TV and PS4 - what's better than a soundbar? (And stiill relatively easy)

ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 00:16
Last edited 20/04/2018 - 00:17

I use my PC with a DAC and studio monitors for everything - so I'm having trouble advising my friend.

He watches tv, uses a PS4, and is looking to improve audio quality. He is looking at soundbars - just wondering if anyone has better ideas regarding setting up a hifi system (not using an AV receiver) or even using an external soundcard and some studio monitors?

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a good soundbar around 800aud?

Entertainment

Comments

  • Detective Pikachu on 20/04/2018 - 00:20
    +1

    You could use studio monitors with an external DAC connected by Optical Out.

    For sound bars, consider finding one that has Dolby Atmos support.

    • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 00:27
      +1

      Indeed PS4 has an optical out! Thanks!

      And hopefully his tv does too. Will recommend this path. Champion.

    • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 00:37

      One more question - any recommendation on a DAC with optical in and trs/XLR out?

      I'm finding lots of optical to rca and optical to 3.5mm but these won't suit better monitors.

      • Detective Pikachu on 20/04/2018 - 00:47

        Sorry not too sure of any specific models to recommend, however I just remembered another way, you could transmit audio by HDMI from the PS4 to the TV, then use the TV's audio output ports to output to the source, saves the usage of one cable.

        • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 00:50
          +1

          Yep, understood.

          Will have to look into audio out on his tv.

          Re DAC output, I guess I could use a screw-on adaptor, or buy some custom cables that are 1/8" to 1/4"…

          Looking simpler than I thought. Thanks for your help.

        • Detective Pikachu on 20/04/2018 - 00:51

          @ozbjunkie:

          Glad I could offer some suggestions :D

  • Hybroid on 20/04/2018 - 00:21
    +1

    Sonos Playbar are just shy of $900 and can connect to everything. They also sound pretty fantastic.

    • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 00:25

      Thanks!

      • StickMan on 20/04/2018 - 10:07

        $900 for soundbar alone is both terrible value for PS4 gaming and terrible proposition for game audio.

  • StickMan on 20/04/2018 - 10:06

    A 5.1 system will be the best for positional game audio.

    A soundbar with subwoofer will do the job.

    Subwoofer is key, you need it for explosions and guns etc.

    • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 16:20

      Yep, if I can push him towards some studio monitors 8 inches will cover that bass.

      • StickMan on 20/04/2018 - 16:34
        +1

        I feel like you're set on studio monitors for some weird reason.

        They're really not required for a PS4. Further, no, the bass is not low enough and the sound isn't bass-focused enough for thrilling videogame audio. Thirdly, the cost my man.

        • ozbjunkie on 20/04/2018 - 16:41

          I am set on recommending them because a) the bass is plenty, not sure if you're heard a solid set of 8" woofers, but many subs are only 8 or 10" b) quality is far superior to hi fi, and C) cost is similar to the above soundbars, you can get a very decent pair for around 700aud, D) no need for an amp as in a hifi setup, E) music.

          Downside - no surround…

          But quality is my main concern. Most hifi and all soundbars cannot compete with an equivalent priced set of monitors in my experience.

          Of course, I'm open to all recommendations, so thanks for reply.

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