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How to Buy a Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer

Get movie theater sound at home without buying twice by timing your purchase right.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 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 good soundbar and wireless subwoofer setup changes how everything sounds, from dialogue in quiet dramas to heavy bass in action scenes. If you buy the right one now, you won't need to replace it for a decade.

Audio gear drops in price right before the big game in February, when retailers clear out older stock. Last year's model is usually just as good as the brand-new one, but costs a lot less.

The 0% intro APR window is a deadline, not free money, so make sure you pay off the balance before those 15 months are up or you'll get hit with interest on the whole amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your model

    Look for a 3.1 or 5.1 channel system that fits your room. Read reviews on dialogue clarity so you aren't constantly turning the volume up and down.

  2. 02

    Wait for the pre-game sales

    Prices on home theater gear hit their lowest point in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. Keep an eye on your chosen model now so you know a real deal when you see one.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    If you use the Discover it® Cash Back card, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Splitting the $750 cost across that window comes out to about $50.00 per month.

  4. 04

    Check the return policy

    Audio gear sounds different in a showroom than it does in your living room. Make sure you have at least thirty days to test it out at home.

  5. 05

    Set up your connections

    Plan to connect everything using an eARC HDMI cable for the best sound quality. Take five minutes to run the auto-calibration mic if your system comes with one.

  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 wireless subwoofer?

Yes, if you want full sound. The soundbar handles voices and highs, while the sub handles the low rumblings that make movies feel real.

What is eARC and why does it matter?

It is an HDMI connection that sends high-quality audio from your TV back to the soundbar. It beats optical cables because it handles modern surround sound formats.

Should I buy refurbished audio gear?

Factory-refurbished soundbars from reputable brands are usually safe and save you a chunk of change. Just make sure it comes with a solid warranty.

How do I stop dialogue from sounding muffled?

Look for a soundbar with a dedicated center channel and a dialogue enhancement mode. Turning that feature on makes voices stand out clearly over background noise.