Tech Sound Bar Questions

[THE HCP]

So I have always had a 5.1 surround sound set up for our TV room. Moving things around and am VERY tired of all the small wires. Any of you guys have a sound bar setup and could you explain to me how it works. Does it sound as good as 5 speakers and a sub-woofer? Do I still have to use my amp?

Any help would be appreciated.......FAMS!

 

[Denny Crane]

Sound bar replaces your amp.

If you have a shitty home theater but a great sound bar, the sound bar will sound better.

I have a 7.1 system. I had a handyman run the wires in the walls and mount the rear surround on the walls. They make wall plates/plugs - you only need a short wire from the wall to the speaker.

I'd consider a sound bar for the TV in the spare bedroom.

 

[THE HCP]

But I see sound bars and a sub being sold together......that's it. Am I supposed to add it to what I have or use it standing alone. So no receiver huh? I like that, less wires and cables to deal with.

 

[Denny Crane]

The idea of "surround sound" is that you have speakers all around you. Sound bar doesn't do that.

If you don't care, why not just use the TV's speakers? The sound bar would also be fine if you don't care

They do have audio tricks that make it seem like sound is coming from all angles. I don't think it's the same effect, but better than not. The sound bars may do that.

 

[Denny Crane]

http://www.klipsch.com/blog/soundbar-vs-surround-sound/

Soundbar vs Surround Sound
FILED UNDER: MOVIES, PURCHASING
JUNE 28, 2014 AMY UNGER 9 COMMENTS

Trying to decide between using a soundbar or a home theater system for your home? We’ve listened to your requests and put together this overview to ease your mind and open your ears to the difference in set up and sound quality.

As you know, soundbars are all the rage with their sleek design, easy installation process, wireless set up, and ability to produce a formof surround sound. Does this mean you’ve found a replacement for a separate-piece surround sound system with front, rear, and center speakers? No, of course not. Nothing can replace a full-blown Klipsch home theater setup…BUT a soundbar can be the ideal solution for those seeking an upgrade to their wimpy TV speakers.


...

So they're pushing Klipsch (a GREAT speaker, IMO) but they're saying what I am... Sound bar isn't better sound than the surround sound setup.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Hey, does anybody know if I should use 4th of July sparklers in my engine instead of spark plugs? I only ask cuz I think this thread is about tech questions one would assume people working in a related field might be able to figure out on their own.

Just buy a big jambox or one of those 50 dollar outdoor Bluetooth speakers they sell at Costco.

Maybe turn on captions on your tv........your kids can read it to you. Not sure which is a greater leap, your kids reading or them actually being YOUR kids.

I'm just trying to pad my like vs post ratio...all this was in jest.

 

[THE HCP]

Thanks Denny

 

[THE HCP]

I obviously knew they are real surround like my speakers, I just was wondering if I would be somewhat happy with it. Sounds like because of the pure ease of setup and lack of wires I would be.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Some of them sound decent, the Samsung I have in my bedroom sucks honestly. I had a nice sounding LG setup but I blew a speaker and returned it to Costco. I didn't return the Samsung because I rarely use it.

I've seen a Samsung set that costs around 500 bucks. Seems Super expensive,no idea if it is any good.

 

[Denny Crane]

I will add that a lot of programming isn't 5.1 anyway.

If you're willing to spend money, there are WiFi speaker systems you can look at. Like Sonos. No wires, wifi.

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

Yeah but he'd just be better paying someone to run the wires in his house. They might find Jimmy Hoffa too, you never know.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Do you have a crawl space under your living room? Run the wires under the house, that's what I did and installed 7 wall speakers from MonoPrice.

 

[Denny Crane]

Don't wear your work clothes when you crawl around under the house.