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NFT: Soundbars

Anakim : 11/17/2018 9:50 pm
Looking to the BBI techies on this one.


So I'm looking to buy a soundbar on Black Friday and I'm just curious what you guys recommend. I'm not looking to blow my neighbors out of the water. I do live in Manhattan after all. I just want something that will be clear and amplify the sound from my TV. Aa simple soundbar that won't take up too much space but will do the job.

Do I need a subwoofer? Do I need more than one channel (2.1/4.1)l? Actually, what the hell does that even mean? Also, I have a Samsung Smart TV. Does that mean I should buy a Samsung soundbar (for compatibility reasons) or does it not matter?


Thanks in advance!
I'll just speak to the channels as I used wired surround sound  
Banks : 11/17/2018 9:58 pm : link
The channels mean the number of drivers. 2 channels mean front and left and right speakers. When you see 5 channel, it means 2 speakers in the front (left and right,) center, and two rear left and speaker. Most you will see an option for is 7. I'm sure you already know, but soundbars simulate these speakers
RE: I'll just speak to the channels as I used wired surround sound  
Anakim : 11/17/2018 10:01 pm : link
In comment 14180827 Banks said:
Quote:
The channels mean the number of drivers. 2 channels mean front and left and right speakers. When you see 5 channel, it means 2 speakers in the front (left and right,) center, and two rear left and speaker. Most you will see an option for is 7. I'm sure you already know, but soundbars simulate these speakers


So if they say two channels, it means only two speakers WITHIN the soundbar? Doesn't seem like a lot? And stupid question, but I'm assuming 4 channels mean that the soundbar will emit louder volume than a 2 channel one?
oh  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:01 pm : link
and the .1 is the number of subwoofers. so 7.2 would be 7 speakers, 2 subs
RE: oh  
Anakim : 11/17/2018 10:05 pm : link
In comment 14180830 Banks said:
Quote:
and the .1 is the number of subwoofers. so 7.2 would be 7 speakers, 2 subs


Is a subwoofer necessary? I thought it was like an external stereo system.
RE: RE: I'll just speak to the channels as I used wired surround sound  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:09 pm : link
In comment 14180828 Anakim said:
Quote:
In comment 14180827 Banks said:


Quote:


The channels mean the number of drivers. 2 channels mean front and left and right speakers. When you see 5 channel, it means 2 speakers in the front (left and right,) center, and two rear left and speaker. Most you will see an option for is 7. I'm sure you already know, but soundbars simulate these speakers



So if they say two channels, it means only two speakers WITHIN the soundbar? Doesn't seem like a lot? And stupid question, but I'm assuming 4 channels mean that the soundbar will emit louder volume than a 2 channel one?

I wouldn't say within. Soundbars trick our ears into believing it's true surround sound. These days they are quite impressive. I use a big ass receiver and 5 speakers (though i can do 7), but if I were to get surround sound today I'd probably get a soundbar....particularly since I also have a Samsung TV and it does not work well with my Sony receiver. I hate that one connect box with a passion.
It won't be louder it will just sound different. Let's say you get the 2(don't). It will sound like you have physical speakers on each side of the TV.

Now let's say you get the 5.1. It will simulate sound to appear like you have speakers on each side of the tv, one in the center, and two behind your head

Banks  
Anakim : 11/17/2018 10:13 pm : link
Thanks for all this. Just curious but why did you say not to get a two channel one? I mean I'm buying a soundbar from the TV in my bedroom and my bed is not so far away from my TV. It's just that Samsung's volume on their TVs is so f'n low.
RE: RE: oh  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:14 pm : link
In comment 14180834 Anakim said:
Quote:
In comment 14180830 Banks said:


Quote:


and the .1 is the number of subwoofers. so 7.2 would be 7 speakers, 2 subs



Is a subwoofer necessary? I thought it was like an external stereo system.

