Sony HTS100F, Bose solo 2and HS2100.
which one is better, would you mind share your opinion?
other models are welcome.
Looking for Sound Bar Less than $200
Lsamedream on 20/09/2024 - 20:13
Comments
I would buy neither and expect both to be extremely mediocre.
Secondhand, powered bookshelf speakers will beat the utter crap out of a $200 soundbar.
what is your recommendation on bookshelf speaker?
Checking Bluetooth bookshelf speaker on Amazon.Like I said, secondhand and powered. Something with 4.5" drivers which is where soundbars really fall down (and no, I don't think the shitty 'subwoofer' that come with the Bose makes up for it- Bose gear sucks ass).
Last I looked there were a fair number of modestly sized Edifiers on Facebook Marketplace.
Edit: there's a fairly popular Edifier model on Amazon <200 that gets mentioned a lot. I've not listened to them as I have the speakers that I want.
Audio (and room aesthetics) are wholly subjective. Try to audition TV speaker/soundbar options in other people's homes and be very wary of purchasing based on customer (not expert) reviews. At your price point a soundbar with sub is easily the best solution for most people. If a sub causes issues with your neighbours you can just turn it down. Bookshelf speakers in stereo are good for classical music, but new music is mixed in 5.1. Cars with decent audio systems have long included subwoofers. When you're ready to allocate more funds you'll have amassed a library of test scenes from your preferred cinema genre to try out. Youtuber Andrew Robinson says he went through plenty of soundbars when he just didn't have any extra funds.
The issue that I have with these budget soundbar+sub packages are that the subs are so small that they're basically the woofers on a semi-decent bookshelf setup. 5 inches for a sub is only 'good' in the context of the tiny 2" drivers uses by soundbars.
If I was using modest bookshelf speakers, they'd probably be along the lines of the JBL305s which have… two 5 inch drivers.
@rumblytangara: I don't rate the soundbars with integrated subs. But where they're matched with a wireless powered subwoofer the crossover is set so that the sub is driving much of the otherwise missing mids. I picked up a pre-owned $100 Yamaha SR-B20A (wired subwoofer port), tested it in my small lounge room and it sounded as good as my 3.1 setup (JBL LX22, 6.5 inch main drivers). But it was purchased for a friend's large open plan kitchen/living/dining space with 3m ceilings. The room size makes it sound pretty underwhelming, still way better than TV speakers and he did want to spend as little as humanly possible.
JBL305 are studio monitors, flat frequency response designed for nearfield listening and audio production. Not really ideal for home/hi-fi use; but if you're happy with them that's all that matters.
But where they're matched with a wireless powered subwoofer the crossover is set so that the sub is driving much of the otherwise missing mids.
That's the thing… I'd be very interested to know where the crossover is for a budget discrete sub. Because if they are used to cover midrange, then that stuff is directional and not suited to a single point of origin.
JBL305 are studio monitors, flat frequency response designed for nearfield listening and audio production. Not really ideal for home/hi-fi use; but if you're happy with them that's all that matters.
I don't have these… they were simply an example of something that can be found easily secondhand. But if I had them I'd be quite happy to throw EQ at them. They're going to be better than a couple of 50mm drivers under the TV, and a single 5" woofer that gets put somewhere randomly off to one side.
@rumblytangara: I've never been able to find any technical details, but I've played around with a few of the Yamaha systems and they sound pretty thin without the sub. I agree having mids coming from the sub isn't ideal but these setups do come with some compromises.
@sumyungguy: I also had a look online, because I am bored at work. Couldn't find any frequency or crossover information either, but that's totally unsurprising for soundbars.
(Those extra boxes shouldn't even really be called a sub, imo)
I have a 5.2 setup; tower mains and dual subs. But in my smaller second living space a soundbar + sub works surprisingly well. Bookshelf speakers are good for music but arguably not ideal for tv, movies & gaming.
I have the HT-S100F, it’s fine for my bedroom but it’s not life changing.
can't find HT-S100F on the shelf.
Maybe try another store.
Thanks for the information.
went to check the soundbar in JB. have to lift up the budget if continue looking for soundbar.
check BT bookshelf speaker on Amazon.
What do you dislike about the Yamaha for $199?
there is no Yamaha in JB. Can't try it.
For $200, just buy something rated by experts
I got one of these off Market Place for $120 still with the warranty. Its pretty good for the price. It does the proper surround sound while I'm watching the footy
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/monster-2-0-channel-sound…
Saw this brand in JB but not connected. Maybe try another store.
hs2100 was ok, but need to find some where to put the sub due to limited area.
soundbar with no sub is the best option so far.
otherwise, bookshelf speaker will be another good option.
Choose a bar that has an input for a sub so you can perhaps add one later if your circumstances change.
Consider also this $199 option from Yamaha