Improvements in sound technology have come along at a pace in the last few years. There have always been Hi-Fi models that will give excellent quality sound, although these have usually come at a high price, but up until recently the sound from televisions has been flat and sometimes tinny.

- Look great; - Sound awesome; - Easy to use

- Quite expensive; - Not fully surround sound

Sonos' Playbar makes an excellent addition to your living room, but only well-heeled music lovers can afford one.

Simple set up; Great; room-filling sound for a soundbar; Top-notch build quality

Expensive; Mobile app needs a better UI

All speakers included (Sub, 2x Play:3s and the Playbar) the total price is $1996…before tax. So the argument quickly becomes convenience versus bang for buck. A boxed solution with satellite speakers could cost $1,000, add in a mid-ranged amp $400, and a Sonos connect, and you're only truthfully...

Easy as pie setup; its own music server; integrates with Sonos environment; controllable via smartphone

Only compatible with Dolby Digital (not DTS; etc); pricey ($699); not ideal for audiophiles

We got our hands on Sonos' take on decent sound for your flat panel TV in the shape of the recently launched Playbar, which - as the name suggests - is a soundbar. Playbar is Sonos' first dedicated attempt to mix their well-known wireless music system with the world of television, and compared to...

Easy setup; IR-repeater; The Sonos-universe is included; Good sound quality for TV and movies; Wireless streaming; Possibility for "surround; Price

Only SPDIF input; No DTS support; Sound is lacking a bit for music listening; Cannot connect additional front speakers

To create a true cinematic experience in your own home, you need a combination of high-end visual and audio components. If your home theater is equipped with a nice HDTV, adding a sound bar can complete the package.

This sound bar can connect to multiple devices wirelessly; giving your system a clutter-free look

To control the Playbar; you will need a mobile app or an adapted theater remote

Sonos Playbar Soundbar Performance Features Ergonomics Value Sonos SUB Subwoofer Performance Features Ergonomics Value Price : $699 At A Glance : Excellent sound quality for music and movies • Powerful optional subwoofer • Mixed surround-sound performance Since its launch in 2005, the Sonos wireless

Having effectively modernised hi-fi, the wireless titan that is Sonos has set its sights on the booming soundbar business, and seemingly almost by default, finds itself a home cinema player, too. But can the brand really replicate its audio success in the world of TV and multichannel audio?

Easy wireless setup; big, bold audio quality; well-built; Sonos Controller app and music services are good fun

Solitary optical input proves limiting; no DTS decoder onboard; multichannel package painfully expensive

Since its launch in 2005, the Sonos wireless music system has won accolades and an extensive fan base thanks to an early focus on tapping into the digital music libraries that consumers built after the iPod's launch in 2001, and an evolving graphic interface that, in today's version, brings the...

Since its launch in 2005, the Sonos wireless music system has won accolades and an extensive fan base thanks to an early focus on tapping into the digital music libraries that consumers built after the iPod's launch in 2001, and an evolving graphic interface that, in today's version, brings the...

Another great Sonos component, but you will go back and buy the Play 3s for surround and the sub making it an expensive surround system. When you buy it all, it sounds great. On its own, the sound was a little weak for me.

Sound and Sonos addition

Needs the surround and sub to sound great