Soundbar Quandry - Big money
Discussion
Not sure how to start this thread but - I am looking at the Bose Soundtouch 300 package - you'll see from my capital letters I am particular, I confess to being an audiophile.
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-and-home-entertai...
I have Bose PC speakers, have done for a long time, and swear by them. ( Companion 3 ). I currently have the basic Samsung 2:1 soundbar from 2012 - its a bit rubbish. It does the job but I want to upgrade all sounds in the house. The PC can wait - I am not lacking in sound quality there.
As for the TV - well:
My theory is that my TV sound comes from an aerial on a roof. Therefore - spending £1300 ish on sound is not going to improve my sound hugely as I understand my audio input is out of my control. ( Just Freeview here )
However, we watch a fair bit of Netflix / DVD and I noticed a huge difference in sound output as it stands. Even Youtube sounds great. So - digital input = great sound no? But my aerial is Digital so....?
My TV sound comes through a Humax box. Sound is shocking. Terrestrial TV is - horrendous. Netflix /Tube etc is much improved. Some DVD's sound quite impressive - with my current set up.
I am understandably scepitcal about the bill to buy the soundtouch package - but - I think it's worth it.
Please - all views and opinions!
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-and-home-entertai...
I have Bose PC speakers, have done for a long time, and swear by them. ( Companion 3 ). I currently have the basic Samsung 2:1 soundbar from 2012 - its a bit rubbish. It does the job but I want to upgrade all sounds in the house. The PC can wait - I am not lacking in sound quality there.
As for the TV - well:
My theory is that my TV sound comes from an aerial on a roof. Therefore - spending £1300 ish on sound is not going to improve my sound hugely as I understand my audio input is out of my control. ( Just Freeview here )
However, we watch a fair bit of Netflix / DVD and I noticed a huge difference in sound output as it stands. Even Youtube sounds great. So - digital input = great sound no? But my aerial is Digital so....?
My TV sound comes through a Humax box. Sound is shocking. Terrestrial TV is - horrendous. Netflix /Tube etc is much improved. Some DVD's sound quite impressive - with my current set up.
I am understandably scepitcal about the bill to buy the soundtouch package - but - I think it's worth it.
Please - all views and opinions!
For the same money without any effort at all you could have a full 5.1 Atmos setup:
https://www.richersounds.com/denon-avrx2400-focal-...
https://www.avforums.com/review/focal-sib-evo-dolb...
The sound quality should blow you away. I say 'should,' as I'm still building my intended Atmos setup in stages (starting with the AVR X2400H.) So I'm not speaking from practical experience. But this will obviously be source dependent - with Netflix/Amazon/Rakuten etc there's a lot of 5.1 content and more and more has Atmos support too. With terrestrial...well, I haven't used an aerial in 10 years and sacked off my cable TV package recently, so I've no idea.
Btw, with that setup you've got the option to connect your AVR to wireless speakers around the house if you go the HEOS route for multiroom audio. They're also due to add Alexa support if that's something that's in your house already - although I wouldn't buy based upon any feature that doesn't ship with it; it's just a bonus if/when it comes.
The only reason I'd look at a setup like the one you've posted is if you can't make a cabled setup work.
https://www.richersounds.com/denon-avrx2400-focal-...
https://www.avforums.com/review/focal-sib-evo-dolb...
The sound quality should blow you away. I say 'should,' as I'm still building my intended Atmos setup in stages (starting with the AVR X2400H.) So I'm not speaking from practical experience. But this will obviously be source dependent - with Netflix/Amazon/Rakuten etc there's a lot of 5.1 content and more and more has Atmos support too. With terrestrial...well, I haven't used an aerial in 10 years and sacked off my cable TV package recently, so I've no idea.
Btw, with that setup you've got the option to connect your AVR to wireless speakers around the house if you go the HEOS route for multiroom audio. They're also due to add Alexa support if that's something that's in your house already - although I wouldn't buy based upon any feature that doesn't ship with it; it's just a bonus if/when it comes.
The only reason I'd look at a setup like the one you've posted is if you can't make a cabled setup work.
Edited by tenohfive on Sunday 17th June 11:31
Comical pricing for BOSE equipment, nothing new there.
