The A70 airSound follows the more traditional bar-plus-separate-sub formula, but retains the signature side-firing speakers, which creates the immersive sound we have come to know and love from Orbitsound products. Orbitsound may not be as familiar as the biggest names in speakers and soundbars, but this is no reason to discount it.
Specifications
- Bluetooth 2.1 with aptX
- Soundbar: 1.95kg, 750x65x74mm
- TOSLINK optical digital input
- USB port for firmware updates
- 3.5mm minijack aux input
- Soundbar and wireless subwoofer
- Subwoofer: 7.9kg
- Remote control, optical cable and analogue cable included in box
Audio Quality
The A70 is designed primarily to enhance your TV’s audio, providing clearer dialogue as well as much better bass. It does this with ease. If this is your first soundbar, you will wonder why you lived with poor-quality sound from your TV for so long. Via Bluetooth, the A70 again handles most things pretty well.
You can play pop, jazz, classical and most other styles and be very happy with the volume and quality the soundbar can deliver. The side-firing tweeters give the impression of surround sound and really widen the sound-stage, but when playing music via Bluetooth, it isn’t so pronounced.
Designing
What is interesting is that Orbitsound has paired a traditional analogue crossover with a digital amplifier for the front speakers. This creates a warm, yet crisply defined sound we will get to sound quality below. The 6.25in sub communicates with the bar wirelessly, requiring only a power cable.
It is a pretty compact unit, but weighs a reassuringly hefty 8kg. The enclosure is wooden, and the piano black paint is hand polished to a glossy finish. It is longer, lighter and slimmer than previous Orbitsound soundbars.
Opinion
The A70 is well built, looks good, is easy to install and on the whole sounds great, specially considering its slim dimensions. Its ability to work as a wireless Bluetooth speaker is handy, and most people will be happy with the sound quality on offer.