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Monitor Audio ASB-2 Powered home theater sound bar with Wi-Fi® and Apple AirPlay®

Item # 893ASB2

We hate to pigeonhole the Monitor Audio ASB-2 as "just" a sound bar.

We hate to pigeonhole the Monitor Audio ASB-2 as "just" a sound bar.

Item # 893ASB2

Shop all Monitor Audio Sound Bars

About the Monitor Audio ASB-2

David Brown

Don't call it a sound bar

We hate to pigeonhole the Monitor Audio ASB-2 as "just" a sound bar. There's simply too much connectivity. Three HDMI inputs? Impressive, though not unheard of. Two more digital audio inputs along with two analog inputs? Pretty cool, but not earth-shattering. Wi-Fi and AirPlay? OK, now you've got our attention in a big way. Put it all together, and you've got one of the most versatile sound bars we've ever seen. Throw in the same C-CAM® drivers used in Monitor Audio's loudspeakers, and you've got one of the best sounding bars around. To call this multimedia hub and speaker system a sound bar simply doesn't do it justice.

Don't call it a sound bar

We hate to pigeonhole the Monitor Audio ASB-2 as "just" a sound bar. There's simply too much connectivity. Three HDMI inputs? Impressive, though not unheard of. Two more digital audio inputs along with two analog inputs? Pretty cool, but not earth-shattering. Wi-Fi and AirPlay? OK, now you've got our attention in a big way. Put it all together, and you've got one of the most versatile sound bars we've ever seen. Throw in the same C-CAM® drivers used in Monitor Audio's loudspeakers, and you've got one of the best sounding bars around. To call this multimedia hub and speaker system a sound bar simply doesn't do it justice.

Wireless music with built-in Wi-Fi and AirPlay

The ASB-2 sound bar has wireless music features we're more used to seeing in home theater receivers. Built-in Wi-Fi means you don't need a wired connection to your network to stream music. From what devices can you stream? Play tunes from your iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod touch® using Apple AirPlay. You can also send music to the ASB-2 from your computer — either through AirPlay using iTunes® or with media sharing software like Plex or Windows Media Player.

More connectivity than you'll probably need

What kinds of wired devices can you connect to this sound bar? The list is long. HDMI inputs are perfect for Blu-ray players, cable or satellite boxes, gaming consoles, and streaming media boxes like Apple TV® and Roku. Connect this bar to your TV via HDMI, and the audio from a smart TV's built-in apps like Netflix® can travel back to the sound bar for output. Plus, an HDMI connection allows you to control the volume with your TV's remote. Connect your iPod to the USB port for playback through the sound bar. There are also optical and coaxial digital inputs for connecting older TVs and DVD players. Analog inputs add more options for CD and MP3 players, or even a turntable (you'll need a phono preamp).

Monitor Audio knows speakers

At its heart, a sound bar is an array of speakers. And Monitor Audio excels at building great-sounding speakers. Their patented C-CAM® drivers are key ingredients of their well-regarded tower and bookshelf loudspeakers. The ASB-2's dual gold-dome tweeters offer accuracy and extended high-frequency response. This bar's midrange and bass drivers are lightweight and rigid, so they're easy to drive yet resistant to audible distortion even at loud volumes. Together, they deliver cohesive, full-range sound that brings more clarity and excitement to movies, music, and TV shows.

Want to mount this sound bar on the wall? Get the matching bracket.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • built-in 5-channel amplifier (160 watts total power)
  • six built-in speakers:
    • two 1" Gold Dome C-CAM tweeters
    • two 4" C-CAM midrange drivers
    • two 5-1/2" C-CAM bass drivers
  • built-in Wi-Fi for easy connection to a wireless home network
  • Apple AirPlay for streaming music from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch®, or computer running iTunes
  • AirPlay Direct lets you make a direct wireless connection to the amp from a compatible iOS device with no network router required
  • DLNA and UPnP compatibility for streaming music with compatible devices and computers
  • proprietary 3D spatial effects for more immersive sound
  • on-screen display for settings adjustments
  • wall-mountable (bracket sold separately) or can rest on a shelf or stand
Connections:
  • HDMI switching; 3 inputs, 1 output with audio return channel (ARC) and 3D pass-through
  • optical and coaxial digital audio inputs
  • preamp output for connecting an optional powered subwoofer
  • stereo RCA inputs
  • 3.5mm minijack input
  • USB port for audio playback from an iPod, iPhone, or iPad
General:
  • top-panel control buttons include power, volume, and source toggle
  • volume can be controlled with your TV's remote
  • designed to fit Sanus TV mounting systems
  • remote control
  • 39-9/16"W x 7-1/16"H x 6-9/16"D
  • weight: 25.4 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # ASB2

No A/V receiver required.

