Soundbar Recommendations for an Open Plan Lounge

Linnerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 00:21
Last edited 18/07/2021 - 07:10

Hi Everyone,

I’ve just upgraded my tv to a 65 inch Sony X90J and am starting to think about getting a sound bar. I’ve been looking at soundbars but am unsure which would be suitable for an open plan room. So I’m after some advise.

Our lounge room is open plan with our kitchen to the right of the tv the nearest wall is about 3m away, to the left we have curtains about 1m away behind the curtain are large sliding glass doors which lead on to an under cover deck. The room is about 5m x 4.8m

I’ve been looking at the Sonos arc or beam but I’m not sure which best for our room. I’m also open to other suggestions for soundbars.

We predominantly watch Netflix, Foxtel and other streaming services, occasionally we watch movies.

Poll Options expired

  • 7
    Sonos arc
  • 2
    Sonos beam
  • 3
    Other please comment below
Electrical & Electronics Soundbar

Comments

  • sm0 on 18/07/2021 - 07:02
    +1

    Arc, sub, surrounds
    Beam, sub, surrounds
    Arc, sub
    Beam, sub
    Arc, surrounds
    Beam, surrounds
    Arc
    Beam

    I'm sure there are other systems which are good too.But if you're asking about sonos you probably want sonos. Sonos is good.

  • innerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 07:08

    Thanks, I’m open to other systems too.

    At one point I was also looking at the Sony ht-g700, but I’ve heard mixed reviews so I’ve ruled that out for the time being.

    I should add we predominantly watch Netflix Foxtel etc, and occasionally movies.

  • wingzee on 18/07/2021 - 07:39
    +1

    I have both Arc and Beam setups, both paired with Sub and One SL surrounds. Our open plan lounge which borders the kitchen is slightly larger at about 7m x 5m and the Beam setup fills in the room completely fine and never crossed my mind to get the Arc. In fact the One SLs behind are actually 1.5m away from where the couch is and the Trueplay allows for distance compensation. On the other hand, the Arc surround setup is used in a dedicated media room and with flat ceilings and walls on all 4 sides, is more fit for purpose and you can tell the difference when comes to overhead surrounds. For your setup, the Beam with a Sub and rear surrounds would be more than enough.

    • innerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 07:58

      Great thanks, I had been thinking the arc might be a bit wasted in a room like ours but wasn’t sure.

      Initially I’d probably be getting the soundbar and either the surrounds and adding the sub later or getting the soundbar with the sub and adding the surrounds later. So you have any suggestions which would be the best way to go.

      • innerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 11:03

        The other bit that that concerns me is our tv is 65 inches and the beam is quite small. So aesthetically I’m not sure how that would look.

        • wingzee on 18/07/2021 - 14:29

          In terms of difference, I’d think the Sub makes a much bigger impact soundstage wise than the surrounds. I got them both together but did try to turn the setup without one and the other and the Sub makes a huge difference when it takes over the lows of the Beam, especially considering the Beam has only 5-6 channels. I run both the Beam and Arc with a 65” and has no issue with the Beam aesthetically honestly. The Arc is almost the length of the 65” but our Beam is white and kinda just blends in with the white walls and cabinet it sits on.

  • gazer on 18/07/2021 - 07:49
    +1

    Arc fills a room better, as it should considering the price difference. But Beam plus sub does pretty well too for about the same money.

    The thing with Sonos is the upgrade $$ wormhole you can get enticed/sucked into. If you get the beam, you’ll wonder what the Arc’s like, what it’s like with a sub etc

    don’t rule out the clear sound benefits of a good pair of stereo speakers (especially if for music too)….if that fits with the room aesthetics etc. The physical separation gives a soundstage the Arc just can’t touch. Add a sub to make it a 2.1 system and I reckon it’s pretty darn ace.

    • innerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 08:01

      Thanks, that’s something else to consider as well.

      • gazer on 18/07/2021 - 14:03
        +1

        Check out Peter pee on YouTube. Does a lot of good videos comparing various Sonos products and combinations

        • innerwestie on 18/07/2021 - 16:40

          Thanks, I’ve just checked it out.

  • pepitovfr on 18/07/2021 - 11:36

    I have a friend with a Samsung Series 9 HW-Q90R soundbar and am always highly impressed with the sound.

    Has rear wireless speakers.

  • the Unforgiven on 18/07/2021 - 22:12
    +1

    Have a look on here for some ideas :) u can thank me latter
    https://www.selby.com.au/blog/budget-friendly-ways-to-upgrad…

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