mdwatts11 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Hey guys... I'm in the market for a sound bar and wanted to see if anyone has one or would recommend one. I've got a $100 gift card to best buy so I'm looking for something decent. I'm willing to spend around $500. Here's one that I'm looking at. http://http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Polk+Audio+-+SurroundBar+6000+Home+Theater+Speaker+System/1287212.p?id=1218247186648&skuId=1287212 Thanks!
Chewy Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 My buddy has one... I believe he bought a Sony, but I'm not sure of that.
3PedalMINI Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 3PEDALMINI will chime in right about....... Now What are looking for in a sound bar? are you looking for something just better then the clock radio sound quality of your current TV speakers or are you looking for something that will give you "surround sound" If you answer Surround Sound then you need to be aware of the drawbacks of sound bars. Because of the small size its near impossible to get the imaging correct and there for you dont get much L&R feeling. IE a helicopter comes in from the front right and will sound more like its coming from the right of the screen rather then right of the room (which is what you want in a surround sound installation) That being said their are companies that are "fooling" the ear and aiming the speakers in a specific pattern, Which kind of "works" sound bars work well in small rooms where a 5.1 system is impossible or just doesn't make sense like a bedroom. I am a polk dealer and have sold that unit before in a kids bedroom. To put it nicely, it works well to lose the "tinny" sound of TV speakers. The subwoofer is nothing more then a paper weight IMO. and dont expect it to sound like you have rear speakers (none of them work well in that aspect) LEON makes some of the best soundbars and they actually custom make them to fit the form and finish of the TV so it looks "stock" they are WELL outside of your price range though but you may want to take a look anyway. Leon Speakers :: Custom Built High-fidelity Home Theater Speakers these are the ONLY ones that i ever think about putting in as a LCR setup. Ive sold a few and considering they sound amaizing always paired with a totem, martin logan or episode subwoofer and a denon AVR. We also also put in rear speakers in a sound bar installation 500 dollar budget for soundbars is really nothing, especially if your looking for a surround sound type system out of a sound bar. BTW when looking you want to find something with separate amplification NEVER do anything with built in like the polk one you linked too. If you stuck on the sound bar idea up your budget abit if you want to be happy use your gift card on this denon 1612 - BestBuy Paired with this sound bar (BEST in the less $1000 range) [ame=http://www.amazon.com/KEF-HTF7003-Sound-Bar-Speaker/dp/B002WTAO94]Amazon.com: KEF HTF7003 Sound Bar Speaker: Electronics[/ame] With this subwoofer [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Monitor-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335291558&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black): Electronics[/ame] you will have a Super nice soundbar system its a bit over budget but you will truely be happy. always always ALWAYS find something that is not a one system soltion, these are designed by price then quality not the other way around. then as budget and time allows add some rear speakers Now, if you have the time and your room allows just do this paired with the same receiver i linked too above. just a smidgen over your budget but by far the BEST solution and you will get a true surround sound system. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-500-Compact-Theater/dp/B001XURGT4/ref=sr_1_41?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335291773&sr=1-41]Amazon.com: Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Electronics[/ame] Hope this helps lemme know if you have any more questions
Team Adam's Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 I had a Boston Acoustics soundbar in the past and was rather impressed with it for the price, but it did require a wired sub to maximize the sound. The wireless sub left a lot to be desired so I ended up running my Velodyne sub in its place. Soundbar Speakers For Sale | Best Soundbar System | Soundbar Reviews
chrys7 Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 I have the Yamaha YSP-4100 W/a VTF-2 MK4 Subwoofer from HSU. I have heard a few sound bars before buying the Yamaha, and this bar just blew me away. I watched U571, Lord of the Rings to test the sound beaming and its truly insane. I did turn my head a few times thinking there was some thing buzzing behind me. I am very happy with it I think the latest is the YSP-5100 but from what I have read it doesnt sound any better than the 4100 which you should be able to find at a killer price. if your looking for a no nonsense Sub, check out HSU. Also when you settle on the Bar you want do some research here AVS Forum. the guys on the av forums are sound techies and will be able to give you lots of good advice! They helped me Calibrate my Plasma, Tweak the sound bar and fine tune my sub to get deep bass! Good luck on your search!
