Home audio & video forum: Soundbar Recommendations

is the best you are going to get in its price range (around 800). Yamaha also makes excellent soundbars but they are a good bit more expensive.

http://www.aperionaudio.com/catalog/Soundbar-Systems,85.aspx

Reviews:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/aperion-audio-slimstage30
http://hometheaterreview.com/aperions-slimstage30-by-soundmatters-soundbar-system-reviewed/

I'm really happy with my Aperion speakers and the free shipping both ways and 30 day in home trail is pretty hard to beat.

You will be compromising a lot by not keeping the bass module/sub separated from the 'bright' sound predominantly eminating from the sound bar. Although sub placement is more flexible overall, you still will generally get a watered down and/or 'muddy' low end that is basically nonsense in the scheme of things.

I'd opt for explaining to the wife why aesthetics are less important than the flexibility you need to get the (real) surround sound right.

Contrary to what their marketing department insists , the Zvox will not be able to provide superior sound to what you currently have. You get the benefit of being able to physically locate those speakers to your (and your room's) benefit.

This is Tom from ZVOX. We understand physics. The ZVOX 575 has the same cubic inches of cabinet as a 14"x14"x14" powered sub. Michael Fremer of Home Theater magazine says, "The low-bass performance was remarkable given the unit?s size and price. It?s surprisingly deep, well controlled, harmonically complex, and free of midbass boom. I?d guess that it went cleanly down to the upper 30-hertz region (see HT Labs Measures)." And CNET says " Its bass quality and power are at least on par with most self-powered sound bars that come with subs." But don't believe me, or the critics. Listen yourself. If you don't like it, we'll give you your money back.

Since I was the one that stared this thread I just want to note that we have to look at this in perspective. I am sure the ZVOX cannot replace a full surround sound system with speakers placed all around the room, I do not think it is their claim that is can. What I am looking for and was hoping to find is a good substitute for a full system. I do not want speakers all over the room, I like the idea of a small system that can provide adequate sound and that is what I am looking for. Maybe down the road I will have a dedicated theatre room in my basement, but for the time being I am not willing to give up my full basement workshop for it. Instead I am looking for something that is quality that will give me better sound than I am getting from my TV.