Soundbars

Debeer165

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Anybody have any experience with these? A friend of mine has been looking into upgrading his TV sound in the room and is strongly considering one of these due to the simplicity and space savings compared to full multi-speaker systems.

So, while looking around under 5k I found two that seem to stand out..
The Sony HT-ST3, and the LG NB4530A. Any input, possible recommendations? Apologies for the lack of links, posting from my phone
 
Friend has one. Works very well in a small/average size room. Huge open plan room - not so much.

Definitely something I'd consider (a model with a bluetooth sub) for space, clutter and wire saving.

It depends on your needs but you need something with at least one HDMI in and out (actually, 2 or 3 HDMI in will be much better).
 
Bought a Sony HT-CT550W end of last year and it does quite a good job. Loads of inputs and HDMI out. Also has a wireless sub...
 
Also bought the Samsung f-450. Has various inputs and bluetooth sub. Makes a huge difference when compared to the standard tv speakers. Bought it for around R2300 end of last year at Dionwired. You can definitely hear the difference in sound if the unit is switched off.
 
I've been pretty happy with the JBL Sb200 soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity http://m.takealot.com/jbl-cinema-sb-200-soundbar/PLID28604271#product

Did not want a sub so this fitted in quite nicely.
 
I have the LG NB4530A. Very high quality product and the sound is great. I have a small living room so it works very well. Not sure how if will fair in a bigger living room.
 
I have the LG NB4530A. Very high quality product and the sound is great. I have a small living room so it works very well. Not sure how if will fair in a bigger living room.

How is the surround sound on it? Obviously not full system level but still curious
 
Friend has one. Works very well in a small/average size room. Huge open plan room - not so much.

Definitely something I'd consider (a model with a bluetooth sub) for space, clutter and wire saving.

It depends on your needs but you need something with at least one HDMI in and out (actually, 2 or 3 HDMI in will be much better).

Yup that's why I narrowed down to these two basically. The Sony has 3 HDMI in and one out, with a large number of other connections, and wireless, plus it's a 4.1 channel (though I don't know how much of a difference that makes for a soundbar..)

The LG has more wattage and better quality, but less connections and possibly less effective surround sound. Leaning towards the Sony thus far though
 
How is the surround sound on it? Obviously not full system level but still curious

It pretty much depends on the layout of your living room. The "surround sound" on a stereo system like this uses the walls to create the effect. My living room opens into my kitchen which means I loose that one wall. So in a nutshell I am unable to test it properly.

The main reason I went for the LG is that it compliments my LG TV. The two detects each other via the optical out/in and makes setup very quick.
 
Luckily the room in question is relatively square, barring the cupboard on one side so surround should have a good chance of working properly.. TV in question is a Sony as well so that's part of my current reasons for leaning towards the ST3
 
Do your self a favour and go and test them BUT do it with voice. I spent time connecting my phone via Bluetooth and playing music, the Samsungs and the Sony all sounded good. Switched to an audio book and the Sony blew the Sammys away
 
Friend has one. Works very well in a small/average size room. Huge open plan room - not so much.

Definitely something I'd consider (a model with a bluetooth sub) for space, clutter and wire saving.

It depends on your needs but you need something with at least one HDMI in and out (actually, 2 or 3 HDMI in will be much better).

I've also been considering one for this exact reason. Space, clutter and wiring.

Now my mind is made up, definetly gonna get one.
 
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