I’ve evaluated at least 57 soundbars. That experience has taught me there are two attributes a truly great soundbar should possess. First, it should sound good. Second, it should work like it’s part of your TV—i.e., it should power up and shut down when your TV does, your TV’s remote should control volume and mute on the soundbar, etc.
By this measure, there’s never been a truly great soundbar.
Sonos—known for network-based audio devices such as the Play:3—has attempted to create a soundbar that would meet my definition of "truly great." How confident is Sonos that the new $699 Playbar will work perfectly in concert with your TV? Pretty confident: The Playbar doesn't come with a remote.
