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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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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
92/100
Value for Money
87/100
The explosive dynamics and clean, room-filling scale of this passive soundbar system make it feel far closer to a dedicated home theater than a TV accessory. Vince Hanada found its dialogue vivid, bass deeply controlled, and surround imaging impressively seamless, while StereoNET United Kingdom highlighted its pro-audio ambition and sleek design.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers unusually powerful, clean dynamics that can rival freestanding speaker systems.
Produces deep, tightly controlled bass with strong room-wide evenness when paired with the matching subwoofers.
Keeps dialogue clear and intelligible, with seamless timbral matching across channels for convincing surround playback.
Built with substantial, pro-grade materials and a compact industrial design aimed at high-end installations.
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Cons
The soundbar itself cannot produce a truly wide stereo image at longer listening distances.
Setup is more complex than a typical soundbar because it depends on a separate controller-amplifier, DSP software, and careful configuration.
Its top end can be a little forward in a very live room.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers describe the system as unusually clean, powerful, and convincing for a soundbar-based setup, with output that rivals freestanding speakers. The main limitation noted is that the left-right drivers are close together, so stereo width is not fully realistic at longer listening distances.
Bass
90/100
The review points to very strong low-end performance in the full Theory system, with bass described as deep, guttural, tight, and evenly distributed through the room. While that praise is tied to the matching subwoofers rather than the soundbar alone, it shows the system’s low-frequency foundation is a major strength.
Mid
92/100
Dialogue and vocal presence come through with weight and clarity, and the reviewer specifically says a deep voice remained perfectly intelligible without needing subtitle support or center-channel adjustment. That suggests a composed, articulate midrange that handles speech and anchored voices very well.
Treble
88/100
High frequencies are described as clean and sufficiently lively, though the review also notes that the system’s top end can be a bit much in a particularly live room. There is no strong report of harshness, but the comments suggest the treble is energetic rather than especially forgiving.
Soundstage Imaging
84/100
The system is praised for coherent, seamless surround integration and precise tracking across channels, with centered voices and stable imaging. The one clear reservation is that the soundbar itself cannot create truly realistic width when seated farther away, so its own stereo spread is limited.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics are repeatedly singled out as exceptional, with the reviewer calling the output high, clean at loud levels, and even comparing the system favorably with large freestanding speakers. The ability to play very loudly without strain is a standout trait here.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
The enclosure is described as substantial and purpose-built, with extruded aluminum side and rear panels and a machined front section. Reviewers emphasize its physical heft and low-profile industrial construction, which supports the impression of a very robustly made product.
Value for Money
87/100
At $12,300, the price initially struck the reviewer as very high for a soundbar-based system, so this is not an easy casual buy. Still, the review argues that it effectively includes multiple speakers, two large subwoofers, and a controller-amplifier, and says it can compete with similarly priced freestanding speaker systems.
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Authorized dealers for Theory Audio Design sb85 SOUNDBAR
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Video Excellence — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- AVIQ Huntsville — in-store — Huntsville, Alabama, United States (website)
- Brian's Custom Theaters & Hi-Fi — in-store — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Gramophone - USA — online and in-store — Timonium, Maryland, United States (website)
- Hanson Audio Video — in-store — Dayton, Ohio, United States (website)
- Reference Media — in-store — Bellingham, Washington, United States (website)
- Sky by Gramaphone — online — United States (website)
- Tivoli Hi-Fi — online and in-store — Hawthorn East, Victoria, Australia (website)
- World Wide Stereo — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
and 1 more verified dealer