Advice regarding 5.1 vs Soundbar

RobDogDog

RobDogDog

RobDogDog

Associate
Joined
8 Aug 2011
Posts
2,025
Hi folks,

So I've just got back from work and for some reason I felt ultra-productive. I decided to rewire my 5.1 surround sound that I've had for over 10 years. I never bothered setting it up with my new TV which I got about 2 years ago (one of those things that you always mean to do, but never bother with!).

It's an oldish Sony (str de497p) receiver, wired speakers and a pretty big sub. TV is a 42' Samsung 1080p. Fortunately it had optical output so I've successfully got it working (minus the sub as I'm out of power sockets - need an extension lead but I'm almost certain that it works fine).

I'll be using it mostly for DVD's, the odd PS4 game and streaming.

The wiring is not too much of an issue as it's hardly visible. I don't want to stream anything to other rooms in the house. Now is it worth me investing in a soundbar or is the difference in sound quality going to be marginal considering the setup I currently have?
 
Separates (what you have) is strictly superior to a soundbar (generally). Any decent sounding soundbar is WAY overpriced to the point that you'd be better off buying a whole setup. It's exactly what I did 5 minutes ago, pulled the trigger on a 5.1 setup for ~£675 (not in the UK). The good things about soundbars are ease of installation & they don't take up a lot of space. In terms of actual sound quality, meh. You'll be better off saving £££ for a TV upgrade in the future.
 
keep what you have I'm using old gear a refurbed pioneer receiver from 2012 and my mission speaker set up was bought in 1999 and still sounds good :) i added a cheap mission sub couple of years ago too beef up the low end.
 
Cheers both. Setting it up earlier I was thinking that it still sounds alright. Just need to get some power for the sub and I'll be back in business.
 
the issue will come if you want to experience atmos or 4k media and your new tv doesn't have optical out or something like that.

it will mean a new AV receiver and more speakers. which is why soundbars are popular. minimal wires and they can have upfiring speakers and seperate subs and rears these days too.

it's convenience and minimalist factor over pure sound quality.

for you though i would stick with what you have. decent soundbars are £500-£1500.
 
Found an 5 way adapter at work so have the old 5.1 setup with the sub now. It's amazing how much a sub can add to the immersion. I'm only running everything at about 40% capacity and it sounds great. Thanks for all the advice folks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom