SOUNDBAR or RECEIVER? | Home Theater Philosophy 101

[@jeffleonard343]

Once you get bit by the home theater bug it doesn’t let go! It’s a good bug to get bit by!

[@alphaj9]

It’s soooo true, I’m always upgrading stuff that doesn’t even need upgrading 😅. Just got a new receiver so I could have height channels even though my 5.1 was perfectly fine.

[@jamesprada1200]

Had to move to a smaller place and once I heard the sound bar of my choosing, I didn't care if my reveiver and speakers had higher quality. Instead I focused on my sound bar's quality which I approved. Get one with surround speakers. I'm so over the wires and having to check those wires and placing bulky speakers strategically, especially the tower speaker. Life is too short and too busy to not get myself a sleek looking sound bar to the point that I've accepted that I might just be giving my speakers and receiver away instead of the hassle of trying to sell such stuff today. I'm good on these wires coming loose and being visible too. It would be one thing if you listened to tons of music at home and wanted the best of the best sound, but even then, you have to place everything in just the right spot which may not even look good if you're lucky enough to have the speakers in the best spot to begin with. I'm relieved to be done with it. I thought it looked cool, but now I enioy not seeing it. Plus yea, who with kids would want that stuff around anyway. It's more important that your computer tower can connect to your TV than a receiver. Personally, I'm a wireless keyboard and mouse from a coffee table in front of couch/computer tower HDMI to TV guy vs. the rest of what ppl do, but the sound bar was a great addition to my preferences. I only use the internet to watch TV so don't need a remote for more than powering on the TV and adjusting the volume. My flat screet is equally the computer moniter, as it is the TV, so It only makes sense. Still prefer a TV on a piece of furniture eye level from the couch here the sound bar does not block the bottom of the TV when placed below it on a peice of furniture, in case you wondered, with so many ppl wall mounting their tv amd sound bar today. Not sure if all sounds bars are the same height, but I'm sure that most are.

[@archwaytech]

Thats a good way of looking at it... Kinda like PC vs Mac. If you want to change out components and upgrade it piece by piece then go for traditional system but if you want ease of use but still great sound then a Soundbar fits the bill. Great Video Ealan 😊

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks, Josh! 😁

[@dontronge9874]

Great video! I entered this hobby in April when I upgraded my old 50" 1080p TV to Samsung 86" 4K UHD and went with the Q950A. That 950A was so good and couldn't believe how it changed my movie watching experience by the end of April I was putting together a true discrete 5.1.4 running from Denon 4700.

[@bronstet]

Welcome to the new paradise, Don. That's a fantastic upgrade you did to your setup. Hold on to that soundbar, it's a great addition to your bedroom or second room with a TV or PC where you want less clutter but still have great surround sound.

[@ealanosborne]

That’s an insane TV upgrade! I love it! 😁🤘

[@sigczr1]

Tom Green never ceases to amaze me... So multi-talented...

[@bronstet]

Excellent point in this video. Too many purchasers are focused on which is "better" and forget to ask themselves which is better for THEM. I.E. What is more important to them, the ease of setup or the ability to expand. It's similar to buying a games console over a modular gaming PC. I spent a long time researching soundbars and AV receivers and was quite close to buying the Samsung Q950A which is a fantastic soundbar. I ended up going with a Denon 3600H 9.2 receiver with 5.1.4 speakers which I then expanded 4 times: adding another vintage subwoofer, upgrading the speakers to bipolar ones, adding two more surround speakers to make it a 7.2.4 system and finally adding a mini-amplifier to drive the Atmos height speakers separately. 🔊 It all worked out for the best.

[@ealanosborne]

Hell yeah! Everyone’s situation is different! 🤘

[@user-bj1mx2ip1c]

Same here, but 3 small kids, wife, and wires and celing cutting for atmos??? I went q950a and love it, but want to upgrade in 10 years big time money and professionals paid to do it

[@fragranceandcooking]

You are a great inspiration for those who dreamed about the Dragon 11.4.6 system! The way you explain things helps get people excited about the launch !

[@fotophotographer]

I think you should do a whole 101 series. Great video as always.

[@ealanosborne]

Thanks! I do hope to add more 101 videos, for sure. 😁

[@Renan_Cas]

Ealan!!! As usual, you nailed it, man! Short and simple! Great video!

