Help with a sound bar?
3I’m looking to the wisdom of Meh (yeah… that sounded weird too, but you guys are pretty good… much more than the brand suggests.) I’m looking for a sound bar to supplement my new TV (sound sucks) I’m looking to spend under $200, I want one that has a Subwoofer. I’d prefer a wireless one, but I’d compromise on that. Also if anyone has suggestions on how to add it to the wall mount I’ve seen these: https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Soundbar-Universal-Mounting-Adjustable/dp/B00IEM6DBG and I think that will work but I need to make sure. Thanks! 
.
- 6 comments, 7 replies
- Comment
It’s not the answer you want, but no one else has written anything, so I’m not interrupting anything.
I, personally, would go with a pair of bookshelf speakers with 6.5" woofers and a two-channel class D or T amp, which should get you in the $200 range.
You said you wanted a subwoofer, but you didn’t say why. If it’s for lower frequency response, then a pair of speaker with 6.5" drivers will be as good or better than a single “subwoofer” of that size, and it will made distinguishable sound, other than just booms.
If you want a sound bar for aesthetic reasons, or if you want a “subwoofer” to make loud, no-specific noises during action movies, then a sound bar is probably what you want.
But if I wanted improved overall sound compared to the TV, I would go with speakers and an amp.
We all have different goals.
@craigthom I had been using a Logitech 2.1 sound system that shit the bed recently, It’s mostly aesthetic and keeping young child away from it reasons Part of why I want a wireless subwoofer, The 2.1 I could tell the difference in shows over a non subwoofer system. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just better sounding than the tv (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-55-class-54-6-diag-led-2160p-smart-3d-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-black/4803401.p?skuId=4803401)
I’ve run that 2 bookshelf speakers setup powered by a T-amp before, but for TV and movies I prefer a center channel speaker in the setup as that’s the primary channel for dialog.
@huja Yes, I recommend, in general, at least a 3.0 system for TV, but I don’t think he’s going to get that in a sound bar or otherwise at his price point.
For under $200 a think two decent bookshelf speakers and an amp hit the mark. The bookshelves are going to do better (if not as boomy) bass than any subwoofer in a system that cheap.
I bought a 2.0 LG soundbar when i bought my TV. I don’t have good placement for a sub or really a need for one, but I think the soundbar sounds pretty good.
This one is similar with a wireless sub and right in your budget: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-2-1-channel-soundbar-system-with-wireless-subwoofer-black/4899104.p?skuId=4899104 They do have some models for less than that as well, I think I saw one at $159 with a sub.
Mine came with its own wall mount, but I have it sitting on the mantel under the TV so I didn’t use the mount. That bracket looks handy if you didn’t want to put more holes in the wall, but if your tv is already hung you’ll have to take the whole mount down to use that bracket. That may be more trouble than it’s worth.
I’ve found the Pioneer SB23W pretty good. The subwoofer is small, but has a lower crossover than most, so the sound isn’t too localizable.
Some Amazon reviewers have complained that it breaks easily – I haven’t had any trouble with my unit, which I’ve had maybe 3 years now, but maybe I just got lucky.
I’ve got the soundbar for you!
-sounds fantastic
-has a subwoofer
-additional twin wireless rear speakers (no cables connecting to main soundbar unit)
-no receiver needed
-slightly over your $200 price point, but worth it
It’s Wirecutter’s pick for the best budget soundbar and I’ve owned one for about 6 months now and I am very pleased with how it sounds. The bass is massive, so I have it set to almost zero as to not piss off neighbors.
If you truly want a wall-mounted unit, Wirecutter recommends a Yamaha model, but it comes sans a woofer.
@wooterondo Best Buy has that model open box for $175. Not sure if I’d really want the rear speakers. (I know I’d love them but another thing for my son to get into… Maybe when he’s older he will stop getting into tech…
@wooterondo on further thoughts, I’m going to show it to the Wife and see what she thinks.
@sohmageek According to the manual you can turn the back speakers off (and, presumably, just put them away). It’s says it does 5.1 with them, but it doesn’t say it does 3.1 without them, which is preferable.
@wooterondo @sohmageek I think we have the actual 2.1 pick from that article, currently available for $178 from Walmart. The sound is definitely an improvement from the TV speakers, and pretty decent in general, actually.
ok… not to dig up old posts… but has anything changed in the 4-5ish months since the last time this was touched… Our TV situation was LEAVE IT ALONE. We got a new livingroom set instead (more money I know but worth it…) so now we are looking at cutting cable for OTA (90% of what we watch could come OTA… the other 10% would be cheaper to get season passes for…) So now it’s coming down to… hey if we are going to save an extra $300 this year on not having cable… Should we invest in something to make the TV viewing we do more enjoyable… I’m tempted to say cancel it all I don’t watch enough tv… Wife won’t let me. However I don’t like having to switch the volume up and down for the speech in movies…
@sohmageek PS is Dolby Atmos worth it?