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How to Buy a Home Theater Soundbar and Subwoofer

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Home Theater Soundbar and Subwoofer

Upgrade your audio before the big game for around $500 without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $500 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A solid soundbar and subwoofer combo fixes the biggest problem with modern TVs: paper-thin built-in speakers. If you buy a decent setup, it should last you seven to ten years easily. The trick is avoiding the yearly upgrade trap by knowing when audio gear actually gets marked down.

Audio manufacturers refresh their lineups in spring, which makes late winter right before the big football game the sweet spot. Retailers slash prices on the outgoing year's models to clear floor space, giving you high-end sound for about $500.

Keep in mind that 15 months of 0% interest is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still owe anything when that window closes, the regular variable APR kicks in on the remaining balance. Stick to the $33.33 monthly target so the slate is wiped clean on time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Skip the latest release

    Look for the previous year's model instead of the newest release. Audio tech moves slowly, so last year's flagship usually has the exact same drivers and Dolby Atmos support as the new one. You will save 20% to 30% just for ignoring a new model number.

  2. 02

    Shop the week before kickoff

    Late January and early February bring massive retail discounts on home entertainment gear right before the championship game. Retailers compete hard for living room upgrades during this window. Watch major electronics retailers for bundle deals where the wireless subwoofer comes included.

  3. 03

    Measure your space first

    Make sure the bar fits between your TV legs or mounts cleanly beneath your screen without blocking the remote sensor. Subwoofers need a power outlet and a corner or wall to bounce bass effectively. Measure the width of your TV stand before you click buy.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost with Discover

    The Discover it® Cash Back gives you a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. On a $500 purchase, you pay $33.33 per month to clear the balance before the intro rate expires. Set up an automatic payment each month so you never have to think about it.

  5. 05

    Connect with HDMI eARC

    Use the included HDMI cable to plug into your television's eARC or ARC port rather than an optical cable. That gives you higher audio bandwidth and lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume directly. Turn off your TV internal speakers in the audio settings once it is plugged in.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I really need a separate subwoofer?

Yes, if you want full sound. Soundbars are too narrow to produce deep low-end frequencies, so a separate subwoofer handles the bass for movies and sports. Most modern units connect wirelessly to the bar, so you only need to plug it into a wall outlet.

Is last year's soundbar model really just as good?

In almost all cases, yes. Speaker hardware changes very little year over year, unlike phone processors or TV panels. Buying the previous year's flagship gets you premium components at mid-tier pricing.

Can I control the soundbar with my regular TV remote?

Yes, as long as you connect them using an HDMI cable through the TV's HDMI ARC or eARC port. That connection lets the TV pass volume and power commands straight to the soundbar. Optical cables do not support this feature.

What happens if I miss the 15-month payment window?

Whatever balance remains will start accruing interest at the card's ongoing variable APR. You do not get hit with retroactive interest from day one, but any lingering debt immediately gets expensive.