Soundbars vs stereo speakers

[mtbdudex]

Try this with all Soundbars.

Listen close, say 3 - 4 feet , hear stereo imaging. Then move back to 5 - 6 feet back, and see if the stereo imaging is same. Then try at 9-10 feet back, normal family room distance . Yea, you hear a ambisonic audio sound then, not good stereo imaging.

Simple stereo speakers 5 - 6 feet apart will offer much better imaging at 9-10 foot distance .

 

[One2Grift]

Try this with all Soundbars.

Listen close, say 3 - 4 feet , here stereo imaging. Then move back to 5 - 6 feet back, and see if the stereo imaging is same. Then try at 9-10 feet back, normal family room distance . Yea, you hear a ambisonic audio sound then, not good stereo imaging.

Simple stereo speakers 5 - 6 feet apart will offer much better imaging at 9-10 foot distance .

interesting, so a bar has a fidelity limit around 7 feet? Damn, starting tomorrow when I move the couch 7 feet away, it’s gonna be like I’m seated in the front row at an IMAX 😀

 

[Isamilis]

Try this with all Soundbars.

Listen close, say 3 - 4 feet , here stereo imaging. Then move back to 5 - 6 feet back, and see if the stereo imaging is same. Then try at 9-10 feet back, normal family room distance . Yea, you hear a ambisonic audio sound then, not good stereo imaging.

Simple stereo speakers 5 - 6 feet apart will offer much better imaging at 9-10 foot distance .

I have classic pair of stereo speakers (Edifier) in my living room. Yesterday, I visited my sister house, where she just bought a month ago, speaker set with sound bar (JBL). Aside from product quality, my impression, the soundbar is louder but less clear compared to pair stereo. Sound bar is good for watching the show or movie, but less accurate for listening instruments.

 

[akash.nu]

I’ve been using sound bars for some time now. Depending on the features, quality and technology they can be pretty immersive. Especially the newer ones with Dolby Atmos support.

In general they out perform the built in speakers and also they vastly improve the depth of the sound coming out of the system. With the support of eArc and various surface bouncing techniques these days sound bars are ideal for rooms that are small but kind of modern in a minimalist way.

Of course if you want a full on home theatre setup then you’d need proper speakers for the immersive experience.

 

[mtbdudex]

interesting, so a bar has a fidelity limit around 7 feet? Damn, starting tomorrow when I move the couch 7 feet away, it’s gonna be like I’m seated in the front row at an IMAX

In our bedroom I use a very good quality soundbar, the Samsung HW-MS650, paid $400+ for it.

It will play loud with low distortion sound, I’ve also angled it 12 degrees to point at the center of bed, with the tv.

But, the stereo sound field does not extend that far, I’ve tested it like stated .. there’s psychoacoustics at work here , sure I wish it would extend to 10 feet.

Is it better than the TV’s built in speakers? Definitely .

Do I get side to side panning effects?
Definitely not.

Angled 12 degrees to bed

 

[fischersd]

I previously had a Klipsch setup with a Pioneer Elite receiver that provided amazing sound (5.1) for my HTPC setup with a 2012 Mac mini.

I'm not saying that my current setup with a Sonos Arc + 2 x Sonos Ones is nearly the depth of sound with my former setup, but the Dolby Atmos (driven by an ATV4kv2) is a very convincing experience in movies and the volume and depth of bass is more than adequate for my condo. Being able to control everything with Siri has been enjoyable.

 

[AL2TEACH]

Seeing that all can't have 5 or more speakers above and around them, sound bars are quite attractive alternative. The tech for sound bars will only get better or give all a better illusion,
I'm waiting to see what the LG SP11r reviews and discussions will be about or others

 

[ilikeavocados5893]

I used to have a high-end Sony 3.1 soundbar and later upgraded to a Denon receiver/Energy speaker 5.1.2 setup, and after that I'm never going back to soundbars (other than for secondary TVs). Assuming space isn't an issue, you'll get more bang for your buck with a receiver-based system than a soundbar at almost every price point, and you can keep adding to and customizing your setup over time, whereas with a soundbar you're pretty much locked in to your setup.

I briefly tried out a Vizio 5.1 soundbar but returned it after a week because the audio processing was so buggy, like it would send channels to the wrong speakers. Never had this issue come up with a receiver. Also when you plug a streamer into a receiver you know it's going to process the sound correctly, whereas with many soundbars you're relying on your TV to passthrough the sound, and depending on the set it may downmix 5.1 and Atmos to stereo. Also, Atmos on a soundbar is like Atmos on a phone, the only way you'll get sound above you is by putting speakers above you. "Up-firing" speakers are a marketing gimmick.

 

[mtbdudex]

A simple visual of 41” wide soundbar effective range for stereo imaging .
It is what it is.

