One needs a better soundbar..

ViciousClone

ViciousClone

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So i have been patiently living with my little Samsung K360 soundbar 2.1

It was great when I first got it. Now, well we’ve moved to a bigger place and the little guy doesn’t fill the room anymore.

Currently stuck between two choices:
Jbl 5.1
Samsung Q800A ( leaning towards this so far )

Both are priced similar at this point.
Maybe I’m on the wrong track, hope someone an assist with some advice.

Budget is at R8000-10000.
 
I would recomend a 5.1 over a 3.1.2 given that atmos is not as readily available as 5.1. The Q800 is pretty decent though.

I have a Q600a which I haven't opened yet for the reason above.
 
Found the samsung on their SA website for R7999. Hmm

The JBL was my first choice. Then the Samsung came into play and i was quite intrigued
 
And this?
www.audicoonline.co.za

Polk Magnifi Max SR 5.1 Soundbar System

The Polk MagniFi MAX SR maximum-performance true 5.1 home theater sound bar system includes the MAX sound bar, wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers for a bigger, more dynamic surround sound. Optimized for movies, TV, sports and music, the
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za
 
Mirai said:
And this?
www.audicoonline.co.za

Polk Magnifi Max SR 5.1 Soundbar System

The Polk MagniFi MAX SR maximum-performance true 5.1 home theater sound bar system includes the MAX sound bar, wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers for a bigger, more dynamic surround sound. Optimized for movies, TV, sports and music, the
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za
Click to expand...
How legit is this site? Never bought from them.
 
Mirai said:
And this?
www.audicoonline.co.za

Polk Magnifi Max SR 5.1 Soundbar System

The Polk MagniFi MAX SR maximum-performance true 5.1 home theater sound bar system includes the MAX sound bar, wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers for a bigger, more dynamic surround sound. Optimized for movies, TV, sports and music, the
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za
Click to expand...

Well known and reputable online store...so they safe...Just check the reviews on that Polk first...Make sure you get something that has a good centre speaker for vocals
 
F1 Fan said:
I would recomend a 5.1 over a 3.1.2 given that atmos is not as readily available as 5.1. The Q800 is pretty decent though.

I have a Q600a which I haven't opened yet for the reason above.
Click to expand...

Any Atmos system will convert/play 5.1.

It would be a bit silly to not buy the latest tech now.

Also Atmos is everywhere.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Any Atmos system will convert/play 5.1.

It would be a bit silly to not buy the latest tech now.

Also Atmos is everywhere.
Click to expand...
Your pick would be Q800A then, right?

I noticed the tech difference as well, Samsung loaded this one with quite a few.

Still trying to see what size sub it has. JBL has an 10"
 
djbrendan said:
Your pick would be Q800A then, right?

I noticed the tech difference as well, Samsung loaded this one with quite a few.

Still trying to see what size sub it has. JBL has an 10"
Click to expand...

Don’t know the Q800, but I know the Q950 quite well and my biggest issue with that was the stupid screen on top and cloth covering.

I opted for the LG instead which is all metal and was very glad on the very first day installing it when my daughter promptly tried to stick her fingers in the vertical speakers.

Wrong person to ask as I’d never do a soundbar without rear speakers, but been quite happy with the LG after a bit of tuning. It got some polarising reviews but I followed my trusted sources and very happy.

If the difference is Atmos or no Atmos then I’d have Atmos.
 
try the Klipsch Cinema 600, its a 3.1 R10 990.00. You can later on get the surround speakers later @ R2500 for a 5.1.
10" wireless sub
www.soundxshop.co.za

Sound X Shop

Sound X Shop | Sound X Perience Shop Online Today
www.soundxshop.co.za www.soundxshop.co.za
 
djbrendan said:
Your pick would be Q800A then, right?

I noticed the tech difference as well, Samsung loaded this one with quite a few.

Still trying to see what size sub it has. JBL has an 10"
Click to expand...

I think the jbl will be better overall. Yes the Q800A has Dolby atmos but it won’t be good without the rear speakers , you will always end up wanting more, 3 months down the line you will probably swap it for the Q950A which will be more $$$.

So if you want a good Dolby atmos soundbar, get the jbl 9.1 or Samsung Q950a, however if you want a good sound bar for R10k then get jbl 5.1.


Edit: also you mentioned you moved to a bigger room, so the Q800a atmos effect will be close to useless, how high are the ceilings and how far do you sit to the soundbar/tv?
 
epah said:
I think the jbl will be better overall. Yes the Q800A has Dolby atmos but it won’t be good without the rear speakers , you will always end up wanting more, 3 months down the line you will probably swap it for the Q950A which will be more $$$.

So if you want a good Dolby atmos soundbar, get the jbl 9.1 or Samsung Q950a, however if you want a good sound bar for R10k then get jbl 5.1.


Edit: also you mentioned you moved to a bigger room, so the Q800a atmos effect will be close to useless, how high are the ceilings and how far do you sit to the soundbar/tv?
Click to expand...

Hmm can't say for sure how high.

Seating from the tv/sound is about 4.2m

EDIT: Just to re-cap

JBL - https://www.jbl.com/soundbars/BAR+5.1+SURROUND.html
Samsung - https://www.samsung.com/za/audio-devices/soundbar/q800a-black-hw-q800a-xa/
 
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SauRoNZA said:
Don’t know the Q800, but I know the Q950 quite well and my biggest issue with that was the stupid screen on top and cloth covering.

I opted for the LG instead which is all metal and was very glad on the very first day installing it when my daughter promptly tried to stick her fingers in the vertical speakers.

Wrong person to ask as I’d never do a soundbar without rear speakers, but been quite happy with the LG after a bit of tuning. It got some polarising reviews but I followed my trusted sources and very happy.

If the difference is Atmos or no Atmos then I’d have Atmos.
Click to expand...
Which LG did you get?

I finally got my replacement for my LG SL7Y (3.1) which broke earlier this year. Store gave me credit and I got the SP8YA (3.1.2) two weeks ago as I have been waiting for the 2021 models to come in.

Must say, I am definitely hearing the difference for Atmos, but you need to be directed infront of bar to hear it. I also find putting on the Cinema 3D sound mode gives a nice virtual surround experience for standard 5.1 audio by utlizing the full 3.1.2 set of speakers.

Also, it has both Airplay and Chromecast support so my wife and I can both stream to it directly without the need for BT pairing.
 
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