Sharp Q HT-SBW53121 Soundbar + HT-SPR52021 Rear Audio system Assessment

Sharp has been making vital strides within the UK audio market with its Q sequence soundbars, and the HT-SBW53121 represents a powerful entry within the mid-range phase.

This 3.1.2 channel soundbar, when paired with the non-compulsory HT-SPR52021 wi-fi rear audio system, creates a powerful 5.1.4 {surround} sound system that goals to deliver cinema-quality audio to your front room.

The Sharp Q sequence marks the corporate’s return to kind within the audio area, with merchandise that prioritise sound high quality over pointless good options. This strategy turns into significantly evident with the HT-SBW53121, which skips Wi-Fi connectivity and streaming apps in favour of specializing in what issues most: delivering nice audio efficiency at an inexpensive value.

What units this method aside is its collaboration with Devialet, the French audio specialist famend for its premium audio system and acoustic engineering experience. This partnership brings skilled tuning to a consumer-friendly value level, promising to raise the audio expertise past what you’d sometimes anticipate from a soundbar on this class.

Sharp HT-SBW53121 Soundbar Specification

Sharp HT-SPR52021 Rear Speaker Specification

Different Sharp Q Fashions

Unboxing / Design / Construct High quality

The Sharp HT-SBW53121 arrives in a sizeable field, reflecting the soundbar’s beneficiant proportions and the inclusion of a decent-sized wi-fi subwoofer. The soundbar itself is completed in matte gray plastic, with a easy, practical design that ought to go well with most residing rooms. The entrance grille is steel, offering some reassurance when it comes to sturdiness, whereas the remainder of the chassis is plastic. The unit feels strong, though it lacks the premium end seen in some higher-priced rivals.

The rear audio system are comparatively compact and unobtrusive. They share the identical understated design language because the soundbar, with a sensible construct that prioritises operate over kind. The subwoofer is giant and boxy, with a downward-firing driver and a ported enclosure. Whereas the supplies should not luxurious, the general development is sturdy and may face up to common use.

Set Up

Establishing the soundbar is a simple course of, largely as a result of the truth that it lacks any community connectivity and good options.

You plug the cables into the best locations, and that’s about it.

For the {surround} sound audio system, you’ll want to pair them with the soundbar. To do that you’ll want to:

1. Be certain that all of the cables are securely related and the soundbar is in STANDBY.
2. Press and maintain the PAIR button on the rear of the speaker for 3 seconds. The speaker will enter pairing mode, and the PAIR indicator will flash shortly.
3. Press the ability button on the soundbar or on the distant management to change the soundbar on.
4. Press the MENU button on the distant management, then use the directional management on the distant management to spotlight <WLPAIR>. Press the play/pause button and wait for five seconds.
5. When the speaker is paired with the primary unit, the PAIR Indicator will probably be strong and the soundbar will show <PAIRED>.
6. If the PAIR indicator blinks, the wi-fi connection has failed. The soundbar will show <SPK NC>. Unplug the ability cable from the speaker after which reconnect the ability cable after 4 minutes. Repeat steps 1 to 4.

Options and Connectivity

The HT-SBW53121 gives a broad vary of connectivity choices, together with:

• 2 x HDMI inputs (plus HDMI-eARC output)
• Digital optical enter
• 3.5mm aux-in
• USB playback
• Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC and AAC+ codecs)
• HDMI-CEC for TV distant management

The HDMI-eARC performance is especially helpful for these utilizing newer TVs, because it helps higher-quality audio codecs and permits for synchronised energy and quantity management with the TV distant.

Audio decoding assist is beneficiant, together with Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X, DTS-HD, and DTS 5.1. For USB playback, the soundbar helps a broad vary of codecs: MP3, OGG, WAV, FLAC, AAC+, and ALAC.

Customers can alter particular person bass and treble ranges with the distant, and the equaliser presets cowl a variety of situations, together with Film, Music, Sport, Recreation, Voice, Evening, and a Customized mode.

The distant management is practical, with direct entry to sound modes, enter choice, and particular person adjustment for bass and treble. The on-unit controls are fundamental however enough for day-to-day use. The LED show gives clear suggestions however isn’t as discreet as some OLED alternate options.

Audio Efficiency

Sound High quality

The HT-SBW53121 performs effectively and delivers a full-bodied sound with clear dialogue, punchy bass, and a convincing sense of area, particularly when paired with the rear audio system.