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you! 🤘

[@mikebushert594]

Well presented and helpful. Your subliminal "Progressive Approach" answer and graphics, did reveal some alternatives I had not contemplated. I just upgraded our Television to an LGOLED EVO C3 77" and own an older 5.1 AV Receiver with reasonable Paradigm speakers. There are some interesting 'matching' Soundbar options out there I did research. However, I believe a good mid range AVR with 8K, eArc, more speaker terminal options, dolby atmos, etc. and perhaps a couple of surround speakers to start, is the way to go for a fab entertainment experience for me.

[@killermaniam]

I use soundbar for my compact main living room. I have 25 years old Bose home theater systems with Sony receiver and Technics equalizer for my home theater room. Am still amazed with my home theater room after all these years! More so with gigantic smart tv!

[@byronhadley9662]

Thanks for reading the comments you get on your channel! I really appreciate all you do

[@ealanosborne]

You bet! 😁

[@kingcrimson234]

Soundbars have their place, but for me, it's a proper HT setup all day long. Discrete amps, quality traditional speakers, a couple of subs. Soundbars can't compete with the sound!

[@pokehunter7078]

Also, where soundbars you only need to set it up once. With an AV system you have the flexibility to make different tweaks, such as changing the speaker cables, power cables using spikes under the speakers, in order to tune the sound to which you prefer.

[@bobreichel]

I've got a Denon receiver does atmos, dts x, and auro 3d running 9 speakers 2 subs but since I'm seeing soundbars with earc wondering weather to scrap my home unit and get a soundbar 7.2.4 with earc. My living room is small and I'd have less clutter plus I'm not all that happy with the sound separation I'm getting.

[@ealanosborne]

Whatever sounds good to your ears, ultimately! 🤘

[@Renan_Cas]

just outta curiousity, when can you do another review for 2022 on an extensive list of AVRs worth buying regardless of the channel setup? you did one some time ago and that was very very very helpful! it had models and prices

[@ealanosborne]

I try and do more buying guides around the main holiday shopping season, so stay tuned in the fall! 🤘

[@robertjoseph47]

I've realized that you're never done upgrading, because here in South Africa we have electricity loadshedding, which causes your electronics to blow out. My Sony home theater receiver is giving problems and I need an upgrade after 12 years. That said, I don't think I can afford a new avr because they're very expensive here. For example, if an avr costs $500, it converts to about R15000 (South African Rand). So it's not easy to upgrade my avr, not even over time.

[@JOEYZ-nq2gn]

I know it's been a year but fellow South African here ...used market on Gumtree especially webuyhifi they seem to have good options at good prices too . Though they're forever "reserved" recently got myself a Pioneer AVR from Audico was on sale for R11k went with Jamo S809s and a Jamo centre then Alibaba for the surrounds as well as 2 10inch subs (hyper sound , kinma is the seller) costwise wasn't too bad

[@robertjoseph47]

@@JOEYZ-nq2gn thanks so much for your reply. I'll definitely have a look at it. I need to get this upgrade going asap. I hope your system gives you years of enjoyment. Thanks again for your reply.

[@OrZft]

Should I use a regular Dolby Atmos system or AVR version of Dolby Atmos

[@kenshinesca]

In a smaller room I would go with a soundbar. If you're in a bigger living room where your couch is up against the backwall your soundbars upfiring speakers will not reach you unless you angle your soundbar which is kinda janky imo, or move the soundbar closer to you but that kind of defeats the purpose of the convenience of a soundbar.

[@adinnugroho6544]

I still have Stereo Active Speakers, and I feel like I can make it Home Theater, but with smaller device called "Dolby/DTS Decoder" 😅. Much less expensive but still provide decent surround sound

[@knightowl5868]

Another thing to add to this when wondering what you should get is: Do you live in a house or a apartment/townhome because then a soundbar might be the better option as you're not going to be able to use the power from a dedicated home theater without pissing off the neighbors....

[@ENGBriseB]

You don't have to have it loud. Quality sound an AVR will always outperform a soundbar.

