So I just got a new TV (Panasonic Viera Plasma, 50" G25) and love it! Cant wait to get it moved into my new apartment and on a stand but I am shopping around for a decent sound bar with sub. A 7.1 surround sound or even 5.1 is going to be tight in the apartment and dont really want to deal with wiring it so thinking a decent sound bar will help with the sound and give some good bass. Wandering if anyone on here has one and which one and what you think of it.
Congrats on the new TV... I know when I got my current set it was a big step up for me and I was/am really happy but I already want a bigger set...lol Was this a big step up for you as well? Good luck with the soundbar search. FWIW I did see some soundbars at Coscto.
Well in my apartment in college I had a 32" CRT, just graduated and as a grad gift my parents said they would get me a flat screen once i was close to moving into my apartment where my new job will be. So going from a 32" CRT to a 50" plasma yes that is a huge step up, but rents to have a 65" LED/LED that I have been watching tv on for about 2 months so I am use to it. Just cant wait to get it all set up and watch some blu-rays on it! May have to swing by Coscto this weekend to see what models they have.
Ya, that is a VERY nice step up. Very cool of your parents, you must be a good son:thumb: Ha ha, watching TV at your parents house killed it for you until you get a 65"!!! Hmmm, maybe a hand me down in the future:applause2: I moved up from a 32" to a 55" LCD and I was/am in heaven... JLwas nice enough to let me use his calibration equipment and MAN, WHAT A DIFFERENCE... I am now eying a 65"..... The soundbar sounds great for your application (apartment)... Let us know what you end up with!
I am waiting for the break in period to be done then getting it isf calibrated once I can find one that is good coming to the area. Looking at some Panasonic and Polk ones right now. Dont want to spend too much, <$350-400.
Sound bar would be a nice step up from the TV's built in audio; they take up minimal space and would be a minimal investment, but I say no. I have a Samsung 50" Plasma in my room and I am also tight on space so I opted for the Bose 3-2-1 GS home theater system. I know it's super pricey, but it was worth it. The 2.1 sound system is excellent and I bought a pair of floor stands for the speakers so I have everything positioned where I want. It's important to get a system with an actual sub-woofer because it will really enhance the experience while watching movies. Many 2.1 systems these days work hard to replicate the sound produced by a 5.1 channel surround sound system....it's not the same, but the technology keeps getting better and better. To be honest, I wouldn't have paid $1,000 for my 3-2-1 system up front but Bose has a 12-month payment plan, no credit check or anything required so I did that. For me, that was worth it. I think YOUR best bet would be to get a nice 2.1 channel small-profile system from Newegg or something for your budget.
The sound bars I was looking at where 3.1 systems with a sub. I am also looking to put together my own 3.1 and will cost a little more but have upgradability to 7.1 down the road. I would need a center channel as I do not want to phantom the center and the distance between left and right mains will be more grater than 4 feet so i can do a 3 main speaker in the front with a sub around 8-10".
Why not a regular 2.1 system? Two separate speakers can easily replicate left, right, and center channel audio, as well as a virtual version of rear audio. A sound bar relies on one main unit to replicate left, right, center, and rear audio. It's too much for just one physical unit. But it sounds like you've already made up your mind. :thumb:
I changed my parents 5.1 into a 2.1 and a 3.1 and could tell the difference during dialog mixed with other sounds, dialog was much clear with 3.1 as center was doing all the dialog. I would turn off the virtual surround mode in the soundbar as i think it does not work as well and would just keep it off. Just comes down to how much i can put together matching front main speakers and a decent receiver. Oh well, not looking to pull the plug on this for a few months still. I looked at wireless rear speakers and hear many horror stories from them and they are just not wroth it.
I did a home theater set up in my bedroom that was my first jump into AV. What i discovered was my kids (and friends) in my room at all hours rocking the Sub woofer and surround sound. I just converted the play room into a hang out room. I got a 5X" plasma (think 52 or 55) and did not want to go nuts so instead of the whole componejnt pack, I did a sound bar by Boston Acustic and their wireless sub. Simply great. Who ever programs your universal remote needs to unselect the TV speakers or the sound it somewhat off and super anoying. They also have to trick the cable box and sound bar to a FREQUEBNCY THAT IS NO YOU tv BRAND OR OTHERWISE EVERYTIME YOU RAISE OR LOWER VOLUME, THE TV WILL DISPLAY 9SPEAKERS NOT SELECTED-GO TO SET UP AND SELECT SPEAKERS. I looked at that for a week befreo we got it squared away. Good Luch.
Take a look at Boston Acoustics TVee Model 20 soundbar...comes with a modest wireless sub. Price is about 300 dollars. Excellent bang for the buck as long as you only require moderate listening levels.
I got the Panasonic soundbar 2.1 setup, loving it so far..the little 10" (i think) sub sounds great and so the does the bar. Has perfect integration with my tv so only one remote i need to use due to hdmi audio return the controls over hdmi.
Yep got the SC-HTB500 sound bar and goes great with my G25. I ended up taking the job in Greensboro, NC with TIMCO Aerosystems. I got the offer the week I got back from VA after looking at apartments and was just the better long run opportunity.
I've got the same problem (small, awkward room). I solved it by purchasing a 46" Samsung 8000 series LED TV and the matching soundbar with wireless sub. Plenty of sound, and the price was right.
