Speaker/sound options for new TV

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shelford

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#295569 7-Apr-2022 10:00

I purchased an LG C1 OLED last year and am starting to consider speaker options. The C1s speakers are pretty good and i've only ever used those for a sound system so not really sure what is best or what I should go for. Are sound bars worth the money? I had heard mixed reviews but that was years ago. What about surround sound speakers, are they still a thing??

I mainly use the TV for gaming and watching movies if that helps, and 09 I want to see what options are out there before I consider budget. Thanks in advance for any help.

jonathan18

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#2897968 7-Apr-2022 10:25

Hi there,

If you'd asked me a number of years ago I'd have been far more cynical of the value/quality of soundbars, but they've come a long way. And that would have more been in comparison to a receiver-based system (what you're referring to as 'surround sound speakers'), which are totally still a thing and will typically give you better sound than a soundbar, but also cost a lot more and are considerably more hassle to install. But, seriously, I'm yet to hear many TVs that produce what I'd consider decent (let alone acceptable) sound, so even a mid-level soundbar is likely to significantly improve the audio from your TV. You've got a TV with a great picture, so in my eyes (or to my ears?) it's totally worth accompanying that with better quality audio than the TV can provide.

You'll find many of the higher-end soundbars now replicate the features of the receiver-based systems, coming with the latest surround sound formats (eg Atmos), even if delivered with certain compromises; or even come with (or can work with later-purchased) rear surrounds. There are lots of other threads here on GZ on soundbars; I've linked to a bunch below, with the most recent at the top. That first is one I started just a few days ago, as I'm contemplating shifting from a receiver-based system to a soundbar for one of our TVs.

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=34&topicId=295531

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=293103

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=290314

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=250946

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=255591

shelford

115 posts

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#2898005 7-Apr-2022 12:07

jonathan18:

Hi there,

If you'd asked me a number of years ago I'd have been far more cynical of the value/quality of soundbars, but they've come a long way. And that would have more been in comparison to a receiver-based system (what you're referring to as 'surround sound speakers'), which are totally still a thing and will typically give you better sound than a soundbar, but also cost a lot more and are considerably more hassle to install. But, seriously, I'm yet to hear many TVs that produce what I'd consider decent (let alone acceptable) sound, so even a mid-level soundbar is likely to significantly improve the audio from your TV. You've got a TV with a great picture, so in my eyes (or to my ears?) it's totally worth accompanying that with better quality audio than the TV can provide.

You'll find many of the higher-end soundbars now replicate the features of the receiver-based systems, coming with the latest surround sound formats (eg Atmos), even if delivered with certain compromises; or even come with (or can work with later-purchased) rear surrounds. There are lots of other threads here on GZ on soundbars; I've linked to a bunch below, with the most recent at the top. That first is one I started just a few days ago, as I'm contemplating shifting from a receiver-based system to a soundbar for one of our TVs.

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=34&topicId=295531

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=293103

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=290314

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=250946

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=255591

Thank you so much for your detailed response! I'll take a look through those threads and see if I have any more questions that they don't answer. I agree, better quality audio should accompany a TV with a great picture!

ARIKIP

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#2898013 7-Apr-2022 12:42

Im more of a fully fledged surround system type of guy..ie receiver and multiple speakers. This changed when i decided to purchase a Soundbar for a new TV i had installed for my Mum in law. After endless googling/reading reviews I ended up grabbing an almost new JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar set via Facebook Marketplace for $350(Bargain as it retails for just over 1K). It has detachable wireless rears and a 10" subwoofer. No Atmos/DTS X capabilities but boy it changed my mind about soundbars in a good way. It sounded great and call me a changed guy haha. Take your time looking especially via the second hand market. Definitely worth it when added to a great OLED like you have. All the best on your search for some Audio Bliss. You dont have to spend the earth to get something decent.

Sony 77" A80J OLED, Panasonic UB820, Panasonic BD-T460, Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen, Samsung Q990D Soundbar

davidcole

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#2898141 7-Apr-2022 15:08

I got the little bose tv speaker. It was about $200 from JB. And while it can have a sub, I didn't want one. But find it has bass enough for us. And so much better for dialogue.

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Dunnersfella

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#2898336 7-Apr-2022 21:23

In a small space, a compact bar without a subwoofer is more than fine for TV watching.

If you want the 'hang onto your sofa' movie experience - it's a difference story... but if you just want a bar for clearer dialogue it's easy to get a bar.

To my ears, surround sound bars are yet to come even close to a correctly setup AVR / speaker setup, so I wouldn't spend money on wireless surrounds etc...

So for me, surround sound = 5.1 (or greater) AVR and speakers.

2.1 or 3.1 = Sound bar.

Gemini

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#2911396 7-May-2022 20:12

Gaming and watching movies? You need full bodied bass IMO. You can get that from a pair of good bookshelf speakers for alot less than a Soundbar. Some really great used stuff on TM. I'm currently selling speakers that were $400 each for $85

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shelford

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#2911422 7-May-2022 21:33

Got the link...?

Gemini

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#2911435 7-May-2022 22:11

shelford:
Got the link...?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/listing/3582893233

eracode

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#2911474 8-May-2022 06:13

@shelford You haven’t mentioned a budget figure which means some of the responses here are shooting in the dark in the absence of that most important info.

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