Replacing a receiver-based 5.1 system with a soundbar or alternative options?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Replacing a receiver-based 5.1 system with a soundbar or alternative options?

1 | 2 | 3

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2907172 27-Apr-2022 10:07

Q speakers are pretty nice - they don't really have any duds. I have a Q sub currently in the HT room. For a small, low cost 2.1 speaker setup Wildash had the Bluesound Duo sets a couple of months ago @599 - which is a good price for a nice sub and two compacts. I got a pair off him. PM me for the details. https://www.bluesound.com/products/duo/

Then all you need is the amp....

From the Antarctic Riviera

bendud

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2907174 27-Apr-2022 10:17

Alternatively, there is allegedly a cheaper Sonos soundbar being released in June. https://www.whathifi.com/news/forget-the-sonos-headphones-a-cheap-sonos-soundbar-is-coming-this-summer

Combined with persistent rumours of a cheaper, smaller Sonos sub the other option would be waiting for that.

From the Antarctic Riviera

Earbanean

917 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2907177 27-Apr-2022 10:29

jonathan18:

I'd be fine with maintaining the receiver if I can sort the speakers, as I agree it's quite capable for this purpose - it's the Kefs that are the weakest link in the chain, and I'd be happy with a 3.1 system. Sadly, though, going with floorstanders isn't an option simply due to the room layout (see photo below; what a dumb place to put a door!). Even compact bookshelf speakers are not even that suitable.

Does the TV have to be where it is, next to the door? Is it feasible to move it to the wall on the right (facing the door), on top of that shelf? Or, swapping with the shelves on the left? Or are they built in? Or lastly, maybe from where the photo was taken? Or is there a wide couch there?

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907317 27-Apr-2022 12:30

Earbanean:
Does the TV have to be where it is, next to the door? Is it feasible to move it to the wall on the right (facing the door), on top of that shelf? Or, swapping with the shelves on the left? Or are they built in? Or lastly, maybe from where the photo was taken? Or is there a wide couch there?

Unfortunately it is what it is! When buying this house - sad as this may sound - the most depressing thing was the lack of space for our main HT system (which includes large floorstanders). The Kef speakers functioned as our only AV system until we built an external room as a home theatre, so this is the second/kids’ system.

So,yeah, that’s the one and only spot in the room that the TV can go. If the door wasn’t there it would be perfect placement.

Hence why I’m trying to see what I can do to improve sound - whether using the existing Yamaha receiver and replacing the front three speakers (and probably sub), or giving up on that and going to a soundbar.

ShinyChrome

1564 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907432 27-Apr-2022 13:09

Don't really have much to add above what others have input unfortunately, but more curious where the MVP is in all this, relative to the screen.

As it is, I don't think there is any better outcomes with the room, just finding trade-offs that you can live with. Agree on the Q Acoustics stuff, I have been impressed with what it is for the price. Otherwise living a *shudder*... half-decent sound bar... or something like the SVS Prime Satellite package if you could get it here for a good price (which it appears is not the case from a quick google)

The only other thing that springs to mind immediately of is a bit gnarly, but might improve your options; since I wanted to escape from work, I did a quick n' dirty photoshop (or should that be paintshop...) of moving the speakers to the corners and attempting to center the TV on the wall with a center somewhat center in the room underneath. Depending on how you use that door, you could even get an articulating TV mount to bring it more central. That requires a lot more effort put into cables, mounts etc... so maybe not if you were after a quick win.

bendud

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2907502 27-Apr-2022 14:08

TBH the best bet is just to shift the door…

B

From the Antarctic Riviera

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907583 27-Apr-2022 16:10

bendud: TBH the best bet is just to shift the door…

B

Nah, the best option is to shift house...

Seriously though, in the end I'm looking to make a just ok system sound better on a relatively small budget and without too much hassle; hence why I'm looking to retain the Eggs as rears (would be worried about the hassle/location of mounting more substantial rears).

But, thanks, Shinychrome for your awesome reimagining of my room - especially for the image of who I initially mistook for Jesus. I had considered something similar but, yeah, the hassle of cables and mounting is simply too substantial for what is in the end just a secondary system. My intent is to make it good enough so I don't feel the need to always want to use the HT, but not so good it essentially replaces it!)

Good to hear the Q Acoustics brand is well-enough regarded; I'm not sure about whether it would be worth spending at least another $100 to get the 3010is over the older 3010s.

Two other possible pairings I've since found that fit the very limited spaces are:

Dali Spektor 1 bookshelf speakers and Spektor Vokal centre

Cambridge Audio SX-50 Bookshelf Speakers and SX-70 centre

Frustratingly, I've seen nothing suitable on TM in the past few weeks, and I may well be waiting forever for a listing of such suitable speakers, so new may well be the only way to go.

Appreciate any other thoughts, of course...

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907602 27-Apr-2022 16:18

ShinyChrome:

... curious where the MVP is in all this, relative to the screen.

Forgot to say main couch is at least parallel with the TV, but again slightly off-centre from it. Again, nothing I can change, unfortunately.

(By way of explanation: the home was previously owned by members of a certain sect that aren't allowed TVs in the house, hence my assumption why such clearly fundamental considerations weren't addressed in their renovations!)

And, yeah, SVS was one of the first brands I looked to, but as you point out the Prime package is really substantial money these days.