What's in the box:

  • Active soundbar speaker
  • 6' AC power cord
  • Remote control (CR2025 battery installed)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • "Caution" note

Customer reviews for Monitor Audio ASB-2

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More details on the Monitor Audio ASB-2

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Design Bar
Amplification Self-powered
Separate Subwoofer No
Wireless Surrounds No
Number Of Channels 2.1
Surround Formats
Dolby Digital Yes
DTS Yes
Dolby Atmos No
DTS:X No
Audio Enhancements
Dialogue Enhancement No
Auto Volume No
Night Mode ---
Virtual Surround 3D Audio
Room Correction No
Audio Connections
Optical Digital Inputs 1
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
HDMI ARC Input Yes
HDMI eARC Input No
3.5mm Stereo Analog Inputs 1
RCA Stereo Analog Inputs 1
USB Type-A Input No
Subwoofer Output 1
Audio Specs
Tweeter 1" Dome (2)
Midrange 4" Cone (2)
Woofer 5" Cone (2)
Subwoofer Driver None
Enclosure Bass Reflex
System Frequency Response 40-20K Hz
Sound Bar RMS Power 160
Subwoofer RMS Power N/A
Video Connections
HDMI Inputs 3
HDMI Outputs 1
Video Specs
HDMI Version 1.4
HDMI Video Pass-through Resolution 1080p
HDR Video Compatible No
Control
Includes Remote Yes
Voice Control No
Control by App No
HDMI CEC Yes
Remote IR Passthrough No
Learns TV Remote No
Audio Streaming
Bluetooth Connectivity No
Bluetooth Audio Playback No
Bluetooth Transmitter Mode No
Online Music Sources ---
Apple AirPlay Yes
Chromecast built-in No
Amazon Music ---
Apple Music ---
Pandora ---
SiriusXM ---
Spotify ---
TIDAL ---
TuneIn ---
YouTube Music ---
Files on Your Network Yes
Wi-Fi Networking
Built-in Wi-Fi Version 802.11 b/g
Bands 2.4GHz
Other Info
Wall-mountable Yes
Mounting Bracket Included Optional
Sound Bar Size (inches) 7-1/16H x 39-11/16W x 6-3/4D
Sound Bar Weight 25.4 lbs
Subwoofer Size (inches) No Subwoofer
Subwoofer Weight N/A
Speaker Parts Warranty 2 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 2 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 2 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 2 Years

Product Research

Audio Section
Variety Of Sources
Convenience Features

Audio Section

Discrete Class D Amplifier: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 soundbar speaker system uses a discrete 6-channel Class D amplifier (rated at 160W total) to power its enclosed six C-CAM drivers.

3-Way C-CAM Speaker Design: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 soundbar speaker incorporates six drivers inside a bass-reflex cabinet. The ASB-2 employs two 1" C-CAM gold-dome tweeters, two 4" C-CAM midrange drivers, and two 5" C-CAM bass woofers for full-range, dynamic sound. The dual rear-firing bass ports add greater efficiency and bigger bass response to the soundbar speaker. The C-CAM tweeters, midrange drivers, and woofers share an audible consistency producing a smooth transition of frequencies and a sense of realism and cohesion in the soundstage.

  • Gold Dome C-CAM Tweeters: The gold dome tweeter is formed from a ceramic-coated aluminum/magnesium alloy, gold anodized to a specific thickness for ideal stiffness and damping characteristics. Its new profile and surround geometry have been developed using advanced modeling tools, to provide the optimum qualities for accurate sound reproduction. The new design moves the first order of breakup to beyond 35kHz, producing a linear response way beyond audibility, which matches the wide frequency bandwidth available from HD music and cinema sound formats. The gold dome is thinner, lighter, more rigid and therefore more efficient than domes made from other materials which are prone to distortion in the audio band.
  • C-CAM Midrange & Bass Drivers: Ceramic-Coated Aluminum/Magnesium is a material originally developed by the aerospace industry for jet engine components. Its properties are ideal for loudspeaker cones being extremely rigid, yet light enough to yield high overall efficiency. In manufacture, aluminum/magnesium alloy undergoes a three-stage stress-relieving process to remove surface deformation and molecular weakness. Once formed, the alloy cone is subjected to a high temperature anodic coating process in which a layer of pure ceramic alumina is depleted onto its surfaces to a depth of 50 microns, producing a completely rigid sandwich of alloy and heat-dissipating ceramic material. Conventional cones are liable to flex or twist in operation, producing a significant level of audible distortion. C-CAM cones have a much higher resistance to bending stress and therefore exhibit much greater fidelity over their entire operating range.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Under custom tuned DSP control, each driver of the Monitor Audio soundbar speaker receives the optimum frequency spectrum for accurate and efficient audio reproduction. Because positioning of a speaker is so important in determining the sound that you hear, the Monitor Audio ASB-2' integrated digital signal processor automatically adjusts its output based on the environment in which the soundbar speaker has been placed, so you get consistent level and frequency response in any room. The ASB-2 soundbar speaker system features two DSP listening modes.

