2. home-theater
  3. 167507-159486

Sound bar versus surround system

We are going to install a modest TV and sound system in our very large bedroom to watch movies on and a bit of programed TV. I have everything I need for a surround system (center channel speaker, main speakers, rear surrounds and sub) but no reciever/processer, but I’m interested in a compact system, and have had no experience with ’sound bars’. My question is this: How do sound bars compare to say a center channel and main (mini monitor) speakers? I have two different dedicated music systems so serious music listening is not going to happen here.
Can you play soundbars at realistic listening levels? Do they give you OK stereo separation? I assume a sub would be needed for bass reinforcement.
Looking forward to your feedback, and thanks.
rixrax

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,803 posts
 
In addition to the sound the audio quality another thing to consider about sound bars is the number of inputs.

If you have say, a gaming system, a Roku and your TV as sources, how exactly are they going to get to your sound bar?  Is Audio Return Channel/TV pass through going to work for you?  Do you have another audio source you were thinking of using also? Is there an input for that?

Best,

Erik
More to discover