Orbitsound M9 soundbar review

Product Orbitsound M9 soundbar
Website www.orbitsound.com
Specifications 200W total amp power, 1x 1in tweeter driver, 190/5,000Hz crossover frequencies, 2x25 front main drivers, 2x2in Spatial drivers, 1x6.5in sub-bass driver, stereo line, 3.5mm jack and optical digital input, Bluetooth connectivity. Orbitsound 2.4GHz audio subwoofer measuring 140x230x345mm and soundbar measuring 90x300x100mm, 10.4kg total weight, 22V DC power consumption.
Price £299

BRITISH AUDIO FIRM Orbitsound unveiled its M series of wireless soundbars in February, touting what the firm says brings 'spatial sound' technology to a sound system for the first time, which takes advantage of 'sum and difference' audio signals to field an updated range of innovative sound reproduction products.

Though aesthetically very similar to the firm's previous lineup, the T series, the M9 and M12 soundbars introduce improved features such as a wireless subwoofer, a new control panel and more importantly, Bluetooth connectivity. Not only does this mean that the M9 is future proof against upcoming Apple products in case it decides to change the size of the connector again, but it can be used with any audio device that supports Bluetooth technology.

Priced at £299, the M9 is £100 more expensive than the previous model, though it has the major update of Bluetooth connectivity, which is arguably worth the extra cash.

Connectivity
Before we get into how well the M9 handles audio playback, let's explain the options available in terms of connectivity. You have the choice to connect to the soundbar via the optical S/PDIF and analogue line-in, phono inputs and Bluetooth. All necessary cables required to connect over those possibilities are bundled with the M9.

In Orbitsound's last soundbar lineup, the T-series, an iPhone dock was built into the top of the soundbar. The M9 brings the update of using Bluetooth instead, which is much better than a dock as it can be used with any device that supports the wireless technology.

When using Bluetooth to play back music via a smartphone, the M9 grabs the phone when needed and disconnects automatically when you receive a call, for example.

That optical port will be useful for anyone looking to hook up a digital audio source such as a Blu-ray player, and the phono inputs are suitable for any compatible audio devices.

The M9 subwoofer is connected to the soundbar over a 2.4Ghz wireless connection and needs to be paired with the soundbar in order for heavy bass to be heard in sound being played. There's a pair reset button on the back of both the soundbar and the subwoofer, so that they can find one another when placed in the same room.

On the top of the M9 you'll find physical buttons for connecting a device to it over Bluetooth, changing the aux-in source, volume up and down, and a standby switch. You'll also find a power switch on the back.