logic behind buying soundbar for TV

cepheus

I'm considering getting one of these. One of my TV speakers is definitely faulty and gives off an annoying rattle at certain frequencies. However, I connected the phono socket output to a basic PC stereo/subwoofer speaker system that provides acceptable if not outstanding audio output.

I've never used a soundbar before, would it be worth buying one and connecting it up? Most soundbars cost more than my TV and DVD combined, and few even provide two basic speakers which are separated enough to provide from a full stereo effect. Is the concept of having two separated speakers (excluding subwoofer) outdated now?

If paying £400+ for a speaker system I would expect it to be at least as good as the basic stereo systems we used decades ago!

googler

Any 'basic stereo system' is likely to outperform a soundbar, it just takes up more space. The better the system, the better the sound.

If you have one in the same room as your TV at the moment, just connect phono out from the TV to a line in on the stereo. If not, go out and get one. You don't need the subwoofer.

bsod

they are available for a tenth of that.

molerat

The majority are style over substance.

googler

How much are you willing to spend, not necessarily on a soundbar?

custardy

We run a cheap soundbar upstairs. Better than standard and the LG upstairs suffered from the same rattle at certain frequencies.
Downstairs we have a speaker stand which is a different league vs the soundbar. We dont have the space/layout for 'proper' surround.



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-SC-HTR200-Plasma-Intergrated-Speaker/dp/B0013UI1YS

almillar

Yup, stick with the old speakers. Where can the sound possibly come from in soundbars? It's just another way of packaging speakers. They've got better, with electronics, at 'throwing' sound around rooms, starting with virtual surround, and some soundbars will have this to give you better stereo or surround that you might expect, but certainly nowhere near as good as separate speakers from a proper amp will provide.

cepheus

It seems that you have confirmed my suspicions, they are over-marketed, overpriced & over-packaged. Read this as well! Learn What Products Carry The Highest Margin

I was considering this cheaper soundbar, I certainly wouldn't pay any more than this to get decent sound out of a telly.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009K3PB8O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A1KBYNNM8EPCBV