[@J0ermungand]

Let me tell you my home cinema upgrade story. I used to have a 720p LED projector and a sound "system" that was technically stereo, but since the speakers were above my head for convenience, it didn't really count. Then I upgraded to a 4k laser projector and holy s**it was that ever an upgrade. Suddenly the sound was predictably inadequate. So I went out and bought a soundbar for a hundred bucks the next day basically. And the sound was obviously much better, but I thought now that I have this amazing image quality, I need a richer sound experience. I wanted at least surround sound and something needed to be done about the lack of bass. So next paycheck (after some research) I bought a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers - as surrounds - but man were they ever an epiphany of sound in comparison. So I thought I'd repair a pair of old Magnat tower speakers I had laying around to balance the front sound quality and for now keep the soundbar as center. But even those didn't come close to the Klipsch bookshelf speakers in clarity. Long story short, as quickly as possible I upgraded to a 5.1 all Klipsch system. Sadly the way the room is setup I can't do a 7.1 (though been thinking about changing that somehow). Using Linux in my Mediacenter I'm able to combine any number of high quality USB stereo DACs into an arbitrary number/configuration of channels, so I'm thinking about height channels next. But for the moment I am contempt (Other than PC gaming, I'll have to upgrade my media library to make use of height channels anyway). Moral of the story is, a jump in quality can be quite addictive and unless room constraints/wives forbid the use of proper speakers I wouldn't bother with any kind of expensive soundbar, since it'd be merely a stepping stone on the journey to better sound and an all around better experience. Oh btw. I still use the soundbar for late night watching to not annoy any neighbors, since it still sounds ok, but doesn't have the bass or "umpf" to travel far. So I guess there's one advantage to first buying a soundbar.

[@ealanosborne]

Wow! What a story! Thanks!

[@J0ermungand]

@@ealanosborne No No, thank you. I subscribed to your channel because your content helped me with my audio related needs. So keep up the good work.

[@timkline162]

Sound bars are good enough for me generally, but my basement / HT / Gaming area is giant room that's 38x18 feet and I don't think a soundbar will be able to fill the room good enough, so I've been thinking of going with a traditional system

[@ealanosborne]

That space is HUGE! 🤘 Yeah, you’ll need some large speakers to be able to push the sound around easier. A soundbar just won’t cut it in that environment. 🙌

[@timkline162]

@@ealanosborne Yeah the basement pretty much covers the whole house in 1 big room. We're still having it built, but it's supposed to have 9 foot ceilings also. I can't afford a whole lot though, so I'm gonna have to go with more budget speakers and then upgrade over time, but I'm going to try and have them install 4 in-ceiling speakers for me, then I'll have the rest be separate pieces so it's easier to upgrade.

[@ealanosborne]

@@timkline162 Excellent goals, my friend! You’ve got time. 😁🤘

[@jamegumb7298]

I wonder if behind the pc is equal. I had an LG 3.1.2 and the .2 was _not_ coming out as intended I think. Too close? Also the sound coming from under the screen is a bit off, not like with tv where it matters less. So I built 4 speakers with compression drivers (because dynamic) and just used a 1U PA amp. Much cheaper, comes out better, loving the phantom center. The downside is I had to have a 1U amplifier, the associated wiring, and 10 inch woofers are not exactly small and compact, completely opposite from how the rest of the setup is. Also not a lot of games that use the overhead speakers (but I think it would be easier to do then in a living room). Plus DRM issues playing the odd film. I think the ideal is a 1U form factor audio interface/amp/soundcard where you just use usb, plug in power, and boom, integrated amplifier with just the sound out, saves a lot of hassle. Close anyway so do not need a lot of oomph, maybe 40-50 watt should be enough, 4.0 or 5.0, sub out for if you really want it. Yet we only have the FreeDSP as option. Lot of DIY.

[@trendyprojectors4743]

Thank you, I liked your slow introduction, it was a bit unique to me.

[@FeedScrn]

Good vid.... At 2:30 - "As technologies advance".... // I want my sound system to work with my TV, and for music. Do they make soundbars that work as soundbars connected to the TV when the AVR is off... but as a Center Channel speaker connected to the AVR when the receiver is on? If not, they should.

[@ealanosborne]

No, unfortunately. It’s all or nothing. But that would be cool!