  • 3D Audio: Monitor Audio's own three-dimensional audio software provides the immersive surround effect of multichannel movie soundtracks. In this mode, virtual surround processing is applied to the multichannel soundtrack to widen the front soundstage of the left and right front channels and create virtual rear speakers for the impression of an actual 5.1ch surround system. The level of the virtual surround effect can be adjusted to make it more or less pronounced.
  • 2Ch Stereo: You can turn off the ASB-2's 3D processing and the soundbar becomes an excellent 3-way stereo music system for your favorite music tracks.

High-Resolution DAC: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 soundbar speaker system employs a high-resolution DAC for audiophile quality sound from a variety of digital music files.

Source Supported Music Files
Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad AirPlay AAC, ALAC, MP3
AirStream
USB
DLNA-certified Devices AAC, ALAC, MP3, FLAC

Audio Adjustments: The soundbar speaker incorporates several audio adjustments to tailor the system's movie and music sound to your taste.

  • Channel Levels: This feature allows you to adjust the output levels of the virtual center, surround, and sub woofer. They each have independent attenuation and gain from -10 to +10dB and will be the same for each input.
  • Tone Controls: Bass, Midrange and Treble levels can be manually adjusted to your taste and room environment. Each have independent attenuation and gain from -10 to +10dB.

Subwoofer Output: A single RCA LFE output allows for system expansion with an external powered subwoofer; crossover filtering (80Hz) is automatic.

Variety Of Sources

HDMI 1.4: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 soundbar speaker is fitted with three HDMI 1.4 inputs and one HDMI 1.4 output. The three HDMI inputs support both audio (up 7.1ch) and video (up to 1080p) signals for convenient hookup and neat wire management. The ARC-compatible HDMI output feeds the audio/video signal (up to 7.1ch/1080p) from your AV source through the soundbar speaker to your flat-panel TV, and audio from your television back to the soundbar speaker system. The HDMI inputs and output also support 3D video and Standby pass-through, plus HDMI-CEC.

  • 1080p Video: The Monitor Audio's ASB-2's HDMI inputs/output support up to 1080p video for high-definition video sources.
  • Multichannel Audio: The ASB-2 soundbar speaker's HDMI inputs support 2-channel to 7.1-channel PCM audio signals from high definition audio/video sources and then processes them for a powerfully convincing and enveloping soundstage from film, TV, games, and network/online sources.
  • 3D Ready: The ASB-2 is compatible with 3D-ready Blu-ray disc movies, video games and other 3D content through its HDMI 1.4 connections. 3D viewing requires 3D-ready source with 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D glasses, and high-speed HDMI cable. Other 3D accessories may also be required.
  • ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to the ASB-2 soundbar speaker system through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables.
  • Standby Pass-Through: HDMI Standby Pass-Through will allow sound and picture to pass through the ASB-2 when it is in standby mode. This means that the source can be watched on the TV without the need to turn the ASB-2 on.
Note: With most televisions, the ARC-enabled HDMI input will only pass 2ch PCM from devices connected to the TV via HDMI or analog, we recommend that you connect your Blu-ray/DVD player, Satellite/Cable box, or Gaming console to the Monitor Audio ASB-2 directly; and then connect the ASB-2's ARC-enabled HDMI output to your TV's ARC-enabled HDMI input. This setup will give you with the best overall sound performance. Make sure to set your HDMI-connected device's audio output to 2ch or multichannel PCM (not Dolby Digital or DTS).

Wireless Connectivity: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 soundbar speaker system features built-in WiFi (802.11 b/g) for streaming audio from your AirPlay enabled Apple iOS devices and DLNA certified devices.

