Spec me a new soundbar

Soldato
Joined
31 Jan 2009
Posts
3,219
Location
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sometimes I hate technology. So many different manufacturers, so many different models, so many different whatever!! HELP!!

Basically the soundbar I have was bought 2nd hand and it's not the best. I have had it a year now and it's high time I got an upgrade. My budget is anywhere between £300-£600. While I have been eyeing up the Sonos range (Playbar in particular and I know there's a deal on the Play 1s at present). I just wondered if anyone can recommend something else.

I would like for the soundbar to have NFC/Bluetooth so I can use my tablet/phone to play music through it. And have optical connectivity. I don't mind one with a sub. As long as it plays audio better than the one I currently one. It's a Phillips that I have at present (not sure exactly on the model number).

So, hit me! Thanks! :)
 
Last edited:
Hmm…

trustedreviews.com/sony-ht-xt1-review said:
Should I buy the Sony HT-XT1?
The HT-XT1 is a superb soundbase in many ways, offering class-leading connections, tons of audio tech, generous features and fabulous build quality. If you prize these things above all else then you might think it £300 well spent.

However, the brash tone and flabby bass put a dent in our overall enjoyment, failing to match the high standards set by rivals like the Canton DM50/DM75 and the Tannoy BaseStation One.

Verdict
Sony’s HT-XT1 is an attractive, well-made and feature-packed affair with a crisp, attacking sound, but sonic flaws deny it a place at the soundbase top table.

Scores In Detail
Design 9/10
Features 10/10
Performance 7/10
Sound Quality 7/10
Value 9/10


cnet.com/uk/products/sony-ht-xt1/ said:
THE BAD There's no separate subwoofer and no ability to add one later, which means it can sometimes sound thinner than system with a true sub. Occasionally dialogue can also sound less intelligible than other sound bars at this price.

Pretty remote control though. If not a tad long.
 
I was in our local independant retailer the other week just having a nose, they had a Canton DM50 I tested out. I was rather impressed, however depends if you need a slimline bar or happy to rest the TV on top?
 
I was in our local independant retailer the other week just having a nose, they had a Canton DM50 I tested out. I was rather impressed, however depends if you need a slimline bar or happy to rest the TV on top?

That's not bad at all. I don't mind resting the TV on top. I have seen a few sound stages. Aaarrrggghhh! So many options! Lol.
 
if it were me I'd be looking at:

Samsung HW-H750 - probably an absolute steal now at £350
Philips HTL5140 - £300
Q Acoustics Media 4 - £350
 
Originally Posted by trustedreviews.com/sony-ht-xt1-review
Should I buy the Sony HT-XT1?
The HT-XT1 is a superb soundbase in many ways, offering class-leading connections, tons of audio tech, generous features and fabulous build quality. If you prize these things above all else then you might think it £300 well spent.

However, the brash tone and flabby bass put a dent in our overall enjoyment, failing to match the high standards set by rivals like the Canton DM50/DM75 and the Tannoy BaseStation One.

Verdict
Sony’s HT-XT1 is an attractive, well-made and feature-packed affair with a crisp, attacking sound, but sonic flaws deny it a place at the soundbase top table.

Scores In Detail
Design 9/10
Features 10/10
Performance 7/10
Sound Quality 7/10
Value 9/10


Love my Sony HT-XT1 , been looking at HT-XT3 todayb
 
if it were me I'd be looking at:

Samsung HW-H750 - probably an absolute steal now at £350
Philips HTL5140 - £300
Q Acoustics Media 4 - £350

how interesting...the samsung HWH750 was a £600 bar which is now £350 and the philips 5140 debuted at £300 and now can be had for about £250.

On paper the HWH750 should be the obvious choice but has anyone had both of these and can comment on whether the sammy blows the philips away? seems too good to be true. The sammy was penalised in reviews for being so expensive but now at the same price point I imagine it would be 9 or 10/10
 
I received my Samsung HW-H750 last Friday, £320 delivered.

Absolutely amazing piece of kit. The sound is smooth as silk, can't really describe it. It's just...clear, elegant.
 
I received my Samsung HW-H750 last Friday, £320 delivered.

Absolutely amazing piece of kit. The sound is smooth as silk, can't really describe it. It's just...clear, elegant.

I like the sound of that one too. So many options! Thanks.
 
Back
Top Bottom