If your television has no eARC, or its eARC connection drops out, choose a soundbar that can accept optical audio, regular ARC, or a source directly through HDMI. The most flexible option here is the JBL Bar 500 because it combines HDMI eARC, a dedicated HDMI input and optical input. The Samsung HW-Q600C is the clearest value choice when you want a separate subwoofer and an optical connection. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 (HT-B600) supports the broadest documented Dolby and DTS format set. The compact JBL Bar 300MK2 is useful when you want HDMI source flexibility in a Beam-sized system. An eARC audio adapter such as the Tono Pro eARC S is a workaround for an eARC-only bar, but a soundbar with native inputs is simpler and has fewer handshake points.
None of these options can make optical carry every version of Dolby Atmos. Streaming Atmos may work through regular ARC when the television outputs a compatible compressed format; lossless Dolby TrueHD/Atmos and multichannel PCM generally need eARC or a direct HDMI source path. Check the specifications of your exact television and playback device before buying.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the Beam Ultra requires, and why a fallback input matters
Sonos describes Beam Ultra as a mid-size soundbar with nine custom drivers, including two dedicated up-firing drivers that create true 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos and warmer bass. Its product information lists HDMI eARC/ARC and Bluetooth 5.3. Sonos Support is explicit that a Sonos home-theater speaker must be connected to HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC to play Dolby Atmos content.
That requirement creates two separate buying questions. First, can your TV return audio reliably over ARC or eARC? Second, if it cannot, can the soundbar receive audio another way? Optical is useful for older televisions, while a bar with an HDMI input can accept a streamer, game console or disc player directly and avoid the television’s audio-return path altogether.
#1 Best Overall
- Amp up your audio - Fire TV Soundbar enhances TV audio with dual speakers for fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass—all in a compact design.
- Immersive sound - Enjoy a three-dimensional virtual surround sound experience with DTS Virtual:X and more detail with Dolby Audio.
- Easy setup - Just plug in the included HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV to instantly enjoy audio that's always in sync.
- Compact design - With a length of 24“ and a height of just 2.5", Fire TV Soundbar fits most entertainment consoles and TV stands.
- Stream audio with Bluetooth - Connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to fill the room with your favorite music.
Regular ARC and eARC are not interchangeable for every format. ARC can carry compressed Dolby Digital Plus, which is the format many streaming services use for Atmos, but it normally cannot carry lossless Dolby TrueHD/Atmos or the highest-bandwidth multichannel PCM streams. Optical has still lower bandwidth and should be treated as a basic stereo or surround fallback, not a guaranteed Atmos connection. A direct HDMI connection from the source to the bar is the safest route when the source produces lossless audio and the TV’s eARC port is unreliable.
At-a-glance comparison
| Soundbar | Fallback when eARC fails | Documented formats and channels | Subwoofer or extra box | HDMI video pass-through | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 500 | One optical input or one HDMI input for a direct source | Dolby Atmos; eARC; total system output rated at 590 watts by JBL/Harman in 2024 | Verify the package for your region; the cited specification does not state the bundle configuration | 4K Dolby Vision pass-through | Homes with several source devices or a flaky TV audio-return path |
| Samsung HW-Q600C | HDMI, optical or Wi-Fi TV connection; HDMI ARC/eARC listed | 3.1.2 channels, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and up-firing Acoustic Beam | Separate subwoofer included | Not stated in the cited specifications | Budget buyers who want stronger low-end output and an optical option |
| Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 (HT-B600) | Optical input or HDMI ARC/eARC | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD and multichannel LPCM | Confirm regional package contents and subwoofer configuration | Not stated in the cited specifications | Older TVs with optical and owners who need broad codec support |
| JBL Bar 300MK2 | Optical input or dedicated HDMI input | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; one of its two HDMI connections is eARC | Confirm the package configuration for your market | Dedicated HDMI input is documented; video pass-through details are not stated | Compact rooms and buyers who want a Beam-class footprint with source flexibility |
| Tono Pro eARC S | Optical and stereo breakout from an eARC television | Dolby and DTS format support is described by the manufacturer | Adapter box; it does not replace the soundbar | Not applicable | Keeping an eARC-only bar after a TV eARC port fails |
Output ratings are not directly comparable across manufacturers. JBL’s 590-watt figure is a stated total-system rating, not a standardized loudness measurement. Room size, placement, calibration and the number of connected speakers will affect what you hear more than a watt number alone.