3PedalMINI Posted April 24, 2012 Posted April 24, 2012 Also when you settle on the Bar you want do some research here AVS Forum. the guys on the av forums are sound techies and will be able to give you lots of good advice! They helped me Calibrate my Plasma, Tweak the sound bar and fine tune my sub to get deep bass! that place is the DEVIL filled with hacks and DIYers that think they are smarter then the guys that are in the trenches every day. There are a few good guys left but most moved over to RC and a closed forum from the public. i lurk overthere when i have nothing better to do and SMH in disgust what type of information is being thrown around. Actually not to long ago i did a service call on a system the guy primarily designed by the "geniuses" over there. lets just say this system never worked right and is on the hall of shame at both of the other forums. 20k in gear that he didn't need or was the wrong stuff and because he purchased it all from amazon and flea bay and cant return a single thing if you know what your looking for and can weed through the 99.1% of BS and spew then there is some ok knowledge. But the good info is Primarily the same guys that are over at RC and the closed forum But i guess I cant complain, that forum helps keep guys like us in business Im not coming at you, just warning you and others that you have to be very careful with the advice you get from AVS
TK427 Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Hey guys... I'm in the market for a sound bar and wanted to see if anyone has one or would recommend one. I've got a $100 gift card to best buy so I'm looking for something decent. I'm willing to spend around $500. Here's one that I'm looking at. http://http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Polk+Audio+-+SurroundBar+6000+Home+Theater+Speaker+System/1287212.p?id=1218247186648&skuId=1287212 Thanks! We have had are Polk sound bar bought from Best Buy for a few months now, and we absolutely love it! It's is way better then the piece of junk $1500 Bose we bought last year. NO JOKE P.S. Are woofer and sound Is awesome, maybe we just got lucky!
3PedalMINI Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 We have had are Polk sound bar bought from Best Buy for a few months now, and we absolutely love it! It's is way better then the piece of junk $1500 Bose we bought last year. NO JOKE P.S. Are woofer and sound Is awesome, maybe we just got lucky! No Highs No lows it must be Bose the only things that sound good from bose are their outdoor speakers. But im an authorized dealer so I cant trash them too much
bigaudiofanatic Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 No Highs No lows it must be Bose the only things that sound good from bose are their outdoor speakers. But im an authorized dealer so I cant trash them too much X2 on bose statment, I hate bose!!!! Pull more of that stuff out of cars than you probably have seen in the house Mini .
chrys7 Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I hear you, i was satisfied with the help I got. that place is the DEVIL filled with hacks and DIYers that think they are smarter then the guys that are in the trenches every day. There are a few good guys left but most moved over to RC and a closed forum from the public. i lurk overthere when i have nothing better to do and SMH in disgust what type of information is being thrown around. Actually not to long ago i did a service call on a system the guy primarily designed by the "geniuses" over there. lets just say this system never worked right and is on the hall of shame at both of the other forums. 20k in gear that he didn't need or was the wrong stuff and because he purchased it all from amazon and flea bay and cant return a single thing if you know what your looking for and can weed through the 99.1% of BS and spew then there is some ok knowledge. But the good info is Primarily the same guys that are over at RC and the closed forum But i guess I cant complain, that forum helps keep guys like us in business Im not coming at you, just warning you and others that you have to be very careful with the advice you get from AVS
3PedalMINI Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I hear you, i was satisfied with the help I got. Im glad you were able to get some good help over their!
Chewy Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Bose does one thing VERY well. Marketing! They have an AMAZING marketing dept. I've never owned anything from them. Sent from the past using special algorithms and data nodes!
