Sound bar type things - how good are they, could I replace a simple hi-fi setup with one??

Hatter The Mad · 2 Jul 2011 at 23:10

Hi

I currently have a Cambridge 640A connected to Wharfedale-I-can't-remember-what bookshelf speakers and I'm very happy with the setup. Input is via the analog jack on a Macbook Pro.

Unfortunately space will be getting tighter from me and I could do without the clutter of all the wiring.

I am intrigued by these all-in-one soundbar things that you see at the Apple store.

How good are they (relative to someone coming from a mid-rage hi fi setup)? Will they lack 'umpf' (for my techno blasts) or struggle to cope with instrumental crispness at low volumes?

Anyone with a decent amount of sound snobbery have any experience of them?

Thanks

Hatter The Mad · 4 Jul 2011 at 10:23

Hmm, OK. I was thinking of something like this:

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/H...Zeppelin-Air?fnode=MTY1NDA1NA&mco=MjE5ODUzMDI

I would like to go as compact as possible without missing out on a bit of thump.

Hatter The Mad · 4 Jul 2011 at 11:58

Oh! I thought that is where I had posted. My bad, and thank you for your help

Hatter The Mad · 4 Jul 2011 at 16:43

It looks like I'll have to part with a sizeable wad of cash (around £500) to maintain the kind of quality I want at high volumes.

Zeplin Air: http://www.bowers-wilkins.co.uk/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/Zeppelin_Air

Bose Sounddock 10: http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/home-an...e-and-ipod/sounddock-10-digital-music-system/

I am aware both these companies are highly reputed for their engineering, but also can be infamous for adding big premiums for their name and styling.

Are there any 'hidden gems' anyone has experience of that I am missing?

Hatter The Mad · 4 Jul 2011 at 18:36

Whoops, I've been using the wrong terminology. I don't want a sound-bar per se - I want an all-in-one unit for excellent stereo.

Hatter The Mad · 6 Jul 2011 at 15:06

Abyss said:
For the money (£350) I was thoroughly impressed with the Sonos ZonePlayer S5, particularly given the added feature of being able to control it via the iphone/ipad and play spotify.

Would you consider the Sonos ZonePlayer 120 and keep your existing speakers?

That kind of defeats the purpose of my wanting to swap in an all-in-one (as much as the Sonos looks great

).