[@adresc5391]

There's not much talk about the 7.1 system by Yamaha where you have the front surround speakers rather than 4 surrounds in the back

[@ChristopherSkow]

This is a great video with lots of great information for anyone getting into the home theater hobby. Thanks for posting this. I recently purchased a DENON S960H AVR with Klipsch front bookend, center, and subwoofer to replace my samsung sound bar. What was nice about the sound bar setup was the wireless subwoofer and surround sound speakers at the back of the room. With the new DENON AVR setup, I miss the surround speakers at the back of the room. New wired speakers at the back of the room is not possible. Is it possible to add wireless speakers to my new DENON AVR and wired Klipsch system?

[@ealanosborne]

Well, there are radio wireless transmitter options out there for connecting normal wired speakers to an AVR wirelessly. But the new Sony ES AVRs allow you to connect their own RS3S or RS5 wireless speakers. Something to think about. :)

[@simracingchannel7691]

Get a little creative i bet it is possible just fine

[@keith692]

I find the sonos system highly expandable. I do have a dedicated home theatre room with a 120 inch screen. But I'm too lazy to mess around with the wires. Which is why i use a short throw laser. ANd the sonos set up, I also paired an extra era 300 in the front with a gen 3 sub, and grouped it with the arc system, already with 2 era300 in the back and a gen 3 sub. The atmos effect I'm getting is quite insane, very close to what a dedicated system would sound like in my opinion.

[@ealanosborne]

Whoa nice! Just curious, where did you setup that extra Era 300?

[@keith692]

in the front, serving as a stereo pair. The arc in the middle now becomes a team player, it widens the sound stage by a lot. I thought the atmos effect might be messy, but the sound is clean, directional and everything checks off just fine.@@ealanosborne

[@ealanosborne]

@@keith692 Whoa, that’s cool! Kudos to Sonos for allowing that to even be a possibility. 😁

[@TheRealCompensator]

Cool, but the burning question remains. Can a soundbar system replace, exceed, excel a receiver AVR-system? What is better, is there any better?

[@ealanosborne]

The Nakamichi Dragon has been the only soundbar I’ve come across that comes close to an AVR system. But it’s still not perfect. I still believe an AVR system will outperform any soundbar if it has enough power and sophisticated internal components. That being said, besides the Dragon, the Sony HT-A9 (+ SW5 subwoofer) and Samsung Q990C are still incredible systems when it comes to convenient/easy-to-setup soundbar systems that reproduce great audio for the price.

[@volovikovdaniel]

Hi. Thank you for your content, i hope you can help me with this one. I have vizio m51ax-j6 and i want to upgrade to the Klipsch 5.0.2 that you talked about with denon 3700. My question is how it will sound better if the frequency response of the soundbar is 32hz-20khz. The Klipsch doesn't go this down.

[@ealanosborne]

If you’re wanting a more cinematic experience, it’s always a good idea to get a subwoofer. But it’s not just how low the frequency response can dip down to. Having a traditional system with wired speakers means you’ll have more power overall, your stereo imaging will be superior since you’re not confined to the width of the soundbar, and the size of the speakers and drivers themselves makes a big difference. Everything about the Vizio is small and compact and does well for what it’s made for. But it’s a whole new level when dealing with a receiver and wired speakers, IMO. 👍

[@robertrose3068]

I want the best sound for a reasonable price. I always test with Star Wars Episode 4 if I can hear the ships pass from my right rear to right front, then then front left to left year coming back. And enough bass to where I have to lower it to keep things from falling off of shelves and walls

[@LVC_TV]

Hello there. I just bought a Hisense U8H and it won’t work with my Onkyo TX-SR373’s ARC port. Any tips for checking to see if it’s the tv, or the receiver? The receiver worked just fine with my old Visio tv, but it was an old tv with no arc ports. I always thought arc ports were plug and play, but I guess that’s not the case.

[@ealanosborne]

Hmmm...I guess make sure your Hisense is sending out audio via ARC? Double check the audio settings, since I think by default it'll use the TV's internal speakers. If it's set to ARC on the TV and still nothing, maybe change the TV's output to PCM audio, since your Onkyo is a bit dated? Not sure...

[@LVC_TV]

@@ealanosborne It definitely is, but so is my receiver when I attach a different device to it. They work independently but not together. It’s a real puzzle, even for both sides as the Hisense people tell me it’s the receiver and the Onkyo people tell me it’s the tv. I have no clue what to do, but thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Have a great day.

[@JL-ku7wo]

One and done. My setup is in the living room so can’t make it look crazy with speakers all over the place. Looking at drafting the LG S95QR. Hearing good things about it so far, would also like to see your review on it if you could get your hands on it.

