Need Recommendation for Audio for a TV

BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 11:58

Getting a 98 inch Sony TV, heard the audio on the TV is not the greatest so wanting to upgrade.

I'm wanting to realistically keep it under 300, so I know I'm not going to get audio that blows my mind but that's fine.

Out of the options I've seen,

Hisense 3.1Ch 480W Soundbar HS3100AU seems good? It is listed at $250 I got some discount codes so I can get it for around $210.

However, willing to listen to any recommendations. It doesn't have to be a soundbar if you have a better idea. If there is one slightly above the budget (i.e $350) but it is a damn good upgrade then I am willing to do that too.

Electrical & Electronics Soundbar Speakers

Comments

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  • solidussnake on 30/11/2025 - 12:15
    +71

    It amazes me people are buying close to a 100" tvs yet scrimping on crappy $300 soundbars..

    • Stealtho on 30/11/2025 - 12:17
      +1

      lol beat me to it

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 12:17
      +3

      I'm not an audiophile, I don't need cinema quality sound.

      I literally said I know the audio isn't going to be crazy, but as long as it is an improvement over the tv speakers.

      • Nillionaire on 30/11/2025 - 12:40
        +4

        you're all good, don't mind the audio snobs, we're blessed with apathetic ears

      • Yummy on 30/11/2025 - 15:19
        +1

        https://amzn.asia/d/i4QHgzE

      • Nebargains on 02/12/2025 - 08:33
        +3

        You don't have to be an audiophile… I wouldn't call myself one but I bought a good quality sound bar with sub (might have been like $1300-1500 at the time, I cant remember) and occasionally when you turn the TV on the soundbar doesn't turn on (like once every now and then), not a big deal but you can immediately tell because the sound sounds so bad.

        Like if we had no soundbar we'd probably, like you, think it sounds fine, but once you hear it with a decent soundbar you will think it sounds bad.

        You don't have to spend a lot of money however but make sure you find something with a sub.

      • lonewolf on 02/12/2025 - 12:12
        +3

        people who think the difference above a $300 soundbar is audiophile. Sound is just as vital as picture to the whole AV experience.

    • eccaz on 30/11/2025 - 22:28
      +7

      Does it? Aussies spend hundreds of k’s renovating their homes yet cbf spending a few more to insulate them properly, and many don’t even insure them.

      • bawdygeorge on 01/12/2025 - 07:55
        +1

        Never heard of anyone doing this.

    • ForkSnorter on 01/12/2025 - 07:35
      +12

      You can get amazing audio for way less than $300 if you're prepared to buy 2nd hand equipment, e.g. 5.1 ch receiver and some floor speakers.

      • Jugganautx on 02/12/2025 - 22:37

        HAHAHAHA WHERE?

    • SnakeCasablanca on 02/12/2025 - 10:49
      -2

      It amazes me that people aren't as awesome as I am and don't spend as much as I do. I like to spend thousands of dollars on a diminishing returns improvement to audio that only dogs can hear. And then I tell people all about how amazing it sounds (and the price… obvs).

      Have you seen my Rolex that tells the time just like my phone and a watch 1/1000th of its price but also has an added feature of showing people how amazing I think I am?

      It's so great being me. Must suck being other people.

      P.S. I have an iPhone. Not an Android. Wanted people to know.

  • Stealtho on 30/11/2025 - 12:16
    +2

    A new 98" Sony, and no surround sound, soundbar, sub? ? ok

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 12:20
      +3

      That's why I made this thread asking for a soundbar :)

  • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 12:23
    +4

    Just to be clear, if you don't want to give suggestions that is fine, but please don't comment.

    Even if you want to go "Hey, I know it is outside your budget but this $500 is 10x better than anything you can get under $300" that is fine too and I'll look into it.

    Like I saw jbl bar500 seems fine, it was on sale for $395 on Binglee so I don't mind spending that if it is that much better than the sub $300 ones.

    However, I just don't want to spend 1/3 of the price of a TV on audio, I am not an audiophile and simply just want something better than the original TV speakers. I don't have high expectations for cheap audio setup at all. I've used TV speakers a lot in the past and found it to be good enough majority of the time.

    Thanks

    • MS Paint on 30/11/2025 - 13:00
      +25

      just to be clear, if you don't want to give suggestions that is fine, but please don't comment.

      It's a lightly moderated public forum. You take the good with the bad. That's just how it works.

