Your options:
Budget sound bars are generally more about convenience and compactness. When you start getting to the Yamaha sound bars at £700+ then the performance is pretty good, but it's still topped by a full 5.1 system or a decent 2.0 Hi-Fi system..
Yeah thought that might be the case.
A good stereo system (2.0) will work pretty well for TV and movies. Decent standmount speakers will provide enough bass to be convincing but without the boomy one-noteness of the Samsung. The only issue is your main sources are digital right now (TV and other?), and that trend will increase in the future. Hi-Fi amps don't have digital inputs as a rule. There are additional boxes that can be used as to bridge the world of digital and analogue though, so it's not the end of the world.
I have the following:
Rpi2 running Kodi as Media Centre device. Attached to TV via HDMI. This streams TV/Movies over the network via my Syno NAS.
PS4 also attached via HDMI. Just use this for games no Blurays or anything.
My mobile devices can stream audio for Spotify via Bluetooth.
TV connects to Soundbar via HDMI using ARC port.
TV also has an Optical port for sound if required.
I don't use, or plan to use, any kind of tv based devices like Sky boxes, Virgin Media, Tivo or whatever. I just need the above to connect and work
2.1/3.0/3.1 systems are really just cut-down versions of 5.1 systems for people who don't need/want the extra speakers. In truth, any 5.1 system can be configured with a smaller number of speakers; so you could easily leave two speakers wrapped up and set-up as a 3.1 system now, then break out the other speakers when you have more space.
It's not really a space issue for me, I just don't want to attach rear speakers to my walls or anything. If I can run them to stands and have pretty long cables it could still work, would need to be able to run speakers for quite a distance to get behind my corner sofa though.
Full 5.1 systems give you the greatest flexibility. As mentioned above, the amp can be configured with any speaker combination from 2.0 upwards. A decent AV receiver with just about all the connections you'll need for good future-proofing with a broad range of sources, and it will handle the widest range of signal formats.
Speaker stands are also available for the smaller satellite speakers you'll find with a typical sub/sat 5.1 speaker kit.
Would a digital amp dedicated for sound be better than an AV receiver for me? I would just really be attaching speakers to it, My Rpi2, and my PS4 I guess. So I wouldn't need to switch audio outbound source, and for video just between the Rpi2 and the PS4 really (which I can do from the TV).
If your focus is primarily TV and movies, then a 5.1 system probably makes the most sense.
Yeah it probably is, just need to really find the right set I guess.
Some equipment choices to consider:
When you start looking at decent Hi-Fi and AV gear then it's common to mix-n-match products. So, you'll choose speakers from specialist speaker manufacturers and combine them with electronics from Hi-Fi or AV equipment makers. This is the way to get best-in-class performance.
Speakers - 5.1 packages:
Monitor Audio Mass 5.1 @ £599 - incredible performance, excellent with music as well as movies. Capable of seeing you through several amp upgrades and would be perfectly at home being driven by a £1000 AV receiver as a £300 one.
Wharfedale DX1 HCP £300-£350 depending on black or white finish - Great performance with TV/movies, not too shabby with music.
AV Receivers - full height:
Yamaha RXV675 refurb @ £249 - incredible value when you consider this would have been discounted to £399. Great movie performance and decent music performer too.
Yamaha RXV677 @ £389 - later model that 675. Same virtues.
Pioneer VSX924 @ £249 - if you're interested in creature comforts such as Bluetooth / Apple Airplay / Network streamed music then this should be of interest.
AV Receivers - compact/half height:
Marantz NR1504 - all the features of a full height AV receiver but in a smaller package. Some slight compromise on sonic performance for the space saving, but still a great AV receiver for movies.
These prices from RS I guess right?
I attached my NAD hybrid amp and my Dali Zensor 3 speakers to my TV and they work pretty well (this is just a 2.0 system, I could prob make it pretty awesome with a sub for them as well to get 2.1).
5.1 may be best but perhaps a good 2.1 system would be better than a mediocre 5.1 system?
The NAD amp and Dali Zensor 3 speakers are really my PC speakers, but something like this, maybe with floor standers and a good sub instead of the bookshelf speakers would be ideal for me?
