Introduction
Yeah… Upgrade your TV sound system with this budget soundbar – SonicGear SonicBar 3000 BTMI. Yup, it is loaded with 20W output power. Comes with AUX-in, Bluetooth, FM radio, built-in MP3 player (micro SD & USB) and handy remote control. For around RM150, does it sound great for the price? Read on to find out…
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out…
- SonicGear for this SonicGear SonicBar 3000 BTMI Soundbar and SonicGear BT2100
- Lotoo for Lotoo PAW 5000 DAP
Package Content & Design
SonicGear SonicBar 3000 comes well protected just like other SonicGear products. There are remote control, stereo 3.5mm audio cable, AUX adaptor (3.5mm to RCA), power adaptor, screws, sticky pads and user manual in the package. As usual, remote control is a must have for living room usage. You can control the soundbar from sofa far away easily. Yes, up to around 7m infra-red range.
Build quality is decent for the price. Solid housing but not sure it’s metal or plastic. All the buttons – audio source, volume, track, play/pause and power on/off are located on the right.
Same apply to DC in port, micro SD slot, USB port, AUX in and external FM radio antenna. By the way, the AUX cable is also act as FM radio antenna on top of the built-in one.
Yup, this is the wall holder. Located on both left and right.
Follow by 2 anti-skid pads at the bottom. Yes, they do provide stability here.
Performance Result
Yeah, SonicGear SonicBar 3000 passes the Bluetooth test with flying colours. One of the best which can hit up to almost 9m with obstacles like walls. In addition, it has almost no lag between video and audio. That’s great for mobile devices like smartphone and tablet for sure. Watching movie is a pleasure and can play games as well. Lastly, AUX port is always there for TV and music player without Bluetooth connection.
Built-in MP3 player is working great. As usual, it start playing MP3 songs after plugged in micro SD card or USB flash drive. 6 equalizer modes are supported (Bluetooth too but no for AUX-in). And the great and must have feature – remembers the last audio mode. Yes, SonicBar 3000 will continue as Bluetooth mode if that’s the last mode before power off. As for FM radio, signal is average only even with extra AUX cable as antenna. I can’t get clear signal on all the radio stations out there. Hmm…
Below is the LED light indicator for audio source. Flashing blue for Bluetooth, green for FM, flashing green for MP3, light blue for AUX and red for standby.
SonicGear SonicBar 3000 sounds better than most TV built-in speakers for sure. Those speakers sound flat and emphasize treble than bass due to slim design. SonicBar 3000 with long round tube shape brings fuller sound in return. Much natural compare to those flat sound. And bring more bass too. But still not deep and powerful enough when compare to dedicated subwoofer. Anyhow, it’s an improvement from TV’s one no doubt. And that brings more exciting listening experience and excitement on TV drama, movie and games.
Advantages
- Sound fuller than TV’s one
- Bluetooth, FM & MP3 player support
- Remote control included
- Decent build quality
- Value in price
Limitations
- Average FM radio experience
Conclusion
Spice up the sound of your existing TV with SonicGear SonicBar 3000. Enjoy fuller sound and lot of useful features. Usable on mobile devices too thanks to wide range Bluetooth connection. Interested? Get yours at Shopee or Lazada.