      • eccaz on 30/11/2025 - 22:29
        +11

        Reminds me of “no low ballers or time wasters”.

    • pjbargain15 on 01/12/2025 - 11:37
      +3

      I wholeheartedly agree, some of these just crib about anything being asked, like why are you asking this, this should not be asked? I mean, cmon, you have already tried putting that in the post itself, but they still come and comment it. Almost every single topic, same thing.

    • CocaKoala on 01/12/2025 - 19:15
      +6

      but please don't comment.

      It doesn't work that way because this is a public forum. Regardless of your opinions, everyone has a right to comment and it will be up to you to filter out whatever suits you.

  • Nillionaire on 30/11/2025 - 12:31
    +6

    2x Apple HomePod mini

    $149 each if you buy at RRP, don't see any deals on them atm but they've dropped below a $100 before iirc. Unfortunately Apple's Black Friday only offers the $80 Gift Card for the HomePod and not the HomePod mini ☹️

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 12:41
      +2

      Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't know they could be used as speakers for the TV.

      I'll definitely look into it.

      • Nillionaire on 30/11/2025 - 12:43
        +2

        Sure, search "homepod mini tv speaker reddit" and you'll find many people discussing their experience with them

      • cramblamwich on 01/12/2025 - 01:12
        +3

        This is the best suggestion in this comment section, especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. They will deliver the best bang for your buck if you’re working towards $300. Bass won’t be amazing, but they have surprisingly punchy low mids.

      • living4music on 02/12/2025 - 12:33
        -1

        Come on. You can spend $200 buying a secondhand soundbar (with Sub) and it will sound 10 times better than 2 homepods

    • Save 50 Cent on 01/12/2025 - 19:34

      They’ll need an Apple TV though, right?

      • unison on 01/12/2025 - 20:06

        Yes, or they could try with two Amazon Echo speakers.

  • MS Paint on 30/11/2025 - 12:58
    +5

    Look at secondhand on FBM. Some great sound bar deals. They tank in price quickly.

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 13:06
      +1

      That was another option I was thinking about and that's how I got Samsung soundbar for a pretty cheap price in the past.

      However, I just looked now and all the options in my area are either way too highly priced for what they got or like very very old.

      I'll keep an eye out, hopefully a really good option pops up.

  • Downvoter on 30/11/2025 - 13:25
    -5

    Sony? Sorry to hear

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 13:39

      lol yeah tbh Sony isn't what it used to be, but they still want to charge more than any other manufacturer. I remember their OLEDs were really damn good and their LED TVs like the x90 and x95 were probably the best non-OLED tvs you can get at that time.

      I got it heavily discounted, otherwise 0 chance I would get a Sony for their asking price.

      • eccaz on 30/11/2025 - 22:33
        +5

        No need to downplay or spout misguided rhetoric, you got a great tv.

  • Sammywn on 30/11/2025 - 13:26
    +1

    Agree with OP. The obnoxious superior complex comments are exhausting. I subscribed to OPs thread because I'm looking for the same thing. Received a few emails saying there had been comments. Came to check it out. One useful comment.

    • MS Paint on 30/11/2025 - 14:33
      +3

      Yet you spent more time typing to complain than it took you to scroll through the comments.

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 15:30
      +2

      If it helps I'm deciding between

      JBL SB550

      Hisense H3100AU

      TCL S55H

      After looking at the options available for soundbars.

      I'm leaning towards the Hisense and part of the reason is that I like it has the digital display to show the audio while the others do not.

      Things like TCL has dolby atmos, which is how you get that 'surround sound' effect but it only matters if you get other speakers like rear speakers. It also has earc which supposedly gives you more uncompressed sound and can be more stable.

      However, I don't think it is super important on these cheaper soundbars tbh as the effect itself would be minimal

      JBL is good, but heard it has more like a 'faux' 3.1ch as opposed to actual one maybe the hisense is the same but not a lot of reviews on that one.

      Hisense looks good, but like that 480W spec is 99% likely bs and it is much lower than that. So, at that point it is worth spending the extra little bit on probably the same quality soundbar? It could also be 'faux' 3.1 but not enough reviews or discussions to know for sure.

      I'm not an audiophile, I could be wrong on everything but on the very basic research I did that's what I concluded.

      I'm going in store to check them out and decide there.

