What do you think of soundbars compared to speakers?


I'm interested to hear your thoughts about the benefits of modern day soundbars compared to the days of surround sound speakers and other inventions.

For me personally, growing up in the surround sound era, it was a neat little thing to have surround sound to show off to people when they came round to watch a movie or tv show. However, I think nowadays soundbars are my personal preference purely because of a lot less clutter and also multi functionality with the fact a lot of them can also play music etc through bluetooth. 

What do you guys think? Do soundbars create enough of a room filling audio for your tastes?
soundg159
Hi boneman, sounds interesting, which model soundbar do you have?
Thanks,
George
jetter - I have the Martin Logan Vision Ultimate. I think it is still available, or at least a similar, more modern version. I bought a factory refurb unit from Audio Advisor for about 1/2 of the MSRP (and what Magnolia was charging) of $1499. I see that Audio Advisor has the Vision (like what I have) as a refurb now for $699 (msrp still at $1495). That may be one of the best deals I can imagine for soundbars, if sound quality-to-dollar is your driver. Do note, that it is not wireless (no BlueTooth or WiFi built in, though modules can be attached). If you want the newer wireless model, those are the Vision X, $1500-$1700.
I heartily recommend it for a TV sound upgrade. My application was "get the best sound possilbe in the most aesthetically pleasing way, and make it seamless to the user (no fiddling of inputs or separate remotes). Turn TV on, and it does the rest".  I have it mounted on the wall, below my 60" flatscreen. All wires run through the wall. I use a TosLink (optical) cable between the TV and soundbar. Works great.
Soundbar and sub in my family room with the curved samsung for watching the tube .. my ht room is 7:2 and is great . That being said price is a major factor as is size
good luck