PHILIPS B5109 2.0 Soundbar: features, connections and who it suits

The PHILIPS B5109 (model TAB5109/37) is a 2.0-channel soundbar that sits in front of a TV to give it fuller, clearer sound than most built-in speakers manage. It is slim, comes with wall brackets and connects with a single HDMI ARC cable. Here is what its specs mean and what to confirm before choosing it.

What "2.0 channel, 120W" means

The "2.0" describes two channels, left and right, with no separate subwoofer. Philips rates the bar at 120W and says it is meant to make dialogue clearer and action scenes fuller. Because there is no separate bass unit, low frequencies come from the bar itself, so in general you can expect a clear improvement on TV speakers rather than the room-shaking bass of a system with a subwoofer.

The bar measures about 30.2 inches (roughly 77 cm) wide, 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) tall and 3.6 inches (9 cm) deep. That low, slanted profile is meant to fit under most TVs without blocking the screen or the remote sensor.

DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Digital Plus

Two sound formats are listed. DTS Virtual:X is a processing technology that simulates a wider, more surround-like sound field from a limited number of speakers. Philips says it can be switched on with the remote or the app. Dolby Digital Plus is an audio format used by many streaming services and broadcasts, and the soundbar can decode it.

Virtual surround is created by processing, not by speakers placed around the room, so results vary with the room, the seating position and the content.

Sound modes and Night Mode

Through the remote or the PHILIPS app you can choose between four EQ modes: Movie, Music, Voice and Stadium. Treble and bass can also be adjusted. Night Mode is designed for late viewing; such modes typically reduce the gap between loud and quiet moments so that explosions are less jarring and dialogue stays audible at low volume.

Connections

The list is generous for a compact bar:

• HDMI ARC: one cable to the TV, which also lets one remote control both devices.
• Optical: for TVs without HDMI ARC.
• Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio: for streaming music from a phone or tablet.
• USB and Aux-in: for wired music sources.

Philips also describes the soundbar as Roku TV Ready with EasyLINK support, meaning it is designed to work with a Roku TV remote.

Placement and mounting

Wall brackets are included, so you can mount the bar or set it on a TV stand or any flat surface. If it sits on a stand, check that it is shorter than the gap beneath the TV screen, and follow the manual for any wall mounting.

Who it suits

The B5109 suits people who want clearer TV dialogue and a simple one-cable setup in a bedroom, living room or apartment. It is less suited to anyone who wants discrete surround or height speakers, or a separate subwoofer.

What to check before you buy

• TV connections: confirm whether your TV has HDMI ARC or only optical output.
• Space: measure the gap under the TV and the width of the stand or wall.
• Remote control: check how your TV remote and the soundbar work together, especially if the TV is not a Roku model.
• Bass expectations: a 2.0 bar has no separate subwoofer.
• What's in the box: confirm the wall brackets and cables included.

The short version

• A 120W, 2.0-channel soundbar about 30 inches wide, in dark grey.
• DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Digital Plus for a wider, more detailed sound.
• Four EQ modes, Night Mode and remote or app control.
• HDMI ARC, optical, USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth 5.4 LE Audio.
• Wall brackets included for mounting or shelf placement.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.