If you want a decent soundbar/sub combo that'll rubbish most of these silly little ones on the market then ARCAM is the main option.
£300 for the solo plus soundbar then £300 for the matching 300W sub makes an incredible combo.
Quality of sound > 969 micro speaker psuedo surround rubbish soundbar and weasy sub.
If you want a decent soundbar/sub combo that'll rubbish most of these silly little ones on the market then ARCAM is the main option.
£300 for the solo plus soundbar then £300 for the matching 300W sub makes an incredible combo.
Quality of sound > 969 micro speaker psuedo surround rubbish soundbar and weasy sub.
Dizeee said:
It makes me laugh, the Bose haters that pop up from time to time - I don't understand why, as the sound quality is superior.
I bought the Soundtouch 300, its all plugged in and running. Couldn't be happier
Well that was a waste of everyone's time. You came asking for opinions and then dismiss anyone who doesn't agree with your choice as a "hater".I bought the Soundtouch 300, its all plugged in and running. Couldn't be happier
You've got the money to get whatever overhyped, overpriced speakers you like so just buy what you want and enjoy them
boyse7en said:
Well that was a waste of everyone's time. You came asking for opinions and then dismiss anyone who doesn't agree with your choice as a "hater".
You've got the money to get whatever overhyped, overpriced speakers you like so just buy what you want and enjoy them
Total waste of time and totally inevitable.You've got the money to get whatever overhyped, overpriced speakers you like so just buy what you want and enjoy them
Dizeee said:
It makes me laugh, the Bose haters that pop up from time to time - I don't understand why, as the sound quality is superior.
I bought the Soundtouch 300, its all plugged in and running. Couldn't be happier
Don't think its haters tbh, its' just people with a bit of experience, which is after all why you asked the question. I bought the Soundtouch 300, its all plugged in and running. Couldn't be happier
Now if you think the Bose system sounds good, that's all that really matters, but if people want to point out Bose use the cheapest parts possible, cheap paper drivers and are very badly built using plastic and glue, there really is no need to call them haters.
image1 by The Rain Maker, on Flickr
IMG_2604 by The Rain Maker, on FlickrNow with all that said Bose does have its place, it does look better than most other brands out there and it doesn't sound the worst by a long shot, but in no way could anyone ever say its high-end audio.
tenohfive said:
https://www.richersounds.com/denon-avrx2400-focal-...
https://www.avforums.com/review/focal-sib-evo-dolb...
Was going to suggest that.https://www.avforums.com/review/focal-sib-evo-dolb...
-Ad- said:
£300 for the solo plus soundbar then £300 for the matching 300W sub makes an incredible combo.
Good shout. Solo Soundbar now £200https://www.amazon.co.uk/SoloBar-Arcam-Solo-SoundB...
Sub available for £150
https://www.richersounds.com/arcam-solo-sub-blk-so...
Loads of better ways to spend that budget OP.
Lifestyle speakers:
https://creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_DEN_X2400H_QA...
Bookshelf speakers:
https://creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_DEN_X2400H_QA...
I've got this set up with the 3020 rears.
https://creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_DEN_X2400H_QA...
If you listen to two channel stuff as well the 3050's are a cracking speaker for the money. Creative Audio are a proper old school bricks and mortar hifi shop (with a crap website). If you're nearby well worth a visit as they'll let you audition the various options.
Edited by B17NNS on Tuesday 19th June 15:03
With a decent budget o spend on a soundbar i'd be looking at this Yamaha.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-ysp2700-blk.ht...
I've got the previous 2500 model it's very very good.
Not as good as full 5.1 but when you can't have that, then the Yamaha is a great option.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-ysp2700-blk.ht...
I've got the previous 2500 model it's very very good.
Not as good as full 5.1 but when you can't have that, then the Yamaha is a great option.
Are they not really old satellite speakers, from like, 10 to 12 years ago?
I have always loved Bose sound, rate it against most things, and I also have a fairly decent background and experience of music / hardware. Happy to take opinions from all, and soundbars are not something I know masses about, but I don't agree that Bose compare to most of the standard brands, I think they are superior.
