Saiyin DS6301M Plus 11.7-Inch Sound Bar: features, specs and who it suits

The Saiyin DS6301M Plus is a compact sound bar, just 11.7 inches long, made to give a TV, a computer or a phone fuller sound than built-in speakers in a space where a full-size bar won't fit. It connects by Bluetooth, optical cable or AUX cable, and adds a sub out for a separate subwoofer. Here is what its specs mean and what to set up before you use it.

Size and placement

The bar measures 11.7 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches (about 30 x 9 x 6 cm), small enough to sit under a monitor, on a narrow TV stand or on a bookshelf. A wall mounting kit with two screws and two wall anchors comes in the box if you'd rather hang it below a wall-mounted TV. It runs from an included AC power adapter.

The LED indicators sit on the right side rather than the front, so they stay out of sight while you watch.

What 48W peak power means

Saiyin lists 48W of peak power from two full-range speakers. Peak power describes short bursts, so the continuous output is typically lower. In practice, a bar of this size suits bedrooms, offices and smaller living rooms better than a large open-plan space. Full-range drivers are designed to cover most of the audible range on their own, which helps keep a bar compact.

Saiyin describes the sound as balanced, with bass and treble tuned for movies, music and gaming. Small bars have limited deep bass, which is where the sub out comes in.

Connections: Bluetooth, optical and AUX

There are three ways to connect a source:

• Bluetooth 5.3 for phones, tablets and computers.
• Optical (digital audio) for most TVs, using the included optical cable.
• 3.5 mm AUX for computers and older devices, with an included cable.

According to Saiyin's images, the bar doesn't support HDMI ARC or USB audio. Without HDMI, your TV remote typically won't control the bar's volume automatically, so you'll use the included remote. Saiyin says some streaming-device remotes can also control it; check the manual for which ones.

Set the TV to PCM or stereo

This is the most important setup step. The bar works only with standard stereo audio. TVs often send compressed surround formats over optical by default, and a bar that can't decode them may produce crackling or no sound. Saiyin says to set your TV or source to PCM, stereo or non-surround output, and to switch the TV's audio output to optical when using the optical cable.

Sub out and standby

A sub out jack lets you add a powered subwoofer later for deeper bass. It works only with a powered (active) subwoofer, which has its own amplifier; a subwoofer isn't included.

When the bar is in standby, a red indicator lights up. Saiyin says it uses minimal power in this mode and doesn't need to be unplugged when not in use.

Who it suits

It suits smaller TVs, computer desks, bedrooms and tight shelves, where a full-length sound bar would be too wide. It also works as a Bluetooth speaker for music from a phone.

What to check before you buy

• TV outputs: confirm your TV has an optical or 3.5 mm audio output, since there's no HDMI connection.
• Audio settings: check that your TV can output PCM or stereo audio.
• Room size: a compact bar suits small and medium rooms.
• Bass: decide whether you'll want a powered subwoofer later.
• Remote: plan to use the included remote unless your streaming device's remote is supported.

The short version

• A compact 11.7-inch sound bar with two full-range speakers and 48W peak power.
• Bluetooth 5.3, optical and 3.5 mm AUX; no HDMI ARC or USB.
• Set the source to PCM or stereo output to avoid crackling or silence.
• A sub out for a powered subwoofer, and side-mounted LED indicators.
• Remote, optical and AUX cables, power adapter and wall mounting kit included.

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