Panasonic SC-HTB570 review

The SC-HTB750 tries hard by offering a decent level of functionality, but suffers from below-par sound quality Tested at £350

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The SC-HTB750 tries hard by offering a decent level of functionality, but suffers from below-par sound quality

Pros

  • +

    HDMI input

  • +

    Bluetooth connectivity

  • +

    Flexible(ish) design

  • +

    Decent bass weight

Cons

  • -

    Unattractive finish

  • -

    Not the neatest solution

  • -

    Coarse, rough edge to the sound

  • -

    Dynamically flat

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Compared with the relative glamour and finesse of the LG's NB4530A and JBL's Cinema SB400, this Panasonic SC-HTB570 looks rather dowdy. The silver finish looks dated, and the general construction and presentation feels insubstantial.

Panasonic SC-HTB570 review: specs/connections

A separate receiver box hosts the various connections and some amplification, but this doesn’t make for the neatest solution. The main reason for this additional box is to allow the soundbar to be split into two separate speakers.

Once you’ve unscrewed the joining bracket you can mount them on individual (supplied) stands, so instead of having a bar running along the length of your screen you can have a speaker either side. It’s good for flexibility but not necessarily for tidiness, as speaker cable is left trailing to the control unit.

Panasonic SC-HTB570

Panasonic SC-HTB570

Besides the left and right speaker connections, the control hub also includes an ARC-compatible HDMI output and one input. Bluetooth connectivity takes care of music streaming and a couple of optical digital inputs could come in handy for a set-top box, say.

Small green lights on the front panel indicate which inputs you’re viewing and also show which sound mode you’ve chosen (if any).

Panasonic SC-HTB570 review: performance

The tiny writing above them is impossible to read from any distance, so you have to remember which light correspond to which mode. The modes include stadium, music, cinema, and news modes, but none sounds as convincing as the standard setting.

Even listening in the standard mode, though, the Panasonic struggles against its rivals. The soundbar manages to dig up some detail from the Skyfall soundtrack and the subwoofer injects a decent amount of weight as Bond’s boyhood home comes under fire. In isolation, then, we’d say the SC-HTB570 sounds passable enough.

Panasonic SC-HTB570

Panasonic SC-HTB570

But, there’s a lack of refinement to the overall sound. Dialogue and vocals display a coarseness and there’s a general rawness and an unsavoury edge to the sound, which hinders enjoyment.

Crank up the volume and this problem is only exacerbated. The Panasonic provides little in the way of dynamic ability too: shifts from low to high aren’t communicated strongly enough, and everything is left sounding flat.

Panasonic SC-HTB570 review: verdict

Considering the quality on offer from other, recent soundbar systems, we’re a little underwhelmed by what the Panasonic delivers. There’s a decent feature count and some flexibility, but sound quality isn’t up to scratch.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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