Soundbar or 5.1 setup?
Discussion
I'm new to the whole soundbar idea, but have decided my room can't take the 5 large speakers I used to have (kids running about, can't locate rear speakers anywhere sensible).
So my choices are one of those all-in-one 5.1 systems with the small speakers which would be easier to conceal away, or a soundbar. Thoughts so far are to snap up one of the last Yamaha YSP-2200 from richer sounds for £450.... is this a good unit, is it a good price? Any other models I should be considering in the ~£500 budget?
So my choices are one of those all-in-one 5.1 systems with the small speakers which would be easier to conceal away, or a soundbar. Thoughts so far are to snap up one of the last Yamaha YSP-2200 from richer sounds for £450.... is this a good unit, is it a good price? Any other models I should be considering in the ~£500 budget?
I bought a soundbar a few years ago and it did make a big difference over the standard TV speakers. I gave it up after I found a set of old speakers with a sub I used with my PC, so used those instead as they gave better sound quality.
The soundbar I had was a Sharp one, and as good as it was, when it came to replicating bass it tended to buzz or just go flat, so I would strongly suggest buying one that has a separate subwoofer otherwise you may end up with a similar problem.
A soundbar will never replicate the luxury of a full 5.1 system, but when I've had them in the past I've found it a pain getting the rear speakers into place, meaning I have cables running along one side of the room to accommodate them, so a soundbar is just easier from an installation point of view at the least.
The soundbar I had was a Sharp one, and as good as it was, when it came to replicating bass it tended to buzz or just go flat, so I would strongly suggest buying one that has a separate subwoofer otherwise you may end up with a similar problem.
A soundbar will never replicate the luxury of a full 5.1 system, but when I've had them in the past I've found it a pain getting the rear speakers into place, meaning I have cables running along one side of the room to accommodate them, so a soundbar is just easier from an installation point of view at the least.
My sofa is back against a wall, a very typical lounge setup, but leaves the question of where to put the rears.
In terms of soundbar, it looks like there are 2 types. The basic ones which are a couple of speakers and essentially an upgrade to your TV speakers. And the better ones which are maybe 15-20 different drivers all arranged pointing in slightly different angles which bounce sounds around your room. I would want the second type and a separate subwoofer (which they all seem to come with now).
OR
Something like this which is small enough to wedge up against the rear walls and not be too intrusive.
OR
I guess the last option is a separate receiver + speaker package, but they would need to be small speakers I could put on the wall which makes me wonder if I'm just throwing money away.
In terms of soundbar, it looks like there are 2 types. The basic ones which are a couple of speakers and essentially an upgrade to your TV speakers. And the better ones which are maybe 15-20 different drivers all arranged pointing in slightly different angles which bounce sounds around your room. I would want the second type and a separate subwoofer (which they all seem to come with now).
OR
Something like this which is small enough to wedge up against the rear walls and not be too intrusive.
OR
I guess the last option is a separate receiver + speaker package, but they would need to be small speakers I could put on the wall which makes me wonder if I'm just throwing money away.
TallMark said:
My sofa is back against a wall, a very typical lounge setup, but leaves the question of where to put the rears.
Correct me if I'm wrong but 5.1 systems don't have rear speakers, three front and two side. It's only 7.1 that add two rears. Either side of the sofa is where they should go in your setup.FlossyThePig said:
TallMark said:
My sofa is back against a wall, a very typical lounge setup, but leaves the question of where to put the rears.
Correct me if I'm wrong but 5.1 systems don't have rear speakers, three front and two side. It's only 7.1 that add two rears. Either side of the sofa is where they should go in your setup.Brigand said:
FlossyThePig said:
TallMark said:
My sofa is back against a wall, a very typical lounge setup, but leaves the question of where to put the rears.
Correct me if I'm wrong but 5.1 systems don't have rear speakers, three front and two side. It's only 7.1 that add two rears. Either side of the sofa is where they should go in your setup.
Google results for 'dolby 5.1 speaker placement diagram' in case image not working
JezF said:
I have a YSP 2200 and it's very good. Not a subsistute for a good 5.1 but impressive nonetheless and keeps the wife happy in her sitting room!
Yep, there are pretty good. I reckon they're about 90% of the way there. Nice not having cables about the place though.
Replaced our YSP2200 with a Somos setup (so the former will be on eBay soon)
The more I look into this the more options present themselves and I'm going backwards!
Peter Tyson are doing some great package deals like this, what do you think? Will it be ok for regular music sources as well, or are the smaller speakers going to be a letdown?
http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_p...
Peter Tyson are doing some great package deals like this, what do you think? Will it be ok for regular music sources as well, or are the smaller speakers going to be a letdown?
http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_p...
TBH I'd have thought those KEFs would be better than a soundbar, however many (small poor quality) speakers they cram into one. I think they may even do a white version which might look less obtrusive on the walls.
Might be worth looking at the smaller Q Acoustic speakers as well since these seem to get good comments on AVforums.
Might be worth looking at the smaller Q Acoustic speakers as well since these seem to get good comments on AVforums.
I just bought a combined DVD and surround sound system set up (with mini speakers) for watching films and a cheap sound bar for when just watching TV and wanting to bolster the sound. Think the total outlay was about £250 - for most normal lounges, not sure why you need high output and best quality?
slimtater said:
...for most normal lounges, not sure why you need high output and best quality?
Well, I don't need it, I just want something semi-decent 
I agree those all-in-one systems offer a lot for the money, but on the occassions we have the patio doors open and want some music around the downstairs and into the garden I can't see them being up to the job. How have you found them?
I've just looked again at that bundle deal (£995) and its an absolute steal IMHO. The speakers alone are normally £900 from most sites and they get great reviews. I'm really leaning in this direction, and agree with the other poster about getting them in white for a less intrusive look.
Does anyone here have them (Q acoustics 7000i) and what do they think of them?
What about the receiver, the Yamaha RX-V677... again, any opinions?
Does anyone here have them (Q acoustics 7000i) and what do they think of them?
What about the receiver, the Yamaha RX-V677... again, any opinions?
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