TV Audio for Small Room

RangaWal on 01/01/2019 - 11:45
Last edited 01/01/2019 - 11:56 by 1 other user

We have a 3m x 3.5m media room with a view low ceiling (1.8m). Looking for suggestions for audio to couple with the 55" Samsung NU8000. We're certainly not audiophiles, and mainly use this room for Netflix, FTA and movies, and AFL when it's on. Looking to spend ~$500 if that's feasible.

We have a 5.1 Klipsch speaker already in place with a dead pioneer receiver. I was wondering whether we should just get a new receiver, or swap it all out with a sound bar.

Is Dolby Atmos worth worrying about in a room of this size (and within budget)? Would a 5.1 sound bar be worth it, or would 2.1 be adequate?

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  Argenteus on 01/01/2019 - 12:03

  +2

  My understanding is that a soundbar is a poor man's home theater system. A receiver with atmos support and 5.1 will blow a soundbar out of the water. However, things are more and more muddled as you consider more factors like speaker size and quality.

  Is Dolby Atmos worth worrying about in a room of this size (and within budget)?

  Atmos is good regardless of room size.
  Personally, I'd go for a good center speaker, and a nice receiver with atmos support. Not sure if you'll get that at your price point however.
  If you want to use what you already have, but really want a sound bar; I'd suggest try and find one that works as a receiver? Might be cramming too many features into a single product by that point however.

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    dcep on 01/01/2019 - 12:29

    i think atmos soundbar costs over a grand

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  bobbified on 01/01/2019 - 14:29

  +1

  Since you already have 3/4 of a hifi system in place, if you enjoy the sounds that come out of the speakers, then why not just opt for a new receiver to complete the setup?

  If the current speakers are too much clutter in terms of space/cabling in your relatively small room and/or you prefer a simpler setup, then go for a soundbar. Need to keep in mind that a soundbar alone won't sound as good as your current 5.1 system. You'll need to get a kit with that comes with surround speakers to come close. I don't think $500 will get you very far for the full kit.

  For me personally, I find that the differences between soundbar and hifi systems are really only noticeable at the louder volume levels.

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  RangaWal on 05/01/2019 - 17:27

  I've decided to keep my current speakers, and get a new entry level AVR (5.1, 4K, HDR) until I move house. Anyone able to suggest a decent 5.1 unit that would be suitable?