JBL Bar 500: the most flexible connection layout
The Bar 500 is the easiest recommendation when your main problem is an unreliable TV audio-return channel. JBL lists HDMI eARC, one HDMI input and one optical input. It also lists 4K Dolby Vision pass-through, allowing a streamer, console or disc player to connect to the bar while video continues to the television. If the TV’s eARC socket stops negotiating, the source can send audio to the bar through that HDMI input instead of asking the TV to return it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The optical input is useful for an older set that has no ARC at all, or as a troubleshooting path while you diagnose HDMI handshakes. Optical cannot carry every Atmos or lossless format, so use it for compatible Dolby Digital or stereo output rather than assuming that an Atmos badge on the bar guarantees Atmos from an optical television connection.
JBL/Harman specifies 590 watts of total system output for the Bar 500 in 2024. Treat that number as the manufacturer’s total-system claim, not as a laboratory comparison with the other models. Verify the regional package contents before purchase, because the cited specification does not establish every subwoofer bundle detail.
Rank #2
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile placements—horizontal for distortion-free audio, vertical for room-filling sound, tabletop for vibrant clarity, or wall mount for 360° cinematic magic. Transforms your room into a personal theater.
- 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨】: Powered by 4 high-performance drivers, 80W powerful sound output, it provide richer details, like soft whisper or subtle croon, whether deep thunder or sonorous roar, turn flat audioto vivid, adding weight to music, making the virtual game experience immersive.
- 【𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝】: Fine-tune your listening experience with 3 dynamic equalizer modes—movie, music, and news. Enjoy rich, cinematic audio, luxurious melodies, and crystal-clear dialogue, tailored to enhance every scene and soundtrack. Spreading the audio evenly throughout a room, ensures that everyone, regardless of seating position, experiences the full range of sound.
- 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless setup with cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.0 or reliable ARC, OPT, and AUX connections. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with ease using your TV remote, guided by our easy-to-follow instructions and video tutorials.
- 【𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭】: Your satisfaction is our top priority. Enjoy peace of mind with our 18-month warranty and 24/7 online tech support. Our 60-day hassle-free replacement policy, with top-tier assistance whenever you need it.
When to choose it
- Your TV has spare HDMI ports and your main streamer or console can stay connected to the soundbar.
- You want both optical and HDMI fallbacks instead of relying on one return channel.
- You need 4K Dolby Vision pass-through for an HDMI source.
Samsung HW-Q600C: the documented value 3.1.2 system
Samsung lists the HW-Q600C as a 3.1.2-channel system with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and an up-firing Acoustic Beam. It includes a separate subwoofer, which gives it a clearer low-frequency advantage than a bar-only design but also means another power outlet and more placement space. Samsung lists TV connection by HDMI, optical or Wi-Fi and identifies HDMI ARC/eARC support.
For a television with optical only, connect the optical cable from the TV to the bar, set the television’s digital audio output to a compatible Dolby Digital or PCM mode, and let the bar decode the signal. If you later replace the TV with one that has dependable eARC, the same bar can use HDMI instead. The separate subwoofer is useful for films and games, but allow room for the wireless unit and avoid placing it inside a closed cabinet.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhen to choose it
- Your TV provides optical but not eARC.
- You want a separate subwoofer at a value-oriented price rather than a one-box soundbar.
- You need both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support without committing to a particular TV brand ecosystem.
