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Sound bar versus surround system

We are going to install a modest TV and sound system in our very large bedroom to watch movies on and a bit of programed TV. I have everything I need for a surround system (center channel speaker, main speakers, rear surrounds and sub) but no reciever/processer, but I’m interested in a compact system, and have had no experience with ’sound bars’. My question is this: How do sound bars compare to say a center channel and main (mini monitor) speakers? I have two different dedicated music systems so serious music listening is not going to happen here.
Can you play soundbars at realistic listening levels? Do they give you OK stereo separation? I assume a sub would be needed for bass reinforcement.
Looking forward to your feedback, and thanks.
rixrax
theo's avatar
theo
2,686 posts
 
I have had a surround system for years and continue to build on it. I have been to friends/relatives homes and heard soundbars from lower end to higher end. Although they do present the sound track very well and they do have the ability to give the sound the ability to appear to emit from beside or behind you. But in my opinion, your ear cannot be fooled and the “holographic” sound reveals it’s shortcomings in especially active scenes with sounds shifting back and forth. They lose the impact originally intended by the mixing engineer. All my opinion of course.

In the end, if you can, try a few at home and hear for yourself.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,504 posts
 
For the bedroom a sound bar is fine, I have a few Samsung systems and they sound as good as my Maggies for TV stuff. 
ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 
I have a high end surround system in our living room and a sound bar in the bedroom. While sound bars are not surround system… they can be really useful in bedrooms. They can simulate a much bigger and complex sound in the front. You need one with a dedicated little subwoofer. It is definitely a trade off but even with wireless speakers you end up with a bedroom full of boxes. A good sound bar can offer highly detailed natural sounding speech and music for your movies and shows. As always research and more money buys you more betta sound.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
You say very large bedroom, how big? In order to come close to realizing the sound of a movie soundtrack, you need at least 5.1, with 1 sub minimum.
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