[@ealanosborne]

I hope to get a Samsung contact soon! Wish me luck! 😄🤘

[@Franksmediaandreviews]

I also have the LG S95QR. It's pretty damn good. Much better than my previous system, Q950T.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Receiver is superior more power ,more control , more flexibility, sound bars are great for the non technical

[@sebastian7539]

I just got a Samsung Q950A soundbar for $600! It's normally a $1500+ soundbar and was Rtings pick for best soundbar last year. Debating on if I should replace my Klipsch bedroom setup (5.1 with R41Ms, R-52C, problematic Yamaha TSR-700, and Rel Acoustics HT/1205) with the soundbar or just resell it for profit. The Q950A sub definitely won't compete with my 12" sub, but maybe it doesn't need to for a small bedroom. Also another note, you should make a future video regarding diminishing returns in home theater. I feel like the after spending around $10k on AVR components, that's when you really start to chase that last 5%.

[@ealanosborne]

Very true! I’ll put it on the list for future videos! 😁🤘

[@balachandran5761]

hai bro can you explain about pros and cons of THX speakers.. for a beginner which one is best normal or THX system...

[@ealanosborne]

It really comes down to personal preference, especially since the THX brand has been sold quite a few times since it was founded. The difference is that being THX certified means the speakers or AV equipment has gone through many more tests than your average component, ensuring that what you hear is the closest representation to what it sounded like in a professional THX mastering studio. Some people think it’s a legit reason to consider THX certified equipment. Others don’t care much. 🤷‍♂️

[@balachandran5761]

@@ealanosborne Well Thank you bro your videos are great.. im in india so i have limited access to listen many speakers so i have considered to buy a THX speakers but its too costly then normal speakers that's why i asked for a comparison..

[@ElixirOfSpirit]

Hey Man, any chance comparing samsung Q950A soundbar with your real home theater system?

[@ealanosborne]

Still trying to get a hookup with Samsung. I’m very curious as well to compare flagship soundbars to my traditional system. 🤘

[@Music-4all]

Hi Elan, do you recommend Emotiva Base x 2 channel amplifier for Polkr200 or something else that’s under $500?

[@ealanosborne]

Sure! I think that would be a great combination. 🤘

[@TEAMFUENTES19]

QQ: can you add more speakers to a Klipsch Pro media 2.0 System?

[@ealanosborne]

No, unfortunately. 😕

[@TEAMFUENTES19]

@@ealanosborne - thanks. Do I have another option?

[@ealanosborne]

@@TEAMFUENTES19 Possibly! For what kind of setup? TV or PC?

[@TEAMFUENTES19]

@@ealanosborne - I use it for both-Mac and TV.

[@TEAMFUENTES19]

@@ealanosborne - I AM READY FOR THE POSSIBILITY. Thanks

[@jailanimajid6115]

Receiver is my choice or prefer.

[@tiloalo]

I don't 0lan on upgrading but want a good 5.1 surround system. Still, the question is, would 3000€ of Sonos beauty beat a 3000€ self-selected AVR+speakers?

[@ealanosborne]

Depends on your ultimate goals, honestly. Sonos systems definitely win in the convenience factor. Easy to setup and sounds great, especially if you listen to music just as much as you watch movies/TV. But getting an AVR + speakers will still sound better, especially in the bass department. But beyond that, you can more easily upgrade components over time as you see fit. Sonos is one-and-done. Excellent for what it’s worth (and convenient), but if you want to move on or upgrade, you’ll have to buy a whole new system. 🤷‍♂️

[@abelflores8132]

I have good question. Had someone do 5.1 system with a 2.1 soundbar work together?

[@ealanosborne]

It’s complicated, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@djFELIXmne]

haha, when I set out to upgrade my home cinema, I had in mind a discrete 5.1.2 setup, up to 1200€. now considering to by denon avc x3800h (to match my monitor audio bronze 200 5.1 HCP - see the twist in the budget 😄) and dreaming of 7.2.4 in a few years time. so, you do recommend the denon. I'm in between it and the onkyo tx nr7100. I definitely need more than 7ch to begin with. with denon, though, I could easily upgrade with an external amp and have 11ch in total.

