Hi all
I'm looking to get the best soundbar I can get with NO satellite speakers, and would also like at least 1 HDMI in port (2 would be even better) as I intend to use the soundbar as a hub for 1 (or possibly 2) devices.
I fully understand that a setup with separate/satellite speakers will be more effective, but I am looking only for a stand-alone soundbar and a subwoofer.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Budget is $1,500.
Thanks!
Anything up to $1.5K.
Samsung Q900A seems to fit the bill (although not very easy to find as it's a 2021 model), but keen to see what else might meet my needs.
Thanks for these options!
It gets great reviews, but I don't think it has any HDMI in ports unfortunately. I'm looking to use it as a hub for 1 or 2 devices.
@ronburgundy11: Hmm the Sony A7000 has 2 inputs
Slightly above budget currently, though not much more of a stretch?
Though that price doesn't include the subwoofer.
I'd suggest maybe start with that, then add the sub, then maybe grab the surrounds to use at a later stage? Would give a fuller soundstage
LTT review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfPq8gZszdM
Would you be open to wireless rear speakers?
Unfortunately not - I actually have a JBL Bar 5.1 with wireless rear speakers and they've caused me endless trouble. I'm replacing it with a standalone soundbar.
What is a satellite speaker?
A soundbar is a sound(bar) there are no other speakers connected. That is the whole point of a soundbar it is an all in one unit so it goes under the TV and there are no extra wires or steps to set it up. Sometimes expensive ones come with a separate wireless subwoofer but that's it.
If you are after extra "immersion" or cinematic surround effect then you will probably achieve it with a 1.5k budget.
Sometimes expensive ones come with a separate wireless subwoofer but that's it.
No, many come with rear surrounds to give more of a proper surround sound experience.
Might be best to educate yourself before saying they don't exist…
Ok well whenever I go to the local JB HiFi which is admittedly not often, there is a just a wall with soundbars on it and none of them had any extra speakers with some having only external subwoofers.
Since you brought up Samsung as an example, you say "many" come with rear surround speakers but in fact looking at the 2022 models there are only 2 models out of 12 which have those extra rear speakers. https://www.samsung.com/au/audio-devices/soundbar/
I would say that's closer to being less than "many".
OP seems to be requesting a setup specifically without these extra speakers so better for him I guess there are more options to choose from.
there is a just a wall with soundbars on it and none of them had any extra speakers with some having only external subwoofers.
You mean, that you saw? Again, you're trying to be definitive without knowing the actual info.
Because guess what, they stock soundbars with satellite speakers. Funny that… Hell, they even offer speaker kits to add that functionality.
How am I not surprised that someone of the younger generation couldn't just go "oh, you're right, I'll shut up now"?
Even the OP knew that the higher end ones came with satellites, yet you felt the need to (incorrectly) try to school them, while being wrong, and you still need to try to explain it away
Just learn when to stay quiet about things you don't know
@spackbace: "Because guess what, they stock soundbars with satellite speakers.(jbhifi.com.au) Funny that… Hell, they even offer speaker kits(jbhifi.com.au) to add that functionality."
Well maybe they have them in stock but not on display?? Maybe your JB HiFi has some kind of home cinema room with surround sound products in it, but my local one did not. It just has a wall with soundbars on it and another one with TV's, all the speakers were facing in the same direction so to me they all look like subwoofers. No "rear surround speaker" setups at all that I could see. And it's the same deal at the local Good Guys.
I have, and love, the HW-Q950A/XY, the center channel is really clear and loud. If you don’t want the satellite speakers then don’t plug them in, but they’re a nice addition.
https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/samsung-q950a-1114ch-dolby-at…
It’s in budget and It’s been on special for less as well.
Thanks mate - I hadn't thought about that!
Budget…?
What have you found so far?