Saiyin DS6301 17-Inch Compact Sound Bar: Bluetooth 5.3, 3 EQ modes, specs

The Saiyin DS6301 is a small sound bar, 17 inches long, for desks, bedrooms and smaller living rooms. It uses two full-range speakers and is meant to give a TV or computer clearer sound than built-in speakers usually manage, in a unit you can move around easily.

Two full-range speakers

The bar has two full-range speakers, one for each stereo channel. Saiyin says they give a more spatial sound for movies and music. A full-range driver covers most of the audible range in one unit, so the design is simple. A compact bar like this will generally have limited bass, which is why the optional subwoofer connection below matters.

Bluetooth 5.3 and wired inputs

Saiyin lists Bluetooth 5.3 for streaming music or podcasts from a phone or tablet. Bluetooth 5.3 is a recent version of the standard, and it generally helps with connection stability and efficiency, though the sound quality also depends on your device.

For wired use the bar has an optical input and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input. The M button on the bar cycles through Optical, AUX and Bluetooth.

Three sound modes

From the remote you can switch between three equalizer modes: Music, Movie and News. Saiyin says they adjust dialogue, bass and treble to suit the content. In general, a News-style setting brings speech forward, while a Movie setting emphasises bass and wider sound. Try each mode with content you know and keep whichever sounds best.

Adding a subwoofer

The bar has a SUB OUT port, which supports an active (powered) subwoofer. A subwoofer isn't included. If you want more low-end, check that the sub you choose has a line-level input and follow its manual.

What's in the box

Saiyin lists the sound bar, a remote control, a wall-mounting kit, an optical cable, a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable, a power adapter and a user manual. The bar weighs about 2 lb (0.9 kg) and the listing gives its size as 17 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches (about 43 x 9 x 6 cm). You can set it on a desk or hang it on a wall.

Remote compatibility

Saiyin says the bar can be used with its own buttons and remote, and with a Fire TV remote. A remote for a Roku box or Roku TV can be provided on request. Check that this suits your setup before you rely on it.

Getting the settings right

The listing is clear on one point: the bar works only with standard audio outputs. Set your audio source to output PCM or stereo (non-surround). For the optical connection, change your TV's audio output to optical, set the format to PCM and turn off Dolby or DTS in the TV or streaming apps. Otherwise you may hear crackling or nothing. This is common among compact sound bars that can't decode surround formats.

Who it suits

It suits desktops, bedrooms and small to medium living rooms where space matters and the goal is better dialogue and music from a TV. It's less suited to people who want surround sound, Dolby Atmos or a built-in subwoofer.

What to check before you buy

• TV connections: make sure your TV has optical, AUX or Bluetooth output, and can output PCM.
• Space: the bar is 17 inches long. Check it fits under your screen or on your shelf.
• Bass: decide whether you'll add a powered subwoofer.
• Mounting: if using the wall kit, check the wall and the fixings.
• Remote: confirm it works with the remote you want to use.

The short version

• A 17-inch compact sound bar with two full-range speakers.
• Bluetooth 5.3, optical and AUX inputs.
• Music, Movie and News equalizer modes.
• SUB OUT port for an active subwoofer (not included).
• Wall-mount kit and cables included; set the source to PCM or stereo.

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