Roku Wi-fi Audio system Evaluate: Seamless Sound for Roku TVs

Roku Wi-fi Audio system

MSRP $179.99

“Clear sound and breezy setup make Roku’s Wi-fi Audio system a superb Roku TV improve.”

Professionals

Totally easy setup
Seamless wi-fi connection
Clear, detailed sound
Stylish, minimalist design
Backup TV distant

Cons

Bluetooth streaming a bit clunky
Subwoofer choice could be good
Roku-only connection limits choices

Roku TVs have turn into extraordinarily widespread because of their low value and a built-in working system that’s not solely straightforward to make use of, but in addition helps you to stream nearly something on the internet. Little did we all know, nevertheless, that Roku had been quietly working behind the scenes on a {hardware} addition to its TV software program suite within the type of wi-fi audio system constructed solely for its rising Roku TV military. What are they referred to as? The Roku Wi-fi Audio system, naturally.

A bespoke pair of wi-fi audio system constructed only for Roku TVs might look like an odd area of interest, however with a number of TV manufacturers now operating Roku OS and TV sound being … effectively, horrible, an intuitive wi-fi audio system that integrates seamlessly with Roku TVs really makes a number of sense. Frankly, we had our doubts as as to if Roku may pull this one off however, because it seems, Roku’s skills span effectively past the realm of intuitive streaming.

Out of the field

The Roku Wi-fi Audio system arrive in a slim field that just about appears too small to bear any worthy sonic treasure inside. Flipping the highest reveals a pair of good, rounded towers with a profile just like a pair of Sonos Ones. Wearing matte black and completed with cloth acoustic grills, the audio system have some good weight to them, whereas their minimalist design is interrupted solely by an influence connection, a ¼-inch mounting gap, and pairing and reset buttons on the again aspect of every.

Riley Younger/Digital Tendencies

Roku TV house owners (i.e., the one folks shopping for these unhealthy boys) will probably be delighted to see a point-anywhere distant inside that mirrors their TV’s distant (within the case of our TCL 6 collection, almost precisely) and works prefer it too, internet hosting TV energy and quantity controls, voice command and navigation keys, and the acquainted streaming fast keys. Additionally driving alongside is an oblong “Desk Prime” distant with fundamental audio controls on the highest designed to allow you to dial up tunes from the audio system whereas in one other room. There’s additionally a quick-start information, however no actual handbook.

Fantastically easy setup

The simplest setup we’ve ever encountered in a supplemental sound answer.

One of many Roku Wi-fi Audio system’ greatest options is their brilliantly easy setup. Simply plug them in and comply with the verbal directions and the audio system (and your TV) do the remainder, together with a fast sound take a look at that, amongst different issues, mechanically units your appropriate stereo channels. Frankly, that is the best setup we’ve ever encountered in a supplemental sound answer.

Seamless sound

That simplicity extends to on a regular basis use, too — with a couple of caveats. One necessary level to recollect right here is that, in contrast to a soundbar, soundbase, or nearly every other pair of wi-fi audio system in the marketplace, the Roku Wi-fi Audio system usually are not solely inextricably linked to your Roku TV (which limits their versatility) but in addition its menu. The Roku TV menu controls all, from EQ to streaming music.

For instance, altering bass enhance, bass discount, and dialogue enhance for the audio system is all achieved by hitting the star key on the distant and scrolling by way of the Sound settings. The identical goes for Automated Quantity Leveling, which helps restrict your possibilities of being blasted by commercials or main motion moments, and Bluetooth streaming out of your telephone, which requires you to dive into the Equipment menu to pair your supply machine.

Riley Younger/Digital Tendencies

This structure additionally means your TV display screen will probably be on by default whenever you stream music to the audio system. If “Quick TV” is enabled in your TV’s settings, you possibly can launch Bluetooth with out the TV being on by merely saying “Launch Bluetooth” after hitting the voice key. You may also hit the star button on the distant(s) whereas Bluetooth audio is enjoying and switch the show off.

We discovered loads of sonic bliss in these little $200 pods.

