Soundbars good / bad ? worth it ?
Discussion
They're a step up from the TV speakers, but IMHO even a modest stereo amp and a pair of bookshelf speakers will sound much better. Even though you won't get the surround effect with this option, you don't really get much of one with soundbars either. If you want proper surround there's no substitute for having speakers behind you. 
If you went in RS they would also have some modest AV amps and 5.1 speaker packages for similar money that would do a much better job of surround sound, if not the last word in absolute sound quality (especially for music).
If you went in RS they would also have some modest AV amps and 5.1 speaker packages for similar money that would do a much better job of surround sound, if not the last word in absolute sound quality (especially for music).I have a Bowers & Wilkins Panorama, the sound quality is extremely good, the surround effect is just OK.
Just bought an Onkyo SR608 AV Receiver and a set of Boston Aucoustics Xs 5.1 speakers. Once the OH has gone to bed I intend to wire it all up - she is not aware of said purchase as yet and hopefully will not notice the bloody big box under the tv that she will clearly never be able to turn on!
Just bought an Onkyo SR608 AV Receiver and a set of Boston Aucoustics Xs 5.1 speakers. Once the OH has gone to bed I intend to wire it all up - she is not aware of said purchase as yet and hopefully will not notice the bloody big box under the tv that she will clearly never be able to turn on!
OP,
Obviously everyone has their own take, but I really, really can't get why anyone would buy a soundbar. IMO the effect they give (wilst gimmicky and sort of cool for 5 mins) is far, far from surround.
Meanwhile, you're paying for processing, and lots of channels, which then go via loads of drivers that are too small to give a decent response - the net result is often muddled etc.
400 quid would buy you a soundbar, OR a pair of decent speakers that would fit asthetically either side of your TV, a v. small (physically) power amp (slave it off the telly so the TV remote volume control does your TV sound), and a sub. IMO that would beat any soundbar type product hands down in quality. If you are averse to subs, it simply frees up budget for even better speakers either side of the telly.
However, if you are set on a soundbar, as others have said Yamaha probably rules the roost at that sort of budget.
Obviously everyone has their own take, but I really, really can't get why anyone would buy a soundbar. IMO the effect they give (wilst gimmicky and sort of cool for 5 mins) is far, far from surround.
Meanwhile, you're paying for processing, and lots of channels, which then go via loads of drivers that are too small to give a decent response - the net result is often muddled etc.
400 quid would buy you a soundbar, OR a pair of decent speakers that would fit asthetically either side of your TV, a v. small (physically) power amp (slave it off the telly so the TV remote volume control does your TV sound), and a sub. IMO that would beat any soundbar type product hands down in quality. If you are averse to subs, it simply frees up budget for even better speakers either side of the telly.
However, if you are set on a soundbar, as others have said Yamaha probably rules the roost at that sort of budget.
Slightly random suggestion, but a B&O BeoSound 8 will take an input from your TV without any need for an amp.
You can shelf or wall mount it, excellent sound and the ability to dock an i device for music if required.
There's no claim of surround sound, but will give a very good stereo output and will probably get approval from most women folk aesthetically.
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/beosound8
You can shelf or wall mount it, excellent sound and the ability to dock an i device for music if required.
There's no claim of surround sound, but will give a very good stereo output and will probably get approval from most women folk aesthetically.
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/beosound8
pb1695 said:
hopefully will not notice the bloody big box under the tv that she will clearly never be able to turn on!
Good luck. I found one of these helped no end:http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/remotes/universal-re...
The constant phone calls asking how to watch a DVD stopped immediately!
I bought a Sharp HT-SB500 because I needed something slim and low power for TV Watching as I have a Sony Home Cinema Amp and Tannoy speakers for movie watching.
The Pros:-
Very slim
Low Watts
Looks very nice, and is well made - solid feel.
Very clear sound for TV shows
The Cons:-
Totally lacking in bass - not really surprising being so slim.
Dolby setting utter rubbish, just inaudible.
Touch Screen panel - what is the point?
Auto On/Off functionality - doesn't work and when I want it off, it turns itself back on - grrr
I wanted the Yamaha but it was too big for what I needed (and quite a bit more expensive). The Sharp is definitely an improvement from my 50inch Samsung Plasma TV's sound, but no where near good enough for movie watching (lacking in Bass).
The Pros:-
Very slim
Low Watts
Looks very nice, and is well made - solid feel.
Very clear sound for TV shows
The Cons:-
Totally lacking in bass - not really surprising being so slim.
Dolby setting utter rubbish, just inaudible.
Touch Screen panel - what is the point?
Auto On/Off functionality - doesn't work and when I want it off, it turns itself back on - grrr
I wanted the Yamaha but it was too big for what I needed (and quite a bit more expensive). The Sharp is definitely an improvement from my 50inch Samsung Plasma TV's sound, but no where near good enough for movie watching (lacking in Bass).
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