Home theater gurus: Why would I consider a soundbar?

[Icebergz]

Just starting to look into some kind of home theater set up, and keep seeing soundbars. What is the main advantage of these over, say a Home Theater in a Box? If I understand, a soundbar would be nice if I don't want a lot of wires running the room. Correct? But it also sounds like a soundbar would never rival a 5.1 channel set up. Any opinions?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Quote: Originally Posted by Icebergz

Just starting to look into some kind of home theater set up, and keep seeing soundbars. What is the main advantage of these over, say a Home Theater in a Box? If I understand, a soundbar would be nice if I don't want a lot of wires running the room. Correct? But it also sounds like a soundbar would never rival a 5.1 channel set up. Any opinions?

Soundbar + sub combos are the alternative to setting up a true 5.1 or 7.1 system. While not a true surround sound experience it will be a definite upgrade to tv speakers. Some people don't like having the speakers visible in the room.

IMO, it's a better answer than wireless speakers (if the wires is the issue)

[Cyros]

Can you breakdown exactly what a soundbar is for me?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cyros

Can you breakdown exactly what a soundbar is for me?

You basically have 2 speakers with digital technology in a "small" box that sits under your tv. In theory, it will simulate the same sound you'd get from having 5 speakers set up. Some work better than others, but all will be better than your tv speakers (which is the primary goal)

[Burns11]

The Yamaha sound bars, sorry "digital sound projectors", actually do a very good job as long as your room is smaller, closed in and you sit against a flat wall. It's not really simulated though, it has like 50 speakers that bounce the sound off the walls.

[Scott]

Would a soundbar + sub be a good thing for a small setup in an apartment bedroom?

[Gotmadskillzson]

Whatever you do, stay away from the Vizio sound bar. Every relative and friend I know that bought it, took it back and said it was CRAP.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scott

Would a soundbar + sub be a good thing for a small setup in an apartment bedroom?

That's mainly the situation it is used in. A good sound bar/sub combo is gonna run anywhere from $250-400.

You'd almost be better off getting a decent $250-300 5.1 HTIB and just not set up the rear speakers (if you don't have the space and/or don't want to run the wires).