Monitor Audio Announces Their First Soundbar
Written on Jan 20, 2009 by Brian and filed under Monitor Audio, News
Monitor Audio has added an entry to the high-end soundbar market, debuting the R-One-HD single piece soundbar. The unit features seven speakers that span the left, center and right channels. It also offers support for added rear speakers or subwoofer.
The center channel includes two 4″ MMPII bass drivers and a 1″ C-CAM gold dome tweeter. The left and right channel sections have a single 4″ MMPII bass drivers 1″ tweeters.
The Monitor Audio R-One-HD soundbar will be available through authorized resellers soon for $800.
Even though as an installer sound bars make my installation work a snap. I can’t help but feel guilty because no matter how expensive the sound bar is, there is no way it can actually mimick a true surround sound system. I would rather enjoy a $400 5.1 home theater in a box than an $800 sound bar (more or less an expensive center channel). I will say at least this one has support for rear speakers.
Valid point, but no one buys a soundbar expecting fantastic surround sound. There are tricks of course that spoof it to a degree, but it’s more about simplicity and the best sound possible in a small space.