  • payless69 on 30/11/2025 - 15:45
    +2

    You need 100" speakers
    so the Jones next door get used to hear them Gerry ads

  • Sammywn on 30/11/2025 - 19:05

    Just found this… Reviews look good. Price seems great. https://amzn.asia/d/esejbvI

    • berger on 01/12/2025 - 05:25

      They are garbage sound bars. Literally good for oldies who need voices improved for their hearing.

      That’s how bose wantee us to sell when we did training on these

      • Sammy2000 on 02/12/2025 - 17:16

        I would really like a soundbar to help when actors are mumbling over explosions.

    • Sammywn on 30/11/2025 - 19:22

      Can't find any reviews anywhere. Any idea if it's decent?

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 21:20
      +2

      From what I've heard, Kogan stuff is usually not great quality.

      I've seen people have issues with these kinds of unit, but maybe its overblown who knows

      • TheFreaK on 02/12/2025 - 11:42

        Not much is "great quality" for $300

  • Retailing on 30/11/2025 - 20:28

    I would wait till you have used the TV at home, these panels don't have the worst sound as that panel has "Acoustic Multi Audio".
    Simple put, the TV has side facing tweeters and downward facing sub built-in, not going to be amazing but better than most panels.

    Since many Sony panels have this feature, I would note that the Sony Soundbar HT-A3000 ( Although pricier at $618 on Amazon ) would be the entry point that can actually pair with the built-in "Acoustic Center Sync" so that the sound bar and your TV work together as one large centre speaker.
    Rather than traditionally that once a soundbar is connected, the TV sound is cut-off and is only produced by the soundbar.
    Also down the track, you can expand on this system with an additional subwoofer or rear speakers.

    • BarginGrabber on 30/11/2025 - 21:23

      Yeah, these are fair points.

      I did end up going overbudget, but it was for a Hisense soundbar 5.1.4. I could have probably gone with the 5.1 tbh for $100 cheaper. The reviews for the previous gen seem pretty solid so hopefully it is still good despite not being a Hisense TV.

      It is still boxed, so I will wait until I get the TV and see how the audio is before I unbox it.

      It sucks that Sony just wants to make all their products more expensive than any other manufacturer. I would have definitely preferred to get a Sony product.

  • Walleee-y on 01/12/2025 - 00:31

    Been very impressed with the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Got it for $385 on one of the specials posted on OzB from Amazon. Packs a punch for a small unit.

  • mickop on 01/12/2025 - 00:47
    +2

    I'm currently down this rabbit hole, trying to set up a decent 3.1 set up (front left, front right, centre speakers + a subwoofer) for ideally around $300 or less, via FB marketplace/gumtree. Never used anything beyond TV audio.

    Everything I've read points towards basically any AV receiver + speaker set up being miles better than a soundbar, so I think this is worth considering if you're willing to do a bit more research and have some patience looking for good 2nd hand deals. Soundbars will just never be able to fit in drivers as big as a speaker set up, or have as broad a sound stage, since it's such a small unit. And to my understanding, any soundbar claiming to be capable of Dolby Atmos is basically a scam, as you need a 7 speaker surround set up with 2 of those being rear and overhead, plus a receiver capable of Atmos, to achieve it. Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong, though.

    I've so far only bought a Yamaha RX-V385 receiver for $150, it's fairly basic but can support eARC connection to handle 4k 120hz, which I wanted purely because of my ps5. If this isn't a requirement for you, I reckon there are plenty of alternatives even slightly cheaper than that. Yamaha seem to be the best option at this kind of price point in Aus on the 2nd hand market, imo from my research so far.

    Some other receiver examples around our budget that can all do 4k passthrough:
    - Yamaha - RX-V383, RX-V483, RX-V485, RX-V681, RX-S6000
    - Denon - AVR-X250BT
    - Onkyo - TX-SR494
    - Pioneer - VSX-528

    Note: a lot of research about receivers on US reddit posts will suggest Denon models which just aren't really available in Aus unfortunately.

    I'm now in the process of trying to find some decent speakers & a subwoofer to go with it, around the $100-150 range. Basically just googling the brands/models I find to see if they're well reviewed or not (sometimes tough for our budget/audio experience level as the audiophile community seem to turn their nose up at a lot of budget stuff lol). Also important to look up specs of the speakers and ensure the receiver can power them (i.e. speakers tend to have an impedance of 4, 6, or 8 ohms, 4 ohms typically require a much more powerful receiver).