mdwatts11 Posted April 25, 2012 Author Posted April 25, 2012 Now What are looking for in a sound bar? are you looking for something just better then the clock radio sound quality of your current TV speakers or are you looking for something that will give you "surround sound" If you answer Surround Sound then you need to be aware of the drawbacks of sound bars. Because of the small size its near impossible to get the imaging correct and there for you dont get much L&R feeling. IE a helicopter comes in from the front right and will sound more like its coming from the right of the screen rather then right of the room (which is what you want in a surround sound installation) That being said their are companies that are "fooling" the ear and aiming the speakers in a specific pattern, Which kind of "works" sound bars work well in small rooms where a 5.1 system is impossible or just doesn't make sense like a bedroom. I am a polk dealer and have sold that unit before in a kids bedroom. To put it nicely, it works well to lose the "tinny" sound of TV speakers. The subwoofer is nothing more then a paper weight IMO. and dont expect it to sound like you have rear speakers (none of them work well in that aspect) LEON makes some of the best soundbars and they actually custom make them to fit the form and finish of the TV so it looks "stock" they are WELL outside of your price range though but you may want to take a look anyway. Leon Speakers :: Custom Built High-fidelity Home Theater Speakers these are the ONLY ones that i ever think about putting in as a LCR setup. Ive sold a few and considering they sound amaizing always paired with a totem, martin logan or episode subwoofer and a denon AVR. We also also put in rear speakers in a sound bar installation 500 dollar budget for soundbars is really nothing, especially if your looking for a surround sound type system out of a sound bar. BTW when looking you want to find something with separate amplification NEVER do anything with built in like the polk one you linked too. If you stuck on the sound bar idea up your budget abit if you want to be happy use your gift card on this denon 1612 - BestBuy Paired with this sound bar (BEST in the less $1000 range) Amazon.com: KEF HTF7003 Sound Bar Speaker: Electronics With this subwoofer Amazon.com: Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black): Electronics you will have a Super nice soundbar system its a bit over budget but you will truely be happy. always always ALWAYS find something that is not a one system soltion, these are designed by price then quality not the other way around. then as budget and time allows add some rear speakers Now, if you have the time and your room allows just do this paired with the same receiver i linked too above. just a smidgen over your budget but by far the BEST solution and you will get a true surround sound system. Amazon.com: Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Electronics Hope this helps lemme know if you have any more questions Wow, thanks for the write up! The reason I am looking into a sound bar is exactly what you had mentioned. I've been rocking my awesome tv speakers for the past 6 months and want something a little more. I live in an apartment on the third floor (with angry neighbors below) so having an awesome system is kind of out of the picture for now. However, I will be moving into a house beginning this fall. I have always liked the denon receivers. My parents have one paired up to a set of definitive technology speakers. It sounds amazing. My question is, how is the reliability of these receivers? My parents have been through 2 of them, and I have also read some poor reviews on them about the reliability. I guess my best bet is to just start slow and I can eventually build up to the system that I want. Would you say that a long sound bar (such as the one you posted) would be better than a smaller center and 2 front speakers?
Gizmo Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I started out with Bose back in the day before I knew better. I've tried Klipsch, B&W, Mirage, Monitor Audio, etc. and finally got tired of paying high prices for stuff that I thought sounded good, but not great. I'm on a trial run with some Ascend Acoustics speakers right now. So far I'm loving them and they're significantly cheaper than the other "high end" brands. This doesn't really help with the sound bar because Ascend doesn't make one, but it's important not to get too caught up in the name.
Chewy Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I started out with Bose back in the day before I knew better. I've tried Klipsch, B&W, Mirage, Monitor Audio, etc. and finally got tired of paying high prices for stuff that I thought sounded good, but not great. I'm on a trial run with some Ascend Acoustics speakers right now. So far I'm loving them and they're significantly cheaper than the other "high end" brands. This doesn't really help with the sound bar because Ascend doesn't make one, but it's important not to get too caught up in the name. Also, buy what sounds good to YOU!!! Reviews are great, but what really matters is YOU like it. I have found Energy makes a decently priced/sounding speaker. Nothing out of this world, but good. Chris
DaveVY Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Also, buy what sounds good to YOU!!! Reviews are great, but what really matters is YOU like it. What he said! Acoustics are interesting. Most types/categories of live sound have different wave lengths that are emphasized, different signatures (thinking genres of music). Audio reproduction systems try their best to replicate the sound, BUT no system is perfect in reproducing sound. I have found that most people don't like perfectly reproduced sound. And system manufacturers try to make their systems sound "better" by modifying the sound to be what they believe people want to hear. This is why Chris's comment is so right on, listen to systems and see what you like. Though it may not make sense to others, you might like a value priced system better than a system costing 5 times as much. Remember, you aren't installing this for the sake of some reviewer, but are installing it for your enjoyment and what you like to hear.
