iLive 45” Sound Bar (ITBS423B) Review: Budget-Friendly 4.1 Home Theater Upgrade

If you’ve ever bought a brand-new TV only to find that the built-in speakers sound thin and lifeless, you’re not alone. Many modern TVs prioritize slim designs over robust audio performance, leaving users searching for an external audio solution. That’s where the iLive 45″ Sound Bar (ITBS423B) comes in — a budget-friendly sound system that promises a full home theater experience without breaking the bank. (*Disclosure below.)

I was sent this sound bar to review and was intrigued by its interesting feature set, which includes detachable wireless satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer — something not often found at this price point. With Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, HDMI ARC and optical support, and a 4.1-channel setup, it aims to deliver immersive audio for movies, gaming, and music streaming.

The iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is designed for various users, from movie lovers seeking immersive surround sound to gamers looking for clear, directional audio. With detachable wireless satellite speakers, a wireless subwoofer, and multiple connectivity options, it’s a great fit for small apartments, dorm rooms, and family entertainment setups. Let’s explore whether this budget-friendly system delivers on its promises.

Full video walkthrough – unboxing, setup, and testing

My hands-on video review (below) of the iLive 45″ HD Sound Bar goes into a lot of what is covered in this written review and a little bit more. You’ll see the unboxing process, setup steps, and live audio tests, giving you a clearer idea of how the system performs in a real environment.

Watch the full video review here to see the sound bar in action.

One of the key highlights in the video is how the detachable satellite speakers function in both attached and separate modes, providing a more flexible surround sound experience. I also talked about the various connection options, including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and optical input, to determine the best sound quality setup.

Key Features

The iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is packed with features that make it stand out in the budget-friendly sound bar category. With wireless satellite speakers, multiple connection options, and customizable sound modes, it provides flexibility and an immersive experience without the premium price tag.

Wireless Subwoofer & Satellite Speakers

One of the standout features of the iLive 45″ HD Sound Bar is its detachable wireless satellite speakers and wireless subwoofer. Unlike traditional sound bars where all speakers are fixed, this setup allows you to position the satellite speakers around the room for a true surround sound experience.

Multiple Connection Options

The sound bar supports:

• Bluetooth 5.1 for easy wireless streaming from your phone or tablet
• HDMI ARC for direct TV audio control
• Optical input for high-fidelity sound
• Auxiliary (3.5mm) input for wired connections

This flexibility ensures it works with almost any entertainment setup, from smart TVs to gaming consoles.

Customizable Sound Modes

Using the included remote control, you can adjust bass and treble levels and switch between different audio presets, including Music, Movie, and Dialogue modes. This makes it easy to fine-tune the audio to match your content.

Setup & First Impressions

A great home audio experience starts with an easy and intuitive setup. From unboxing to getting everything connected, the iLive 45” HD Sound Bar set was quite easy and straightforward. Let’s explore how it performs right out of the box.

What’s in the box of the iLive 45″ Sound Bar?

The packaging is simple yet protective, ensuring that all components arrive safely. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The 45” sound bar
• Two detachable satellite speakers
• Wireless subwoofer
• Remote control (with batteries included!)
• Power adapters and necessary cables
• Wall-mounting brackets and a template

Setup Process

Setting up the system was relatively straightforward. The Bluetooth pairing process was seamless. I decided to use the optical connection for my TV, but you can also use HDMI ARC if you want. Positioning the satellite speakers correctly required some experimentation to get the best surround sound effect.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the sound quality was noticeably better than any built-in TV speakers, with a decent bass response from the wireless subwoofer. The detachable speakers added an extra layer of depth, making the experience more immersive.

Everyday Performance & Usability of the iLive 45″ Sound Bar

A sound bar is only as good as its real-world usability. Beyond just the specs and setup, everyday performance is what truly defines whether a system is worth the investment.

For general listening, I found this sound bar to be quite good. Be sure you select the proper audio setting (movie, music, or spoken words) to get the best sound. But you can manually adjust the bass and treble settings to find your desired sound.