    Some brands of speakers around our budget that seem generally decent from my research (won't always be cheap but you never know what deals you'll find) - Wharfedale, Jamo, Boston, JBL/Infinity, Energy, ELAC. Yamaha speakers tend to not be spoken about as highly, but I'm also open to giving them a go as I'm sure they'd be alright for my beginner taste. There are a lot of listings for 'all in one' style home theatre packages, which generally include a bunch of smaller speakers - basically everyone says these are trash.

    This was longer than anticipated but hopefully helpful if of interest, happy to answer any Qs, or take any advice from anyone further down this rabbit hole than me!

    • BarginGrabber on 01/12/2025 - 11:53

      Wow, what a setup definitely did a lot of research here.

      I'll look into it but probably want to keep it simple with a soundbar, sub etc..

      • miicah on 02/12/2025 - 09:25

        You don't have to delve into any of the fancy speaker settings in an AVR. It's no more complicated than a soundbar apart from plugging some speaker wire into speakers and finding a good spot to put them (which you probably already have since you're considering a gigantic soundbar).

    • S Baldrick on 01/12/2025 - 18:42

      any soundbar claiming to be capable of Dolby Atmos is basically a scam, as you need a 7 speaker surround set up with 2 of those being rear and overhead, plus a receiver capable of Atmos, to achieve it

      Some soundbars have up-firing drivers to achieve this. I can't comment on how "Atmos" sounds on a soundbar alone, but my Q930C set does a decent job at it - the included rears also have up-firing speakers, and the effect is noticable (rain scenes, PA systems, etc.). The units can decode surround sound codecs, too - no need for a receiver. I believe "proper" audio companies also sell up-firing Atmos speakers - though I'm sure downfiring ones are significantly more noticeable.

      I myself wanted to get a receiver + separates (also a 3.1 setup), but:

      • Atmos compatible receivers alone were nearly $1k
      • Living room is open plan, so calibrating would've been a pain
      • My HTIB was on clearance - under $900 for the soundbar, 2x wireless rears, and a wireless sub for "good enough" audio
      • An audiophile mate of mine went from a proper AV setup to a Sonos soundbar system (including rears and sub) - he said it was "80% as good as the old system, but without any of the wires and calibration"

      If I had a dedicated home cinema room (and a bigger budget), I definitely would've gone the receiver + separates route.

  • berger on 01/12/2025 - 05:28
    +1

    The built in sound with be as good as any sub $300-400 bar. Gunna need to dip in more like you did on a massive TV.

    I sell sound bars from Sonos, Marshall, Devialet, B&O and shortly Focal. Even for a non audiophile, you can tell the difference between good and shit.

    • BarginGrabber on 01/12/2025 - 11:54

      Okay, thanks for the advice. I'll see how the TV sounds and if it is good enough, I'll just stick to that.

      I ended up getting a Hisense 5.1.4 system

  • CoreArchitect on 01/12/2025 - 11:58
    +2

    I would have suggested that you just get two bookshelf speakers from a reputable brand. I got a pair of Wharfedales from JB for ~$450ish, had to bargain down JB from the original price of $750. And I tell you they blow almost any bar out of the water. Even without a separate woofer.

    So the bottom line is — you always get better bang for buck with good speakers. Then get a good woofer abit later on.

  • sumyungguy on 01/12/2025 - 12:23

    Audio is wholly subjective… but if you can stretch to $398 Yamaha is arguably superior to Hisense. I've purchased many times pre-owned on behalf of others and no one is disappointed. Edit: I see you've gone with Hisense, enjoy!

    • BarginGrabber on 01/12/2025 - 13:04

      Looking at your recommendation, it seems to be a pretty well reviewed soundbar setup, but yeah I already made my purchase + Yamaha isn't available at the store I purchased it from :/

  • jonkvh on 01/12/2025 - 16:39
    +1

    I know you said don't hijack the thread but… have to 'aire' my knowledge.

    Sound bars were never meant to replace TV speakers, they were meant to be 'centre' channel only for 5.1 systems. Why they ever morphed into the standalone pieces of shit that they are, I'll never know. Maybe it's Gerry's fault.

    Just buy cheap bookshelf speakers.

    • sumyungguy on 01/12/2025 - 16:53
      -5

      Cool story. Grok suggests the concept emerged in 1988 with Altec Lansing introducing the ADA106, a powered speaker system with left, center, and right channels in a single bar; aimed at early flat-panel TVs and desktop computers. Wikipedia says one of the earliest attempts at a soundbar was the TeleSound Model 1300 (1980) comprising a single wide enclosure with two 5-watt loudspeakers spaced 12 inches apart. Connecting a television set's mono output to the TeleSound via a 3.5 mm audio jack allowed viewers to watch television in simulated stereo. The first product I can recall in Australia was Yamaha's YSP-1 digital sound projector (2004) but I'd be pleased to know if there was anything released earlier.

      • jonkvh on 01/12/2025 - 16:56
        +1

        Get Grok to tell you about 5.1

        None of what Grok said has anything to do with 5.1

        • sumyungguy on 01/12/2025 - 17:01
          -1

          Sound bars were never meant to replace TV speakers,

          Sound bars were invented to provide a superior alternative to TV speakers.

  • Zak82 on 01/12/2025 - 17:22
    +1

    Hey OP. If you want to stick within budget, and don't care much about sound, can I suggest Sony HT-S400. Amazon currently has it for 299 which also has a subwoofer. Would pair well with your TV

    On the other hand, I saw someone suggesting Yamaha, I would agree. Sound wise better than Sony.

    PS enjoy your Gigantic TV.

  • CocaKoala on 01/12/2025 - 19:21

    One option is to get stuff from the used market. An av receiver that supports at least 4k ($200 approx), a couple of floorstanding speakers ($300 to $500) and a 10" subwoofer ($300, can be added later to soften the blow).

    This isn't within your budget but the sound will be infinitely better. I didn't suggest rear speakers or talk about atmos because you don't seem much fussed with that sort of stuff. However, even someone who doesn't care much will be amazed at how much better a simple av receiver + proper speakers and sub will sound.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 01/12/2025 - 20:56
    +1

    I would say try and get something with a subwoofer if possible over surround speakers

  • meong on 02/12/2025 - 10:10
    +1

    i have been using Edifier S2000MK3 and its been more than enough for me…

    • poppingtags on 02/12/2025 - 12:05
      +1

      This the way OP, do not get a $300 soundbar - look into powered speakers, they're in a different league. Edifier has a bunch of great options under $300 and they'll wipe the floor with any soundbar in the price range.

      • meong on 02/12/2025 - 12:55

        also worth noting that people tend to buy in too much into 3D audio capabilities but if your sound system sound stage is good enough, any unprocessed 3D audio already sound amazing.

        I tried PS5 Tempest on the Edifier and it actually sounded worse than letting the Edifier manage the stereo soundstage accordingly…

        But of course, this is talking about 2 channel "3d Audio" that still cannot beat a real surround sound system.

  • samyall on 02/12/2025 - 10:48

    Given the size of the TV, it must be a pretty big room. I'd heavily recommend spending money on quality bookshelf speakers that can fill the space with sound otherwise it will sound tinny and you'll be wondering why you always have to use subtitles.

    There a plenty of options that work just like a soundbar using E-ARC which will give you massively better audio due to the size and geometry:
    AudioPro A28
    Klipsch The Fives

    Or you could go down the route of getting a pair of second hand tower speakers and a small (but powerful) amp such as this.

  • junet on 02/12/2025 - 14:50
    +2

    Hey, I use Edifer 350db speakers + subwoofer with my TV. I've positioned the speakers on either side and it is so much better than my TV speakers.

    I just connect it via bluetooth but I use it with an iPad for other music too and it's really easy to switch between them. I got mine in 2021 for around $300 off Amazon. Looks to be $349 on centrecom https://www.centrecom.com.au/edifier-s350db-21-bluetooth-boo….

    There's also the 360db version but not sure how it's different.

    • ChupaCabra on 03/12/2025 - 15:56

      I have the exact same setup and I've never been to anyones place with a better setup than this for the money. Murks all over sound bars and the bass goes deep often too deep for movie explosions so I have to turn down the bass EQ. I've brought that same setup to parties even DJ'd on it at small events & everyone has loved it. 5.1 or 7.1 is way overrated it's better to spend the money on 2 better speakers than 5 average/crap ones. If I was OP I would do this

  • casho on 03/12/2025 - 13:24

    Such a small budget. Just stick to the TV speakers. If you want a good soundbar go Polk Audio Magnifi Mini AX

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