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 (HT-B600): the widest listed codec coverage
Sony’s specification page lists an optical audio input and HDMI ARC/eARC. It also lists Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD and multichannel LPCM. That combination makes the HT-B600 a sensible bridge between an older optical-equipped television and a future TV upgrade with eARC.
The broad format list matters most when your sources include a disc player, a game console or locally stored media rather than only streaming applications. Dolby TrueHD and multichannel LPCM are examples of formats that generally need eARC or a direct HDMI source path; optical should not be expected to carry them. Connect those sources directly through HDMI when possible, and use the TV’s optical output only for the formats it can actually deliver.
Confirm the package contents and subwoofer configuration in your region before ordering. Sony’s cited specification does not establish that every market receives the same bundle, and model names can vary by territory.
Rank #3
- 【Hearing Every Word】 Say goodbye to muffled dialogue and hello to our soundbar that brings words to life, making you feel like you're part of the conversation.
- 【Compact yet Suitable】At a little over 2.5 inches in height, our sound bar is compact enough to fit in most spaces. You can easily mount it on the wall or place it in front of your TV without worrying about it blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
- 【DSP&Three Sound Effects】With DSP, sound bar offers three sound modes or presets that cater to different program types, such as movies, music, news. These profiles can optimize the audio settings to suit the specific genre, enhancing your listening experience based on your preferences.
- 【Compatible with Fire TV Remote】Soundbar is compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remotes compatible with Roku box or Roku TVs can be provided as per your request.
- 【Hassle-free Installation】We've made the installation steps for the soundbar much simple. Plus, a special vibrant, easy-to-follow installation instructions has been included in the package. In case you still encounter any issues during the sound bar installation process, our dedicated after-sales team is always available to assist you!
When to choose it
- Your current TV has optical but you want a modern HDMI ARC/eARC path later.
- You use sources that output Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD or multichannel LPCM.
- Codec coverage is more important than having a documented HDMI video pass-through specification.
JBL Bar 300MK2: compact HDMI-source flexibility
The Bar 300MK2 is a compact Beam-class alternative. What Hi-Fi lists two HDMI connections, with one eARC connection, plus an optical input, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The second HDMI connection is a dedicated input, so a streamer or console can feed the bar directly when the TV’s eARC port is unstable. Independent listening impressions can help set expectations, but they are review evidence rather than a universal guarantee for every room.
Its layout is particularly useful in a small room where you want a single compact bar but still need an HDMI escape route. Connect the source to the dedicated HDMI input, then connect the bar’s eARC output to the TV for video. If that link fails, the source-to-bar audio path can continue while you troubleshoot the display connection. For an older TV, optical remains available, with the same bandwidth limits that apply to every optical connection.
When to choose it
- You want a smaller bar than a full 3.1.2 package.
- You have one important HDMI source that should bypass a flaky TV audio-return path.
- You need optical as a fallback but still want Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding from suitable HDMI sources.
Tono Pro eARC S: an adapter for an eARC-only soundbar
The Tono Pro eARC S is not a competing soundbar. The manufacturer’s document describes routing from an eARC television to a soundbar and provides optical and stereo breakout, with Dolby and DTS format support. It is intended for a reader who already owns, or strongly prefers, an eARC-only bar and has a failed or unreliable TV eARC port.
The adapter adds a box, extra cables and another HDMI handshake. That makes it less robust than buying a bar with its own optical or HDMI input, especially if you are starting from scratch. It can nevertheless extend the life of an existing soundbar when replacing the TV or bar is more disruptive.
When to choose it
- Your current soundbar has no native optical or HDMI input.
- The TV still has a functioning eARC output path through the adapter even though the direct connection is unreliable.
- You accept the additional setup and troubleshooting point.
