Soundbars vs 5.1 Setup

nintenjo

nintenjo

nintenjo

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I currently have a relatively modest Denon 1709 amp with a Denon 5.1 speaker setup, but i am finding that the amp is now only being used to output 1 single optical source to the speakers and it feels like a lot of wasted space for such a simple use.

Plus i never get to use the system properly as the misses always wants to volume turned down, and a lot of the watching we now do is stereo source only.

I have been looking at sound bars (I know they only have virtual surround) but a lot have been getting very good reviews and have both optical and HDMI inputs so ideal for my HTPC and Xbox connectivity.

I particularly liked the Panasonic SC-HTB520 (although it seems to new for any good reviews at the moment)

Another alternative route is to go to an Active 5.1 Solution.. thus removing the need of the amp. But most seem to be tailored towards PCs and not living rooms.

Any thoughts or product suggestions welcome..
 
Soundbars are OK but won't be a patch on your Denon system comparing stereo vs stereo never mind surround.

The Onkyo HTX-22HD is a great space saver. It's a proper HD Audio decoding amp, but all the electronics are in the sub. Comes with a pair of stereo speakers. Can be configured as 2.1 out of the box, or 3.1 or 5.1 if you add a centre and surrounds. You've already got the Denon speakers, so use those and sell the 1709 along with your current sub and the Onkyo speakers.

Active speakers aren't your answer IMO. As you've already identified, they're geared for desktop use so the speakers don't work as effectively over longer distances. There's also problems with decoding, inputs and volume control unless you choose very carefully.
 
I bought the kef 5005.2 setup a few months ago..(Which i had to remove my Plasma standard L/R speakers)

But sometimes i wish i went for this Kef soundbar setup in the link below and then i would been able to of kept my Plasma L/R speakers on
http://www.kef.com/gb/surroundsound/kht/8005

Gets to be a pain sometimes having to switch the TV on & then switch the SKYHD box on and then switch the AV amp :(
 
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Love the look of both those options..

Does the KEF 8005 have any kind of amplification or just a set of passive speakers?
 
chaparral said:
I bought the kef 5005.2 setup a few months ago..(Which i had to remove my Plasma standard L/R speakers)

But sometimes i wish i went for this Kef soundbar setup in the link below and then i would been able to of kept my Plasma L/R speakers on
http://www.kef.com/gb/surroundsound/kht/8005

Gets to be a pain sometimes having to switch the TV on & then switch the SKYHD box on and then switch the AV amp :(
Click to expand...

Get a programmable remote thingy like a Harmony, then you won't have to use about 10 remotes to get things up and running.
 
Another recommendation for the Onkyo HTX-22HD. Got on myself as I live in an apartment so don't really have the space or the means to have tidy rears.

Plans are to get a centre for it and then when I finally decide to buy a house use the current two as rears and buy some nice fronts.
 
TripleT said:
Another recommendation for the Onkyo HTX-22HD. Got on myself as I live in an apartment so don't really have the space or the means to have tidy rears.

Plans are to get a centre for it and then when I finally decide to buy a house use the current two as rears and buy some nice fronts.
Click to expand...

This is looking like a great option. Just need to see what i can do with my old set-up.
 
Classifieds section at AVForums.com for selling your Denon amp, or here if you have the correct privileges, or Ebay of course.

Denon 1909 is the bigger brother to your 1709. The 1909 model is fetching around £150 on AV Forums if in good condition, complete (inc mic) and boxed.

You might even pick up a used HTX-22HD on AV Forums. Definitely worth a look I'd say. :)
 
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