My surround sound never has been very impressive. It's a Sony system...wasn't very expensive when I bought it about 5 years ago. I'm thinking about buying A soundbar to go along with my 5 year old Panasonic Viera wall mounted flat screen plasma TV. I have an entertainment center cabinet that houses my dvr and satellite receiver that is positioned under the TV. Can I buy a compatible soundbar for my TV that would sit on top of the entertainment center or should I search for one that attaches to the bottom of my TV? I don't want the connecting wires/cables showing on the wall between the TV and the soundbar. Also...would the soundbar work in conjunction with my surround sound or separate from it? What do you guys think? thanks
soundbars
- Thread starter gman2304
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Soundbars work as stand-alones. You can't use them with an amp/receiver. The whole point of the soundbar is that it's self-contained and there isn't a ton of wiring going into it.
Originally Posted By: gman2304
My surround sound never has been very impressive.
What exactly is it lacking?
The reason I ask is that most soundbars aren't that impressive either. The main objective of a soundbar is to minimize the number of individual speakers/components/wires. Another words, it's about easthetics, not about the sound. A soundbar can simulate surround sound, but it'll never sound as realistic/enveloping as 5 (or 7) individual speakers placed in appropriate spots around the listening area.
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
My surround sound never has been very impressive.
What exactly is it lacking?
The reason I ask is that most soundbars aren't that impressive either. The main objective of a soundbar is to minimize the number of individual speakers/components/wires. Another words, it's about easthetics, not about the sound. A soundbar can simulate surround sound, but it'll never sound as realistic/enveloping as 5 (or 7) individual speakers placed in appropriate spots around the listening area.
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
(And wires can be hidden nicely with some effort)
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
(And wires can be hidden nicely with some effort)
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Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
(And wires can be hidden nicely with some effort)
This is very true, as you almost always get about what you pay for. Plus, sound is extremely subjective. You need to audition the product before you buy or get an ironclad guarantee that you can return it if dissatisfied.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Also, if you want a decent sounding soundbar, be prepared to spend $500+. Most of the low end stuff sounds just barely better than built-in TV speakers.
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
(And wires can be hidden nicely with some effort)
This is very true, as you almost always get about what you pay for. Plus, sound is extremely subjective. You need to audition the product before you buy or get an ironclad guarantee that you can return it if dissatisfied.
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
Yup. I'm currently piecing together a small 2.1 system for our other living place. Total cost under $600. But that assumes one's OK with seeing a receiver and a couple of speakers in the vicinity of the TV. If one wants a super-clean install with no components visible, a soundbar makes it much easier to accomplish.
Very true; and When you spend $500+, you can normally find a very decent pair of monitor speakers and a decent amp on Audiogon that will put most soundbars of that price point to shame.
Yup. I'm currently piecing together a small 2.1 system for our other living place. Total cost under $600. But that assumes one's OK with seeing a receiver and a couple of speakers in the vicinity of the TV. If one wants a super-clean install with no components visible, a soundbar makes it much easier to accomplish.
Yep - all depends on the priorities. My equipment looks good i WANT them to be seen; but some people are different.
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Originally Posted By: 97tbird
i WANT them to be seen;
Yup. But sometimes there is WAF to be considered.
i WANT them to be seen;
Yup. But sometimes there is WAF to be considered.
Yeah I think I am very lucky to have a wifey who understands and even supports my electronic-ish/audio hobbies.
Yeah, mine will tolerate some of it, but I can't go ovearboard unless it's a dedicated HT room.
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