Attn Audiophiles: TV Soundbar opinions

Discussion in 'Gear' started by SawdustMan, Dec 13, 2015.

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  1. SawdustMan

    SawdustMan #ChampChamp

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    Yeah, I'm aware audio snobs probably loathe them. Guess I was more just looking for opinions from people who are more knowledgeable than me on them. I'm not necessarily looking for the ultimate home theater experience or anything. I'm just looking for something with nice sound, and as cruds mentioned something where you can actually hear the dialogue without blowing out the windows when an action scene comes on.

    So you would say a 2.1 setup is significantly better than a soundbar + woofer?
     
  2. Tuckfro42

    Tuckfro42 Frozen Donkey Wheel

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    Look, I understand why people want soundbars - they promise better sound in a convenient package. The problem is, they give you crappy sound for what you pay, but it is in a convenient package!

    If done right, a stereo setup will blow a soundbar + woofer out of the water for the same price. However, you will have to do research and you sacrifice convenience. What do you want? Great sound or convenience?
     
  3. SawdustMan

    SawdustMan #ChampChamp

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    Well that's the thing, I don't want to pay for great sound. $500 is about my absolute max ceiling on this (preferably I'd like to keep it at 400). If you can recommend a stereo setup in that price range that would give me great sound I'd certainly be open to it.
     
  4. CRUDS

    CRUDS Moderator Staff

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    It may come to that..
     
  5. CRUDS

    CRUDS Moderator Staff

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    Z.1 just basically a goof on whatever level entertainment surround is the current thing. It's a 7.1 system.
    Ironically, I wouldn't consider any of the modern Z.1 systems to be truly audiofile quality - at least for music. Run a frequency response test on any of them and a huge range is missing - most notably the midrange sweet spots of rock guitar.
    For the bedroom TV setup simplicity is priority #1. I don't watch big action films etc. in that room. Mostly TV shows without a wide dynamic volume range - ala sitcoms etc. Since I have tinnitus I don't want crazy loud stuff prior to snooze time either. I have made that mistake.
     
  6. Tuckfro42

    Tuckfro42 Frozen Donkey Wheel

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    Get a $200 receiver from Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, HK etc. that has the features you want. Get a pair of $200 speakers from Polk, Infinity, JBL, NHT, etc. Might not be great sound, but it will be a whole lot better than what a soundbar will give you. Plus, you can add a sub and/or center channel if you ever want to.

    Also, get your cables from Monoprice.com. Quality stuff for cheap.
     
  7. Tuckfro42

    Tuckfro42 Frozen Donkey Wheel

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    Oh, I thought Z.1 was a model of some speaker brand.

    I don't know why anyone would want to listen to music in 5.1 or 7.1. Stereo is the way to go. And, honestly, I watch movies on a 3.1 system. Never really cared for "surround" speakers.

    I still think a stereo setup would be preferable for your bedroom setup, especially since you don't want to listen to it loud. You'll get better clarity at a lower volume with a stereo setup as opposed to a soundbar.
     
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  8. SawdustMan

    SawdustMan #ChampChamp

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    Yeah I'm a big monoprice fan. Use them for all my HDMI cables, phone cables, etc.
     
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  9. CRUDS

    CRUDS Moderator Staff

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    I buy all my HiFi accessories on Etsy.com

    [​IMG]
     
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  10. RTH

    RTH Meh...

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    That's where we get my son's slippers.
     
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