I did notice a slight high-pitched noise on one of the satellite speakers occasionally. This could have been due to interference or something else. It wasn’t annoying but it was noticeable from time to time.

User-Friendly Remote & Controls

The remote control is simple and functional, offering quick access to source selection, volume control, and sound modes. The ability to adjust bass and treble independently is a nice touch for fine-tuning the sound.

Battery Life for Satellite Speakers

While the detachable satellite speakers are a great feature, I noticed that their battery life isn’t the longest. Keeping them plugged in (or turned off) when not in use is recommended to avoid running out of power mid-movie.

Just a quick note: I recommend turning the satellite speakers off when not using them to maintain battery life. There is a tiny on/off switch that does that. Be sure to turn that switch on even when they are attached to the main sound bar so that you get audio through the speakers.

Who is this Sound Bar for?

A good sound system should fit seamlessly into various lifestyles, and the iLive 45” HD Sound Bar does just that. Whether you need a compact yet powerful setup for a small living space or a flexible surround sound system for gaming and entertainment, this sound bar offers an accessible solution. Here are some ideal use cases where this system shines:

• Small Apartments & Bedrooms – Perfect for smaller spaces where full surround sound systems might be too bulky, providing a theater-like audio experience without taking up too much room.
• Casual Gamers – Enhances gaming sessions with immersive sound, helping you hear directional audio cues more clearly without needing an expensive, dedicated gaming headset.
• Music Lovers – The Bluetooth 5.1 capability makes streaming music from your phone, tablet, or laptop easy, offering a deep bass response that outperforms standard speakers.
• College Students – Ideal for dorm rooms where space is limited, providing a great way to enhance TV audio and stream music while keeping a clean, wireless setup.

No matter your lifestyle, the iLive 45” HD Sound Bar brings an affordable and adaptable surround sound experience to various living spaces and entertainment needs.

iLive 45″ Sound Bar Specifications, Pros & Cons

This sound bar provides a solid mix of affordability and features, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. Below is a summary of its key specifications and a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.

Technical Details

Pros

• Wireless subwoofer & detachable satellite speakers for a flexible setup
• Multiple connectivity options (HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth)
• Easy setup with user-friendly controls
• Good bass response for its price range
• Affordable compared to high-end sound bars

Cons

• Satellite speakers have limited battery life
• Mid-range audio clarity could be better
• Not a true Dolby Atmos setup (but that’s expected at this price)

This system offers an excellent balance of features and price, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an affordable yet capable surround sound experience.

Pricing & Availability

If you’re looking for an entry-level surround sound system that delivers impressive features at an affordable price, the iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is a strong contender. Compared to more expensive sound bars from brands like Bose or Sonos, this system provides a great balance of performance and cost, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a versatile and immersive audio experience. With wireless connectivity, detachable satellite speakers, and a dedicated subwoofer, it’s a compelling option for those upgrading from standard TV speakers without spending a fortune.

The iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is available at multiple retailers, including:

• Best Buy – $160
• Walmart – $170
• iLive Website – $220

This product is not currently available on Amazon, but you can check the iLive store on Amazon for other options. Prices fluctuate, so check for sales or discounts before purchasing.

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Final Thoughts

The iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is an excellent choice for those looking for a simple yet effective way to improve their home audio experience. From the moment it was unboxed, the setup process was smooth, and the various connectivity options made integrating it with different devices effortless. The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, optical port, and HDMI ARC support enhance usability, ensuring a flexible setup for different entertainment needs. Whether used for streaming music, enhancing TV audio, or gaming, this system delivers a solid upgrade over built-in TV speakers.

One of the most impressive aspects of the iLive 45” HD Sound Bar is its adaptability. The ability to detach the satellite speakers and place them strategically around the room creates a level of immersion that is rarely found at this price point. Additionally, the wireless subwoofer adds depth to action scenes and music, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or simply streaming music, this system provides a noticeable upgrade over standard TV speakers, making it an excellent option for those who want a budget-friendly yet versatile sound system.

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

HTD says: If you want a budget-friendly surround sound system with wireless flexibility, the iLive 45” Sound Bar is a great pick for small rooms and casual home theaters.