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Theory Audio Design sb85 SOUNDBAR
Theory soundbars are unlike any others and are capable of surprising output, clarity and dynamics. Unlike most so-called “soundbars” available today, the sound emanating from a Theory soundbar is big and open, and detached from the soundbar itself. You simply experience big theatrical sound that envelopes you with astonishingly clear and dynamic sound.
Since their introduction in late 2019, reviewers around the world are unanimous: the Theory soundbars are the very best money can buy.
The sb85 is designed to match the width of your 85” TV for an integrated look.
TAKE A STAND.
The sb-STAND stand accessory for Theory sb model soundbars and surface mount speakers allows the speakers to stand up on flat surfaces such as TV consoles, tabletops and bookshelves
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Built for 85" displays, the sb85 delivers astonishing high output and dynamic range, pairing shallow extruded-aluminum construction with class-leading power and tight, room-filling bass. Ideal for large-room home theaters, it rivals freestanding LCRs for punch and clarity; Vince Hanada highlighted its coherent imaging while noting driver-spacing limits stereo width at long distances.
Pros
- Exceptional dynamic headroom and very high maximum output, delivering cinematic impact without obvious distortion.
- Powerful, tight low end when paired with Theory sub15s—bass is deep, even and room-filling for movie effects.
- Robust, premium build (extruded/anodized aluminum, machined baffle) and substantial heft that matches its pro-audio design intent.
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Cons
- As a standalone bar, left/right driver spacing limits stereo width and realistic soundstage at longer listening distances.
- Passive design requires Theory-certified DSP/controller and external amplification (ALC-1809 + Automator), adding setup complexity and extra hardware.
Sound Quality
89/100
Bass
86/100
For a multi-5" driver, ported long-bar soundbar the low-end is very strong and extended relative to its form factor, but deep extension is delivered primarily by paired subwoofers in the reviewed systems.
Mid
92/100
Clear, weighty center-channel presentation and very good vocal intelligibility; reviewers repeatedly noted authoritative, well-bodied midrange that competes with freestanding LCRs.
Treble
88/100
High-frequency is detailed and energetic with good extension; some reviewers cautioned it can be a touch forward in very live rooms but not generally harsh.
Soundstage Imaging
84/100
Excellent coherence and object-tracking in the multi-speaker system, but the sb85 alone has physical driver spacing limits—so width at long listening distances is constrained.
Dynamics
95/100
Outstanding macro- and micro-dynamics and very high SPL/headroom; reviewers described 'gut-wrenching' dynamic impact and clean delivery at loud levels.
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Build Quality
94/100
Robust, heavy construction (extruded/anodized aluminum, machined baffle) and premium fit-and-finish; reviewers remarked on industrial-quality materials and substantial heft.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied. Three spring-loaded speaker terminals (one per channel) — requires Theory controller amp/DSP and external AV processor per reviews.
Value for Money
88/100
At the stated sb85 price (~$4,200) the performance (when integrated into Theory systems) offers strong value; reviewers emphasized that the complete Theory system represents compelling value vs comparable freestanding speaker systems.
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