The Yamaha does look good, but I tested a Sony Atmos bar around that price in store, sounded good, but had nowhere near the clarity and power of the Bose, and I mean, nowhere near.
They must be doing something right as a company, they have been around along time and they seem to have a solid following and maintain their hold in the market,
I have always loved Bose sound, rate it against most things, and I also have a fairly decent background and experience of music / hardware. Happy to take opinions from all, and soundbars are not something I know masses about, but I don't agree that Bose compare to most of the standard brands, I think they are superior.
The Yamaha does look good, but I tested a Sony Atmos bar around that price in store, sounded good, but had nowhere near the clarity and power of the Bose, and I mean, nowhere near.
They must be doing something right as a company, they have been around along time and they seem to have a solid following and maintain their hold in the market,
You've stated that you're an audiophile yet you seem determined to buy a lifestyle product that the industry believes to be mediocre.
For the same money you can get a very highly regarded AV receiver and 5.1.2 Atmos speaker system.
All that really matters is that you get what sounds best to you at the price point you're happy with. If the Bose system is the best you've heard then that's the product for you
What Hi-Fi (take a pinch of salt) give the Sony 5 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ht-st5000/review
The Bose gets 3 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/bose/soundtouch-300/revie...
For the same money you can get a very highly regarded AV receiver and 5.1.2 Atmos speaker system.
All that really matters is that you get what sounds best to you at the price point you're happy with. If the Bose system is the best you've heard then that's the product for you
What Hi-Fi (take a pinch of salt) give the Sony 5 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ht-st5000/review
The Bose gets 3 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/bose/soundtouch-300/revie...
Edited by B17NNS on Tuesday 19th June 17:27
B17NNS said:
You've stated that you're an audiophile yet you seem determined to buy a lifestyle product that the industry believes to be mediocre.
For the same money you can get a very highly regarded AV receiver and 5.1.2 Atmos speaker system.
All that really matters is that you get what sounds best to you at the price point you're happy with. If the Bose system is the best you've heard then that's the product for you
What Hi-Fi (take a pinch of salt) give the Sony 5 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ht-st5000/review
The Bose gets 3 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/bose/soundtouch-300/revie...
Those ratings are for a 2:1 Atmos setup versus a single soundtouch bar minus the sub. I'd agree with them too... without the sub the Soundtouch is just 'good'.For the same money you can get a very highly regarded AV receiver and 5.1.2 Atmos speaker system.
All that really matters is that you get what sounds best to you at the price point you're happy with. If the Bose system is the best you've heard then that's the product for you
What Hi-Fi (take a pinch of salt) give the Sony 5 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ht-st5000/review
The Bose gets 3 stars
https://www.whathifi.com/bose/soundtouch-300/revie...
Edited by B17NNS on Tuesday 19th June 17:27
Dizeee said:
Are they not really old satellite speakers, from like, 10 to 12 years ago?
Designed 25 years ago 
but still a current model you can buy today.https://pro.bose.com/en_us/products/loudspeakers/b...
They were the nearest Bose product to my desk, but believe me, the new stuff is not any different.
Bose are absolutely fantastic.
Until you hear something that sounds twice as good for half the money.
And there are lots of better sounding options out there.
Tip:
If you buy Bose, STOP listening to anything else.
There’s a fair chance that a well regarded audio outfit know a thing or two about sound quality.
Arcam, B&W and Naim to mention just three - I’d have anything from them over anything from Bose.
Until you hear something that sounds twice as good for half the money.
And there are lots of better sounding options out there.
Tip:
If you buy Bose, STOP listening to anything else.
There’s a fair chance that a well regarded audio outfit know a thing or two about sound quality.
Arcam, B&W and Naim to mention just three - I’d have anything from them over anything from Bose.
Find somewhere that will let you do a home demo, sounds good in the shop but could sound crap at home.
Home demo.
Did I mention home demo?
I looked at that link, that is more expensive than a major service on my porsche at an OPC with plenty of change.
Find a decent hifi shop, Currys is not a decent hifi shop.
Home demo.
Did I mention home demo?
I looked at that link, that is more expensive than a major service on my porsche at an OPC with plenty of change.
Find a decent hifi shop, Currys is not a decent hifi shop.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 19th June 20:34
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff