Please check your BigW outlet as this is a clearance.
JBL Cinema SB160 Soundbar $99 (Was $399) Limited Store Clearance @ BIG W
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artxty on 03/03/2021 - 18:40 files.ozbargain.com.au (17108 clicks)
Last edited 03/03/2021 - 21:47 by 1 other user
Last edited 03/03/2021 - 21:47 by 1 other user
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Damn. No online.
Paid $199.00 for it last year and I thought it was a good deal. At this price, it's a steal!
So tempted to get rid of my useless 5.1 component system and get a sound bar. Sound keeps cutting out when using ARC on my stupid pioneer avr. Just not sure how good these sound bars are
You wanna go from 5.1 to 2.1? A 5.1 soundbar wont compete with a true 5.1 amp and speakers. A 5.1 capable soundbar isnt cheap and doesnt do anywhere near as a good a job. Or check if there is a firmware update for your amp or tv to resolve your ARC issues. Or change your HDMI cable. Used ARC on my receivers and tv's for a long time and never had a issue. At the worst, upgrade your receiver. Your ears will thank you for it. Still prob cheaper than a decent 5.1 soundbar.
It'd have to be a very crap 5.1 to be worse than a sound bar. If you've got a decent set of speakers and sub just get a newer amp
You wanna get rid of useless 5.1 system to get this useless 2.1 soundbar? You must be bored!
I have had 3 different TV's (All Hisense) in the last couple of years and they all end up doing ARC Audio Drops. I've replaced the cable with a "High Speed" cable and the latest one supports up to 8k. I've contacted a few places to ask if there's anything cable-related I can do more and they said no. I'm using a Pioneer VSX 524 which runs the Pioneer Andrew Jones 5.1 system. Its nice, really good if it works. I don't like finding multiple remotes so ideally just want to use the TV remote (also for the kids to keep it simple as the universal Harmony remote is complicated for them.)
I'm thinking of getting a newer AVR and was looking an a nice Yamaha but then in a review the guy said the only downside is that the audio has some drops hahaa. So having to spend a few couple of hundred dollars just to get the same issue… So yea it might be a 2.1 soundbar (or looking at the SB350) but at the moment 90% of the time I'm using the TV speakers which is useless.
But I'll contact Pioneer and see if there's some kind of firmware. Tx
You sure it isn't the Hisense TVs? I've had issues with a Hisense 65M7000 connected to a Sony 2.1 soundbar (HTCT390) where the TV speaker was turning itself on and off every few seconds when the soundbar was on. A friend of mine has had similar issues with his Hisense connected to a Denon soundbar. I think the ARC in the Hisense TVs may be flaky.
@ShortyX: There's definitely an issue with older Hisense units and ARC. Affects som Yamaha soundbars as well (as in, completely undetected by TV).
I had the Yamaha YSP-1600, it also had issue with the sound every now and then got cut off (when it does, sound cut off every 2,3 seconds). I'm connecting to my Sony TV through ARC. I finally gave in & got rid of it. It wasn't even great even with $1000 price tag. A little disappointed actually. So I bought the Bose Soundbar 700 paired with Sub 500. So much better. Yes it costs more than the Yamaha. But boy I should have bought it from the beginning.
Could be your TVs causing problems. Tried optical out to AVR?
Have had issues with my previous Hisense too. I ended up resolving it with tweaking something deep in the Yamaha amp menu. Change to optical / get a better amp before you go soundbar. Second hand amps are a dime a dozen if you want to save $$ too.
Maybe try optical? I have alot of trouble with ARC, could be because my Pioneer AVR is too old, but I don't plan to upgrade until they get the new HDMI spec working on the new AVRs as intended. ARC support can be spotty because everyone can't agree on the standard or how to implement it, so I always use optical, except on Disney+, nothing seems to work well with that audio-wise.
I'd have to spend a crap ton of money to get a soundbar anywear near as good as my budget 5.2, and even then, I'm confident it'd still fall short of sound quality compared to the 5.2.
This isn't even worth $100, let alone $400. It is HDCP 1.4 so the outdated rights protection in the HDMI port will prevent transfers to 4K tvs only FullHD.
Theres also no support for DTS HDMA or Dolby TrueHD. Thats the bare minimum for 1080p blu ray. JBL engineers have designed this from the beginning to be cheap and throw away.
Yep all of this.
Also get at least a 3.1 setup if you do get a soundbar.
3.1 sound bar? What channels? Assuming rears, Center and sub
Yeah centre channel makes a massive diff for dialogue in loud movies
@zarbicore: No left or right channels? They are literally the basis for any decent setup. I would take stereo over a rears + centre + sub setup anyday
@StickMan: Yes so one speaker under the TV, 2 speakers 1m to left and right of TV, and sub.
This means you need to run 5.1 signals, of which is a massive downgrade. Otherwise you need to run 2.0 and run centre as mono with reduced bass and increased treble.
@onlinepred: A 3.1 soundbar will grab the 5.1 and mux them to fit 3.1.
Yes, it’s worse than 5.1.
3.1 is leagues better than 2.1 however for movies.
@StickMan: Proper 3.1 is yes, with 4 seperate speakers. Soundbar 3.1 can be better, but only at the higher end of the soundbar market. I replaced my Sonos with a Samsung q950t, and then replaced with a stereo speaker setup. For most of my content, the stereo setup is far better, mostly because the speakers are MUCH better than just a collection of tiny speakers in a soundbar. There is no 3.1 source, so it's always up to processing on how it will reduce the interpret the 2.X or 5.X source.
Imaging through stereo will make or brake them though. And 3.X through a soundbar most often sounds worse than a good 2.X system.@onlinepred: What, how would a 3.1 soundbar sound worse than a 2.1? You have an extra dedicated centre speaker.
@StickMan: I meant 2.1 speakers, not a soundbar. Soundbar is really just a centre channel with some L and R in it but not much at all. So 3.1 out of a single speaker isn't actually 3.1, just on paper. So Actual stereo speakers produce much better imaging than a soundbar running 3 channels through one speaker relying on projection and environment for imaging. But you are correct, stereo speakers won't have as good clairty and directness as a center speaker, just like a sounbar won't have the imaging and stereo ability of stereo speakers.
It's like comparing a virtual dolby atmos soundbar with only one component, to an actual dolby atmos 9.1.2 setup with physical speakers.
https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guid…
https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guid…Soundbars can't even physically match a basic setup for dolby stereo, which rules out 3.1 too
@onlinepred: I have no idea what you’re talking about. Soundbara literally have left and right separate speakers. Some even have a third speak, as in, a centre channel.
You might be thinking of Bluetooth speakers which are mono
@StickMan: Physically seperate boxes that can be positioned. A soundbar is narrower than a tv, and contains its left, centre and right channels. Left and right channels are typically 30-60cm away from the tv, while the centre is directly below.
So they have left, right, centre all positioned in the centre speaker position. When there is audio coming from the far left, physically it’s coming from directly under the tv a tiny bit to the left within the tv width. Does that make sense? It’s why a soundbar can barely do the basics of stereo without relying on projection amd environment to bounce audio off walls etc to make it sound like it is coming from a direction
HDCP 1.4 so the outdated rights protection in the HDMI port
Strange I've never had a problem with Plex.
I believe in some cases 4k can be transferred as in your case with Plex. But I'm guessing you have 4k at 30Hz? And no HDR right?
Nah just no DRM
@Fuzor: AFAIK Plex just plays videos you have downloaded and does not give a hoot whether you got them through legitimate means or not.
That means there is no DRM.
Cmon, that’s a bit much. These are obviously aimed as tv speaker replacement. To think it will provide immersive surround sound would be nuts.
perhaps, but at a normal price of $399 one would hope it would be immersive
Most decent TVs offer better and more immersive sound than these
How do u know it will prevent the transmission of 4k @fuzor i have an eko tv will it work
HDCP was developed by big corps to keep customers buying the genuine products. The 1.4 version here was purposely replaced when 4K came out to provide tougher protection.
You can use this as tv speakers but cannot connect 4K devices to it as it auto downgrades the source.
https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/what-i…
Genuine question but why would you connect devices to the soundbar? I just connect them to the TV directly and use ARC to send audio from the TV to the soundbar.
@10khours: Well I would do it for uncompressed audio. ARC just gives you lossy. Unless your tv is really shit, I'd rather just stick to tv speakers than buy a shit soundbar and use lossy.
@Fuzor: That's not quite right. Regular ARC can support uncompressed stereo and compressed 5.1. No matter the source, for either the TV or sound bar you're going to end up with a downmix to stereo because there are only two channels available for audio to come through.
If you are watching a movie on one of your devices plugged into the TV it should sound the exact same as it is if were plugged into the sound bar, at least for a model like this.
This isn't even worth $100, let alone $400. It is HDCP 1.4 so the outdated rights protection in the HDMI port will prevent transfers to 4K tvs only FullHD.
Theres also no support for DTS HDMA or Dolby TrueHD. Thats the bare minimum for 1080p blu ray. JBL engineers have designed this from the beginning to be cheap and throw away.
Genuine question - does all that matter if the source is connected to the TV and the soundbar is connected via ARC or optical just to provide better audio than TV speakers?
Nah, it doesn’t matter if you use arc or optical
Good helpful comment. Thanks.
This is the first time I see packaging box shape
Just wait until that sex toy arrives…. fwaor.
Anyone rang around SA? Will have to run in the morning
Tried without success at Golden Grove. It wasn't strictly a no, they couldn't find the product in their system. I've got another post below with more detail.
Bad soundbar. No deal.
I just installed it via hdmi (arc) and I am happy with the quality of the sound. I’ve also tested bluetooth and all working well.
Is there an AUX connection (or any analog connection), or is it HDMI and Bluetooth only?
it has hdmi (arc), optical & bluetooth inputs, no aux connections.
Which store is this from?
Could not find one near me.If I can get one, it will be replacing the tv speakers of this tv https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/586387
Focus on replacing the TV first.
Focus on saving money
Save money and the planet in the long run by not buying into disposable TV brands/models.
@Techie4066: Focus on accepting big name brands don’t necessarily last longer than no name brands when it comes to modern TVs.
@MuddyClear: Soniq isn't a no-bame brand, it just sells mediocre TVs with questionable durability. I know for a fact that Sony and LG TVs, especially the Sony OLEDs and higher end 4K LCD TVs are built to last and have excellent quality control.
@Techie4066: Focus on knowing that even Sony and LG TVs, especially LCDs, can fail well under expectation - I would know as I fix them for a living!
@MuddyClear: Of course they can fail, just as any product with high stringency and quality control can, and those built without planned obsolescence. Samsung pissed me off when I had to keep calling them to pick the TV up to repair - it ended up completely failing. A local repair shop then proceeded to completely ruin any chance of recovering it by screwing with the capacitors.
Anyhow, I think it is of utmost importance for people to consider environmental impact and their own satisfaction with the product when purchasing anything, especially electronics.
@Techie4066: I think people should buy what they can afford. If that means a cheaper TV then that’s OK too. They should not be judged, especially as cheaper ones can last just as long as much more expensive brands!
@MuddyClear: Of course. My opinion was regarding the fact a 2.1ch soundbar was being purchased to accompany a $200 1080p 40" Soniq TV. Massive sound improvement, but the picture experience would be lacking.
@Techie4066: It would be the other way around. Usually the biggest problem in cheaper TVs is the tinny sound, not so much the picture quality. Hence why No Child Support purchased this deal.
@MuddyClear: That too, I've experienced it with my secondary 32" Samsung LCD TV. It sucks and the speakers vibrate horribly at certain frequencies, interrupting output of voices or sounds. My primary TV is a 43" Sony 4K, which has just okay underpowered speakers that can't reproduce surround sound (through the software setting) without losing clarity of voices to the soundtrack in movies, so that's switched off and voice zoom is on max.
1080p TVs at this price point have cheap speakers and displays to match, hence the price - my point still stands. Even a $99 soundbar such as in this deal deserves something like a $499 (full price) 4K TV from FFalcon, Hitachi or TCL, opening up the experience of movie watching far more faithfully, or depending on your use, at least watching the news is easier.
1080p TVs at this price point have cheap speakers and displays to match, hence the price - my point still stands
No. I have already told you the biggest problem in cheaper TVs is the sound, not so much the display. No one in their right mind would buy a new TV with a bad display! - It would just get returned.
$99 soundbar such as in this deal deserves something like a $499 (full price) 4K TV
No. The TV with tinny sound deserves a better soundbar.
1080p TVs are good for waiting rooms.
So much is wrong with this comment. You don’t even know how this person is using the TV, and you make all these judgemental comments!
You also think you know better than someone who works in this industry.
@MuddyClear: Mate, I'm not judging, people can do what they want. It's simply advice - not something you need to get offended by. My point is based upon the fact there is a vast difference in user experience between a $200 and $500 TV.
From an objective standpoint, the Soniq is relatively poor as a primary TV and this soundbar deserves something better to match its capabilities - majority of people here are likely pairing it with at least a large or 4K TV. Otherwise you're completely losing out on the movie watching, or even news watching, experience (my thoughts not yours). I'd appreciate if you'd made some point addressing this, other than quoting your own experience. Yes people can save money, however what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't provide the best experience when you mismatch hardware by not investing in an appropriate TV. Besides, most people with 40" TVs have them in suitably small rooms where you don't need soundbars and can see it properly?
This discussion transpired because you thought No Child Support is better off saving money buying a $200 and $99 TV setup, whereas I am of the belief that buying a $99 soundbar is worthy of a $499 TV. Better deals can be found, otherwise the built-in speakers will do, that is all.
It's simply advice
It’s not sound advice. See what I did there? Anyway, it’s coming across as judgemental, and with many assumptions.
majority of people here are likely pairing it with at least a large or 4K TV.
You don’t know that. Another baseless assumption.
This discussion transpired because you thought No Child Support is better off saving money buying a $200 and $99 TV setup.
It transpired because you think cheap TVs are disposable when they can actually last as long as expensive ones - see below
Save money and the planet in the long run by not buying into disposable TV brands/models.
Enough said.
It transpired because you think cheap TVs are disposable when they can actually last as long as expensive ones - see below
Save money and the planet in the long run by not buying into disposable TV brands/models.
Enough said.
You looked at one of my points and ignored the rest. One.
Funnily enough, you are in essence assuming that most people buying this soundbar don't own TVs larger than 40" or with 4K resolution. Looking around, I'd say most people on OzBargain are drawn to consumerism and the great deals found here, therefore feel incentivised to buy products in higher model ranges than they could afford without discounts. Simply being on OzBargain temps people to purchase things they don't need; point in case, I wouldn't be surprised if people buying this soundbar have more expensive TVs.
Don't pretend that TVs that cost $200 don't skimp out on the quality of components compared to the equivalent components found on more expensive TVs. You can find that out yourself just by watching and listening to them.
You looked at one of my points and ignored the rest.
It was your first complaint. You then tried to deflect with your other “points”. Anyway, anyone who reads all this can clearly see how it really transpired.
Funnily enough, you are in essence assuming that most people buying this soundbar don't own TVs larger than 40" or with 4K resolution.
Another baseless assumption. Give it up. Again, anyone who reads all this will see I’ve made no such comment or assumption.
Don't pretend that TVs that cost $200 don't skimp out on the quality of components compared to the equivalent components found on more expensive TVs.
Again, I’ve made no comment on quality of components etc… are you ok?
how it really transpired.
Borrowing my words again?
Another baseless assumption. Give it up. Again, anyone who reads all this will see I’ve made no such comment or assumption.
Go back and read what you wrote, and consider this is OzBargain. Do you really think that people who purchased this soundbar, as a result of this deal (on OzBargain), own small cheap TVs? Really? We are some of the most impulsive buyers in Australia. Having used a 65" Soniq, I'd say the picture quality and user interface leaves plenty to be desired.
Again, I’ve made no comment on quality of components etc… are you ok?
Quality determines reliability. Had you forgotten what we were just talking about above? I have done my research, and you can find user anecdotes here, and more info here. They are manufactured by Quatius in China, not so well known for their quality control I'd say. If you want to delve into it more, you can find data about consumer's perceptions of quality based on country of origin here.
I'd argue your experience as a TV repairer (if that's correct) is not indicative of TV reliability as consumers have little to no incentive to pay for cheap TVs to get repaired. I see relatively new ones being dumped all over the place. They'll simply go to Kmart, Big W, wherever, and buy another cheap TV. Do you see the cycle? This ties in both of my points regarding viewing experience and the environment. In contrast, owners of expensive TVs pay for repairs because of the high upfront cost and above-average viewing experience they provide.
Anyway, this is straying quite off-topic. I only raised these points (which you wouldn't call deflection if you were open-minded) because I am under the impression that there would be a mismatch between the TV and soundbar experience, and added more reasons as to why a mid-range TV makes more sense in this case. I acknowledge that people can do what they want, and if you are on a budget and just watch the news, I get it. Have a good day.
Do you really think that people who purchased this soundbar
I make no such assumption.
Quality determines reliability.
Not always.
Anyway, this is straying quite off-topic.
That’s all you.
I am under the impression that there would be a mismatch between the TV and soundbar experience
Why would you think that?
@MuddyClear: Read, process, and understand.
Do you really think that people who purchased this soundbar
I make no such assumption.
You did by stating that your experience in repairs says otherwise.
Quality determines reliability.
Not always.
You're right, it's magic!
@MuddyClear: You equated my advice to judgements. I think you need to learn how to read or at least provide some factual information to corroborate your bs.
You did by stating that your experience in repairs says otherwise.
My experience in TV repair has nothing to do with the assumptions you are making.
You're right
I usually am
You equated my advice to judgements. I think you need to learn how to read.
You think you can’t give judgemental advice? Well you have - congratulations!
How about you take your own advice and read how silly you sound.
@MuddyClear: Ah, we need to go quote by quote do we? That's you deflecting by not addressing any points I made, instead you're fluffing on about nothing, wasting time. The onus is on you to read the user complaints I linked to; it is not constructive to continue arguing.
My experience in TV repair has nothing to do with the assumptions you are making.
Not assumptions since I validated my points with evidence. Either way, I'll quote your previous statements:
Focus on knowing that even Sony and LG TVs, especially LCDs, can fail well under expectation - I would know as I fix them for a living!
I never doubted this. However, if you read what I said afterward:
I'd argue your experience as a TV repairer (if that's correct) is not indicative of TV reliability as consumers have little to no incentive to pay for cheap TVs to get repaired…
My so-called "assumptions" supporting my arguments align and are sensical.
You're right
I usually amHence your temperament.
You think you can’t give judgemental advice? Well you have - congratulations!
You're really offended by my offering of objective advice to someone else - not you. Incredible.
How about you take your own advice and read how silly you sound.
You wouldn't look like a complete imbecile, and we'd have ended the discussion comments ago, had you read and considered what I wrote. All of the above points align with my viewpoint that this soundbar belongs with a better TV, and additionally, it's worth paying more and keeping your TV for longer (with the substantiative evidence I linked to).
Finally, to quote myself:
Mate, I'm not judging, people can do what they want. It's simply advice - not something you need to get offended by. My point is based upon the fact there is a vast difference in user experience between a $200 and $500 TV.
This discussion transpired because you thought No Child Support is better off saving money buying a $200 and $99 TV setup, whereas I am of the belief that buying a $99 soundbar is worthy of a $499 TV. Better deals can be found, otherwise the built-in speakers will do, that is all.
a mid-range TV makes more sense in this case. I acknowledge that people can do what they want, and if you are on a budget and just watch the news, I get it.
Do what you want, I don't care. Your inferring of a sense of judgement over my advice is not appreciated nor helpful by anyone's standards.
Note to anyone else: Sorry you had to read all of this.
All of the above points align with my viewpoint that this soundbar belongs with a better TV
What complete utter nonsense. You are sounding very arrogant.
Here all your idiotic points:
1080p TVs at this price point have cheap speakers and displays to match, hence the price - my point still stands
Not true.
majority of people here are likely pairing it with at least a large or 4K TV.
Not true.
$99 soundbar such as in this deal deserves something like a $499 (full price) 4K TV
Not true.
Save money and the planet in the long run by not buying into disposable TV brands/models.
Not true.
Now go back and read my explanations. Remember read, process, and understand.
What complete utter nonsense. You are sounding very arrogant.
Someone hurt you. You are yet to provide evidence to support your claim and you are yet to respond to my points. I already stated that people can do what they want with their money.
The above is a perfect example of acting antagonistically while completely denying the existence of established fact. You are going as far as ignoring what I just said in the preceding comment.
Have a good day.
respond to my points
I already have. Are you OK?
people can do what they want with their money.
Are you sure? You seem very bothered with pairing $99 soundbar with $200
TV.. LOLcompletely denying the existence of established fact
I haven’t denied anything. I gave you my explanations. You just deflect.
Anyone had any luck finding one of these in WA?
Checked Success Store - No Stock
no success?
Success is one of their online stores so will sell quick from there you're better off checking somewhere like phoenix park or armadale.
Long time voyeur who just joined for the opportunity to contribute and add my puns. Hehe…
I bought it from Melton,Vic
here is the copy if the receipt:
https://i.postimg.cc/br3dch2x/E01-F79-BA-C4-C4-4-F1-F-A202-4…Were there any left at Melton? Just tried calling with no luck?
no stocks left in Melton
Stock in Brisbane Springfield store approx 5 was told on the phone.
Rang them and said they had no stock
OOS Karingal VIC
All sold out in Vic I reckon. I called South Yarra store and the guy knew what it was about straight away!
Any recommendation for a soundbar primary to be used with a laptop/computer?
no stock at warringah mall
Did anyone have any luck getting the BigW item number for their system? I'd called Golden Grove in SA. They couldn't find it in based on searching the name, and I couldn't provide the product number to help out.
Alternately anyone tracked down any SA stock?
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Thats a perfect deal