For a long time I had thought about how the TV sound on my TV (SONY-LCD-TV, 32 inches) would improve. Like most LCD TV has my device over a rather tinny sound. The television I can therefore been run through my stereo. Not really the best solution, because of news documentaries, or normal TV program is so good sound naturally purest Overkill ... And besides, the hi-fi system, of course, was by far more than sense demanded and claimed.
So-called sound bars I had at trade shows and in stores over the past 3 years, a number viewed / listened to, considered and solutions with Satellitenböxchen etc.. All these solutions had me but not really convincing either too big and bulky (often additional subwoofer!), Or not really thought through (why should I actually a Soundbar before () make my television, which swallows only unnecessary footprint? and does not look good. Or the things were too expensive or technically inadequate. So many of these devices also pointed to a Far Eastern piano lacquer design, just awful ...
After reading the test report in the magazine HiFi Test seemed to me the Maxell soundbar to be the perfect solution. After unpacking and connecting I realized then that the unit of design and functionality fits seamlessly forth in the existing equipment. The whole thing almost merges into a single unit. Good news is that the engineers have implemented an elegant, space-saving and intuitive solution. The device is really relative relatively well finished.
The Maxell soundbar improve the TV sound quite dramatically to perceived two levels. For normal TV program (news, documentaries, talk shows, game shows, TV movies) the sound of Maxell soundbar is in my opinion in the daily operation absolutely sufficient or more than satisfactory. The LS can be switched in multiple stages. Of all the varieties I like the position to BASS / SRS in the 2nd stage best. Yes of course, because there is certainly still plenty of room for improvement! Who cherishes expectations towards all-happy sound, will be perhaps disappointed. Even a good mini hi-fi system à la Yamaha Piano Craft brings more here, sounds tonally balanced safely.
So you should think about before (!) A purchase the desired purpose exactly. The Maxell soundbar was only conceived as a complement for an LCD TV and so such it works just fine. AND: We are talking about a 150 euro device that reason alone, are exaggerated expectations simply unrealistic! Who wants a lot more, and for example, no hi-fi system or can operate alongside wants, and who still toying with a compact solution à la Soundbar, the need to invest considerably more. One or two classes higher the sound is, of course, again a lot better. A very nice alternative device would be for example the Soundbar BOSE (Solo TV Sound System). But that would nevertheless already cost 400 euros ...
Connection Technically you have the choice between HDMI, optical digital and analog RCA. Have tried all sorts of variations, and finally decided on the optical digital connection. Advantage: So I can continue to use the TV as a central point, without having to rewire the two-screen suppliers individually with the Maxell Soundbar. (When HDMI control would have been inevitable.) For me it was also important as an alternative to select the HiFi system over the RCA analog output of the TV. For movies or music, for example, the Blu-ray player, the audio playback on a high-quality system remains my first choice. At the selected port configuration this works perfectly still.
CONCLUSION: The Maxell MXSB-252 Soundbar provides for 150 euro already a damn good price-performance ratio: More sound goes for that price is not easy! She tops the primitive LS in the usual LCD TV by far. Those who do not anschafft a TV the expensive brands Loewe or Metz because of the good form from the outset, the quasi gets delivered through the back door with this unit good standard tone.
A few remarks on the grunsätzliche stability of TVs on the Soundbar (Addendum of 02/04/2013):
The MXSB-252 is carried by the housing forth relatively stable, it weighs 3.4 kg and has the following dimensions: 720 x 54 x 340 mm. The stability is likely to be less a question of the absolute weight of the device, but rather a question of relative stability for small and medium-sized TVs. The weights of televisions of 32- to 40-inch class ranges from 10 kg to 18 kg max, making them easily manageable by the Maxell Soundbar.
BUT: The case of MXSB-252 falls toward the ends slightly. In width therefore not the full 720 mm should be exploited, but perhaps only 580 to a maximum of 600 mm. The stability of the TV in the Maxell Soundbar thus crucially depends on the dimensions and the nature of the type of TV stand. With LCD TVs with diagonal 32-40 inches, there should be no problems. With TV-feet smooth, but to large footprint (naturally with rather larger TVs), the whole thing could become unstable! In contrast to a smooth, continuous base, there are other structures in which the LCD TV rests on four small crepidotus. Such feet constructions used as SONY in some newer models. There could be problems if the feet are wider than 600 mm apart. In the current LCD TVs with diagonal 32-40 inches but should turn out absolutely perfect justice to such designs normally for MXSB-252. To be sure to go but, should the measure previously.
