Sound bar for Dialogue

I always agree with having appropriate room treatment as being essential for clarity and tonal balance.

Still, I think having a sound bar is such a great feature to simplify a high system which shares space with the TV.

rdoc, The Zvox I referred to was not incorporated into my 2 channel audio system which I use exclusively for music. I only use the Zvox for TV (in different rooms) and it replaces the 'full range' (haha) speakers in the TV. Great for what it does but I doubt that it would be better than properly driven audio speakers. Re different models, size = bass performance. 

I also use the ZVOX for dialogue on my Samsung TV.  It made a world of difference as I can now hear what people are saying without having to raise the volume.  Mine is at least 8 years old, cost was around $160.00. It sounds better than any sound bar I heard at the time.   It also does bass quite well. 

I keep my 2 channel stereo system completely separate.   I only watch 5 hours of TV weekly at the most. 

I was doing research on these a while back, and the Yamaha YAS-209 got nice reviews and even comes with a subwoofer that’ll likely inject a little more fun into your normal TV experience, and it’s only $299.  Best of luck. 

Hi OP,  Just last night my wife asked why is it so hard to hear the voices?
I realized that we were listening through the Samsung TV and not our soundbar!
While I have a fairly high end two channel system, it is in another room.
I tried an inexpensive (Yamaha) self powered soundbar but it was not good to me.
So I purchased a slimline  Marantz 5 channel AVR (under 500) and a def tech soundbar (about 500) from Safe and Sound, which always has closeouts on such stuff.  It is true 5 channel, and their least expensive AVR is plenty for the unpowered soundbar.
Vocals are clear as a bell, and while not 'true surround 'with speakers behind you, it is fine for me, being an Audio guy and not a movie nut.
There was just recently a Marantz 1509 on this sight for 299.
I believe a non powered soundbar with separate AVR is the way to go.

Hope this helps,
Ken