The three.1.2 {surround} sound has a left, proper, centre (3), a subwoofer (1) and two peak channels (2).

The devoted centre channel ensures that voices stay intelligible even throughout busy motion scenes, and the up-firing drivers add peak to the soundstage when enjoying Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content material.

The up-firing Atmos audio system are one thing you don’t see typically at this value level.

The subwoofer gives ample low-end presence, enhancing explosions and music with out overwhelming the midrange. Bass is tight fairly than boomy, and whereas it might lack the sheer depth of bigger, dearer subs, it’s effectively built-in with the soundbar.

The rear audio system make a noticeable distinction to immersion, significantly with surround-encoded materials. Results transfer convincingly across the room, and the up-firing drivers contribute to a way of peak, although the impact is extra refined than in methods with side-firing or ceiling audio system. The system performs effectively with each movies and music, though stereo music playback is much less participating than multi-channel content material.

Sound Modes and Customisation

The soundbar gives a number of EQ presets: Film, Music, Voice, Sport, Recreation, Evening, Customized, and Off. Every mode subtly tweaks the frequency response to go well with completely different content material. The Film mode enhances {surround} results and bass, whereas Voice mode brings dialogue to the forefront. The Evening mode compresses dynamics for late-night viewing.

There’s additionally guide adjustment for bass and treble, permitting customers to tailor the sound to their desire or room acoustics. The shortage of computerized room calibration is a limitation, however guide adjustment is straightforward sufficient for many customers.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Assist for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is a key promoting level. The soundbar’s up-firing drivers create a way of verticality, with results reminiscent of rain or helicopters showing to return from above. Whereas the impact isn’t as pronounced as with ceiling audio system, it provides an additional dimension to suitable content material.

The system handles object-based audio effectively, with clean transitions between channels and a coherent soundstage. Nonetheless, the general impact depends on room form and ceiling peak, and a few customers could discover the peak channels much less efficient in bigger or irregular areas.

Music Playback

Music playback is competent, with a balanced sound that avoids harshness at excessive volumes. The system helps a spread of audio codecs through USB, and Bluetooth streaming is steady and simple. Whereas the soundbar is optimised for movie and TV, it performs respectably with music, providing clear vocals and enough bass for many genres.

Value and Different Choices

The Sharp HT-SBW53121 Soundbar is out there for £380, and the HT-SPR52021 Rear Audio system can be found for £219, making the full for this method £599.

The HT-SBW55121, the flagship mannequin, is out there for £529 on Amazon.

Then, sitting under the mannequin I reviewed is the HT-SBW460 3.1 Soundbar priced at £279.

And under that’s the HT-SB700 at £169

Competing choices round this value level embrace:

• Sonos Beam Gen 2 for £449 – Dolby Atmos good soundbar – In case you had been so as to add a subwoofer and {surround} audio system, the value can be considerably greater
• TCL S55HK for £399 – 220W 2.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer
• Panasonic SC-HTB600 for £399 – 360W 2.1 channel Dolby Atmos DTS:X Soundbar with Subwoofer
• Klipsch Flexus Core 200 for £399 – 185W 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with no subwoofer
• Sony HTS2000 for £399 – 250W 3.1ch Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Soundbar and not using a subwoofer. Sony SA-SW3 subwoofer is £449, and the identical value for the SA-RS3S {surround} sound audio system
• Samsung HW-Q600C for £399 – 3.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer
• Samsung HW-B650F for £349 – 37oW 3.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer

 Total

The Sharp Q HT-SBW53121 soundbar, paired with the HT-SPR52021 rear audio system, gives a convincing {surround} sound expertise at a aggressive value. 

I believe the shortage of good options has allowed Sharp to give attention to the vital stuff you want from a soundbar, the general audio high quality.

Sturdy factors embrace the inclusion of a subwoofer, eArc, and the upwards-firing audio system for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content material. There should not many different methods that provide this stage of audio options at this value level.

For customers in search of a no-nonsense residence cinema improve with true 5.1.4 channel sound at a smart value, the Sharp HT-SBW53121 and HT-SPR52021 mixture is a superb alternative. It isn’t with out its compromises, but it surely delivers a stage of efficiency that can fulfill most movie and TV lovers seeking to step up from their TV’s built-in audio system.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Enthusiastic about all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good residence units.

As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits permit me to deliver a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the most recent tech traits.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Programs Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior examine additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the expertise curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.

Final replace on 2025-06-27 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API