Sound bar for Dialogue

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

Just plug in some decent powered computer speakers instead of the god awful flat screen audio.
I have an AVR with ESLs and a ribbon center that I never need to fire up for TV.