[@ealanosborne]

I agree, the Denon will be the better investment in the long run, considering it can support up to 4 subwoofers, supports Dirac Live and Bass Control if you want to eventually spend the extra money on that, and a full set of pre outs to add external amps in the future. Much more future proof than the Onkyo 7100, despite the 7100 being a killer deal right now.

[@kelvinwanzala6311]

Yes, I like custom.❤

[@kevinmanan1304]

Bought a cheap $80 Walmart soundbar because that was all I could afford after dropping 1k on a new Sony 75” TV 3 years ago, initially wanted to use the crappy speakers til I can afford a theater setup but they were so awful. Now that I have the second couch decided to upgrade the sound again. Getting the theater system now and hand-me-down the soundbar to the home-office tv

[@ealanosborne]

Nice! One step at a time! 🎉🙌

[@ferndogg4427]

I definitely think receiver is best w good speakers ,sounds more clearly surround sound and louder, soundbars are great, lg, but now i yse my new pioneer receiver it is alot better sound

[@craigosterberg5045]

I invested in 7.1 receiver Denon and 7 speakers.

[@ragzreddy1]

Hi, my media room is about 14*10 size and is pre wired for in ceiling 5 speaker surround system. A local AV specialist I spoke to gave me another option to get the Sonos ARC soundbar given the room size. But I want to kinda utilize the in ceiling speaker setup. I would like to pick your brain and get your advise. What would you do in my situation?

[@ealanosborne]

Definitely utilize the in-ceiling situation, since it’s already pre-wired for it. Once upon a time we moved into a house that already had 4 speakers in the ceiling (2 up front, 2 rear) and one in the wall for the center channel (below our mounted TV). I utilized that as a 5.1 system for awhile, until I got more speakers. At that point, the 4 in-ceiling speakers became my Atmos height channels, and I installed 4 more in-walls closer to ear-level. But rocking that original 5.1 system was cool for what it was worth. 🤘

[@ragzreddy1]

@@ealanosborne thank you for your response. For me the center channel is also on the ceiling along with the other 4. There is a 7.2 Denon and onkyo receivers for $399 at Costco. Can I buy this for the 5 speaker setup or strictly buy the 5.2 receiver? I am also thinking of Polk audio RC80i ceiling speakers and MC80 for center. And a Klipsch R-120 SW sub. How does that sound to you?

[@ealanosborne]

@@ragzreddy1 You can definitely get a 7 channel receiver and only use it as 5.1. It’s all in the software, when it comes to telling your receiver how many speakers you actually have in your system. I would get the Onkyo receiver from Costco, honestly. A bit more power than the Denon. And that Klipsch subwoofer is great for the price. The Polk in-ceiling speakers are pretty good, but I would recommend Aperion Audio Clearus speakers, if possible. Roughly the same price point. But the main difference is the Clearus speakers are angled, so when they’re installed correctly, they will point towards your listening position more, instead of shooting audio straight down. Make sense? So I would look into the Clearus 8C Angled speaker for center, and Clearus 6C Angled speakers for your front and surrounds. Although if you can stretch your budget a tiny bit more, I’d recommend all 3 front speakers to be Clearus 8C Angled speakers, since the front soundstage is the most active, and performs the best when each speaker is the same size/type/etc. Also, if you decide to go with Aperion Audio, don’t forget to use my discount code “EO10” for 10% off any regularly-priced item. 😃🙌

[@ragzreddy1]

@@ealanosborne thank you. Hope you had a great thanksgiving. One last question regarding the receiver. Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2 OR Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2 ? The room size like I said is 14*10, so would it be a good idea to buy a 7.2 now and maybe in future try to setup Dolby Atmos? Or is the room too small for Atmos?

[@ealanosborne]

@@ragzreddy1 I would still go with Onkyo 6050. YPAO is Yamaha's room correction software, and it's not the best. And yes, 14*10 is still big enough for Atmos eventually. My testing shed theater is 11 feet wide by 16 feet long, so not much larger than your space, and I have a full 9.3.4 setup in there currently. :)

[@jjguillen65]

I started with a soundbar Samsung N950 it was great but I wanted more BOOM! So I end up buying a denon receiver x1600h with all sony core speakers 5.2.2 with monolith 10inch thx subs best move I have ever done.

[@ealanosborne]

Those Monolith subs are no joke! 🤘

[@jjguillen65]

@@ealanosborne Hell yeah 🤘🏼

[@MrHamit64]

Ah you did nice with the Italian axent. Now the other question I'd even show the person by ripping their favorite seen of their favorite movie on DVD with DVD Audio Extractor is do you care to hear all sounds all 5.1 speakers make? Then you must and repete must go AVR and speakers. See I understand people go sound bar cause it's small convenient and out of the way and perhaps cheep. But AVR and speakers is what you get esentually at thee movies. Ah I want an altitude 32 and it's extender.

[@mrfscreation]

Soundbar system uses less power than AV receivers, so regular users may prefer soundbar system . Those who prefer high sound quality but not bother about electricity bill then AV receivers are better choice.

[@Sandeep_Sulakhe]

That was cool! Thanks 🙏

[@ealanosborne]

You’re welcome! 🎉

[@thebarak]

Once you go for surround sound, it is a fight for that one single best seat, and there are ugly cables everywhere. They are a terrible mess, and anyone in the wrong chair is miserable. Many soundbars sound awful, but a good one will make for a tidy space.

[@RobWaller72]

$3500 for Nakamichi Dragon or $3500 worth of receiver/amp/speakers?

[@ealanosborne]

That’s just personal preference, my friend. You want a powerful, quick and easily setup system that can’t be upgraded? Dragon. You want a system that can be slowly changed out or upgraded piece by piece over time? Go with a traditional AVR system. 🤘

[@obi1cannoli777]

Soundbar vs av is likevNeo choosing the red or blue pill. Blue pill let's you stay in the ordinary and the red pill leads you to extraordinary. Once down the rabbit hole though, it never ends. Congrats on being on Daily Hifi!!!

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you!

[@TheUsmc0802]

Good video man!

[@ealanosborne]

Thank you! 🤘

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Why not have both... Soundbar for everyday tv sound, surround sound setup for movies and TV shows 👍

[@tamerelsamahy9006]

I have been thinking for a long time, whether to buy a Sony A7000 soundbar with subwoofer SW5 and rear speakers SW3 .... Or Bose 900 .... Or Sonos Arc .... Or Denon VR or Onkyo 8K with Polk speakers And the Polk subwoofer, bearing in mind that I do not have the money to buy it except for retail, who will give me a real Dolby Atmos and thunder bass, please guide me

[@jebo4jc]

How did you know what my northeastern accent sounds like? Nailed it.

[@ealanosborne]

Success! 🤣

[@humville]

I didn't hear any noticeable difference between a 5.1 system and a 5.1.2 system. Is it Atmos just a marketing gimmick?

[@span3xd]

Are there any soundbars that sound as good as a traditional home theater system?

[@ealanosborne]

Usually the flagship soundbars, but it comes with a hefty price tag - Sony HT-A9 (with the SA-SW5), Samsung Q990B, Sonos Arc with surrounds and subwoofer, all adding up to $2000 or more.

[@devilsdust473]

Check out this brand they have different co figurations and price points (Nakamichi Shockwafe)

[@KarthicRM]

You guys haven't heard klipsch soundbars?

[@Cyclone311]

I prefer to have a receiver and discrete speakers on my primary TV watching area, but apparently trying to control the equipment with a remote is like flying a passenger plan for everyone who watches TV in my house except me. You would think I had given them the most complex puzzle in the world just trying to turn everything on! So compromised with the wife. Sound bar on the TV of the living room, our main viewing area, and I got to make my own home theater in the basement where I could do whatever I wanted.....muhahaha.

[@Cyclone311]

I was tired of calls at work that went like this...."you don't have sound? Well you need to make sure the receiver is on. Yeah that black one I keep telling you needs to be on. You can't find the power? It should be easy to find, it's like up in one of the corners, should be obvious. How do you know if it is on? Then all the lights will come on. There is a light on and no sounds still? What light it's it? Is it the red standby light by the power? How would you know if it is the standby light? It should say so right next to it. So the LED screen come on, but still no sound? What is the input set to? You know the buttons that say TV and DVD, those buttons. Which one do you press? Well what are you watching? You are just watching TV? Then hit the TV button. How do you know it worked? It will say TV on the LED..... You know what, can you just not watch TV until I get home?