It's basically your bass and it does add a lot to the sound. I thought they were unnecessary with a soundbar, but maybe that isn't the case. I'd have to research this. I will say monoprice produces a top end sub for an inexpensive price if it ends up necessary or desired
RE: Banks  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:17 pm : link
In comment 14180841 Anakim said:
Quote:
Thanks for all this. Just curious but why did you say not to get a two channel one? I mean I'm buying a soundbar from the TV in my bedroom and my bed is not so far away from my TV. It's just that Samsung's volume on their TVs is so f'n low.

Only because 5/7 channel sounds so awesome. I can't go back to regular sound after experiencing surround sound. It enhances everything you watch or play if you play videogames.
Good to know. Thanks for all this.  
Anakim : 11/17/2018 10:19 pm : link
Final question: any brand that you recommend? And does it matter that I have a Samsung TV? Will a Samsung soundbar work better with a Samsung TV or does it not matter?
RE: Good to know. Thanks for all this.  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:30 pm : link
In comment 14180847 Anakim said:
Quote:
Final question: any brand that you recommend? And does it matter that I have a Samsung TV? Will a Samsung soundbar work better with a Samsung TV or does it not matter?

I don't think y=brand will be an issue. I mentioned my problem with my sony receiver, but the receiver handles audio/video and samsung thinks the tv should handle all that with the one connect box and I constantly have to switch the video input. It's a headache, but you are just using this for sound so you should be good.
As far as which to get, budget will dictate that. I know Vizio makes very good ones for half the price (like $150) of their competitors
RE: RE: Good to know. Thanks for all this.  
Anakim : 11/17/2018 10:36 pm : link
In comment 14180857 Banks said:
Quote:
In comment 14180847 Anakim said:


Quote:


Final question: any brand that you recommend? And does it matter that I have a Samsung TV? Will a Samsung soundbar work better with a Samsung TV or does it not matter?


I don't think y=brand will be an issue. I mentioned my problem with my sony receiver, but the receiver handles audio/video and samsung thinks the tv should handle all that with the one connect box and I constantly have to switch the video input. It's a headache, but you are just using this for sound so you should be good.
As far as which to get, budget will dictate that. I know Vizio makes very good ones for half the price (like $150) of their competitors



This is the Vizio one I'm considering buying - ( New Window )
RE: RE: RE: Good to know. Thanks for all this.  
Banks : 11/17/2018 10:52 pm : link
In comment 14180864 Anakim said:
Quote:


This is the Vizio one I'm considering buying - ( New Window )

Looks good. Has all the practical features. If you just want stereo sound, it will be hard to beat that price/quality combo
I just ordered a Bose for 250 bucks on Amazon  
Hammer : 11/17/2018 11:16 pm : link
I'll let you know how I like it.

For that price, for a Bose device, I didn't think I could go wrong.
If your just trying to get  
AnnapolisMike : 11/18/2018 9:30 am : link
Louder sound then get a cheap one from Amazon. Pay under 100 bucks to get what you are needing. It's one thing to be building a home theater...it's another to get better volume out of your TV. We got an Amazon basics one that works just fine for that for well under $100.
My Sister and Brother-in-Law have a Vizio 2.1 System  
Jeever : 11/18/2018 10:05 am : link
Sounds great.
.  
arcarsenal : 11/18/2018 10:21 am : link
I have a Vizio - I would highly, highly recommend getting one with a sub - it makes a HUGE difference.

I had a basic Samsung soundbar before this one and it made a difference for sure. But the Vizio I have sounds awesome. I don't typically crank it up super loud, but it will get really loud if need be.

I forget the exact model I have, I'll have to look, but I got it about a year ago.
Thanks for the input, guys  
Anakim : 11/18/2018 10:25 am : link
Looks like I need to do a bit more research, but the Vizio one that I posted looks promising. Only $50.
Make sure the soundbar  
VTDAD : 11/18/2018 10:28 am : link
can be controlled with your TV or SATV/Cable remote. PITA to have to find a second remote to change the volume.
a must to hear  
mdc1 : 11/18/2018 11:34 am : link
fan comments on certain game telecasts. especially near end.
Bought a new soundbar this spring  
jlukes : 11/18/2018 11:43 am : link
Did a ton of research

Yamaha 207 was the best bag for the buck for me. Sounds absolutely fantastic and the simulated surround sound during movies is pretty incredible
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