Thanks for the recommendation. It is a bit odd to see the subwoofer integrated with the AV receiver. I'm not sure if I really want a soundbar with a receiver as I won't have any other sources to input. However, this could be a nice investment once I move into a bigger place. Thanks
I purchased a soundbar last year (which was suppose to be the best one) and it barely was any better than my television speaker. I returned it and purchased bose cinemate. If you're willing to cough up a little extra this by far is better than any sound bar. http://www.bose.com/controller?url=...ied_home_theater/cinemate_series_ii/index.jsp
EDIT: My first purchase was the Sony Sound Bar. Returned it within a week. The second purchase was a Samsung Sound Bar. I sold it on ebay eventually. I'm very particular about big purchases and can be a little bit OCD to the point that my wife gets annoyed. I guarantee that none of them had the sound quality that my Bose has. And don't be fooled by the small speakers, they're 10x better than any of the sound bars that I purchased or listened to in the stores. The price is a little high but you get what you pay for. I know I'll be keeping these for the rest of my life.
I bought the Panasonic HTB-20 to match my new plasma tv. Honestly it looks great but the sound is pretty crappy. I have a 4 year old yamaha sound bar and that thing is amazing. It's bulky and the woofer is massive, but you truly get a quasi surround sound effect with it. These newer sound bars are just sleek looking 2.1 speaker systems.
I checked out the Bose speakers @ Best Buy and they are impressive. Which Sony and Samsung bars did you get? I checked out the Sony CT-150 as well in person and was not impressed with the look and finish aesthetically. However, I read those suckers were powerful so curious why you returned it in a week.
the vizo sound bar isn't bad at all. quick set up, sounds great. i use it regularly for the texans/rockets games.
i got the sony ct-550 and listened to it in person. it does the job well. if anything, i need to mount it above the tv. sometimes, the higher range gets drowned out if the bar is too low to the ground.
Thanks to this thread I purchased a CT-150. Set up was a breeze and I have the ARC connection so the volume can be controlled with the tv remote. Now I need to pack up the Panasonic and return it. I still prefer the Yamaha, but the quality cant be beat for the price.
I use VIZIO VHT215. Review - http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-cheap-soundbar/ Works great and sub is wireless.
i have a polk bought it because it fits in my entertainment system instead of having to go below my tv. and its been broke from about the the third month i got it. i need to try and use a different wire because i did have it going through my ps3.
What's the best soundbar under $200? Also, I'm not sure if Comcast's box has an optical out. I know it has a digital audio out. So there's that. A PS3 is the other peripheral. Any ideas? I saw this - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panason...ofer/4841411.p?id=1218541224975&skuId=4841411
The Boston Acoustic site has was one for 200. Regular price 350. Seems to be getting good reviews. Don't know much about sound systems, can anyone chime in if it'll be good? Need it mainly for gaming and blu rays.
As far is best way to go with wiring.... HDMI from cable box to TV HDMI from PS3 to TV HDMI from cable box to sound bar HDMI from PS3 to sound bar HDMI/Optical from sound bar to TV -- or -- direct connect from each peripheral (PS3 and cable box) to sound bar individually and select audio output channel depending on what's in use?
