Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer Review: Small Footprint, Mighty Roar

There’s a universal moment of disappointment we’ve all felt. You’ve dimmed the lights, settled into the sofa with a bowl of popcorn, and pressed play on the latest blockbuster. The visuals are stunning, a cinematic masterpiece on your screen. But the sound? It’s thin, tinny, and completely flat. Explosions sound like a cap gun, whispered dialogue gets lost in the background score, and the soaring music feels more like a gentle breeze than a powerful gale. That was my reality for far too long. I had invested in a great television, but I was crippling the experience by relying on its anaemic, downward-facing built-in speakers. It’s an audio compromise that turns an immersive escape into a frustrating exercise in constantly adjusting the volume. The solution isn’t a new TV; it’s unlocking the sound your TV was always meant to have.

What to Consider Before Buying a Soundbar System

A soundbar system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your home entertainment. It’s designed to solve the single biggest weakness of modern, slim televisions: poor audio quality. By separating the sound into a dedicated, forward-facing unit with larger drivers and, in this case, a dedicated subwoofer, you introduce a depth, clarity, and low-end punch that is physically impossible for integrated TV speakers to replicate. The main benefits are immediately obvious: dialogue becomes crisp and intelligible, action scenes feel visceral and room-shaking, and music sounds rich and full-bodied. It’s the fastest and most cost-effective way to elevate your viewing experience from simply watching to truly feeling.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing audio frustration in a small to medium-sized living room, bedroom, or even a home office. They are likely upgrading from their TV’s native speakers for the first time and are seeking a significant, tangible improvement without the complexity or cost of a full multi-speaker home theatre system. It’s perfect for movie lovers, casual gamers, and anyone who streams music and wants it to fill the room. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who are dedicated audiophiles demanding lossless audio codecs, multiple HDMI inputs, and the expansive soundstage of a 7.1.4 Atmos setup. For them, a more advanced component system would be a better, albeit far more expensive, investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A soundbar’s primary appeal is its compact form factor. The Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer is specifically designed to sit unobtrusively in front of smaller TVs without blocking the screen or IR sensor. However, remember that the “2.1” configuration includes a separate subwoofer. You’ll need to account for floor or shelf space for this bass unit, which is connected by a physical wire.
• Capacity/Performance: The numbers tell a story. “2.1” means two main channels (left and right) in the soundbar and one dedicated subwoofer channel. This unit features two 2.5-inch full-range drivers for mids and highs, and a 4-inch driver in the subwoofer for deep bass. This combination is a massive leap over tiny TV speakers, ensuring you get both vocal clarity and impactful low-end rumble.
• Materials & Durability: At this price point, you can expect a construction of durable plastics and a metal or fabric grille. While not premium materials like wood or brushed aluminium, the build is designed to be sleek, lightweight, and acoustically neutral. The focus is on channelling the investment into the drivers and electronics that produce the sound, which is the right priority for a budget-friendly system.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Connectivity is key. This model offers Bluetooth, Optical, and AUX inputs, covering most modern TVs, PCs, and projectors. The setup is designed to be plug-and-play. Long-term care is minimal; a simple dusting is all that’s required. The inclusion of a dedicated remote and simple LED light indicators for modes also greatly enhances user-friendliness.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer stands out in several areas, particularly its balance of compact size and powerful sound. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Compact Audio Powerhouse

Pulling the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer from its packaging, the first thing we noticed was its efficiency of design. There’s no wasted space or superfluous material. In the box, you find the 17-inch soundbar itself, the separate wired subwoofer, a remote control (AAA batteries not included), an optical cable, an AUX cable, and the power adapter. The soundbar is lightweight yet feels solid, with a clean, black finish and a metal grille protecting the drivers. It has a minimalist aesthetic that, as one user aptly put it, “looks like it’s always been there.” The subwoofer is a compact cube, easy to tuck away beside a media unit or behind the TV. Compared to more expensive, monolithic soundbars, Saiyin’s approach is refreshingly pragmatic. It focuses on delivering the core components of a 2.1 system in a manageable size, prioritising function and a quick setup, which we found to be an incredibly straightforward process.

