Good Soundbar for Apartment?

catboy123 on 09/03/2020 - 10:58

Im new to apartment living and just bought a JBL 3.1 soundbar with the TGG deal recently posted (https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/jbl-31ch-450w-4k-ultra-hd-sou…)). I tried it out on the weekend and quickly realised the the down-firing subwoofer is like an earthquake machine.

Im afraid I will cause a disturbance to my neighbours (I have one downstairs, upstairs and to each side) if I keep using the subwoofer. Although I am mainly using it for movies/TV - I don't really listen to music at home that often.

I might try getting an isolation pad to see if that reduces the vibrations. But if that doesn't work, I might give it away to a family member and get a new soundbar.

What would be a good soundbar within a similar price range, that would produce a bassy feel without the vibrations?

Electrical & Electronics Soundbar

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 09/03/2020 - 11:04

    if you search soundbar at the top right you will find a lot of YAMAHA ones.. for around $150ish.
    that is the ozb fav. soundbar.
    if you in an apartment get one without separate subwoof woof

    • catboy123 on 09/03/2020 - 11:08

      Thanks for the suggestion, I was actually looking to get the YAS-108 previously but the deal for the JBL came up. So would the built-in sub of the YAS still cause vibrations which can be felt by neighbours or does it work differently?

      • catboy123 on 09/03/2020 - 11:14

        Also, would it make a difference if i mount it to the wall vs placing it on the entertainment unit?

  • frondono on 09/03/2020 - 11:25

    Low frequency sound waves travel a bit differently, might be worth reading up on it.

    • catboy123 on 09/03/2020 - 11:34

      Yep Ive read, but to simplify my question - would getting a soundbar with a built-in sub cause less noise disturbance to the neighbours vs a separate down-firing sub?

      • 900dollaridoos on 09/03/2020 - 13:43

        If you are close with your neighbours, just ask them if you can test it in their place? Eg turn it up as loud as you would normally want, then incrementally increase the bass until you can hear it through the walls. They'll probably appreciate you not being one of those neighbours and be happy to help.

        I do this whenever I move, except its houses so I just walk around outside and make sure it's audible in the yard, no way its getting through another set of walls after that.
        I'm usually very surprised by how loud it can go, usually louder than I would ever comfortably want anyway.

  • H E B on 09/03/2020 - 12:04

    Most systems without a separate sub would generate no where near the amount of bass a stand alone sub would generate.

    Of course if you were looking at getting a basic yamaha bar without additional subs it would cause less noise disturbance.

    What happens if you turn off the sub on your existing setup? Does the system correct itself? Sorry I don't know much about these things at all.

  • iangohs on 09/03/2020 - 12:17

    I have the YAS 208 - I reckon this is ideal for an apartment and don't break the bank.

    Got mine around $275 a few months back.

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