HEOS Bar and Subwoofer

With HEOS making waves in the multi room streaming category, they have recently added a couple new products to compliment their already impressive product line-up.

Since their launch, HEOS has offered their HEOS Home Cinema package that consists of a slim souldbar and wireless subwoofer.  As good as it is, it was built to a price and has some limitations.  Firstly the ability to add rear speakers is not there and the sound quality is not as good as it could be.

Introducing the HEOS BAR and HEOS SUBWOOFER.

These new offerings are both larger and better than their predecessors.  With the ability to purchase them individually, they introduce a modular design into the HEOS ecosystem.

HEOS BAR

The BAR is a true 3 channel soundbar.  With an integrated centre speaker, it delivers clear dialogue and lifelike virtual surround sound.

The bar has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI out with ARC (Audio Return), an optical and coaxial digital input, a 3.5mm analog input, a USB socket and Bluetooth input. It allows connection 4K products with all HDMI sockets being 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compatible.

It features the latest wi-fi connectivity with 802.11 A/C/N for the most reliable connection.  It also has a RJ45 ethernet connector for connecting straight into a router/switch.

Running 8 class D amplifiers, the BAR delivers a BIG sound with accurate details, while not turning itself into a bar heater (yes, pun intended).

The BAR runs on the HEOS system, giving access to online streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal and Internet Radio.  Music can also be played locally from the controlling device or local attached (USB stick) or network hard drives. (NAS drives) It also allows grouping with other Heos speakers for a multi room system.

When used in conjunction with the HEOS SUB and 2 Heos speakers (matched pair), or a Heos amplifier with either bookshelf speakers or ceiling speakers to make a proper 5.1 channel surround sound soundbar.  The Heos bar will decode the following surround sound formats:

Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Decoding

The BAR is shipped with a remote control but also has a remote learning function.  This means it can learn buttons from your television’s remote to control the soundbar.  It also has a infra-red repeater in case the bar covers the television’s IR sensor.

HEOS SUBWOOFER

Larger than the sub shipped with the Heos Home Cinema pack, the HEOS SUB is a wireless sub that delivers deep, room filling bass to compliment the BAR.

The SUBWOOFER can be placed vertically or horizontally.  Horizontal placement allows for discreet placement under lounges.

VERDICT

The Heos Bar and Subwoofer are considered by many best in class.  They deliver BIG accurate surround sound and incredibly detailed music performance.  As they are HEOS devices, they will work seamlessly with other HEOS products, including many Denon and Marantz A/V receivers.  They are a fantastic way to get a TRUE surround sound performance without big, bulky receiver boxes.  Well worth a listen.

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