Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

[Icebergz]

Just starting to look into some kind of home theater set up, and keep seeing soundbars. What is the main advantage of these over, say a Home Theater in a Box? If I understand, a soundbar would be nice if I don't want a lot of wires running the room. Correct? But it also sounds like a soundbar would never rival a 5.1 channel set up. Any opinions?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Just starting to look into some kind of home theater set up, and keep seeing soundbars. What is the main advantage of these over, say a Home Theater in a Box? If I understand, a soundbar would be nice if I don't want a lot of wires running the room. Correct? But it also sounds like a soundbar would never rival a 5.1 channel set up. Any opinions?

Soundbar + sub combos are the alternative to setting up a true 5.1 or 7.1 system. While not a true surround sound experience it will be a definite upgrade to tv speakers. Some people don't like having the speakers visible in the room.

IMO, it's a better answer than wireless speakers (if the wires is the issue)

[Cyros]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Can you breakdown exactly what a soundbar is for me?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Can you breakdown exactly what a soundbar is for me?

You basically have 2 speakers with digital technology in a "small" box that sits under your tv. In theory, it will simulate the same sound you'd get from having 5 speakers set up. Some work better than others, but all will be better than your tv speakers (which is the primary goal)

[Burns11]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

The Yamaha sound bars, sorry "digital sound projectors", actually do a very good job as long as your room is smaller, closed in and you sit against a flat wall. It's not really simulated though, it has like 50 speakers that bounce the sound off the walls.

[Scott]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Would a soundbar + sub be a good thing for a small setup in an apartment bedroom?

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Whatever you do, stay away from the Vizio sound bar. Every relative and friend I know that bought it, took it back and said it was CRAP.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Would a soundbar + sub be a good thing for a small setup in an apartment bedroom?

That's mainly the situation it is used in. A good sound bar/sub combo is gonna run anywhere from $250-400.

You'd almost be better off getting a decent $250-300 5.1 HTIB and just not set up the rear speakers (if you don't have the space and/or don't want to run the wires).

[TheShizNo1]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Better than this:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-HTS305...ef=pd_sxp_f_pt

I caught it for $198 on BF. Love it so far!

[Bruins]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Whatever you do, stay away from the Vizio sound bar. Every relative and friend I know that bought it, took it back and said it was CRAP.

Odd. We have one at home ourselves and know multiple people with one and we all love it.

It's got pretty good reviews on Cnet and Amazon, etc. also.

Granted, if you're expecting the same quality as a full-fledged surround-sound system, then I can see how you think it's "CRAP".

[jpup]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Anyone know anything about the soundbar Sony has for the PS3?

[DickDalewood]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

If you're going with a soundbar and don't mind NOT having a wireless sub, then your best option is the Sony (which I have). The reason? All your HDMI components can run through the sub, which acts as your receiver, allowing the system to decode your sound for you, and therefor giving you a simulated 5.1 or 7.1 experience. Most of the other options are simply going to connect to your TV via standard red/white audio, or optical cable.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+BRAVIA+3.1-Ch.+Home+Theater+Soundbar+Speaker+System+with+Subwoofer/9904972.p?id=1218192429754&skuId=9904972&st=sony%20soundbar&cp=1&lp=2

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Anyone know anything about the soundbar Sony has for the PS3?

The Sony soundbar + sub actually gets good reviews for that price.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-CT150-...1258914&sr=8-1

[PVarck31]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Thinking about getting one of these soon. I wanna try to get the best one possible for right around $200 or less.

Would I notice a big difference if I got one with out a sub?

They have this off brand at walmart with a sub built in for $150. I should prob stay away from that right?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

Thinking about getting one of these soon. I wanna try to get the best one possible for right around $200 or less.

Would I notice a big difference if I got one with out a sub?

They have this off brand at walmart with a sub built in for $150. I should prob stay away from that right?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-CT150-...2I/ref=lh_ni_t Ditch the Walmart one and get the Sony combo. Slightly above $200 at $213 with no taxes and free shipping.

You'll definitely notice a difference without a sub. Night and day difference in action movies like Transformers, Fast Five, Band of Brothers, etc.