  • AirPlay: AirPlay lets you stream your favorite songs directly from your Apple iPod touch/iPhone/iPad (iOS 4.3.3+) or from your iTunes library (10.2.2+) on your Windows PC or Mac computer to the Monitor Audio ASB-2, over your home's wireless network. By downloading Apple's free Remote App onto your Apple iOS device, you don't even need to be in the same room as the components or your computer to play, pause, skip, and stop the songs in your iTunes music library.
  • AirStream Direct: If you don't have a wireless WiFi router to connect your Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad using Airplay, simply use the ASB-2'sAirStream Direct mode to still be able to stream music from your Apple iOS device to the Monitor Audio soundbar speaker. Activating AirStream Direct mode creates a wireless network solely between the ASB-2 and your Apple iOS device. If a telephone call is received while in AirStream Direct mode, music will pause and restart when the call is ended. While in AirStream Direct mode, cellular data will not function; so, iMessage, emails and mobile internet will not function simultaneously. More than one device can be connected in AirStream Direct mode, but only one device can play music in AirStream Direct mode.
  • DLNA Certified: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 also supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) streaming, allowing to access and enjoy digital music stored on your Windows PC, DLNA-compliant NAS drive, and most 3rd-party DLNA apps installed on your Android smartphone/tablet.
Note: There are a couple of different ways you can register the ASB-2 soundbar speaker system onto your WiFi network. One method is to use your USB-connected Apple iOS (5.0+) device to connect the ASB-2 to your network. The second method lets you use your Windows PC, Mac computer, or Apple iOS (7.0+) device that is already on your wireless network to connect the ASB-2 to your network.

Apple Compliant USB Port: The ASB-2's rear-mounted USB (type-A) port can be used to connect your Apple iPod/iPhone device; including 30-pin or Lightning connector Apple devices. The USB port supports playback of stored music and music apps on your Apple device, basic playback controls (Play/Pause/Skip), and charging of your iPod/iPhone's battery.

Note: The USB port is not compatible with USB mass storage class devices or Android smartphone/tablets.

Apple Device Compatibility Chart: The Monitor Audio ASB-2 is "made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" and supports the following iPod/iPhone/iPad model functions (as of 8/8/2014).

Apple Device Generation Tested Version Connector Type Media Type Control Type Display Type Charge
USB AirPlay Audio Video Remote iPod/iPhone Artist/Song Tex Track Info
iPad 1 5.1.1 Y Y Y N Y Y N N N
2 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N N
3 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N N
4/Air 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N N
mini 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
3G 4.2.1 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
3GS 5.1.1 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
4/4S 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
5/5C/5S 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
3rd 5.1.1 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
4th 6.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
5th 7.1.2 Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y
nano
2nd/3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
4th 1.0.4 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
5th 1.0.2 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
6th 1.2 PC Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
7th 1.02 PC Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y N Y Y N N Y
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

Analog & Digital Audio Inputs: The Monitor Audio soundbar speaker is fitted with two analog and two digital audio inputs. There is a optical (toslink) digital input and a coaxial (RCA) digital input capable of supporting multichannel PCM audio (up to 5.1ch). In addition, there is one stereo RCA analog input and one minijack (3.5mm) analog input for connecting analog devices like a tuner or tape deck.

Note: The digital optical output terminals of most newer flat-panel TVs only send an audio signal in 5.1ch when receiving a multichannel signal from the TV's built-in tuner, network connection, or connected USB device; and will output only 2ch stereo from sources connected to the TV via HDMI, or RCA (like your Blue-ray/DVD player or satellite/cable box). Make sure to set your optical/coaxial digital-connected device's audio output to 2ch or multichannel PCM (not Dolby Digital/DTS).
Convenience Features

On-Screen Display (OSD): The Monitor Audio ASB-2 offers an on-screen display for advance audio features access and setup.

Simple Controls: Front-panel controls and the ASB-2's slender remote control provide effortless switching between all input sources, playback control for USB & DLNA connected devices, and system volume control. You can also use your HDMI-connected TV's remote control to operate the soundbar speaker system's volume, via HDMI-CEC (your TV must also support HDMI-CEC).

LED Indicator: The intensity of the main LED can be adjusted if it is too bright for your application. There are three settings - Bright (default), Dim, and Off. Dim will set it to 50% intensity. If set to Off, the only feedback will be via the button LED's and the On Screen Display.

Mounting Options: The ASB-2 soundbar speaker can be placed on a cabinet or shelf sitting below or above your flat-panel TV using the supplied rubber stand. It can also be mounted to a wall using the optional Monitor Audio ASB-2 Wall Bracket (893ASB2BKT, sold separately). In addition, it can be mounted below a wall-mounted flat-panel TV using the Sanus VMA202 Soundbar Speaker Mount (051VMA202, sold separately).

Auto Standby: The auto standby time option allows you to set a period of time that it will take before the ASB-2 automatically turns itself off. This can be 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes.

Firmware Updates: The ASB-2 automatically searches for software updates whenever it is turned on, providing there is a network
connection to the internet. Updates can also be applied via USB. Please check Monitor Audio's website for the latest firmware update information.

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