I often find myself searching for that sweet spot in audio gear where affordability meets actual usability. We all know the struggle: laptop speakers are tinny, and phone audio just doesn’t cut it for a movie night. Enter the Tempt CineBar 24W Bar Sound. I have spent the last week using this compact soundbar as my primary audio driver for everything from work calls to late-night gaming sessions. At a price tag of ₹1,699, it promises a lot on paper-Bluetooth 5.4, RGB lighting, and a hefty 24W output. But does it deliver a cinematic experience, or is it just another loud Bluetooth speaker?
Key Takeaways
- Impressive Volume: The 24W output is genuinely loud for its size, easily filling a medium-sized room.
- Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.4 ensures a stable connection with minimal latency, which is rare at this price point.
- Bass Response: Dual passive radiators provide a noticeable thump, though it won’t rattle your windows.
- Battery Life: The 4000mAh battery consistently delivers around 7-8 hours of playback at moderate volume.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The RGB lighting strip adds a gamer-centric vibe without being too distracting.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The packaging is straightforward, prioritising function over flair. Inside the box, you get the CineBar soundbar itself, a USB Type-C charging cable, an AUX cable, and the user manual. Holding the device, the first thing I noticed was its form factor. It is roughly 40cm wide, making it compact enough to slide under a monitor or sit on a small TV stand without dominating the space.
The build is primarily plastic, which is expected for this segment. However, the matte black finish gives it a stealthy look that resists fingerprints reasonably well. The front metal grille feels sturdy and protects the dual 52mm drivers effectively. The RGB strip runs along the bottom edge, which I found to be a nice touch-it reflects off the surface it sits on, creating an ambient underglow rather than shining directly into your eyes.
Design and Build Quality
Tempt has gone for a design that tries to bridge the gap between a portable speaker and a stationary soundbar. It is lightweight enough to throw in a backpack if you are heading to a terrace party, but it has rubber feet that keep it planted on a desk.
The control buttons are situated on the top. They are tactile and clicky, allowing you to control volume, change tracks, and toggle lights without needing to look. I appreciate that they didn’t go for touch controls here; physical buttons are just more reliable, especially in the dark.
One design element I specifically want to highlight is the placement of the ports. The USB, TF card slot, and AUX input are on the rear. This keeps the setup clean if you are using it permanently with a PC or TV, as you can hide the cables behind the unit easily.
Audio Performance: The Real Test
This is the section that matters most. 24W is a big number for a bar this size, so I had high expectations for volume, and the CineBar met them.
Music Experience I tested the soundbar with a mix of genres, from Bollywood bass-heavy tracks to acoustic instrumentals. The dual passive radiators do their job well. Tracks with heavy bass lines feel punchy. It isn’t the sub-bass rumble you get from a dedicated subwoofer, but for a standalone bar, the low end is tight and present. The vocals in acoustic tracks were clear, though at maximum volume (100%), I noticed a slight compression in the treble. Keeping the volume at around 80% seems to be the sweet spot where clarity and loudness balance perfectly.
Movie and TV Usage I connected the CineBar to my laptop to watch an action movie. This is where the stereo separation (2.0 channel) helps. The soundstage is definitely wider than what any laptop can produce. Dialogue clarity-often a pain point in budget audio-was surprisingly good. I didn’t have to strain to hear whispered conversations in quiet scenes. The “CineBar” name feels appropriate here; it provides a definite upgrade over stock TV speakers for a small bedroom setup.
Gaming Thanks to Bluetooth 5.4, latency was almost negligible. I played a few rounds of a fast-paced shooter game on my mobile, and the sound of footsteps and gunshots synced perfectly with the visuals. The RGB lighting also complements a gaming setup nicely.
Connectivity and Features
The inclusion of Bluetooth v5.4 is a major win. Pairing was instant with my Android phone and Windows laptop. I walked to the adjacent room (about 10 meters away with a wall in between), and the connection didn’t stutter once.
The Multi-Connectivity options are a lifesaver. I loaded up a USB drive with some old MP3 playlists, and the soundbar read it immediately. The AUX port works as intended, which is great if you want to use this with an older PC or a projector that lacks Bluetooth.
Another interesting feature is the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) support. If you buy two of these, you can pair them together to create a 48W stereo setup. While I only had one unit to test, the concept is appealing for users who might want to expand their system later.
Battery Life and Charging
Tempt claims 8 hours of backup on the 4000mAh battery. In my testing, this figure is accurate, but it depends heavily on your usage.
- At 50% volume (background music): I got nearly 9 hours.
- At 80% volume (party mode): It lasted about 6.5 to 7 hours.
This is more than sufficient for a day’s worth of work or a long movie marathon. Charging via Type-C is convenient since I can use my phone charger. It takes roughly 3 hours to go from 0 to 100%. There is a small LED indicator that lets you know when it is charging, which turns off when full.
Call Quality
The built-in microphone is a functional addition. I took a few phone calls through the speaker. The caller on the other end reported that my voice was audible, though it picked up a bit of echo from the room. It is perfectly fine for quick calls or joining a Zoom meeting in a quiet room, but I wouldn’t recommend it for professional recording.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Tempt CineBar 24W Bar Sound
- Price: ₹1,699
- Color: Black
- Power Output: 24W (2.0 Channel)
- Drivers: Twin 52mm Drivers
- Bass: Dual Heavy Bass Radiators
- Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
- Playback Time: Up to 8 Hours
- Charging Time: Approx. 3 Hours (Type-C)
- Bluetooth Version: v5.4
- Wireless Range: 10-15 Meters
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, TF Card, AUX
- Additional Features: Built-in Mic, RGB LED Lights, TWS Pairing
- Warranty: 1 Year
Verdict
After spending a week with the Tempt CineBar 24W, I view it as a practical problem-solver. It solves the problem of weak laptop audio and enhances the movie-watching experience on a budget. It doesn’t pretend to be a high-end audiophile system; instead, it focuses on being a loud, fun, and versatile speaker that fits into various lifestyles.
If you are a student looking to upgrade your dorm entertainment, a professional needing better audio for your workspace, or simply someone who wants a portable speaker that doubles as a TV soundbar, this device is an excellent choice. The combination of modern specs like Bluetooth 5.4 and practical features like the 4000mAh battery makes it a standout option in the sub-2000 rupee segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I connect the Tempt CineBar 24W to my TV?
A1: Yes, you can. If your TV has Bluetooth, you can connect wirelessly. Alternatively, you can use the AUX port to connect via a 3.5mm audio cable.
Q2: Does the RGB light have different modes?
A2: The RGB lights cycle through colors to create an ambiance. While you cannot program specific patterns via an app, you can usually toggle the lights on or off using the control buttons.
Q3: Is the soundbar waterproof?
A3: No, the Tempt CineBar 24W does not have an official IP rating for water resistance mentioned. It is best to keep it dry and away from splashes.
Q4: Can I use it while it is charging?
A4: Yes, the soundbar supports playback while charging. However, for better battery health longevity, it is often recommended to let it charge fully when possible.
Q5: How do I use the FM Radio function?
A5: The product specifications focus on Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. While some similar bars have FM, this specific model emphasizes digital connectivity. Please refer to the user manual in the box for any hidden button combinations, but primarily it functions as a digital speaker.
Q6: Does it come with a remote control?
A6: No, this model does not include a remote control. All operations are managed via the physical buttons on the top of the soundbar or through your connected device (phone/laptop).