 

[JeffPerrin]

In general they out perform the built in speakers and also they vastly improve the depth of the sound coming out of the system. With the support of eArc and various surface bouncing techniques these days sound bars are ideal for rooms that are small but kind of modern in a minimalist way.

TV built-in speakers are a pretty low bar in terms of audio experience. In that regards, a sound bar is "better than nothing."

Of course if you want a full on home theatre setup then you’d need proper speakers for the immersive experience.

Agreed. There's a much better return on "experience for your money" when you buy an actual speaker system.

 

[IJBrekke]

Tried several soundbars in our living room, the most expensive being the Sonos Arc. They were all just so mediocre for the price. Eventually we purchased a receiver (Sony STR-DH590) and bookshelf speakers (KEF Q150.) The speakers are vastly superior in basically every way…we may add a sub at some point, but that’s it. Same $ as a Sonos Arc, essentially.

For reference, our couch is 12 feet away from our TV.

 

[AZhappyjack]

TV built-in speakers are a pretty low bar in terms of audio experience. In that regards, a sound bar is "better than nothing."



Agreed. There's a much better return on "experience for your money" when you buy an actual speaker system.

No argument here. However, in many cases, it’s a function of space, convenience and cost. I don’t need a 7.2 (or even 5.1) system in in my tiny office. YMMV

 

[mtbdudex]

No argument here. However, in many cases, it’s a function of space, convenience and cost. I don’t need a 7.2 (or even 5.1) system in in my tiny office. YMMV

Agree, I have a 2.1 system in my tiny basement office, as seen here.
Actually thx to the Covid19 pandemic and working home 14+ months I’ve re-discovered stereo listening.
Yea, nearfield setup at ear level , truly the imaging is dialed.

 

[MattG]

They're popular because people such as myself find them to be an easy, inexpensive solution to provide a major upgrade in sound. It'll never sound as good as true separates or surround or whatever, but it's a world of difference from the built-in TV speakers for relatively little money and little real-estate. While I wouldn't put one in my living room where I've already got my big stereo speakers, for somewhere like our (small) master bedroom it's a great fit.

 

[w5jck]

Wondering if someone can help shed some light.
Why are soundbars so popular nowadays? Not talking about a center channel in a 3+ speaker setup (though that is a related topic), but standalone soundbars (and maybe a subwoofer). It seems like a lot of people prefer them over a pair of stereo speakers for their home theater. Granted soundbars have the legitimate advantage of a simple one speaker device setup rather than two (plus some sort of amp/receiver if using traditional speakers rather than something like homepods), but they can’t compare to the stereo separation of two widely placed stereo speakers. So is it just the simplicity advantage? There are expensive high end soundbars so I don’t imagine it’s always the lower price advantage.

But speaking of center channels, I’m also not sure of their value. When two sounds are coming out of my stereo home theater speakers identically, it sounds like it’s coming directly from my tv screen. Are center channels necessary?

To each their own, as they say. Personally I like the sound from my Sony soundbase (similar to soundbar but a foot deep rather than just 4 or 5 inches deep). They are easy to setup, sound great. It is all in what someone wants and finds acceptable. If you require cinematic theater comparable sound, then spend more money than my house to get it. For me I’m not that picky I guess. My soundbase is more than adequate for my needs and/or tastes.

And one more thing: Soundbars and soundbases like mine are actually stereo. Not sure why you think they aren’t. The speakers don’t have the lengthy separation of the old style box speaker systems, but there are left and right channel speakers inside, thus they are stereo.

 

[subjonas]

To each their own, as they say. Personally I like the sound from my Sony soundbase (similar to soundbar but a foot deep rather than just 4 or 5 inches deep). They are easy to setup, sound great. It is all in what someone wants and finds acceptable. If you require cinematic theater comparable sound, then spend more money than my house to get it. For me I’m not that picky I guess. My soundbase is more than adequate for my needs and/or tastes.

And one more thing: Soundbars and soundbases like mine are actually stereo. Not sure why you think they aren’t. The speakers don’t have the lengthy separation of the old style box speaker systems, but there are left and right channel speakers inside, thus they are stereo.

Yes, they can sound very good and suffice for many. It seems simplicity is the main advantage over stereo pair.
I think sound bars aren’t stereo? I don’t think I ever said that. 😆

 

[biffuz]

Years ago (7-8) I tried a pretty expensive soundbar that was supposed to be amazing with surround sound, watched all the reviews etc, and... I brought it back and spent days installing the wires for a full set of 5.1 speakers.
Actually I have two complete sets, one for the PC and one for the TV, in the same room but facing different walls. The PC set is a 20 years old kit from Creative.
Just saying.

