Quantcast
Soundbar vs. 5.1 Speakers - Beyond.ca - Car Forums
Page 1 of 3 1 2 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 46

Thread: Soundbar vs. 5.1 Speakers

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    New York
    My Ride
    Subway / Rav4
    Posts
    1,051
    Rep Power
    21

    Default Soundbar vs. 5.1 Speakers

    With the holiest of holy days fast approaching (Black Friday) I am looking at getting some sound for the TV I bought last BF, Samsung 55" Ultra-slim LED SmartTV.

    I want to know the difference in sound quality between a traditional 5.1 vs Soundbar setup. I live in an apartment and have about 12' distance between the walls. I just want crisp sound and not not concerned about loudness. I noticed that soundbars can cost as much as 5.1 systems so they might be worth checking out.

    These are the two models I was looking at:

    Samsung Soundbar

    Samsung 5.1 Speakers

    The 5.1 is 500W (vs 280W) and comes with a Blu-Ray player (have PS3). They are both the same price for BF, $179.99. Looking for any feedback/comments.

    Thanks!


    "Having a war about religion is like having a fight over who's got the best invisible friend" - Yasser Arafat

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    calgary
    Posts
    1,839
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    My gf has a soundbar that looks similar to the one you posted. It sounds pretty similar to a set of speakers built into a nice tv but nowhere near as good as a decent 5.1 setup. The ease of setup and lack of cables running everywhere is the nicest thing about it imo.

    At home I have one of the Yamaha sound projectors which looks like the Samsung sound bar but is pretty different in operation... I would consider it to be a more suitable replacement for a 5.1 setup, it's pretty cool to hear sound coming out of walls beside you. Unfortunately it still needs a standalone subwoofer and costs a fair bit more than the Samsung.
    HKS T04Z Bridgeport FD3S

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Only 15min from Aspen!
    My Ride
    Nothing interesting anymore
    Posts
    8,403
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    I've owned a couple of soundbars, they are for neat, tidy, clean look, with "better than TV" sound. 5.1 is for actual sound surround, you won't beat real 5.1 without spending a mint on the Yamaha one.
    Quote Originally Posted by DonJuan View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    Came back to ogle 2Legit2Quit wife's buns...
    Quote Originally Posted by Kloubek View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    They're certainly big, but I don't know if they are the BEST I've tasted.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Calgary
    Posts
    220
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Yamaha bars are the best, but don't come close to a budget receiver and speakers.

    Kijiji is your friend.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    calgary.ab.ca
    My Ride
    E90M3 510 Wagon
    Posts
    8,025
    Rep Power
    64

    Default

    best thing about 5.1 imo is all the fun things you can do with a decent a/v receiver. second zone, iphone apps, sat radio, etc

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    YYC
    Posts
    1,043
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    I believe CostCo has this sound bar, well reviewed and none of that retail hell BF experience to be had:

    http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-cheap-soundbar/
    Last edited by CanmoreOrLess; 11-17-2012 at 04:42 PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Winnipeg/Saint John
    My Ride
    18 Model S, 20 Macan S, 67 Camaro & 11 SLS
    Posts
    2,264
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    I just bought the same sound bar and it's pretty decent. I don't really watch TV and only wanted better sound for NHL 13 and NFL Sunday ticket and I am very happy with it, super easy and inexpensive alternative to a full surround sound system.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Calgary/Alberta
    My Ride
    A car... beep! beep!
    Posts
    2,437
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    I picked up a Vizio soundbar, and its surprisingly good, even with out a sub.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    calgary
    My Ride
    STi
    Posts
    1,466
    Rep Power
    19

    Default

    sound bars are good if you don't have much space, but it can't beat 5.1 speakers

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    New York
    My Ride
    Subway / Rav4
    Posts
    1,051
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Thanks for the comments. Had a look at both of them today. Was really impressed by the soundbar (in the store environment) with the wireless sub and the fact that iPad can connect via Bluetooth really impresses the wifey. The 5.1 was nice but running the wires seemed like a hassle. With the price tag of $179, I don't think I can go wrong with either system. The rep introduced me to this piece which was higher end and has the ability split the bar into two tower which was aesthetically pleasing. Price is relatively higher at $299

    Samsung soundbar tower


    "Having a war about religion is like having a fight over who's got the best invisible friend" - Yasser Arafat

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    New York
    My Ride
    Subway / Rav4
    Posts
    1,051
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Thank goodness for Costco. Got the soundbar/sub with HDMI and Optical cables for $174.99...a week before Black Friday. Managed to get the TV last year on the Sunday before so figured I should give it a shot this year.


