Gaming Speakers and Soundbars are a popular feature when it comes to your gaming setup. With quality audio equipment the action is brought to your ears with a greater sense of realism and intensity.
In recent years there has been an increase in gamers opting for a soundbar, which are normally a sleek all in one speaker with a form factor mostly placed horizontally.
Both speakers and sounders are great additions to a gaming setup however individuals can base their preference on things such as space and sound distribution. In this article we will be taking a look at Gaming speakers and soundbars you may want to consider for your Sim Racing experience.
Products featured in this review:
Gaming Speakers
Logitech G560
Razer Nommo Chroma
Logitech Z407
Edifier G500
Redraggon GS520
Soundbar Speakers
Polk Audio Magnifi Mini
LG Ultra Gear GP9
Creative Katana V2
Leviathan V2
Are Soundbars better than speakers for gaming?
Pros of Soundbars
There are some pros and cons to Soundbars for gaming whether using sounders or speakers. Let’s deal with the pros of a Soundbar. Firstly they are incredibly easy to set up and normally require just a single cable for connectivity. Along with this simplicity it makes them very convenient as there do not require as host of cables to attach to other devices such as a subwoofer or other speakers. The form factor of Soundbars also make them an ideal acquisition if you want a system that offers more discretion with its appearance. Soundbars can blend neatly into the environment.
Cons of Soundbars
First potential con is that when it comes to the sound quality if you’re aiming at the lower end of the scale you will likely be compromising on aspects of the audio. However you’re going to get excellent bang for your buck with greater investment. Another con is that there is limited scope to upgrade although there is a small range where you can supplement with extra speakers and a subwoofer.
Speakers
Pros of Gaming Speakers
With a Surround sound speaker system they usually operate through a receiver or an amplifier. Most modern speakers make use of a receiver. A standard speaker set up will normally have 3 main speakers, middle left and right, 2 rears speakers and a subwoofer, this set up is known as the 5.1 channel system.
A speaker system offers more versatility in that it offers the ability to be expanded depending on the power of your receiver. This opens up a number of options of the output. This may include placing speakers in the ceiling or adding speakers or a subwoofer in different locations across the room. With this wider soundstage speakers can be placed at a distance from one another giving an overall better sphere for sound to travel.
There is far more opportunity to be creative when placing the speakers, although this is dependent on how much space you have. But speakers offer the versatility of being placed at different angles, bedded in walls and ceilings. As there is a designated received in which the power supply is produced from this means a lot more power is output therefore having the ability for speakers to be louder and better. Another pro is the ability to upgrade your system depending on the power of your unit.
Cons of Gaming Speakers
Now pros of a sound system as that they are not always the easiest to set up. This is a factor when you’re looking to upgrade also. Research is key and you will need to know what you’re doing when it comes to matching sound pitching and so on. In addition the wiring can also be complex when seeking to place speakers in different areas across the room. This may require professional help and you will need to factor this in your budget. There are options to buy packages but research is definitely something you will need to do if you’re choosing yourself.
Gaming Speakers and Soundbar Reviews
Logitech G560
The Logitech G560 has a very rich and immersive sound and also looks the part. There a 2 control modes with a Bluetooth or aux input for the lightingAn audio visualiser has also been implemented which responds to the music along with a screen sampler which provides an immersive lighting experience. The audio can be tweaked in the G hub app and you may unearth even more bass. The device can supports surround sound meaning like gaming feels as if you are truly there in the thick and thin of the action.
Razer Nommo Chroma
The Razer Nommo Chroma is a sleek looking piece of equipment. You’ll find a crisp, clear audio with the speaker. At all frequencies the Nommo Chroma produces a s nice sound. A cool feature is the RGB lighting at the base of the speakers. This lighting is controlled by the Razer app. The device unfortunately does not have a dedicated subwoofer feature but still has a reasonable bass output.
Logitech G407
Logitech feature again in this speaker list and its second entry is the G407. The G407 includes a downward firing subwoofer that rumbles, although some may scream gimmicky it has a nice effect on your gaming experience. The device has a wireless control dial with a detachable stand which provides a variation in the angle range. The G407 does hit with the audio and can also be great for music listening. The audio is clear, with minimal distortion and excellent bass.