 

[schlotz]

Boiled down: if you are, or consider yourself, an audiophile then a soundbar is probably not for you. Short of that then a soundbar might truly satisfy your needs as long as you are willing to spend $500 or more on one that supports eARC and comes with a wireless subwoofer. The one positive extra that comes with one is the significantly reduced clutter of cables and wires behind the TV not to mention less required space w/out an AV box in the mix. It's a highly personal choice.

 

[nutmac]

Boiled down: if you are, or consider yourself, an audiophile then a soundbar is probably not for you. Short of that then a soundbar might truly satisfy your needs as long as you are willing to spend $500 or more on one that supports eARC and comes with a wireless subwoofer. The one positive extra that comes with one is the significantly reduced clutter of cables and wires behind the TV not to mention less required space w/out an AV box in the mix. It's a highly personal choice.

Home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles poopoo high-end soundbars because even at lowly $1,000 budget for the audio system, you can do so much better with dedicated speakers and a receiver.

I admit to being guilty of such crime, with Sonos Arc ($799) and Sonos Sub ($699). I got them with 15% discount but they are still overpriced for a system without rear surround (additional $358 before 15% discount).

But I got them because my family doesn't like the aesthetics of dedicated home theater audio system, nor do we want to dedicate a room with in-wall speakers.

Most people are casual. They don't need room shaking bass nor bullets whooshing from the front left then overhead then the rear right. But many still crave more intelligible dialog, wider soundstage, and more oomph. A good soundbar (about $400 or more) can do exactly that.

 

[x-evil-x]

People like sound bars because they are easy to setup. Also, they are cheaper than getting a receiver and speakers. I prefer sound quality over all so I would never get a sound bar. I have two full atmos setups in my place. Living room and bedroom. I don’t mind running cables it takes a day. I’d rather put in a little work and be completly happy with what I get then haVong it easier. I used to be an instal tech so its really not too hard to get it all setup. Movies and games on a full system is hard to go back to anything less. I’d rather choose a 2.1 system over a sound bar anyday. My towers alone would make anybody smile.

 

[subjonas]

People like sound bars because they are easy to setup. Also, they are cheaper than getting a receiver and speakers. I prefer sound quality over all so I would never get a sound bar. I have two full atmos setups in my place. Living room and bedroom. I don’t mind running cables it takes a day. I’d rather put in a little work and be completly happy with what I get then haVong it easier. I used to be an instal tech so its really not too hard to get it all setup. Movies and games on a full system is hard to go back to anything less. I’d rather choose a 2.1 system over a sound bar anyday. My towers alone would make anybody smile.

Nothing like being enveloped in amazing sound!

Regarding simplicity, that’s why HomePods in stereo pair with Apple TV is so awesome! You get great sound with wide stereo separation, and it’s even simpler than a sound bar and woofer since there are no cables to run, just plug in for power. Gonna set up two minis for my parents’ tv next week.

 

[x-evil-x]

Nothing like being enveloped in amazing sound!

Regarding simplicity, that’s why HomePods in stereo pair with Apple TV is so awesome! You get great sound with wide stereo separation, and it’s even simpler than a sound bar and woofer since there are no cables to run, just plug in for power. Gonna set up two minis for my parents’ tv next week.

I’d go two homepods over a soundbar if I had a choice but yea the idea has never crossed my mind because I’ve had full systems now for over 17 years back to my early 20’s

 

[Kaikidan]

I have cheap LG soundbar at my old LG TV, just for the better sound quality than the default TV speakers, I used to use some 24w microlab pair of speakers, who sounded miles better than the soundbar, but decided to put them to a better use by making a makeshift 5.1 setup on my pc/mac, currently it's quadraphonic (2+2) Edifiers R1000TNC on front, Microlabs B72 on the back, Currently searching for cheap but decent sounding sub and a small but potent center channel that doenst sound artificial (currently I shorted the cables to make center channel come from the stereo pair at front, taking advantage of their great spatial positioning, also did the same for the sub who is still pretty lacking in this setup)

 

[Sir-Eat-a-Ton]

Did some research and we wanted a Soundbar that had an output for a subwoofer just incase. Also, we wanted one that would auto level commercials and also make dialogue more clear. We went with a Zvox SB500. Huge fan!

 

[x-evil-x]

I have cheap LG soundbar at my old LG TV, just for the better sound quality than the default TV speakers, I used to use some 24w microlab pair of speakers, who sounded miles better than the soundbar, but decided to put them to a better use by making a makeshift 5.1 setup on my pc/mac, currently it's quadraphonic (2+2) Edifiers R1000TNC on front, Microlabs B72 on the back, Currently searching for cheap but decent sounding sub and a small but potent center channel that doenst sound artificial (currently I shorted the cables to make center channel come from the stereo pair at front, taking advantage of their great spatial positioning, also did the same for the sub who is still pretty lacking in this setup)

Not using a receiver?