Ditch Your Soundbar: The Best Hi-Fi for Live TV Music
▼ Summary
– Live concerts have become prohibitively expensive and difficult to attend, driving increased demand for high-quality home music streaming and TV coverage.
– TV networks and streaming services now offer extensive music content, including 24/7 videos, festival broadcasts, concert downloads, and artist documentaries.
– Home cinema systems designed for movies often underperform with music, which requires superior stereo imaging, tonal balance, and rhythmic precision.
– Music-first audio equipment with HDMI eARC connectivity, such as all-in-one systems and active stereo speakers, is recommended for an immersive at-home music experience.
– Artists and managers are exploring digital and virtual experiences as supplementary revenue streams, while unethical ticket reselling practices continue to inflate prices.
With live music events becoming increasingly difficult to attend due to soaring ticket prices and limited availability, high-quality television and streaming content now offers a compelling alternative for music lovers. Major broadcasters and platforms are delivering an unprecedented volume of concerts, documentaries, and exclusive performances, all accessible from the comfort of home. This shift calls for a serious audio upgrade beyond standard TV speakers or basic soundbars, moving toward dedicated hi-fi systems designed to handle the dynamic range and nuance of musical performances.
The driving force behind this surge in broadcast music isn’t just nostalgia, it’s economics. Live event tickets have reached eye-watering prices, with high-demand shows selling out almost instantly. Festival director Jamie Tagg explains that talent budgets have more than doubled in recent years, reflecting a fundamental change in the industry. “Touring is no longer just part of the campaign, it’s the main driver of income,” he says. “Everyone wants exclusivity, and that comes at a cost.”
Rising audience expectations also contribute to higher ticket prices, with festivals now expected to provide premium amenities. This economic reality has left many fans unable to attend live events, turning instead to digital alternatives. Matt Kaplan of ethical reseller Tixel notes that over 90% of last-minute ticket sales on their platform occur within days of the event. For those who miss out, high-quality music broadcasts offer the next best experience. “Nothing replaces being there,” Kaplan admits, “but well-produced digital content can come very close.”
This is where conventional home cinema setups often fall short. Soundbars and surround systems are optimized for movie dialogue and special effects, not musical accuracy. Music reproduction demands precise stereo imaging, tonal balance, and rhythmic cohesion, qualities that many cinema-oriented systems simply don’t prioritize.
The ideal solution lies in music-first audio equipment that blends streaming convenience with serious performance. Modern hi-fi systems, all-in-one music players, and active stereo speakers are designed with musicality in mind. Many now include HDMI eARC connectivity, allowing seamless integration with your TV while delivering audio that does justice to concert streams and high-resolution music files.
For those seeking an all-in-one solution, several standout models combine style with substance. The Ruark Audio R410 offers warm, engaging sound perfect for acoustic and vocal content. The Naim Mu-so 2 stands out with its rhythmic drive and punchy timing, making live streams feel immediate and exciting. Meanwhile, the Cambridge Audio Evo One delivers a spacious, room-filling sound that brings large-scale performances to life.
Active stereo speakers provide another excellent pathway. The compact KEF LSX II system delivers remarkable clarity and stereo separation despite its small size. For greater impact, the KEF LS50 Wireless II uses larger drivers and more powerful amplification to handle everything from intimate recordings to full concert broadcasts. Budget-conscious listeners should consider the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41, which outperforms soundbars in its class when connected via HDMI.
Those preferring component-based systems can start with a dedicated music streamer. The WiiM Ultra offers exceptional value with support for all major streaming services and HDMI eARC. Moving up the price ladder, the Eversolo DMP-A6 and Cambridge Audio EXN100 provide enhanced build quality and superior digital-to-analog conversion.
Integrated streaming amplifiers simplify the setup by combining streaming and amplification in one unit. The WiiM Amp Pro represents outstanding value in a compact form. Mid-range and premium options like the Ruark R610, NAD C 3050, and Naim Uniti Atom each bring distinct sonic characteristics, from warmth and musicality to power and precision. For purists, the Cyrus 40 AMP offers high-end performance with eARC support, though it requires separate speakers and a streamer.
Beyond the technical specs, the appeal of music streaming lies in its storytelling potential. Jamie Tagg highlights how documentaries and behind-the-scenes content add depth to the viewing experience. “When you get to see the journey, that’s much more fascinating than just watching a gig,” he says. From Beyoncé’s Coachella documentary to Blur’s “To the End,” these productions offer insight and context that enrich the music.
As ticket pricing strategies continue to evolve, including speculative listings on resale sites, artists and managers are exploring new revenue streams. High-quality music broadcasts not only serve disappointed fans but also open additional income opportunities for the industry. With the right audio setup, viewers can enjoy immersive, concert-like sound without leaving home.
(Source: What Hifi)