A Deep Dive into the Saiyin Soundbar’s Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a sound system, you have to live with it. We put the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer through its paces for over a week, using it as our primary audio source for everything from explosive action films and dialogue-heavy dramas to bass-thumping music playlists and daily news broadcasts. The goal was to see if this budget-friendly system could punch far above its weight class and genuinely transform a standard living room into a more cinematic space. The results were, frankly, startling.

Unboxing and a 10-Minute Setup: Is It Really That Simple?

Our experience wholeheartedly confirms the user feedback: setting up this soundbar is incredibly easy. From opening the box to hearing the first sounds, the entire process took us less than ten minutes. The Quick Start Guide is clear and concise. The subwoofer connects to the main soundbar via a dedicated, hardwired cable. While this ensures a stable connection, we do echo the sentiment of one user who noted the cable could be longer. We had just enough slack to place the sub on the floor next to our TV stand, but those with more elaborate wall-mounted setups should measure first. Once connected, a single cable runs from the soundbar to your TV. We opted for the included optical cable, which provides a high-quality digital signal. A minor gripe, also mentioned in user feedback, is that the optical port connection can feel a bit loose; it never fell out during our testing, but it lacked that satisfyingly firm “click” of more premium hardware. After plugging in the power, the system came to life. A simple colored LED on the front indicates the active mode: purple for Optical, blue for Bluetooth, and green for AUX. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was instantaneous, and switching between inputs using the remote was seamless. This is the definition of a plug-and-play device, designed for those who want better sound without any technical headaches.

The Audio Experience: From Whispers to Explosions

This is where the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer truly shines and defies its modest price tag. The moment we switched from our TV’s speakers, the difference was not subtle—it was a night-and-day transformation. We started with a dialogue-heavy scene from a mystery film. The “News” EQ mode, which boosts the mid-range frequencies, made every word exceptionally clear and forward in the mix. Gone was the muffled, indistinct chatter we had grown accustomed to; instead, conversations were crisp and easy to follow, even at low volumes. But the real test was an action sequence. Switching to “Movie” mode, we queued up a chase scene filled with roaring engines and large-scale explosions. This is where the 4-inch subwoofer woke up and made its presence known. As one user exclaimed, “the sub woofer is LOUD – ok!” They were not exaggerating. The low-end response is powerful, adding a physical rumble and weight to the on-screen action that was genuinely immersive. It’s the kind of bass you feel as much as you hear, creating that “like being in the cinema” experience so many users reported. The system’s soundstage is also impressively wide for a 17-inch bar. While not true surround sound, it projects audio far to the left and right of the screen, making the experience much more engaging than the narrow sound field of television speakers. The ability to independently adjust the bass level on the remote is a fantastic feature, allowing you to dial it back for late-night viewing or crank it up to, as one user joked, check in on the neighbours.

Music, Gaming, and Everyday Usability

Beyond movies, we tested the system’s musicality. Using the “Music” EQ mode and a Bluetooth connection, we streamed a variety of genres. The soundbar delivered a V-shaped sound signature that is very pleasing for popular music—punchy bass and clear highs. The subwoofer integrated well, providing a solid low-end foundation for electronic and rock tracks without sounding overly boomy or slow. We agree with the user who found it “loud and bassy, much better than the Sony system we have!” It’s not an audiophile-grade, flat-response system, but for filling a room with vibrant, energetic sound for a party or casual listening, it is more than capable. For gaming, the improved directional audio and impactful bass made experiences far more intense. The sound of footsteps was clearer, and the thud of explosions had a satisfying kick. The remote is simple and intuitive, with dedicated buttons for each input, EQ mode, and volume/bass controls. The lack of HDMI ARC is perhaps its biggest usability drawback. This means you cannot use your TV’s remote to control the soundbar’s volume, requiring you to keep the Saiyin remote handy. While Fire TV remotes can be programmed to work with it, for many, this will mean juggling two remotes. It’s a common omission in this price bracket, but an important one to be aware of. The fantastic audio performance, however, makes this a minor inconvenience we were happy to live with. For this level of room-filling sound, it’s a trade-off worth making.

