Spec me a sound system for my TV

Quartz · 16 Oct 2015 at 17:03

I want a better 2.1 sound system.

I currently have a Panasonic P55VT50B plasma, a DVR, and a BD player. A FireTV box is arriving imminently, and a PC games box will also be joining them. I have a soundbar plus sub-woofer into which the DVR and BD player currently plug via HDMI and there's an onward HDMI connection to the TV, and the TV also connects to the sound system via digital audio. This causes a bit of a delay as the sound system fires up a few seconds after the TV. However, all the boxes have digital audio sockets, and I'm wondering if there's a better way.

I've got enough wires trailing around the room already that I don't want a 5.1 system. A soundbar plus sub-woofer suits me admirably. Apart from the sub-woofer it's all on a table with casters so easily mobile. But I'm sure you can do better for me than the one I currently have.

Quartz · 25 Oct 2015 at 18:45

Bump!

lucid · 25 Oct 2015 at 20:46

Well, without a stated budget and the make and model you already have for a reference point then making any kind of recommendation is a bit of a challenge: It could shoot way to high or too low. If you do provide some info then also include reference to any 'must have' features. What I'm talking about here is genuine deal breakers rather than a fantasy list of "would likes" that aren't achievable in certain price ranges.

If that's a bit of a challenge then you could always start by looking at the Best in Class products from Yamaha. Their YSP range is pretty much the benchmark for performance. There is a cheaper range (YAS series) but they're aimed more at the budget/first time/novice buyer.

Quartz · 25 Oct 2015 at 23:57

I really don't know where to start when it comes to sound systems. I would like to keep the price in three figures rather than four. I'm after something decent, not top of the range. I also have tinnitus.

lucid · 26 Oct 2015 at 10:12

Start with what you find inadequate about your current set up. List the areas where you think there's room for improvement. Also tell us the make and model of your current sound bar.