Sound bar for Dialogue

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.

@rdoc,

I highly recommend SONOS surround bar. I have been a long time user (15 plus years), very reliable and high quality sound. Easy to setup, give it a try in your home.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sonos-beam-soundbar-with-voice-control-built-in-white/6253411.p?skuId=6...

Center channel speakers are best for obtaining dialogue clarity.  What are you using to transmit audio?  Does your gear have the capability to integrate a center channel?

Thanks to all who made suggestions.  I was able to pick up an open box ZVOX SB500 for $150 off.  My wife and I watched a program last night that for which we previously had to turn on captions to understand a fair amount  of the dialogue.  With the ZVOX sound bar, we could understand 99% of the dialogue with no captions.  It is a great product.  In visiting with a very knowledgeable Best Buy rep, he said that the ZVOX is one of the best maybe because they make hearing aids. Thanks again.