Choose by the ports on your television
TV with optical only
Start with the Samsung HW-Q600C or Sony HT-B600 because both explicitly list optical input. The JBL Bar 500 can also provide basic TV audio through optical. Set the TV’s digital output to a format the optical link supports; if you select an unsupported bitstream mode, the bar may produce silence or fall back to stereo. Do not buy on the promise of full Atmos over optical.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #4
- HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- WIDE, NATURAL SOUND: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
- ENHANCED DIALOGUE: This sound bar for smart tv is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
- BLUETOOTH TV SPEAKER: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
- SIMPLE SETUP: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
TV with regular ARC but no eARC
Use HDMI ARC for compressed Dolby Digital Plus or other formats your TV documents as compatible. Streaming Atmos may work in this arrangement, but the TV, app and bar must all support the same compressed format. Lossless Dolby TrueHD/Atmos and multichannel PCM generally require eARC or a direct HDMI source connection.
TV with flaky eARC and spare HDMI ports
The JBL Bar 500 and JBL Bar 300MK2 are the clearest fits because each has a dedicated HDMI input. Connect the most important source directly to that input. The TV can still receive video from the bar, while the source’s audio no longer depends on the TV returning it over eARC.
TV with no ARC and no optical
A television without either digital audio output cannot send its built-in apps to a conventional soundbar. Use an external streamer or disc player connected directly to a soundbar HDMI input, or replace the TV. The JBL Bar 500 and Bar 300MK2 are the options in this list with a documented dedicated HDMI input. Check whether your source can output video through the bar before moving every device.
Connection and setup procedures
Optical setup for an older TV
- Connect the TV’s optical output to the soundbar’s optical input.
- On the TV, open the audio-output menu and select optical or digital audio out.
- Choose PCM or a Dolby Digital mode that the television and bar both document as supported. Avoid an automatic mode if it causes silence.
- On the soundbar, select the optical input and play a known stereo or surround source.
- If the bar is silent, reseat both ends of the cable, confirm the TV’s optical jack is glowing, and test PCM before trying bitstream again.
ARC or eARC setup
- Connect the soundbar’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the TV port labeled ARC or eARC; an ordinary HDMI input will not provide audio return.
- Enable HDMI-CEC on both devices. Manufacturers use different names for CEC, but the feature must be on for reliable power and input switching.
- Set the TV’s digital audio output to pass-through or bitstream only when the bar supports the resulting format. Use PCM as a diagnostic setting if audio drops out.
- In the TV’s eARC control, select eARC when you need lossless formats or multichannel PCM. If the link repeatedly fails, switch temporarily to ARC or use an optical/direct-HDMI fallback.
- Power-cycle the TV and bar after changing the cable or eARC setting so both devices renegotiate the connection.
Direct HDMI-source setup
- Connect the streamer, console or disc player to the soundbar’s dedicated HDMI input.
- Connect the soundbar’s HDMI output to the TV’s HDMI input. Use the TV input that supports the video resolution and HDR format you need.
- Select the soundbar HDMI input, then select the corresponding TV input for the picture.
- In the source device’s audio menu, choose bitstream or the highest format supported by the source, bar and display chain.
- If video is blank, test a lower resolution or HDR mode, then confirm that every HDMI cable and port supports the selected signal.
Using an eARC adapter
- Connect the TV’s eARC port to the adapter’s eARC input.
- Connect the adapter’s soundbar output as directed by its manufacturer, using optical or the supplied breakout when required.
- Set the TV and adapter to a mutually supported Dolby or DTS mode.
- Add only one change at a time when troubleshooting; the adapter introduces another handshake and makes fault isolation more difficult.
What Atmos you can realistically expect
An Atmos label describes the decoding capability of the bar, not the bandwidth of every connection. A streaming application may deliver Atmos as Dolby Digital Plus over regular ARC. Whether it does depends on the TV’s app, firmware and audio-output settings. A disc player may instead produce Dolby TrueHD with an Atmos layer, which normally needs eARC or a direct HDMI path. A console may output multichannel PCM, also generally an eARC or direct-HDMI requirement.
