Soundbars/Soundbases

In terms of size the 70cm-wide Onkyo LS-T10 is one of the bigger soundbase speakers around, making it more likely to accommodate screens in excess of 40in than any of its rivals if shoehorning in between tabletop and TV is a prerequisite. Its large capacity provides space for a six-channel class D amp with six full-range drivers complementing the separately powered, downward-firing 21W sub. Inputs are recessed on the rear and comprise both variants of digital audio and a 3.5mm line-in. 

A flash drive-compatible USB is somewhat inconveniently tucked out of sight around the back. The optical input provides compatibility with Dolby Digital as well as PCM signals.

The unit can be adjusted in terms of its volume and power automatically using a TV’s remote thanks to its preprogrammed IR codes, which are compatible with nine major TV makes. Trouble is, most likely you’ll want to experiment with the sound modes and adjust the woofer, which requires using the supplied wafer-thin remote control.

There’s no display but there is a single white power-on LED behind the grille and there are a small selection of icons on the top of the unit that glow according to the mode. Mostly, you use your ears to guide you, which works well enough. 

The LS-T10’s problems lie in the performance department. With no EQ adjustment it can be hard to find the right listening mode from the three presets. House on Sky Atlantic is best in Music mode, with Movie mode making dialogue sound swirly. The Big Lebowski sounds clearer in News mode. The unit has power in abundance and is adept at filling the room but all three modes have a clinical edge to them; the crashing water tower in Iron Man 3 is harshly metallic. Music played via Bluetooth lacks detail in the higher frequencies but the bass is emphatic.

Onkyo LS-T10, £350, www.eu.onkyo.com/en

Verdict 3.5/5