Soundbars

[Agent_47]

I'm thinking about getting one of these. It seems a little bit more convenient than setting up a receiver with a couple of bookshelf speakers, and probably cheaper too.

The question I have is, what is a reasonable price to pay for one? I want one that sounds good and that can process Dolby Digital on board. My parents have a Sony and it seems like it's well made, but I don't really know this market.

Any recommendations? What do you guys have?

 

[Anomaly]

I'm kind of snobby when it comes to audio, so personally, I wouldn't recommend a sound bar. I'd say go with a receiver & speakers. At least you'll have a basic setup from which you can build upon. For me, a sound bar is a complete throwaway. If you're gonna go with a sound bar, go with a better brand that is known for making really good audio equipment. Here are a few links to better units...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/MartinL...r-Surround/productinfo/MLVISION/#.Ux_V-PldV8E

http://www.audioadvisor.com/Monitor-Audio-ASB-2-AirStream-SoundBar/productinfo/MRASB2/#.Ux_WEfldV8E

http://www.audioadvisor.com/PSB-Imagine-W3-On-Wall-Soundbar/productinfo/PBIMW3/#.Ux_WLfldV8E

Remember, these units only simulate surround sound. For true surround, you need at least five separate speakers (L/C/R/LS & RS) and (depending on their capability) a subwoofer. Being that they are all-in-one units, there's not much you can do with them and basically zero ability for expansion short of starting over.

 

[Mikeybc]

I pretty much agree with Anomaly, simulated surround is just cheap phase tricks at various frequencies..."Q sound" ring a bell ?. If a sound bar is what you really want the ones listed above are good choices...Paradigm also make some very nice bars too, and if your on a bit of a tight budget I would also consider this 2.1 Energy system (link below) that includes an 8" sub for around 250 bucks US. Try to stick with brands that just make good speakers. I'd actually consider a sound bar for our small bedroom.


http://www.energy-speakers.com/soundbars/?sku=POWER-BAR

 

[michrulejj]

I don't think soundbars are quite that cheap as you assume. But it varies on what size of room you have. They can vary from $200-$1500 for a sound bar. I will have to admit some of the higher end ones do sound really good. As my friend got a bose sound bar for his theatre room and the sound is amazing on it. Especially when playing 2k

 

[Robin]

I'm not a fan of the soundbar (went 7.1 surround sound with a reciever and all the wires etc) but it has become one of the most popular TV acessories on the market for the majority. They can be had pretty cheap these days, there are loads around the £70-£150 mark and those often will not have a separate sub but will do simple stereo output just to get something slightly better than TV sound.

Nearly all of the soundbars today now have optical input which can decode the usual stuff like Dolby Digital. Only the super cheap ones would probably still use rca cables.

If you go into the £150 beyond mark you start getting separate sub's and multiple speakers within the bar which try and simulate surround sound. I have found they never really manage to but in a smaller room it might work better. Any will do the job its just about how much the sound matters to you.

 

[rizzo]

I would not touch a soundbar. Once you've had good surround sound it would be tough to go without it. It just adds so much to
movies, gaming. It can really help you in some games when you hear directional sound like something coming up behind you. It's so
much better than what you hear when you go to the movies.