What Other Users Are Saying

The sentiment across a wide range of user feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with most people expressing surprise and delight at the performance-to-price ratio. A recurring theme is the phrase “small but mighty,” perfectly encapsulating how the compact unit produces such a powerful, room-filling sound. Many, like one individual who “only purchased to enhance Sony TV slightly,” were “absolutely blown away by the quality.” The cinema-like experience created by the powerful subwoofer is a point of frequent praise, with one happy customer stating, “Movie nights are going to be so much better now.”

However, the feedback is also balanced and provides a realistic picture. The most common critiques are practical ones. Several users noted that the included connection cables are quite short, which could limit placement options, especially if you plan to wall-mount the soundbar far from your TV or place the subwoofer across the room. Other constructive points include the optical cable feeling loose in the port and the frustration of not being able to control the volume with a standard TV remote, a direct result of the lack of HDMI ARC support. These criticisms are fair and important for potential buyers to consider in the context of their specific setup and convenience priorities.

How Does the Saiyin Soundbar Compare to the Alternatives?

The Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer exists in a competitive market. To understand its place, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other options with different features and price points.

1. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Height Speaker Pair

This is a completely different class of product for a different user. The Polk Audio XT90s are not a standalone sound system; they are height channel speakers designed to be added to an existing, more advanced home theatre setup to enable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio. They are meant for the dedicated home cinema enthusiast who already has an AV receiver and a multi-speaker array. Someone might prefer these if they are building a high-end, component-based system and want to add that “sound from above” effect. For anyone simply looking to upgrade their TV speakers with a single, simple purchase, the Saiyin is the far more appropriate and functional choice.

2. Saiyin 20″ Detachable 2-in-1 Sound Bar

This is a compelling alternative from the same brand that offers greater versatility. The key feature here is its detachable design, allowing you to use it as a single 20-inch soundbar or as two separate vertical tower speakers, which can create a wider stereo image, ideal for a PC gaming setup or for flanking a larger TV. Crucially, this model also includes an HDMI-ARC connection. This is a significant advantage, as it allows you to control the soundbar’s power and volume with your main TV remote, solving one of the main usability issues of the 17-inch model. One might prefer this for the improved remote integration and the flexible placement options.

3. Denon DHT-S316 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

The Denon DHT-S316 represents a step up in both price and features. The most significant upgrade is the wireless subwoofer, which eliminates the connecting cable and offers far more placement flexibility. Coming from a highly respected audio brand like Denon, it also includes decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS, potentially offering a more refined and precisely engineered sound profile. Features like a Dialogue Enhancer specifically target vocal clarity. A buyer would choose the Denon if they have a larger budget and prioritise the convenience of a wireless sub, the trust of an established audio brand, and more advanced sound decoding capabilities.

The Final Verdict: Is the Saiyin 17-inch Soundbar Worth It?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer offers absolutely phenomenal value for money. It is a fantastic audio upgrade that delivers a rich, powerful, and immersive sound experience that will fundamentally change how you watch movies and listen to music. The dedicated subwoofer is the star of the show, providing deep, impactful bass that brings action scenes to life in a way TV speakers simply cannot. The setup is effortless, and its compact design makes it a perfect fit for bedrooms, dorms, and small-to-medium living rooms.

While it has its compromises—namely the short cables and lack of HDMI ARC for single-remote control—these are minor issues when weighed against the sheer sonic improvement it provides. This isn’t for the discerning audiophile chasing high-fidelity perfection. It is for the everyday viewer who is tired of flat, lifeless TV audio and wants a simple, affordable, and incredibly effective solution. For that person, this system is an unqualified success and an easy recommendation.

If you’ve decided the Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer is the right fit for bringing cinema-quality sound to your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.