[@micahpauldunford2052]

Those people are missing out..but $3000 is min investment for a truly immersive experience and lighting adds a huge bonus for cheap

[@rebelliousraven]

I think all the reasonably priced soundbars sound like crap. Even the expensive ones have alot to be desired esp considering the 800+ price. We went with an expandable/upgradable receiver/speaker combination.

[@VLADtheINHALERr]

I prefer using both..a sound bar and a receiver.

[@gregrichard9192]

A soundbar should not be classified in any way as home theater as it cannot effectively reproduce a basic 5.1 channel audio mix.

[@MrTonyortiz]

I’m sorry but even the very best sound bars will never give you the experience of a real surround set up. Just my opinion, sound bars are ok if you just want your tv to be louder.

[@ealanosborne]

I haven’t reviewed it yet, but a few other home audio KZbinrs swear by the newer flagship Samsung Q990B. 🤷‍♂️

[@Lona_Chess]

A quality soundbar does WAY more than just provide extra volume.

[@kixxoff928]

5.1.4 it is 😀

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Imagine if Willy Wonka made Sound BArs instead of Chocolate Bars? .... and then ... imagine the contest winners that got to Tour the factory .. were those pesky style Audiophiles.... Can you picture how those would be tortured in the factoy the same as the kids were in the original? ... I'd pay to see that. =)

[@ealanosborne]

Haha! Me too!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

@@ealanosborne - You can imagine my cringey face when I sent a Sound Bar off Amazon to my mom because she reports her TV speakers were " tin-y " ... I SO wanted to send some powered bookshelf.. but .. I hope the bar I sent will be enough. Clutter in that space was not happening. =)

[@siniteanrazvan3298]

I want to find my best sound choice for a couple of hundreds, is that simple

[@JakubGorcovsky]

0:06 General Kenobi

[@phenixnunlee372]

I want to warn people with the marketing hype around soundbars. The second you add rear speakers all that less wires stuff goes out the window. Powered wireless speakers need a power cable and passive speakers need a speaker cable ,but you control the length of the speaker cables. I personally have tried a few soundbars for they are very hit or miss. Some like the Sonos beam drive me crazy with single tweeter like you get no stereo image it legit is mono.

[@hokman1]

lmao at the people who even considers soundbars aren't a joke

[@garyharper2943]

No sound bar regardless of price can compete with a cheap receiver and 5 or 7 speakers, but is a compromise if you don’t have the space .

[@beatsbyjiro8291]

Get a receiver if you still like listening to radio, old tapes, records etc.

[@RonMalouin]

Sound bar for living room, components for media room

[@ealanosborne]

Hell yes! 🙌

[@WisdomToAll]

Both are not good for quality unless av has good dac inbuilt ..

[@pedrofernandez8729]

If it weren't for these razor thin Tv sets, there'd be no need for soundbars. My old Sony projection set has better sound than these soundbars.

[@erod9088]

Lol, enveloping isn't pronounced like envelope. Great video.

[@ENGBriseB]

An AVR with speakers will always outperform a soundbar.

[@JayPatrol]

I don't need no stinking home theater speaker system lol

[@cruzgallegos5071]

As soundbars become more and more shaped like javelins, it's time to take a step back and throw them over the cliff for good.

[@GB-je5tc]

Good assessment. You should have a KZbin channel... LOL ...GUFFAW GUFFAW

[@ealanosborne]

Hahaha! 🤣

[@Judddernaut]

The thumbnail.... is this the guy from Half-Life?

[@ealanosborne]

Hahaha! Kind of does resemble the guy from Half-Life, huh? 😄

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

Too many speakers, Big investment and not enough movies support the format.

[@dynamicvoltage9765]

Sound bars are so bad that they need to trick you into thinking they can do things they cannot. They're just slight upgrades to your TV speakers. Total waste of money.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

🤣 why so many people (not from NYC) make Italian accents when tryin to talk like NYers. When they'res 2 million blacks & 2.5 million Hispanics 🤣🤣

[@user-bj1mx2ip1c]

How many of you guys are are married w kids....literally 0..home theater is for older men or single men.

[@soumenchakraborty2450]

Are you saying women don’t like technology?

[@getdown1080p]

Speak for yourself

[@torguy5763]

This is probably the dumbest comment I've read in awhile.

[@leanderstein5459]

You watch it too

[@sbccave4015]

I am married w/ kids