India, Dec. 9 -- The SBW600 Emperor from Blaupunkt promises much, a full 12.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos home-theatre setup, 17 precision-tuned drivers, wireless sub-woofer and rear satellites, and a claimed 1,200-watt output. Over the last few days I've tested it in a mid-sized living room, streaming films, playing games and listening to music to see how real these claims feel. Overall, the Emperor delivers a cinematic soundscape that often lives up to its ambitions, but there are a few trade-offs worth noting. I'd rate it 4 out of 5.

Outwardly, the SBW600 Emperor has a strong physical presence. The main soundbar sports a premium metallic build, with a brushed-metal finish that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests. The packag...