Looking for an under TV "soundbar" - opinions on Maxell MXSB-252 anyone?

[StevieP]

As title I'm after an improvement in my TV's sound system (a Sony 46EX723) but the majority of soundbars sit in front of the TV and therefore block the IR receiver!?!?

I've been looking at a couple of Maxell "under-TV" unit's which seem to be getting decent reviews but my only knowledge of Maxell spans back to VHS tapes back in the day!

These are the model's I've been looking at:

Maxell MXSP-SB3000

Maxell MXSB-252

The SB3000 is the newer, more powerful model but it's also double the price and since the main benefit seems to be the addition of Bluetooth, which I doubt I'd use, so I'm leaning towards the 252 model that can be had for circa £80.

The only other thing is I'd like to be able to still use my Sky remote which, I think, requires it to be "Arc enabled" - the SB3000 says it is but the 252 doesn't but there are some reviews on the rainforest that suggest the 252 is Arc enabled!?!?!

Has anyone got any direct knowledge of either of these units or possibly have any other models to recommend in a similar price range?

Thanks....

 

[StevieP]

Which model Yamaha is it you've got?

I didn't know this was an option to be honest - I've always been a bit perplexed at the number of soundbars that just block the IR receiver!!

 

[StevieP]

Thanks for the reply and all the info Sonny but I decided to give the Maxell MXSB-252 a go because of it's decent reviews and smaller outlay than the Yamaha!

First impressions were lukewarm but once I'd got it hooked up with my NUC running XBMC and piped the audio for Avengers Assemble through it - WOW!!!

It's a fantastic piece of kit for those with a limited budget and no space for a full surround sound setup imo!

 

[StevieP]

I'm under no illusions that it is anywhere near as good as a proper surround sound setup but given the cost, size and ease of use, I have to say I'm blown away by the output!

Watched a film tonight and at one stage switched back to the TV speakers and it was like switching to a mobile phone speaker......inside a tin can!

As I said, my lounge simply won't allow for a full system so for my purposes, this is a fantastic outcome!