How Do I Pick a Soundbar?

roberttimmms on 29/03/2022 - 14:37

In the market for my first soundbar, I have a TCL TV and it the speakers aren't very good, I'm not hugely bothered by it but everyone who comes over says I should get a soundbar and how much better movies will be etc.

Went on the JB Hi-fi website and found 3 cheaper models at slightly different price points:

$210
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/sony-hts100f-soundbar-wit…

$250
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/tcl-ts8111-2-1-channel-do…

$300
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/samsung-s-series-hw-s60a-…

I figure even the cheapest one will be a huge upgrade over stock TV speakers, is there any point going up from there? The Sony has less watts than the other two but my living room is tiny anyway.

Electrical & Electronics Samsung Sony Soundbar TCL

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 29/03/2022 - 14:41
    +2

    How do I pick a soundbar?

    1. Write the soundbar names on a piece of paper
    2. Put them in a hat
    3. Reach in and pick one

    I believe this method has worked for centuries.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/03/2022 - 15:15
      +1

      You forgot step 3 - shake the hat! Rigged.

      • ausdday on 29/03/2022 - 15:53
        +2

        …names on a piece of paper.

        No shake needed.

    • knasty on 29/03/2022 - 16:40

      I don't like to leave these things to chance. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe is a much better option.

  • iamherenow on 29/03/2022 - 14:48

    Go try them in store. The good guys near me has a lot setup for testing. You can tell the difference between them when they are next to each other.

  • Jason Genova on 29/03/2022 - 14:49
    -1

    i wouldnt be investing too much money for a TCL

  • mini2 on 29/03/2022 - 14:51

    Price? Aesthetics? Listen to them at a shop?

  • Iangh on 29/03/2022 - 15:50
    +2

    https://www.excelhifi.com.au/yas-209-sound-bar-refurbished.h…
    https://www.excelhifi.com.au/yas-109-sound-bar-refurbished.h…
    Well known on Whirlpool. Have bought myself and Gary's CS is excellent

    • bdl on 29/03/2022 - 15:57

      This, Yamaha +1

  • ausdday on 29/03/2022 - 16:02

    If you just after something better than TCL TV speaker, the cheapest on in your list will probably do the job. But if you want to enjoy a movie better, you need to try them out in a shop, especially what type of movies you like. Action demands bass while drama is better with mid range.

    Also you need to consider the connection between your TV and soundbar. Bluetooth is good but it might have some lag. Headphone out to 3.5mm audio in on speaker is alright but you get stereo max. Optical and HDMI ARC needs both TV and soundbar to support it.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2022 - 17:50

    They're all pretty much the same. Inventing the 'Soundbar' was a great idea for retailers

    • crentist on 29/03/2022 - 18:20

      yea good move. they realised only geeks can be bothered placing speakers around the room and most people are lazy luddites who are easier sold on convenience than results

      the cherry on top is that they didnt address this by putting better speakers in tvs

      • Muzeeb on 29/03/2022 - 19:11

        Thin TVs need thin speakers unfortunately

  • samp365 on 29/03/2022 - 17:59
    +1

    Buy the one with a Center Speaker else you will regret!!

  • Ugly on 29/03/2022 - 19:37

    5.1 and a separate subwoofer if you can afford it.

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