My First Encounter with Home Cinema
Almost thirty years ago, I experienced home cinema for the first time. A friend had recently acquired a surround sound system connected to his VHS player and a 14-inch CRT television. We watched Star Wars – Episode IV in widescreen. Despite the small screen size, the audio made a significant impact.
While VHS lacked the capability for stereo rear channels, the experience was still impressive. Since then, I’ve owned and upgraded numerous audio systems.
My View on Soundbars
I haven’t extensively tested soundbars, as I’ve historically preferred the sound dispersion achieved with discrete front speakers, as found in traditional home theater setups.
However, it’s worth noting that for many consumers, a soundbar may be a more common choice than a system with 5–7 individual speakers and a subwoofer.
I previously reviewed the Stage V2 from Creative and was impressed by its performance relative to its price. Still, it didn’t compare to a dedicated home theater system.
First Impression of the Sharp HT-SBW53121
Upon receiving the Sharp HT-SBW53121 soundbar, I was initially somewhat reserved. However, my skepticism lessened as I unboxed the components. The build quality felt robust and substantial. The soundbar’s low-profile design allows it to sit discreetly in front of the TV without obstructing the screen, or it can be wall-mounted using the included hardware.
This review also incorporates the HT-SPR52021 wireless rear speakers, available separately. While the soundbar functions effectively on its own, upgrading with the rear speakers is an option for enhanced surround sound.
The HT-SBW53121 is a 3.1.2-channel system. A higher-end model, the HT-SBW55121, offers a 5.1.2 configuration with increased power output, discussed further below.
Installation
I began by connecting the soundbar to the TV, using one of several available methods:
HDMI eARC (recommended)
Optical input
USB
Aux
Bluetooth
HDMI eARC provides audio from all devices connected to the TV and its built-in apps. The included high-speed cable simplifies the setup process. The soundbar features two HDMI inputs; additional devices can be connected directly to the TV.
When connected via eARC, the soundbar automatically powers on and off, and the TV’s remote can control the volume.
However, retain the soundbar’s remote, as it provides control over bass, treble, and seven EQ modes: Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, Night, and Custom.
The front display shows current settings and information, automatically dimming after a short period to minimize distractions during viewing. This is a thoughtful design choice.
The Subwoofer – Initial Connection Issues
Next, I connected the included wireless subwoofer. According to the manual, pairing requires pressing the “Pair” button on the subwoofer while initiating the search function on the soundbar.
However, I experienced connectivity issues, requiring multiple attempts before successful pairing. The initial attempts were unsuccessful, but the connection eventually stabilized.
Sound Sync & Gaming Test
I began testing without the rear speakers to evaluate the performance of the soundbar and subwoofer independently. I launched Mortal Kombat 1 to assess audio synchronization. A slight, almost imperceptible delay between action and sound was present, but it did not significantly impact the gaming experience.
Next, I tested Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The display indicated the presence of a Dolby Atmos track, prompting me to increase the volume. The soundbar and subwoofer delivered a surprisingly immersive cinematic sound, characterized by strong bass and clear dialogue. The 550W power output provides ample headroom for dynamic audio reproduction.
Rear Speakers HT-SPR52021 – Performance Exceeds Expectations
Encouraged by the gaming and cinema experiences, I installed the two rear speakers behind my listening position. Mounting hardware is included, similar to the soundbar.
The rear speakers also connect wirelessly and feature the same “Pair” button as the subwoofer. I encountered similar initial connection challenges, but after some troubleshooting, they successfully paired and have functioned reliably since.
These speakers require only power cords, facilitating flexible placement without extensive cabling.
Real Surround Experience
I settled into my armchair and played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The resulting soundscape was significantly enhanced, with truly immersive surround sound.
The speakers are clearly marked “L” and “R” for proper placement. Returning to Sonic after this upgrade created a genuine cinema-like experience.
Limitations & Comparison with Big Brother HT-SBW55121
The primary limitation is the lack of distinct sound separation from the front channels. With all front speakers integrated into a single unit, the HT-SBW55121 offers a potential upgrade for enhanced spatial audio in gaming and movies. This model features wider separation, 650 W of power, and support for 7.1.4 sound. While I have not personally tested the HT-SBW55121, its specifications suggest a more immersive soundstage.
Other Connections & App Support
I also tested the optical input. The result: Mortal Kombat 1 became unplayable due to a significant audio delay.
Conversely, the Bluetooth connection with a mobile phone performed flawlessly, offering easy pairing and surprisingly good audio quality.
The Aux input functions, but provides a weaker, non-surround sound experience, making it a less desirable option for TV connectivity.
A notable omission is the absence of an app or on-screen graphical user interface for detailed sound adjustments, a feature common in modern surround amplifiers. This limits fine-tuning options such as audio delay or individual rear speaker levels.
Conclusion
The Sharp Soundbar HT-SBW53121, particularly when paired with the HT-SPR52021 rear speakers, offers impressive performance within its price range. Greater customization options would elevate it further, but even in its current configuration, it delivers surprisingly powerful, detailed, and engaging sound with minimal cable clutter. It’s a compelling choice for those seeking an enhanced movie and gaming experience without a significant investment.
Sharp provided review units for this evaluation. Material providers have no editorial influence over our reviews. We maintain an independent perspective, prioritizing our readers’ and consumers’ interests.