mdwatts11 Posted April 25, 2012 Author Posted April 25, 2012 Also, buy what sounds good to YOU!!! Reviews are great, but what really matters is YOU like it. I have found Energy makes a decently priced/sounding speaker. Nothing out of this world, but good. Chris Just did some research and they have GREAT reviews. Also a CNET editors choice...whatever that means. Here's a decently priced system that caught my eye. Would this go well with the above denon receiver? [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001202C44/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER]Amazon.com: Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Electronics[/ame]
Chewy Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Just did some research and they have GREAT reviews. Also a CNET editors choice...whatever that means. Here's a decently priced system that caught my eye. Would this go well with the above denon receiver? Amazon.com: Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Electronics For sure! I have a Denon and love it. The remote is a total POS, but the receiver is great! I like them because they're small and fit into tight spots. Chris
3PedalMINI Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I am a dealer of denon and use them almost exclusivly from the 1612-4312's they are feature rich and sound the best in that price range. I have hundreds in the field and never have had a single issue pertaining to the reciever. Denon was actually hit pretty hard with the tsunami and had to quickly find suppliers, this could explain your parents issue depending on when they bought it. They now are back with their old suppliers and IMO the quality has even improved. The 1612 is a "no frills" great receiver for a really good price (infact denon has it on sale direct for 249 right now) That energy is a nice set especially in this price range. i think you will be happy with that! also remember that you could do a nice 2.1 or 3.1 channel system if your worried about your grouchy neighbors then when you move add the rest. Remeber the rears are only for surround and you will here very little if anything until a helicopter, missile explosion comes from the rear . I would recommend putting the sub on a small rubber mat to help soften the vibrations that will travel down to them depending on how your building is constructed.
Chewy Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I've been contemplating doing our family room in 3.1 due to the fact that I have young son that LOVES to touch everything and I'm not into in walls. I have a "media room" in the basement I'm thinking about making my 5.1 room. I had them install a Joey into it yesterday just for that reason. Chris
mdwatts11 Posted April 26, 2012 Author Posted April 26, 2012 Thank you everyone for your advice! As you can see, I just got back from doing a little shopping! Got the receiver price matched for $249, which was great. I didn't plan on buying the power center, but I was talking to the sales associate about the noise my plasma is making and he convinced me this may solve the problem. Plus it won't hurt to save a little money on the power bill also. I still have plenty of stuff to buy to get this system up and running. I think I've settled on the Energy Take Classic Home setup. I'll have to buy several HDMI cables as the ones I have now are crappy. Not sure if I am going to buy monsters or what. It just seems like a lot of money. What else will I need?? Also contemplating buying one of [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Auralex-GRAMMA-Monitor-Isolation-Riser/dp/B0002H068W/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335468934&sr=1-2-fkmr1]these[/ame], in order to enjoy my system a little more as well as keep the neighbors happy. Thanks again guys.
Gizmo Posted April 26, 2012 Posted April 26, 2012 I second the Denon suggestion. I have a 1912 and it's fantastic. I've also had Onkyo and Yamaha in the past with no real issues. The Denon just seems like a nicer unit.
Chewy Posted April 26, 2012 Posted April 26, 2012 Thank you everyone for your advice! As you can see, I just got back from doing a little shopping! Got the receiver price matched for $249, which was great. I didn't plan on buying the power center, but I was talking to the sales associate about the noise my plasma is making and he convinced me this may solve the problem. Plus it won't hurt to save a little money on the power bill also. I still have plenty of stuff to buy to get this system up and running. I think I've settled on the Energy Take Classic Home setup. I'll have to buy several HDMI cables as the ones I have now are crappy. Not sure if I am going to buy monsters or what. It just seems like a lot of money. What else will I need?? Also contemplating buying one of these, in order to enjoy my system a little more as well as keep the neighbors happy. Thanks again guys. I'm not sure you'll see any change with that "power center" I have the same one (it was a gift). My Samsung makes a slight buzzing noise, but the reviews say they all do, and unless it's paused and I'm right up on it, I don't hear a thing. My Denon has been great! I have a Pioneer Elite as well, which IMO is pure jewelry, but also MONEY!!!
3PedalMINI Posted April 27, 2012 Posted April 27, 2012 Thank you everyone for your advice! As you can see, I just got back from doing a little shopping! Got the receiver price matched for $249, which was great. I didn't plan on buying the power center, but I was talking to the sales associate about the noise my plasma is making and he convinced me this may solve the problem. Plus it won't hurt to save a little money on the power bill also. I still have plenty of stuff to buy to get this system up and running. I think I've settled on the Energy Take Classic Home setup. I'll have to buy several HDMI cables as the ones I have now are crappy. Not sure if I am going to buy monsters or what. It just seems like a lot of money. What else will I need?? Also contemplating buying one of these, in order to enjoy my system a little more as well as keep the neighbors happy. Thanks again guys. Nice! you will be thrilled. nice find on the isolation riser, should do the trick! when your ready for HDMI cables PM me, stay away from monster HDMI they are junk, you will also need some decent speaker wire. in general stay away from monster except for their power stuff, even thats just "OK" Isnt this stuff fun?
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