    "Having a war about religion is like having a fight over who's got the best invisible friend" - Yasser Arafat

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    Super Car(s)
    Posts
    1,184
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    I have a sound bar on one of the TVs in my house, if you wanna check it out sometime, pm me you can come over and check it out.

    it creates virtual surround sound.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Nowhere
    Posts
    6,852
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    ...
    Last edited by Sugarphreak; 07-11-2019 at 09:42 AM.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Calgary AB
    Posts
    59
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    My experience with soundbars are limited but I just bought the Bose CineMate SR1. It is a nice and clean setup with amazing sound but not a true 5.1. It can be setup for 5 different seating locations and does a pretty good job of projecting surround sound.

    The Yamaha YSP2200 was my other option. In the store it sounded a lot more like a 5.1 setup to me but the Bose demo just blew me away. I wish I could have tried both in my home before deciding.
    Last edited by Willis; 11-19-2012 at 10:12 AM.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    Sentra
    Posts
    1,490
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Originally posted by Godfuader
    Thank goodness for Costco. Got the soundbar/sub with HDMI and Optical cables for $174.99...a week before Black Friday. Managed to get the TV last year on the Sunday before so figured I should give it a shot this year.
    The Samsung one or the Vizio?

    I was at the south Costco and only saw a Vizio soundbar with no sub.

    Do they carry the one with the sub? I want one before xmas.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    New York
    My Ride
    Subway / Rav4
    Posts
    1,051
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Hooked it up this evening. For $174.99 I think it was a great deal. I would love to get the bose eventually, but for right now I need something easily moveable.


    "Having a war about religion is like having a fight over who's got the best invisible friend" - Yasser Arafat

  17. #17
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    Sentra
    Posts
    1,490
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Which one is the best deal? $250 is kinda more than I wanted to spend, as Costco has the Vizio for $99 (as others do I bet). But the wireless sub would be kind of nice.
    Bluetooth is cool, but probably not needed, I'm not sure if I would use it.

    http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/cate...744&sku=HWE450
    http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/cate...66&sku=SCHTB20
    http://www.sears.ca/product/sony-60w...liateid=749547
    http://www1.thebrick.com/brickb2c/js...estid=2155918#
    http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX38295

    Memex and Visions appear to have the same thing for the same price. Listed both anyway.
    Any help is appreciated.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    New York
    My Ride
    Subway / Rav4
    Posts
    1,051
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Originally posted by GoChris
    Which one is the best deal? $250 is kinda more than I wanted to spend, as Costco has the Vizio for $99 (as others do I bet). But the wireless sub would be kind of nice.
    Bluetooth is cool, but probably not needed, I'm not sure if I would use it.

    http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/cate...amp;sku=HWE450
    http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/cate...mp;sku=SCHTB20
    http://www.sears.ca/product/sony-60w...liateid=749547
    http://www1.thebrick.com/brickb2c/js...estid=2155918#
    http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX38295

    Memex and Visions appear to have the same thing for the same price. Listed both anyway.
    Any help is appreciated.
    I got the Samsung one. It was the version 'C' (HDMI & optical included). It seems to be pretty good...have had it for a few days and seems to be doing what it is supposed to. The wireless sub is very convenient and the BT gets used the most by just turning on the iPad from anywhere in the apartment. Mind you the price I paid for it in NY was $175, so that does make it a sweeter deal.


    "Having a war about religion is like having a fight over who's got the best invisible friend" - Yasser Arafat

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Transnistria
    My Ride
    Exploded.
    Posts
    8,205
    Rep Power
    51

    Default

    BUMP!

    Anyone bought sound bars lately? I don't have that much spacing so I was thinking of getting a Yamaha one instead of buying a HTIB (my current setup is going in my bedroom for audio use only):

    http://www.visions.ca/Catalogue/Cate...264&sku=YAS101
    Doing It For the 'Gram

    I ain't worried 'bout it right now..

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    Grimace
    Posts
    6,815
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    I have had one for a couple years, one of the sony with the sub/receiver type deal. I like it a lot but noticed you can't really find any with more than 1 hdmi in, mine having 3 in one out also optical in?

    What about bass flip

Page 1 of 3 1 2 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. FS: Samsung soundbar w/wireless sub

    By ZEDGE in forum Consumer Electronics
    Replies: 1
    Latest Threads: 09-03-2012, 04:36 PM
  2. FS: Sony Soundbar with sub - $250

    By FoxTrot in forum Consumer Electronics
    Replies: 0
    Latest Threads: 02-24-2012, 09:44 PM
  3. Resilient Channel aka Soundbar - 90% Failure Rate???

    By broken_legs in forum Home and Garden
    Replies: 17
    Latest Threads: 11-18-2010, 10:51 PM
  4. FS: Plasma, LCD, and Soundbar

    By duffy in forum Miscellaneous Buy/Sell/Trade
    Replies: 0
    Latest Threads: 05-30-2010, 11:57 AM
  5. FS: YSP-4000 Yamaha Soundbar

    By Unknown303 in forum Miscellaneous Buy/Sell/Trade
    Replies: 1
    Latest Threads: 02-29-2008, 09:27 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •