Adding a small speaker/soundbar to projector setup

[Original Poster]

Hi all,

I am picking up the new BenQ W1050 (attached image of the rear to confirm available options) on Friday and looking into my options to add some sound in a compact size.

Due to the position of the screen I have a bit of wall approx 38cm between my back door and a radiator below the screen that I can fit a speaker to.

A Sonos Play 1 would be ideal as I already have several but as far as I know it isn't possible to use a Play 1 in this situation.

It will be used almost exclusively with an Apple TV 4, if I can get an Xbox One S to work as well all the better.

What small speakers would I bet able to hook up to the projector for a better sound experience?

Budget wise I'd be happy spending around the £200 mark.

[R8Steve]

You're quite limited just using the projector with no dedicated AV receiver.

Some very good PC speakers would probably be the way to go if your only option is a 3.5mm jack

[RTB]

I have a soundbar attached via optical out to my PC and a games console that is on a switch (so I can switch between inputs). The only input I use on the projector is the HDMI for picture as the options for getting decent sound out of the projector are limited.

As above, if you only have a 3.5mm jack then some good quality powered PC speakers might be the best option.

[B17NNS]

A projector deserves at least 5.1.

Loads of stuff on Ebay if you don't mind pre-owned.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LG-5-1-Surround-Sound-Sp...

[Original Poster]

Normally I'd agree about a projector and 5.1 but it'll be used almost exclusively for NFL games so I wouldn't really get the full benefit of the 5.1.

[hyphen]

I would strongly suggest cancelling the order for the W1050, instead buy a cheap £200 ish quid used but well regarded Optoma/BenQ model from online forums/ebay and use the remaining budget for a receiver and speaker.

Lots of projectors sold with very little used, and pic quality will be same as the w1050 or better.

You may not want 5.1, but you still need stereo speakers and a sub. A Sonos 1 for example has one speaker and cannot play low frequencies.

Edited by hyphen on Wednesday 18th October 12:07

[B17NNS]

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/home-cinema/bes...

https://www.whathifi.com/acoustic-energy/aego-soun...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HTM8Y0E/?tag=whhifi...

[B17NNS]

hyphen said:

I would strongly suggest cancelling the order for the W1050

The Epson EH-TW5350 seems to be pretty highly regarded at budget end of the market.

https://www.richersounds.com/epson-eh-tw5300.html

https://www.whathifi.com/epson/eh-tw5350/review

[gizlaroc]

Consider the Arcam Solo Soundbar, superb at £799, even better now many are doing it for £299 new or £249 open box.

[justin220]

You won't be connecting the speakers to the projector though, they'll be connected to your Xbox surely?

[R8Steve]

justin220 said:

You won't be connecting the speakers to the projector though, they'll be connected to your Xbox surely?

What about the apple tv? How will he get sound out that if he goes that route?

[B17NNS]

R8Steve said:

What about the apple tv? How will he get sound out that if he goes that route?

The projector the OP has chosen has 2 HDMI inputs and there is a sound output all being just a 3.5mm jack.

Personally I'd be going for a used budget receiver with some 3.1 speaker and then add some rears when he's got some more spare cash.

[R8Steve]

B17NNS said:

R8Steve said:

What about the apple tv? How will he get sound out that if he goes that route?

The projector the OP has chosen has 2 HDMI inputs and there is a sound output all being just a 3.5mm jack.

Personally I'd be going for a used budget receiver with some 3.1 speaker and then add some rears when he's got some more spare cash.

That won't work if whatever sound output he chooses is running out of the xbox though as the person i quoted suggested.

[gizlaroc]

Arcam Solo Soundbar.

http://www.arcam.co.uk/range/solo/solobar.htm

4 hmdi inputs, 1 out back to Projector, sounds great, looks neat, and now at £299

http://www.nintronics.co.uk/speakers/speaker-by-ty...


Then buy a cheap Rel Strata Sub off eBay for £80 to take it to another level.

[B17NNS]

gizlaroc said:

Arcam Solo Soundbar.

http://www.arcam.co.uk/range/solo/solobar.htm

4 hmdi inputs, 1 out back to Projector, sounds great, looks neat, and now at £299

That's a ludicrously good price.

[legzr1]

gizlaroc said:

Consider the Arcam Solo Soundbar, superb at £799, even better now many are doing it for £299 new or £249 open box.

Sorry for the bump but thanks for the heads up on these - keeping my sub but turning my back on surround sound and the constant need for updates and upgrades. Stereo from now on and just ordered this arcam (to go with a PC13-U - overkill perhaps..) for TV + film.

An absolute bargain compared to 'hifi'.

Processors and surround speakers soon for sale on avforums

[gizlaroc]

You bugger!

I just went to order one myself and you must have grabbed the last open box unit. Haha

I saw your post on wigwan too, I'm gizze on there.

[legzr1]

I recognised the hat

Went for new and boxed - 'open box' are normally customer returns and didn't want a unit with possible issues.

[Herbs]

And this is what happens when you read Pistonheads on your lunch break.

Ordered....

[hyphen]

£200 in Brum http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-17743-in-store-clearanc...