Are soundbars any good? (for LCD TV)

almillar

This one seems to have optical in, as well as audio return channel (sound going back down the HDMI lead), if your TV supports it, which it probably doesn't. Optical is useless of course if your TV doesn't have an output...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-120W-Sound-Intergrated-Subwoofer/dp/B003WOLOVA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1309954239&sr=8-4

MarkBargain

That brings me onto the topic of a subwoofer, it seems these are recommended with a soundbar? Richer Sounds have two under £200 with subwoofers included, the Philips HTS3111 and the Sharp HTSL50.

Philips HTS3111 (https://www.richersounds.com/product/soundbars/philips/hts3111/phil-hts3111)
Standard size. Looking at the user manual this has a digital optical in port. My TV has a digital opticalout port, so bingo!

Sharp HTSL50 (https://www.richersounds.com/product/soundbars/sharp/htsl50/shar-htsl50)
Small size. Uses HDMI and I have two ports spare on my TV, so I guess that should work fine too.

Any thoughts on which one is best? I am leaning towards the Philips one as it is not so small (so might not have compromised on quality) and uses the digital audio out connection.

[Deleted User]

Hello Mark, If your budget stretches to around £150, try the samsung soundbar. My partner has one and it sounds good on his LG TV

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-HW-D350-Airtrack-Cinema-System/dp/B004S5ZU3A


You may find it cheaper than the amazon price if you shop around, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with this model.

MarkBargain

[quote=[Deleted User];45059804]Hello Mark, If your budget stretches to around £150, try the samsung soundbar. My partner has one and it sounds good on his LG TV

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-HW-D350-Airtrack-Cinema-System/dp/B004S5ZU3A


You may find it cheaper than the amazon price if you shop around, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with this model.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the suggestion. Debenhams Extra have it for £158. It is 120w whereas the others are 100w I think, so that is good. It seems it has an optical input. I can't find any reviews however and it doesn't have a subwoofer like the ones that are £20 more. What do others think?