Reddragon GS520 Anvil
The red dragon GS520 anvil definitely looks like a gaming speaker and along with it has a very decent sound. The sound pro duces good travel, and a quality mid range and bass. The speakers have RGB lighting incorporated with 6 different settings. A Clear and crisp sound quality is noticeable and a clean sounding bass that you won’t be disappointed with.
Edifier G500
The Edifier G500 is a speaker that will appeal to gamers with it’s appealing Gaming look. Customisable RGB lights have been incorporated into the design. Slightly awkward controls on top of the right speaker connectivity inputs include Bluetooth 5.0 technology, USB, Optical, Co axle input and a 3.5 mm jack input. There is 88 watts of output and a frequency range of 70 hz – 40 khz.
Something that limited the speakers is that there is no subwoofer or the option to add one doe to there being no output available. The factory bass is ok but won’t be mind blowing which is a slight disappointment for the cost of these speakers. However at the other frequencies the speakers. Another slight setback for the speakers is that there is no dedicated microphone input or headphone output.
Polk Audio Magnifi mini
Although small in nature coming in at 13 inches wide the Polk Audio Magnifi Mini still injects a lot of power from is small stature. The tweeters are 2 1 inches and and there are 4 2.5 inch woofers. The speakers produce a clear and integrated sound at all ranges of volume. Polka audio surround bar mode simulates a 7.1 surround sound system Included with the speakers is a wireless Subwoofer which provides that extra oomph of bass.
The speakers are versatile enough to be placed in a variety of places with its wired and wireless options, Bluetooth and WIFI streaming connectivity. In addition to HDMI AR, Optical Output and a 3.5 mm aux input. Included is a Dialogue enhancement feature for clearer voice audio.
LG Ultra GP9
The LG Ultra Gears design screams gaming and coolness. The soundbar has an incredible lighting feature which may be for some and not others however it is fully customisable.
Implemented with an audio jack a headset can be used with this device. Unfortunately there is subwoofer to support the bass. However the range of frequency in sound is still pretty impactful.
Another limiting factor is the lack of surround sound support but you still will feel an integrated experience with the speakers and a relatively decent battery lasting up to 5 hours.
Creative Katana V2
Built on the original Katana model the V2 upgrade is one the top gaming Soundbars to get your hands on. The design merges well as with its sleek form factor. As with the original the Soundbar comes with a subwoofer which is bigger than the original.
The buttons on the display are tactile and there is a remote for adjusting settings from a distance. Incorporated into the Soundbar is cool looking LED display providing details of basic settings. A 3.5 headphone jack has been placed at the front which provides great practicality should you wish to switch to headphones at night. Connectivity includes a subwoofer port, optical and aux jacks, USBC, super xfi USB port – creatives dongles and HDMI Arc port. Bluetooth 5.0 all features at a 10m range. The visual effects of the RGB lighting are a pretty cool feature to enjoy at night.
Creative have added a dedicated driver software through the creative app which there are a number of settings to toggle through. The sound is produced through the Multi core DSB 126 watts RMS power and 252 watts peak. The device can get impressively loud even at it’s lower volume settings. In addition it produces great clarity and smooth sounds offering great immersion when gaming.
Leviathan V2
The Razer Leviathan 2 SoundBar is an all round decent sound bar for sound quality but does come with its limitations in the hardware department. For set up the device does come with optional small stands for either a flat and angled projection. As mentioned the limitations from its predecessor are the removal of the 3.5 mm jack and optical input. On offer are Bluetooth and USCB type c to type a. This comes at a disadvantage to console gamers there is no HDMI or Optical option to connect through to TV.
Another minus for some may be the lack of a headphone jack night. Discreet coming is most certainly compromised due to this. Also to add the Sounder does not feature a designated remote although your smart phone can replace this function.
Razers software app. Is pretty in depth allowing the user to have plenty of options to configure. The Frequency response is said to range from 45hz 20 Khz and in the sound department the Razer does perform quite well. Relatively decent sub bass tones are produced with a defined mid range on offer. The device also performs well at high range with an excellent sound stage. This is excellent for gamers.