Saiyin DS6401SB 24-Inch Detachable Soundbar: features, specs and who it suits

The Saiyin DS6401SB is a compact 24-inch soundbar for TVs, monitors and projectors. Its main feature is a 2-in-1 design: it works as a single bar under the screen, or splits into two tower speakers that stand on either side. Here is what its specs mean and how it connects.

Bar or towers: the 2-in-1 design

As a bar, it sits in front of or below a TV and takes up little space at 24 inches (about 61 cm) wide and roughly 3.5 x 2.5 inches in depth and height. With the included base attached, the two halves become tower speakers. Placing the speakers further apart widens the stereo image, so voices and effects seem to come from across the screen rather than from one spot below it. Saiyin's own images describe it as a 2.0 stereo system.

The drivers and how loud it gets

Inside are two oval full-range drivers measuring 3.9 x 2.1 inches. An oval driver fits more cone area into a slim cabinet than a round one of the same height, which helps a low-profile speaker move more air. Saiyin lists a maximum volume of up to 98dB, and its images give 60W of peak power. Peak power figures aren't measured the same way by every maker, so treat them as a rough guide.

As a 2.0 system without a separate subwoofer, deep bass is typically more limited than in systems that have one. Three preset sound modes, for movies, music and news, shift the balance of treble, vocals, bass and virtual surround: the news mode leans on vocals, while the movie mode adds bass and surround.

Connecting it to a TV

There are two wired routes. The included optical cable plugs into the TV's optical (SPDIF) output for digital audio. HDMI ARC is the other option, though an HDMI cable isn't included. ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets the TV send its sound to the soundbar over HDMI and lets the TV remote control the soundbar's power and volume, so you don't need a second remote day to day.

Saiyin also lists compatibility with several streaming-device remotes. If you use one, check that yours is on the list before relying on it.

An important setting for optical

For an optical connection, Saiyin says to set the TV's audio output to optical, change the audio format to PCM, and turn off Dolby and DTS output on the TV and in streaming apps. Otherwise you may get crackling noise or no sound. It usually means the soundbar expects plain stereo PCM over optical rather than encoded surround formats, and the change only takes a minute in the TV's sound menu.

Bluetooth and other devices

Bluetooth 5.3 lets you stream music from a phone or tablet without cables. Beyond TVs, the soundbar works with projectors, game consoles, PCs and other mobile devices, which makes it a fit for a desk setup where a monitor's built-in speakers are thin.

Who it suits

It suits smaller living rooms, bedrooms, dorm rooms and desks where a large soundbar or separate speakers would be too much. The tower option helps when you want the sound spread wider than a single bar allows.

What to check before you buy

• Your TV's outputs: confirm it has an optical output or an HDMI ARC port.
• HDMI cable: you'll need your own if you want to use ARC.
• Audio settings: be ready to set PCM output for optical, as described above.
• Remote: check whether your TV or streaming remote is on the compatibility list.
• Bass expectations: a compact 2.0 bar won't match a system with a subwoofer for deep bass.

The short version

• A 24-inch soundbar that splits into two tower speakers with the included base.
• Two 3.9 x 2.1-inch oval full-range drivers and up to 98dB, according to Saiyin.
• Optical cable included; HDMI ARC for TV remote control (HDMI cable not included).
• Bluetooth 5.3 and three sound modes: movie, music and news.
• For optical, set the TV to PCM output to avoid crackling or silence.

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