sound bars

[gomer pyle]

The speakers in my tv aren't loud enough so i thought about getting a sound bar. I'm not interested in surround sound, i just need something to increase the sound but keep it clear. Any recommendations?

[Joe357]

I have a vizio, works for me.

[gomer pyle]

Which model is best for my needs? 2.0,2.1,3.x,5.1 40w,120w,300w I'm confused.

[bowtieguy]

I've been looking recently and the best bang for the buck I can find is the Sony ct 660. It sounds way better than the 260 and doesn't cost too much (299 I think at hhgregg). Im gonna pick one up next week.

[Sam1]

Vizio here too on one of our TV's, iit's this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882262004  older model, but works fantastic as far as soundbars are concerned.

 

Surround sound is great, but only if you are running an optical connection to it.  If you're just using the RCA jacks, they just sound like loud speakers and are pretty flat.

[austin7.62]

How big is your TV? Samsung HW-450 or HW-550 are the best out of the box in the entry level price range. Don't forget your fiber optic cable whenever you get one, they don't come with one.

[Reservoir Dog]

I have a ZVOX 580 and absolutely love it!  Multiple speakers and a subwoofer in one enclosure.  Of course, it is not really a sound bar........more like a sound base, as your TV sits on top of it.

[charlessummers]

I'll be buying a new tv and sound system once the stb-ex is out of the house. I was thinking that I'd upgrade to a 60" TV and the Bose Cine-Mate GS Series II speakers. (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/home_theater/simplified_home_theater/cinemate_series_ii/index.jsp). Of course, 1080p!

 

I know $600 is a bit much for TV speakers, but they sound incredible!

 

And they're onsale right now! May go ahead and order them.

[dawgdoc]

I got a Bose Solo for Christmas.  The sound is good, and it's good for limited space situations.  However, in the last month, there have been 6 separate instances in which it was on and no sound was heard.  Unplugging and plugging back in it rectified the problem, but I shouldn't have to reset it so frequently (or at all).  It happened twice this weekend, and Bose has no customer service on Sundays.  The last time I called Bose, he said it had to stay unplugged for 5 minutes to reset the internal computer stuff.  Not exactly convenient when you want to watch tv right now.

 

I will be calling Bose again this week because I'm afraid I have a lemon.

 

Edit:  Now I'm sure I have a lemon.  I downloaded a software update this morning, and the sound was out this afternoon.  Spent 20 minutes on hold waiting for customer support.  Hung up and then called their return lines--its going back under their 90 day trial free return period for this particular product.

 

Looks like I'll be looking for sound bars now also.  Does anyone have a sound bar that also has a headphone jack or RCA audio out jacks?

Edited January 28, 2014 by dawgdoc

[2.ooohhh]

OP- What's your budget for a soundbar?

[gomer pyle]

It will be going on a lg 50". I would like to stay $150 or under but will go up a little if i have to, in order to get quality.