Optical is the most restrictive fallback in this group. It can carry stereo and selected compressed surround formats, but it cannot be treated as a universal Atmos transport. If Atmos disappears after changing from eARC to optical, that is usually a bandwidth limitation rather than a defective soundbar.
Best Value
- Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures <0.5 ms latency for smooth, theater-like sound. Setup takes less than 1 minute.
- Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
- 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
- 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performance—bringing more realism to every scene.
- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
Up-firing drivers also depend on placement. Leave clear space above the bar, avoid a shelf that blocks the upward-firing path, and keep the bar centered under the screen. The Samsung system documents an Acoustic Beam and 3.1.2 channels; Beam Ultra is described by Sonos as true 7.1.2 with two dedicated up-firing drivers. Those channel descriptions do not guarantee the same height effect in every ceiling, room or seating position.
Troubleshooting unreliable eARC
Audio cuts out or switches to TV speakers
- Verify the cable is connected to the TV’s labeled ARC/eARC port and the bar’s ARC/eARC port.
- Turn HDMI-CEC off and on again on both devices, then reboot both units.
- Set the TV to PCM temporarily. If PCM is stable but bitstream is not, the issue is format negotiation or bandwidth.
- Disconnect other HDMI devices and reconnect them one at a time to identify a CEC conflict.
- Use optical for basic audio or route the main source directly into a bar HDMI input while you investigate.
Atmos is missing
- Confirm the source title and subscription actually provide Atmos.
- Check that the TV app or external player is set to bitstream or pass-through rather than stereo PCM.
- Use eARC or direct HDMI for Dolby TrueHD/Atmos and multichannel PCM sources.
- Do not use optical as the test for full Atmos capability; its bandwidth is insufficient for some formats.
Video works but audio does not through an HDMI input
- Confirm the bar is on the correct HDMI input and the TV is on the bar’s HDMI output.
- Lower the source’s audio setting to Dolby Digital or PCM to establish a baseline.
- Try another HDMI cable and a different TV input that supports the source’s resolution.
- Reconnect devices after changing settings so they renegotiate EDID and HDCP information.
Ecosystem and everyday-use considerations
Beam Ultra’s attraction includes Sonos multi-room integration and Bluetooth 5.3, but its documented Atmos requirement makes HDMI ARC/eARC central to the experience. The alternatives here prioritize connection resilience rather than matching every Sonos software feature. Decide whether your priority is whole-home streaming, a separate subwoofer, broad physical-input coverage or a compact footprint.
A bar with a native optical input is usually easier to maintain than an eARC adapter: there is one fewer box, power supply and handshake. A bar with a dedicated HDMI input is preferable when your sources include a console, disc player or streamer that can remain connected independently of the TV. A separate-subwoofer system can deliver more convincing low frequencies but needs additional floor space and power.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Buying checklist
- Identify the TV’s actual outputs: optical, ARC, eARC or none.
- Count the HDMI sources that need a direct connection.
- For lossless disc audio or multichannel PCM, reserve an eARC or direct-HDMI path.
- For optical-only televisions, select a bar with native optical input and treat Atmos claims cautiously.
- Confirm regional model numbers, package contents and subwoofer configuration before ordering.
- Check available shelf height and ceiling clearance for up-firing drivers.
- Plan for extra power and floor space if you choose a separate subwoofer.
- Keep the TV, source devices and soundbar firmware current, but do not assume a firmware update can overcome optical bandwidth limits.
Which alternative should you buy?
Choose the JBL Bar 500 when connection flexibility is the deciding factor: it has optical, a dedicated HDMI input and documented 4K Dolby Vision pass-through. Choose the Samsung HW-Q600C when you want a documented 3.1.2 system with a separate subwoofer and optical support. Choose the Sony HT-B600 when your older TV still uses optical but your sources benefit from Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD or multichannel LPCM support. Choose the JBL Bar 300MK2 for a compact setup with both optical and a direct HDMI source input. Choose the Tono Pro eARC S only when you are keeping an eARC-only bar and need an adapter-based workaround.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
