Home audio & video: Help - Soundbar needed for 5.1
Help - Soundbar needed for 5.1
by spardue99 - 7/5/09 8:51 PMMy wife will not allow me to setup 3 bookshelf speakers in the front of the living room nor is there room in the walls for speakers to be installed. There is room for a soundbar under the TV though. Are there any soundbars I can use with a typical 5.1 (or 7.1) setup for left, right and center speakers instead of using it with a typical virtual setup? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Andy
I've never been inpressed . . .
by Coryphaeus - 7/6/09 4:47 AM In reply to: Help - Soundbar needed for 5.1 by spardue99with a sound bar. Acoustic manipulation is OK I guess, but it just doesn't have the separation. A 2.1 speaker system is better than any sound bar.
Room up front only? Setup a 3.1 system, I am not a fan of
by NM_Bill - 7/6/09 8:55 PM In reply to: I've never been inpressed . . . by Coryphaeussound bars. They try artificial means of bounding sound off the corners of symetrical rooms to enhance ambiance. The better sound bars are relatively expensive. With just the front space available, you can work towards as 3.1 system. First step doesn't use a relatively expensive center channel which greatly reduces the relative importance of the front L&R speakers. Get decent front L&R speakers and add a good sub woofer for 2.1. There are lots of lousy sub woofers. Save to get a sub woofer for at least $400-$500.
Check out such sites as HSU, SVS & Outlaw. And go to AVS forum for threads on sub woofers.
Last step is to introduce a center channel. It firmly anchors the dialog close by the screen. It will encompass typically 65% of the total audio sound info. As the most used speaker it is apparent you ought not to skimp on quality for the center channel. It is possible to get good audio balance with different brands of center versus front L&R, I advocate matching brands for more easily attainable sound character between center & front L&R.
Yeah, this way may cost more for speakers in the long run but I believe it is money well spent. Speakers may seem to cost a lot up front but they basically don't just wear out & a good selection will satisfy for many years. They get less obsolete over time than the components.
Invest for the long run & appreciate you have done the right thing. It is for the pleasure of your ears alone, no one else.
Another Approach?
by WildClay - 7/6/09 6:15 AM In reply to: Help - Soundbar needed for 5.1 by spardue99Sorry I can't help on the sound bars, but have known a number of folks with the speaker placement issues, have you considered in wall or ceiling (wall better) mounting?
This keeps the speakers out of sight and gives you your real surround, at least 5.1.
I can say that my TV speakers have a virtual mode and it does not really come close to 5.1 speakers in the right places, but it still sounded OK, perhaps a good sound bar will do better.
Sony HTCT-100 Soundbar
by boswd - 7/7/09 2:19 PM In reply to: Help - Soundbar needed for 5.1 by spardue99is right up your alley. It will decode 5.1 and 7.1 and is a true 3.1 systme. It will also place back PCM as well. All this via HDMI which the sub double's as a receiver. Price is great at around $260.
I think it will suit your needs perfectly
They did a review on here and gave it either a "Very Good" or "Excellent"
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