flat, which is handy for storage or hanging around your neck.

Sennheiser used a new 42mm transducer for the Momentum 4. That should bring “brilliant dynamics, clarity and musicality,” but you can also tweak the sound with the companion app.

Tweaks include EQ, presets, sound modes, and a Sound Personalization feature.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 joins a crowded market. It’ll be competing against Apple AirPods Max ($549), Master & Dynamic MW75 ($599), Bose QuietComfort 45 ($329), Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), and the Bower & Wilkins PX7 ($399).

You can get the $349.95 Sennheiser Momentum 4 in cream or black directly from Sennheiser’s website or from Amazon.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New Adidas headphones get power from any light source
• Master & Dynamic’s new ANC headphones take on AirPods Max
• New LG earbuds kill bacteria and feature active noise canceling
• The best wireless earbuds of 2022

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Sennheiser’s new $349 Momentum 4 headphones are now available appeared first on KnowTechie.

And you don’t have to break the bank to find one that sounds good for your Discord or recording needs. 

Today, we’re going to take a look at the OneOdio FM1. The FM1 is a standalone USB microphone with an included, removable pop filter. Its plug-and-play design has onboard controls and support for several different systems. 

The OneOdio FM1 is available on Aliexpress and usually retails for $81.98. But if you act quickly, the mic is currently on sale for 50 percent off, bringing the price down to just $40.99. So let’s see what it’s all about.

Simple and easy to use

Microphones, and sound hardware in general, can be overly complicated with programs, drivers, and tons of settings that need to be tweaked. But OneOdio designed the FM1 to be simple to set up and use. 

First, the FM1 connects to your PC or gaming console via USB. So you don’t have to deal with multiple wires or compatibility issues. 

Second, there aren’t any external drivers or programs that you’ll have to download. It’s designed to just be able to plug in and start recording. 

READ MORE: The Storm2 Slim is a portable charger that is powerful and unique

And finally, all of your sound controls are located easily on the front of the microphone itself. There you’ll find a gain knob to control how loud your recording is.

You’ll also find a mute button and a monitor button that allows you to pass sound through to your headphones so you can hear how you sound. 

Wide compatibility

The OneOdio FM1 is a desktop microphone, but it is not limited to working with your computer.

When it comes to your PC or laptop, the mic will work with just about any operating system, including Windows, Mac, and even Linux. 

But you can also use the FM1 with a gaming console, such as the PS4 or PS5. So you won’t have to settle for that weak mic attached to your gaming headset. 

As we mentioned earlier, the OneOdio is a desktop microphone with a metal stand that can fit anywhere on a flat surface. It’s also a condenser microphone that relies on vibrations and electrical signals to transmit sound. 

Because condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones, external vibrations can distort sound recordings, especially for a mic designed to sit flat on a stationary surface like the FM1. 

Essentially, any vibration affecting the desk your mic sits on can distort its sound.

To get around this, however, OneOdio added a shock-absorbing silica gel to the bottom of the FM1 to act as a buffer against external vibrations. 

Check out the FM1 microphone to step up your recording game

If you’re a gamer or streamer considering moving from a headset mic to a standalone microphone, but you don’t want the hassle of setting up complicated new sound equipment, check out the OneOdio FM1.

This microphone is super easy to use, with a USB plug-and-play connection and onboard settings controls. And it’ll work on PC, Mac, PS4, and PS5. 

And at the normal price of $81.98, the FM1 is a pretty affordable option to get you started.

But again, it’s currently on sale for $40.99 on Aliexpress, which is a super appealing price for users looking to try out a standalone microphone for the first time. 

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• The HPRT MT810 is a portable printer you can take anywhere
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• VANKYO Leisure 470 Pro: The world’s smallest 1080p projector

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. KnowTechie’s opinions, reviews, and other editorial content remain objective and are not influenced by the sponsorship.

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Both sets of buds have LG’s signature UVnano bacteria-destroying charging case. That case also doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter, so you’ll be able to use your buds with almost everything.

LG also uses hypoallergenic, medical-grade ear tips to remove potential sources of irritation.

READ MORE: JBL’s newest earbuds have a touchscreen on the charging case

Both sets of buds also use Meridian Audio HSP tech, which makes your earbuds sound more like the “experience of listening to loudspeakers in a room.” You also get adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on both sets.

The flagship T90 then adds Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking tech. LG says this is the first pair of buds with an “audio virtualizer designed by Dolby specifically designed for earbuds.”

Battery life is impressive, coming in at nine hours with ANC switched off and another 18 hours of charge in the charging case.

The TF8 are LG’s first buds made specifically for workouts. They have a more secure fit, with ear fins (shown above) to keep them in place.

