Samsung HW-C451

Samsung HW-C451

Sound bars aren't as thin as the slimmest HDTVs yet, but the Samsung HW-C451 ($300 street price) is getting close. It is less than 2 inches thick, which seems almost impossibly thin, considering the fact that it houses six drivers and built-in amplification. Even more impressive is that Samsung manages to get some impressive sound quality out of those cramped quarters (plus a wireless subwoofer), with better-than-average sonic detail on movies. Music, on the other hand, sounds a little disappointing, and JVC's somewhat heftier TH-BA1 is a better pick if you plan on listening to more than TV and movies. Our other main knock against the HW-C451 is the lack of HDMI connectivity, especially when the competing Sony HT-CT150 ($300 street price) has three HDMI inputs, all capable of 3D video pass-through. If the lack of HDMI connectivity doesn't bother you, the Samsung HW-C451 is one of the sleekest sound bar home theater systems we've tested, making it a good pick for style-minded buyers who mostly watch movies. Design The HW-C451 is one of the most decor-friendly sound bars we've tested.