Music has always been a big part of my workouts, especially when I need a little extra motivation. When I had the opportunity to try the iLive 37-inch HD Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer, I knew exactly where I wanted to use it—my workout room.
After using the system with both music and television audio, the wireless subwoofer quickly stood out. The soundbar provides a noticeable improvement over standard TV speakers, while the subwoofer adds the bass that makes music and entertainment sound fuller. The system is best suited for a workout room, bedroom, office, or other smaller space where a full surround-sound system would be unnecessary.
What Comes With the iLive ITBSW399B Soundbar
The iLive ITBSW399B soundbar and wireless subwoofer is a 2.1-channel audio system that includes a 37-inch soundbar, a separate wireless subwoofer, and a remote control. The soundbar can connect to compatible devices through Bluetooth, optical audio, auxiliary input, or RCA connections.
The soundbar includes built-in stereo speakers and can sit on a flat surface or be mounted on the wall. I chose not to mount mine because I wanted the flexibility to move it between different areas when needed.
Although the subwoofer connects to the soundbar wirelessly, both pieces still require their own electrical outlet. “Wireless” refers to the audio connection between the soundbar and subwoofer, not the power source. That is worth knowing when deciding where to place everything.
Setting Up the Soundbar and Subwoofer
My setup was simple. I placed the soundbar on the windowsill and positioned the subwoofer on the other side of the room. I connected the soundbar through Bluetooth, and the subwoofer automatically connected to the soundbar after it was powered on.
There was no need to run an audio cable between the two components or connect either one directly to the TV with a long cable. Aside from the power cords, the setup looked clean and did not add a tangle of visible wires to the room.
When I began setting up my workout room, I wanted good sound without taking up valuable floor space with several speakers. The soundbar gave me plenty of volume while keeping the setup clean.
How Does the iLive Soundbar Sound?
The most useful way to demonstrate the difference is to hear it. I recorded the same type of audio three ways: through the television speakers, through the soundbar alone, and through the soundbar with the wireless subwoofer.
TV Sound Only
Soundbar Sound Only
Soundbar and Subwoofer
The difference becomes much clearer when the subwoofer is added. The soundbar alone improves the television audio, but the subwoofer gives the sound more depth and makes the bass easier to hear. Music sounds fuller, and television audio has more presence than it does through the TV speakers alone.
This system cannot compete with the power or detail of the more expensive surround-sound system in our family room, but I would not expect it to. For a smaller room and a much lower price, it delivers the type of improvement I wanted.
The Wireless Subwoofer Is the Best Feature
The subwoofer is the standout part of the system for me. It has a wooden enclosure and can be positioned away from the soundbar as long as it remains within the supported wireless range and near an electrical outlet.
Being able to separate the subwoofer from the soundbar provides more freedom when arranging a room. I could place it where it produced the best sound without running an audio cable across the floor. Once powered on, it connected to the soundbar automatically.
The bass is noticeable without being overwhelming. It gives workout music more energy and improves television sound, but this remains an entry-level 2.1-channel system rather than a replacement for a high-end home theater.
iLive Soundbar Features
The iLive soundbar offers several useful features for a smaller entertainment or workout space:
- 37-inch soundbar
- 2.1-channel stereo sound
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Bluetooth range of up to 60 feet
- Optical digital audio input
- Auxiliary and RCA audio inputs
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Digital volume control
- Learning remote-control capability
- Wall-mounting option
- Included remote control
The wireless subwoofer includes:
- Wireless connection to the soundbar
- Wireless range of up to 33 feet
- Wooden enclosure
- Automatic pairing
- Separate power connection
The range will depend on the room, walls, and nearby interference, but I had no problem connecting the two components in my setup.
Flexible Enough for More Than One Room
One reason I did not mount the soundbar was that I wanted the option to move it. We have a television mounted in the corner of our covered patio, and the TV speakers direct the sound from that corner instead of toward the seating area.
Moving the soundbar closer to the patio seating area makes the television easier to hear without turning up the volume for the entire backyard. It also works well for playing music near the patio or pool, although the soundbar must remain protected from water and weather.
I also use the soundbar with my holiday window projection setup. Placing it outside the window allows the music and sound effects from the projected Halloween or Christmas scene to be heard by people watching from the yard. The Bluetooth connection makes that setup easier because the soundbar can be positioned where the audio has the most impact without running an audio cable through the display area.
These additional uses are why keeping the soundbar portable works better for me than permanently mounting it. I can use it for workouts, television audio, patio entertainment, or holiday displays depending on what I need.
What I Like About the iLive Soundbar
The system provides several benefits that stood out during everyday use:
- The sound is noticeably better than the television speakers.
- The subwoofer adds audible bass and fuller sound.
- Bluetooth pairing is straightforward.
- The subwoofer connects without an audio cable.
- The soundbar can be moved between rooms.
- Its slim design does not take up much space.
- It works well for music, workouts, and television audio.