Advice on New Soundbar - What Are Your Experiences?

sheepdog on 19/02/2018 - 11:01
Last edited 19/02/2018 - 11:04

Hi all,
I just ordered a Samsung 65" MU7000 and figure I'd like to get a new soundbar for it. It doesn't have to be a Samsung, but I'd prefer it in case there are nicer features to be had by everything being in the same ecosystem.

I'm looking to get the best bang for buck, probably around the $300 range. I'm aware its not that much but I figure it'd be achievable with the right sales. I can go higher if the value is really there but would rather not. Ideally it'd be a 3.1 setup.

Any advice or models I should look at? Any particular gotchas when getting soundbars? I've never had one so don't know what to expect.

I don't need it for music as a I have a Samsung Vacuum amp in the same room (http://www.samsung.com/us/2012-vacuum-tube-amplifier/) that I don't want to make redundant. I've used this previously with the TV but as its sitting on a shelf to the side (and too big to sit in the entertainment unit shelf or under the TV), the sound is offset too far from the TV.

Edit: It occurs to me from reading another short thread on soundbars that I could perhaps achieve decent results, whilst still looking nice by using bookshelf speakers as I have a shelf on either side of the TV. Though a seperate amp setup would probably be more expensive.

Entertainment

Comments

  • bdl on 19/02/2018 - 11:11
    +1

    Yamaha are good

    • toughen on 19/02/2018 - 12:03
      +1

      +1 I have two different Yamaha soundbars on different TV's. Sound quality is incredible compared to TV speakers (of course).

      My cheaper one (YAS-101? about 5 years old I think) has an annoying "feature" where it turns itself off. It has been reported online a lot and I think it is supposed to be like a power saving feature but we've had it turn off once or twice when we've been using it!

      The other one (YSP-2500) which is about 2 years old does a pretty good job of virtual surround sound and the sound quality is fairly impressive from such small speakers. The wireless sub cuts out occasionally but I plan to run a cable to it.

      Not saying other brands are no good, just giving my review of the ones I have. I think you need to listen and compare a couple to get an idea of what you like.

      Good luck

  • R-Man on 19/02/2018 - 11:29

    Strongly recommend you try heaps of them out at JB hifi, Bing Lee etc. Play music and videos of your favourite action scenes (off youtube maybe) to get a good feel.

    https://www.binglee.com.au/sony-2-1ch-soundbar-system-300w-h…

    I bought this one for $280 at bing lee a while ago (not on sale), no idea why price has gone up? Guess you might have to wait for it

    It's a bloody good soundbar which sounds very balanced between bass and treble. You can control the wireless subwoofer volume too.

    I have it in a 5m x 5m room but I reckon it's suitable for a bigger room too.

  • DarthAntz on 19/02/2018 - 11:41

    Creative Roar. Small and heavy, great sound reproduction.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/357507

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/335587

    • sheepdog on 19/02/2018 - 15:38

      Thanks for the recommendation, I'll give it a google. I did see those threads you linked but there aren't many responses on either so figured I'd give it another try, perhaps in context with the current ebay deals :)

  • Fergy1987 on 19/02/2018 - 13:25

    I would recommend if you want decent sound, don't get a soundbar……..but also don't get a soundbar that has a stupid feature where it turns off after a certain time….partners sibling has that and its a joke! turns off while you're watching a show

  • chu-oh on 19/02/2018 - 16:13

    I've got this sucker: https://www.philips.com.au/c-p/HTL9100_79/fidelio-soundbar-w… It has 5.1 with removable battery powered speakers.

    Downside is it doesn't have any fandangled features like airplay or google cast support.

  • sheepdog on 20/02/2018 - 11:09

    So far I'm leaning towards the Yamaha YAS-207 after a few of the comments here. Though I'm still debating whether I can get a 3.1 setup instead but I'm not finding many easy comparisons.

  • sheepdog on 26/02/2018 - 14:08

    Just an update (though the thread is dead), I think I'm leaning towards the YTH-1840B 5.1 setup, the YAS-207 Soundbar or a Denon soundbar that I heard over the weekend. As always, happy to hear opinions on anything else I should be looking at.

    • zorrt on 27/02/2018 - 21:43

      How much you getting the yas207 for? I've been thinking of getting one to replace a cheapy Philips. If the price on binglee eBay stays the same ($499) it will be $424 in a couple days time. Haven't listened to it yet but reviews are pretty positive. Ideally id like one with upfiring speakers but they're way out if my price range.

      • sheepdog on 27/02/2018 - 22:51

        It was about 420 during the last 20% off sale from kg electrics or something like that. Good Guys quoted me 480. The big issue I'm seeing with sound bars is their lack of volume. Its probably no big deal since its going in a living room but it was harder to demo at noisy stores.

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