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Considering ditching 5.1 for a soundbar; suggestions?

I just built a basement room meant for both TV/media and 2 channel listening. At first I thought I'd split the room and have my two channel at one end, the TV and 5.1 system at the other.

I'm having second thoughts. The room is about 27 feet long and 16 feet wide, and if I divide it, then the most I can get from the front wall for my two channel listening is about 12 feet. Feels a bit cramped.

If I do decide to put everything on one wall, I really need to get rid of my 5.1 system and go with a soundbar and sub — for movies.

I know soundbars are not audiophile things, but I'm wondering how many of you bit the bullet to economize space, ditched the 5.1 and what did you get as a good soundbar? I'm thinking I could spend up to $1k. (I would cut my losses by selling my Klipsch R/L and Center channel speakers.)


128x128hilde45
rego
378 posts
 
@hilde45, For myself I would divide the space giving two separate systems offering a unique possibility for acoustic treatment.
That being said I find my Stereo System Images admirably for AV purposes.
A Sound Bar should be able to lock in vocals but I think I would miss the surround effect.
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hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,131 posts
 
@rego I'm going to do my best to see if a back-to-back arrangement can work.

If not, powered monitors seems like the way to gol
mrupgrade
23 posts
 
NEXTLEVEL ACOUSTICS looks pretty interesting 
rajivhifi's avatar
rajivhifi
57 posts
 
If you are considering a soundbar do have the Sonos 5.1 speakers system included in the mix. The playbar, with wireless subwoofer and surround speakers is great in convenience and casual movie experience. We have it in our living room and love it. No receivers, wires etc and hardly takes up much space.
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