Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20

Boston Acoustics usually makes hi-fi equipment, and we're rather surprised to see the brand branching out to test the waters outside of its comfort zone. However, the TVee Model 20 is worth checking out.

Hardware & Design: plain but practical

The lack of connections is a much-criticised feature of sound bars. True to form, the TVee only has two RCA connections to its name. However, given its budget price tag, we suppose we'll forgive Boston Acoustics this time, especially since an RCA cable with mini-jack adapter is supplied. Boston Acoustics has clearly designed this sound bar for use with a TV as the centre of your home entertainment set-up. The TVee plugs straight into the telly and doesn't require loads of different cables, even though the option of S/P DIF connection would have been nice. All in all, the TVee Model 20 is a basic stereo sound bar.

Note that a wireless subwoofer is included. This is a common solution with sound bars and, to be honest, it works pretty well. The subwoofer's low bandwidth keeps things ticking over nicely and sound quality is maintained. However, you'd be wise not to place the subwoofer too far away from the sound bar itself.

Finally, the volume can be controlled via your TV remote and no separate remote control is supplied (see sidebar)

Sound Quality: decent performance

The TVee clearly isn't in the same league as the likes of the Yamaha YSP-5100. However, sound quality is far from disastrous.

The frequency response is well-balanced, with powerful medium and high frequencies. High frequencies are a little lacklustre, but with no dedicated tweeters, you can't really ask for much more. The overall sound output is fairly accurate. On the whole, it's acceptable and we've definitely heard worse!

Beware of the subwoofer settings, though. Like with PC speaker sets, sound spills over into the upper bass and lower mediums. Therefore, if you turn it down too much, the sound will be lacking in muscle, but go too high and resonance will be a problem.

The TVee Model 20 is obviously not one of the best sound bars we've ever seen. However, it's a good choice if you're on a tight budget as it's good value for money. For anyone looking to improve their TV's awful sound without breaking the bank, this Boston Acoustics sound bar is worth a closer look—it's cheap and cheerful.