That reminds me - I saw this SVS sub on TM: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/subs/listing/3569781636?bof=dbgMu7t8. Looks to be a pretty old model, however, and no doubt somewhat overkill for my purposes (assuming it's not too much smaller than my PB-2000).

Senecio

2693 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2907632 27-Apr-2022 17:21

What about just lifting the TV by wall mounting it thus creating more space under it on the entertainment unit for bookshelf speakers?

Also, another +1 for Q Acoustic speakers. I've been rocking a pair of 2010's for ~12 years and they still sound great. A big plus is they're pretty efficient so they don't need a large amp to drive them and for the money they sound great.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907672 27-Apr-2022 19:30

I’ve found the earlier 3090c centre for $350 including shipping from the UK on Desertcart, but have no idea of whether to trust the site.

Senecio:

What about just lifting the TV by wall mounting it thus creating more space under it on the entertainment unit for bookshelf speakers?

Also, another +1 for Q Acoustic speakers. I've been rocking a pair of 2010's for ~12 years and they still sound great. A big plus is they're pretty efficient so they don't need a large amp to drive them and for the money they sound great.

Sure, that’s a good idea - would certainly expand my options in regards to speakers. That said, we’re not keen on wall mounting given to make it look ok it needs cabling put in the wall which is a big effort. I’m wondering, though, whether I could find a tall TV stand that achieved the same thing, ie a taller version of these common type of stands - has anyone seen that kind of thing?

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907823 28-Apr-2022 10:15

Someone from an audio store selling the Q Acoustics reckons PSB speakers would be better for my user case; the P3 are even smaller than the Q Acoustics (so would actually fit on the cabinet), though obviously would need a decent sub. Thinking seriously about getting that SVS sub on TM, given I doubt I'll get anything close to that performance new for quite a bit more (SB1000 for $1k at The Listening Post is about as good as I've found).

PSB P3 bookshelf speakers are $499; Alpha C10 centre is $599, so a decent amount more than the Q Acoustics. Anyone got thoughts on this as an option?

All up, with the SVS sub that's $1648. I have to decide whether it's worth committing this sort of money (plus another at least $2100 for the TV itself) for a secondary set-up...

Senecio

2693 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2907835 28-Apr-2022 10:38

I can't comment on PSB speakers as I've never auditioned them. I generally steer away from metal dome tweeters and in favour of soft dome tweeters as I find metal domes a little too harsh and I prefer a softer tone.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907838 28-Apr-2022 10:58

Senecio:

I can't comment on PSB speakers as I've never auditioned them. I generally steer away from metal dome tweeters and in favour of soft dome tweeters as I find metal domes a little too harsh and I prefer a softer tone.

Yeah, the guy specifically mentioned the Q Acoustics are quite soft-sounding; my concern is that, given this is primarily for AV use, whether a brighter sound would actually be advantageous.

Obviously, the best option is to drive down to Wgtn to have a listen for myself...

ShinyChrome

1564 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907868 28-Apr-2022 12:07

PSB is one brand I've always wanted to try, as I covet the look of the Imagine T3s, but never had the chance. Their cheaper lines seem to rate generally well though for quality. Whether they are to your taste is another story really, but as you have identified, I think harder/brighter sound = more dynamic audio for HT.

That PB10 is the predecessor to the PB1000, so not quite as much grunt as your PB2000, but that is a good price for the performance and should be good for the apparent smaller size of that room. The only thing that springs to mind is that it uses the old BASH amp instead of the newer models which uses Sledge amps. It looks like if it goes though, you might be able to drop in a new amp from SVS.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2907895 28-Apr-2022 13:41

@Shinychrome: cheers for those thoughts.

In following up on a comment you made earlier, I think you may have been getting at the distance of main seating position relative to the TV/speakers: LR speakers will be approx 1.4m apart, and thanks to the room layout the main sofa is slightly over 4m from the screen. Not what anyone could call a good ratio - that differential does/will play havoc with L/R separation, imaging etc.

Which is why I'm now doubting my decision to go with a 'separates' approach, given this significant compromise - am I just better to give up on this and go with a soundbar?

Benefits of this would include the ability to go with a much shallower/narrower TV cabinet, whereas sticking with a receiver means I'm also wedded to keeping a cabinet just as large despite no longer needing it for any other components (yep, at one stage I believe I filled all nine slots!). I'm going to pop in to have a listen to one of the more expensive soundbars at HN (they have it in a separate room - don't see the point of listening in the showroom) - at least that may rule out that as an option.

Clearly a risk I've reached paralysis through over-analysis!

Edit: Had a listen to the Samsung Q950 soundbar at HN's and, in regards to AV use, was pretty impressed with it. Certainly loud and proud. Soundstage not that wide even with its special trickery, bass is big but somewhat undefined. But totally could live with it for AV. Not as impressed with it for music, though; something particularly lacking in women's vocals range, but actually ok for chamber music.

I think I'll not rush this decision; at this point I'm swaying towards the soundbar (heresy I hear some say!) as, in the end, most of its usage will be for AV, but there's also a new version of the Samsung due out soon (Q990B), with one review I read of it reckoning music playback has been improved. By the time Black Friday comes around hopefully it may be down to a good enough price.

1 | 2 | 3