JVC TH-BA1 review

It's not got much going for it in the looks department, but this JVC is a tidy performer that shines even at high volumes Tested at £300

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Overlook the JVC’s cosmetic shortcomings and there’s plenty to like here

Pros

  • +

    Poised, unstressed and widescreen sound

  • +

    wireless subwoofer

Cons

  • -

    Looks and finish are nothing to write home about

  • -

    sub could get more involved

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At least as far as the casual showroom browser's concerned, the JVC TH-BA1 doesn't really do itself any favours.

In a market that exists primarily because some customers don't want big, bulky speakers accompanying their nice slim TV, being the most cumbersome soundbar around isn't a wholehearted recommendation.

Further visual indignities come courtesy of the wireless subwoofer, which is a vinyl-covered confection of the most prosaic kind.

Trio of audio modes
Where specification is concerned, the TH-BA1 continues the ‘rather humdrum' theme.

Audio is input via one of two digital optical inputs or a 3.5mm analogue socket and delivered in one of three EQ modes, two of which strive to provide pseudo-surround sound.

There's a comprehensive little remote control handset and the option to dim the bright blue light on the soundbar's fascia.

That's about it – the subwoofer's wireless aspect is as exciting as the specification gets.

It's to the JVC's credit, then, that the sound the TH-BA1 makes is altogether the most likeable thing about it.

Smooth integration
Decoding the DTS soundtrack to preposterous Liam Neeson vehicle Taken, there's genuine width to the soundstage this soundbar generates: you'd never mistake its resolutely front-forward presentation as surround sound, but the JVC's more than capable of occupying the full width of your viewing room.

Integration between the speakers in the bar and the subwoofer is smooth enough too, and there's a resolute absence of hardness to the TH-BA1's sound, even at considerable volume.

The subwoofer could be more assertive, certainly (though its stance is preferable to the mindless bluster less-capable rivals serve up) but it modulates the low-frequency stuff quite well.

The second of the ‘surround' EQ settings provides an even wider soundstage, but introduces an air of vagueness and uncertainty into the middle of the stage where the majority of dialogue sits.

This is a trade-off too many as far as we're concerned; it's better to stick with the slightly smaller scale, but altogether more cohesive, of the presets.

Performance belies the looks
Given that we often receive products that over-promise visually and then underwhelm in action, it's nice to find a product that's far better realised, and far more enjoyable to listen to, than the looks, feel and
finish suggest it's going to be.

If you can get beyond the relatively hefty dimensions and bog-standard looks, the TH-BA1 is an unpretentious, honest product that sounds far better than your flatscreen TV ever will.

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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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