Is there anywhere in Sydney that has a proper demo area for soundbars?
This forum seems to love TV sound bars, but anything I've demoed at a place like JB Hi-fi has been underwhelming.
Where to Audition Sound Bars in Sydney?
rumblytangara on 01/07/2024 - 19:27
Last edited 02/07/2024 - 13:05 by 1 other user
Last edited 02/07/2024 - 13:05 by 1 other user
Comments
I was just going to recommend Theatre at Moore Park which is exactly what you want. Has quiet rooms and can set you up to listen to multiple speaker systems to test them out.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5ySm3NRm5o6nLjeX8?g_st=ic
However, they appear to have closed down now. The juxtaposition between trying to offer good service to attract buyers, vs them then going off to buy it online for cheaper…
There may be similar stores littered around still open. There’s no point listening to a speaker in a huge open-area JB HiFi.
I think Eastwood hifi (in Dural - if you want a story ask the owner why they left Eastwood) should still have several soundbars setup in one of the listening rooms.
Your best bet would be to find a dedicated audio shop and contact them to see what type of rooms/set ups they have and sound bar set up. Talking to them before you go in and be clear on what you want to hear because it will save you a lot of time and running around
Also be upfront on what you want and i would also be telling them this as most dedicated Hi-Fi shops don’t stock your Ozbargain favorites.
I like Len Wallis audio (lane cove) for sound gear and their listening space is great.
No idea what they’re like for soundbars but Eastwood Hi-Fi is also good (as above), and addicted to audio (Newtown) and Apollo hifi (Marrickville) are also decent.
Per @Hybroid, sound lounges are no longer a thing because customers consume signficant sales advisor time but end up purchasing elsewhere. For this class of audio product I think you just have to make a selection based on expert reviews. Make sure you've allowed for your specific room dimensions which a sound lounge may not help with anyway. If for example you have a large open-plan living space with high ceilings a soundbar will be underwhelming.
They will all sound horrible in a large open space. You need an enclosed room for the full experience.