The Monitor Audio ASB-2 is the company’s first entry into the soundbar sector. It promises to bring audiophile-drooling audio quality right into your living room. What’s more is that it is made with a design that won’t eat up too much space. However, and also unsurprisingly, it is placed in a price class that is not easily available for everyone. Its price tag is there for a reason as it brings a number of high-end features into the mix. Such functionalities include AirPlay, as well as multiple HDMI inputs.
The Monitor Audio ASB-2 is no Cheap Soundbar
The build quality of the Monitor Audio ASB-2 becomes immediately apparent as soon as you take it out of the box. It is a sturdy soundbar, and it weighs a hefty 11-kilograms. It is bulkier and more imposing than other similar devices made from other manufacturers found on the market. It boasts a curvier shape, which is far from the standard rectangular design that many of its rivals sport. However, all of these are done in the right.
This particular soundbar is a beautifully crafted one. At its front, it is covered in a classy and luxurious-looking black cloth, and there are mirrored panels found at both ends that add an extra touch of premium. What’s surprising here is that there is no LED display. For information, you would have to make do with a bar of light that will change color to indicate what source is connected. At its top, there is the row of buttons for controls; these allow you to adjust volumes, pair devices, or select inputs.
Because of its shape, it is definitely not a device that you would place underneath your TV. However, it can be mounted on a wall but the optional wall bracket is sold separately. Alternatively, you can rest it atop a table with the use of the supplied silicon rubber stand.
In terms of sound performance, it has a stunning one. It boasts a level of audio refinement unlike any other, no matter what type of track, movie, or TV show you throw at it. Soundtracks from films are played with an audio that is smooth and textured. This is thanks to the high-frequency reproduction of the ASB-2.
Aside from audio being reproduced in such a great manner, the Monitor Audio ASB-2 is also remarkably powerful as it can effortlessly pull off a room-filling soundstage. Hence, even though it is one of the pricier ones, it is still one of the most recommendable soundbars in today’s market.