An IPX7 rating means they’re resistant to splashes or rain, and they have 10 hours of battery life with ANC off (and another 20 hours in the case).

LG says that the Tone Free T90 and Tone Free Fit will be available in the US in September. It looks like the TF8 will cost $199.99, while the flagship T90 will cost $229.99.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: JVC Riptidz wireless earbuds
• Review: GravaStar Sirius Pro wireless earbuds
• Master & Dynamic’s new ANC headphones take on AirPods Max
• Are the new Pixel Buds Pro worth buying? Here’s what reviews say

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post New LG earbuds kill bacteria and feature active noise canceling appeared first on KnowTechie.

You’ve never tried headphones like these. As the kids say, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones hit different. These are not earbuds. This is a wearable stereo.

In some instances, that might be just marketing speak.

Here is an accurate descriptor of how these headphones deliver music to your head.

Unlike other open earbuds (earbuds that don’t actually go in your ear), Oladance Wearable Stereo earbuds sound like they are in your ear. It’s weird.

I had the chance to test these open-ear earbuds for the past few weeks, and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed.

However, they might not the best option for everyone. Are they worth buying? Let’s jump right to it.

Stereo on your head

Wearing the Oladance headphones is like wearing classic over-the-ear headphones without sweat.

You can barely feel these sitting on your ears. There is a bit of disconnection as the sound comes mere millimeters away from your ears.

READ MORE: Review: Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction headphones

This makes it feel like you are in a room with an excellent surround sound system.

You can hear the outside world since there is air between the speakers and your ear holes, but that makes these things perfect for activities where I can’t use earbuds, like cycling.

Or, from the perspective of a 13-year-old, it is perfect for them to hear me asking them to do chores and not ignore me because they have earbuds in their ears.

Since these sit on the ear instead of deep in them, they would be better compared to external speakers.

The bass is there; the mids are there; the highs are there — they are just a few millimeters away.

The bass isn’t as thumping as it would be in the ear, but it’s super clean. Highs are distant enough to be distortion-free and crisp.

Middle ranges are delivered with excellent clarity. Overall, the stereo sound is there without the physical compression of earbuds.

The depth of sound is different here; it’s difficult to explain. Imagine sitting in a clean room with perfect acoustics closing your eyes, and your ears are numb.

You can’t feel if there is anything in your ear. Then the music starts. It’s all around you and in you, but you can’t feel it. It’s kind of like that.

This feels like truer surround sound than any in-ear earbud might claim.

The music is all around you, and the outside world is there too. You just have to focus to let it in, as you can easily trick your brain into only focusing on the music.

Pioneering technology

Oladance claims it first proposed the concept of OWS (open wearable stereo).

I can’t confirm this, but the copy on its website would likely have had to pass legal muster, so we’ll accept it as gospel.

OWS changes how we consume music through our head holes. Instead of jamming things in our ears, we get an open music experience.

The chip technology and algorithms improvement has enabled Oladance to create multiple sound points and dynamic monitoring. This is calculated to form synthetic sounds.

Along the way, it adjusts the phase relationship between synthetic sound sources to do a bunch of other technical stuff.

There is some very smart-sounding copy here. The point here is that Oladance combines design with functionality and sound.

Sound frequencies that the human ear can’t discern are moved to frequency bands that it can. This helps with poor sound quality in open earphones.

It also prolongs hearing health by not jamming all frequencies simultaneously at varying levels.

Oladance, as focused as it is on sound quality, dreams of a world in which technology is a force for positive good.

Sustainable, health-focused technology exists in some kind of utopia, likely devoid of us terrible humans.

360° Cinematic sound

Listening to cinematic music (such as anything by Electric Light Orchestra) sounded amazing these things.

Probably the best-sounding skull-oriented delivery system for digital versions of classic rock I’ve ever used.

Roger Waters was in my head and all around me simultaneously. I could still hear the idiot dogs barking at nothing walking by outside, without the barks busting the sound.

It was just some distant awareness sneaking through the space between my antitragus and the headphones.

From the intricate artistry of Ólafur Arnalds to the spacious tones of Eli & Fur playing live from the mountains in Italy, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones delivered a fresh musical experience.

I’m used to listening to music with earbuds, not walking or cycling anywhere with a full stereo on my head.

You’d think the ability to hear still the outside world would be a bother, but you only notice it if you want to.

With 16 hours of battery life and utilizing the latest Bluetooth protocols, there was no place for distortion.

Fidelity was clear, and though they don’t touch your ears, the music comes through without popping or breaking.

It’s all ear gravy

You will be hard-pressed to find a better-sounding open-ear headphone out there.

Between its 16 hours of battery life, waterproof construction, and Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, the Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones are an experience.

This is a revolutionary way to deliver music to your head without losing touch with the world around you.

You can jam some earbuds in your ears, but you’ll feel those more than the music. Here, you feel the music and forget you are wearing things on your ears.

Other open earbuds are on the market, but they all seem to lack attention to the craft. For instance, the Sony Linkbuds are big goofy things. The Cleer Audio ARC headphones sit high on your ear.

Avantree’s TW116 Open Ear headphones come close, offering similar specs. The construction of these appears not as solid, however. Same for these from Conduction Labs.

The Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones retail for $179 and are available in four colors. They can be found on the company’s website or Amazon.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 portable AC unit
• Review: The Proxy by Puffco – an innovative modular vaporizer
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• Review: Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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A Harmon Kardon speaker or soundbar is a  great addition to any TV and can greatly improve the audio quality of your viewing experience. Just ask anyone who owns one.

But, if you are reading this post, you know it already. Now you want to know how to connect your new Harman Kardon speakers or soundbar to your TV, right?

Thankfully, you came to the right place, and we will walk you through all the steps you will need to take.

Before we start, there are a few different ways to connect Harman Kardon speakers to your TV. Here are the methods we will be covering:

• HDMI
• Optical Cable
• Bluetooth

The method you use will depend on the speaker type and the inputs available on your TV. Ready to get started? Let’s jump right in.

Connect Harman Kardon Speakers/Soundbar to TV

Traditionally, Harman Kardon speakers and soundbars connect to a TV using optical or HDMI cables. However, the company has recently moved towards wireless options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

You can connect a Harman Kardon speaker or soundbar through various methods, but keep in mind that the sound quality and overall experience will differ based on your chosen method.

To get started, here are a few things you need to do:

Via HDMI

All popular TV brands, including Samsung, TCL, Hisense, LG, Sony, and more, have at least one or two HDMI ports on their latest models.

Similarly, you can also find one or multiple HDMI ports on most Harman Kardon soundbars and speakers. To name a few: Enchant 800, Enchant 1300, and Citation Multibeam 700.

So, the best and easiest way to connect your Harman Kardon speaker or soundbar to TV is via an HDMI cable.

Connect one end of the cable to the HDMI OUT port on the back of your soundbar and the other to any open HDMI IN port on your TV.

If your Soundbar and TV support HDMI ARC, we recommend this type of connection as your preferred choice.

The HDMI ARC feature allows you to control the soundbar volume using your TV’s remote control. Also, it offers a better sound quality than the other options we’ll cover in this post.

Via Optical Cable

If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port or is already in use, you can connect your Harmon Kardon speaker or soundbar to the TV using an optical cable.

For this, you will need to find the OPTICAL IN port on your soundbar and connect one end of the cable to it. The other end of the cable goes into the OPTICAL OUT port on your TV.

Make sure to use a good quality optical cable for this connection as a poor quality cable can result in audio dropouts and lip-sync issues. And if you need some suggestions, we recommend these.

Via Bluetooth

To connect your Harman Kardon speaker or soundbar to the TV wirelessly via Bluetooth, first, put your speaker/soundbar into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button on the remote for a few seconds.

Alternatively, you can press the source button several times until you see a Bluetooth icon on the display panel.

Now go to the Bluetooth settings on your TV and select the soundbar from the list of available devices. If asked for a code, enter 0000. Once the connection is established, you should be able to hear audio coming from your TV through the soundbar.

The advantage of using Bluetooth is that you can place the soundbar anywhere in the room without worrying about connecting it to the TV with a cable.

Wrapping up

These are some ways you can connect your Harman Kardon speaker or soundbar to your TV. That wasn’t so hard, right?

As we mentioned earlier, the best sound quality will be achieved through an HDMI connection, but if your want to eliminate the clutter of cables, you can always go for a wireless Bluetooth connection.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect a Bose soundbar to your TV
• Review: Harman Kardon Allure
• How to connect a Vizio sound bar to a Samsung TV
• How to connect a sound bar to Vizio TV

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post How to connect Harman Kardon speakers to TV? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Home audio systems are one of the must-haves for today’s consumers. While some people spend a lot of time on TV, focusing on the quality of the picture and the size of the set, others are all about the sound quality of their music.

Whether you want a full entertainment experience or to increase the value of your home audio system and personalize your home audio experience, there is no better way to do it than buying quality bookshelf speakers. You can buy these individual speakers separately to enhance your home audio experience.

If you’re planning to buy bookshelf speakers, here are tips to keep in mind.

How Will You Use Your Speakers?

There is a variety of speakers built to suit different tasks.

From surround sound systems to Hi-Fi systems, soundbars, to bookshelf speakers and portable smart speakers, it’s important to ask yourself how you plan on using your speakers before choosing which ones to buy.

According to an online bookshelves speakers guide, you need to ask yourself some critical questions:

• Are you buying speakers for casual music listening?
• Do you want to improve your home theater system?
• Do you want speakers for your bedroom or study room?
• Do you want speakers with wireless connectivity?
• Are you looking for high-quality sound at a fair price point?

Bookshelf speakers are designed to offer a casual audio experience in a relaxed setting.

If you’re looking for a more intensive home audio experience, you should use a surround sound system with standing speakers. Knowing how you want to use your speakers will guide you in buying the right unit for your needs.

Check Your Space and Room Furnishings

Bookshelf speakers are designed to be placed on a raised surface in your home such as a bookshelf or a high table. While they’re sold as a home theater package or a pair of shelf stereo speakers, the proper placement doesn’t always come obviously.

Different surfaces and speaker placement affect sound quality. Consider your room furnishing and the space available before buying speakers. You’ll want to ensure you’re buying the right speakers for your space.

Hard, flat surfaces in a room reflect sound while varying or soft surfaces absorb sound. To get a sense of the sound in the room, you need to be practical with how you place your speakers.

Bookshelf speakers are a perfect choice for small rooms like a bedroom, but a larger furnished and carpeted room would need bigger speakers for a better sound experience.

Know Your Budget

Whether you’re putting together a home theater system with additional bookshelf speakers or want to buy small speakers for your small working space, knowing how much you want to spend is important.

Bookshelf speakers come in high-end as well as mid-range and affordable options that provide great value, sound quality, and performance.

Knowing what’s most important for your home audio needs before creating a budget is critical, according to a Lifewire guide on how to budget for your home theater system.

Do you listen to music more? Do you spend more time watching movies or playing games? While your needs may impact your budget, consider buying the best bookshelf speakers you can afford.

For a good suggestion, head over Vinyl Vintage to find some exclusive bookshelf speakers within your budget.

Confirm the Specifics You Want

When buying bookshelf speakers, you need to consider several things, such as size, design, style, and technical aspects. Size matters as you want speakers that fit almost any situation, including a shelf, stand, or bookshelf.

While some may range around 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide, some are small enough to be mounted on a wall. Once you have a size in mind, you’ll want to look at the sound quality based on your listening needs.

You’ll also want to check the overall build of the bookshelf speakers, specifically the type of cabinet used.

Is it an acoustic suspension, front-ported or rear-ported? Do you want speakers with wireless technology or wired connections? What about the power handling and the sensitivity of the bookshelf speakers?

Confirm the specifics you want before making a purchase.

Test the Speakers

Once you have decided what type of bookshelf speakers to buy, it’s time to test them. Don’t just buy speakers blindly.

If buying from a home entertainment store, you’ll want to check the speaker frames to ensure they’re strong and of quality material. The speakers should feel solid in your hands.

If buying online, search for reviews from actual users and tests by home audio experts. You can always learn a thing or two from online reviews.

Testing Your Initial Home Audio Setup

Once you’ve bought your bookshelf speakers, it’s time to get some sound out of them. First, check that all plugs are working, then listen to some music while standing close enough about ear-level, just in front of the speakers.

Listen for fuzziness, distortion, or crackling in the sound. Try out different audio settings, including the volume and frequencies, to judge the speaker’s sound range and the sound of the vocals and instruments in the music.

Play a variety of songs with different tones to test your speakers. Quality bookshelf speakers will enable you to experience specific sounds in songs you’ve never heard, like sliding on strings and covered-up instruments.

If your bookshelf speakers are for enhancing your home theater system experience, make sure they match your existing home audio system.

Proper Positioning

You’ve spent money on some great bookshelf speakers, and you want to get the best sound experience you paid for. A CNET guide offers great speaker-placement tips.

Even with mid-range or inexpensive speakers, the optimal setup can produce quality sound that outperforms more expensive models.

It’s important to remember that room acoustics also affect speakers’ sound. You can also check the speaker manual for setup instructions.

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of bookshelf speakers, how they work and how to get the best out of your money will give you peace of mind.

Read online reviews that compare different bookshelf speakers in your price range and make a wise purchase.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Things you should look for before purchasing a shelf speaker
• Bang & Olufsen’s new bookshelf speaker literally looks like a book
• Review: Fluance Ai40 Bluetooth bookshelf speakers
• Can the Sony PlayStation 4 connect to Bluetooth speakers?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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