You may also use voice instructions like “play ‘80s music,” and the Desk Prime Distant even hosts two preset keys for web radio companies, however we discovered these options to be extra novel than sensible, particularly since they’re restricted to sure apps and don’t work with our most popular service, Spotify. You’ll additionally discover an odd double-diamond key on the spare distant, however Roku isn’t divulging what that does (or will do) but, because it’s meant for a future function rollout.

Whereas streaming music will be clunky, every part else is solely seamless. Activate the TV, and also you’re able to rock. Quantity, mute, and energy are all dealt with by your main distant. After all, because of ARC HDMI, the identical will be mentioned for many soundbars together with your TV distant, however many on the Roku Wi-fi Audio system’ low value level don’t have ARC, to not point out that CEC management will be spotty when coping with separate producers. Not so right here — that’s the fantastic thing about a tailored answer.

Efficiency

The easiest way to explain the Roku Wi-fi Audio system’ efficiency is that they merely sound dang good for the cash. Easy, clear, and surprisingly wealthy sound shoots forth from the audio system for a comparatively highly effective and detailed sound signature throughout genres and sources.

You received’t discover a lot chew or sibilance right here, even because the audio system do a effective job fleshing out readability within the higher midrange. That’s partly as a result of, in contrast to a soundbar, they don’t must do heavy lifting with undersized drivers since they pack a hefty 3.5-inch woofer and a ¾-inch tweeter into every cupboard for a two-way, bookshelf design. Whereas Roku has rolled off the highest finish a bit, we’re impressed by how a lot heat and presence you get in the course of the sound, which brings out presence and definition in dialogue, vocals, and acoustic devices.

The audio system do have some bother competing within the decrease register, dropping some factors relating to cinematic punch. That’s the place some listeners will miss the wi-fi subwoofer paired with most soundbars. Nonetheless, from the primary notes of Roku’s sound demo, we had been shocked with how a lot bass is on supply for a pair of audio system this small, including simply sufficient gravitas to movies like Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok to deliver all that visceral motion to life.

What’s extra, the audio system take again some misplaced floor when in comparison with soundbars because of their huge stereo picture, which expands their soundstage past nearly any bar you should purchase (relying on the way you organize the audio system, after all), and provides movies, TV, and particularly music extra room to unfold out and refill your listening house. Placing them about 5 toes aside on our TV console made for a large stereo picture with a giant, accessible candy spot.

A large stereo picture with a giant, accessible candy spot.

Once we set as much as take a look at streaming music, we had been extraordinarily dissatisfied at first — that’s, till we realized we’d by chance clicked “Lowered Bass” within the TV menu. After fixing that little mistake, issues improved vastly, although we had been nonetheless dissatisfied with the Bluetooth high quality. This may increasingly range, after all, since you’re not likely streaming to the audio system however the TV, so that you’re counting on no matter Bluetooth {hardware} your TV consists of.

Fortunately, our TCL 6 collection presents Spotify Join, permitting us to stream gloriously clear music over Wi-Fi. From the tight grooves of The Weeknd’s Starboy to the fragile guitars of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, we discovered loads of sonic streaming bliss in these little $200 pods.

Our Take

Roku’s Wi-fi Audio system are a pleasantly stunning first entry into audio for the model, providing clear, full, and detailed sound and seamless integration together with your Roku TV, all at a value that provides minimal sticker shock to your TV buy.

Is there a greater various?

There are a ton of choices across the $200 value level, so we’ll simply level out a pair to think about. If you happen to’re keen to leap up $100, Yamaha’s YAS-207 presents detailed efficiency, together with greater bass and even digital encompass. At $50 much less, Vizio’s widespread SB3261 soundbar is one other effective choice, with greater bass, although it’s going to be a step down relating to stereo picture. There are additionally numerous choices within the wi-fi/pc speaker market, however the lion’s share would require a separate distant and cables, curbing the comfort issue.

How lengthy will it final?

The audio system look like well-built, like every part we’ve seen from Roku up to now, whereas mysterious new options are nonetheless in growth, teasing that they need to final for years to come back.

Do you have to purchase it?

Sure. If you happen to’re a Roku TV proprietor searching for a slick and easy audio answer on a decent finances, Roku’s Wi-fi Audio system are a superb selection.