Have sound-bars replaced the traditional 5.1 and 7.1 speaker setups for TVs?

[Darren S]

As above really. When we move, we're looking into getting a new TV and was wondering about audio setup for it.

I don't want to be a cnut of a neighbour and have an IMAX-spec setup that does nothing than piss the neighbour off. But I'd like something pretty-decent - a smart TV around 55"-60" and really haven't a clue about the audio options.

I'm no audiophile, but would consider having a proper satellite speaker setup if the difference was that impressive over a sound-bar.

Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome!

Cheers.

 

[realnumber 1]

You don't have to have the volume up to the max for either type of setup. A proper 5.1, 7.1, atmos setup will always blow any sound bar setup out of the water at any volume level.

 

[Deeg]

For me, as someone who likes the TV to sound a bit better, but values not having wires everywhere- yes.

For people who are into it, and are passionate about it. No.

 

[Darren S]

For me, as someone who likes the TV to sound a bit better, but values not having wires everywhere- yes.

For people who are into it, and are passionate about it. No.

Wires don't bother me much to be fair. Decades after being in IT and I still shun Bluetooth and wireless for the most part if a cable isn't a pain in the arse to use.

That said, being passionate about something and merely appreciating it are two quite different aims. I'm definitely of the latter in this case and would probably prefer the ease of a sound-bar setup for 'lesser' performance than feel like I was missing out on a proper wired solution.

 

[boultonn]

I’m kind of in the same boat, thinking about moving and not sure I’ll be able to have my existing wired 5.1 setup set up neatly in the new place, whereas a decent sound bar (potentially with nice stuff like AirPlay) could fill the gap nicely.

 

[Ian_182]

I can vouch for Sonos stuff, it’s very good.

 

[Walnut3]

Soundbars and small speakers like Sonos are great, compact and easy to setup / keep out of the way.

If you are considering this option vs a dedicated 5.1+ system, chances are you won't care too much either way.

That said, a dedicated speaker set is incomparably better than any of those options. Whether the significant extra cost, setup effort and room requirements are worth it, that is a question that each person will answer differently.

My advice? Test both at someplace like Richer sounds, unless you are blown away by the dedicated system a soundbar will be enough, you can spend the savings on the Clio instead

 

[AdDaMan]

Dedicated 5.1 all day.

 

[Ian_182]

Soundbars and small speakers like Sonos are great, compact and easy to setup / keep out of the way.

If you are considering this option vs a dedicated 5.1+ system, chances are you won't care too much either way.

That said, a dedicated speaker set is incomparably better than any of those options. Whether the significant extra cost, setup effort and room requirements are worth it, that is a question that each person will answer differently.

My advice? Test both at someplace like Richer sounds, unless you are blown away by the dedicated system a soundbar will be enough, you can spend the savings on the Clio instead

I can also vouch for Richer Sounds, they piped my house for me before the walls went up.

Anyone buying a new build can use there system and hide all your cables, sky boxes, BT WiFi etc behind the walls to make your home nice and neat.