PC spdif out to vizio soundbar

[Nolf3]

I recently spotted a vizio vsb200 on sale and was hoping that someone would know if I could hook this up to my PC instead of my hdtv. I want to use it to watch movies or shows I have on the PC more than to watch broadcasts on the HDTV itself. I currently have the spdif cable running to my receiver from the soundcard. But could I instead run this to the soundbar instead ? The soundbar takes spdif in or rca in. Would this work ? Would it sound ok ? My current speakers arent that great so I thought this might be a cheap solution to get some better sound. Or should I just buy better speakers ? The soundbar is only $70.

 

[postmortemIA]

sure, why not. it does not matter where it comes from. even analog would work, as amplifier is inside sound bar. don't expect great sound form $70 though.

 

[Nolf3]

Thanks for the response. Knowing that now, do you think a soundbar would sound better than my current speakers. I had purchased a Sony STR DE635 years ago which came with 4 small satellite speakers (i dont think there is a model # on them), a center channel and subwoofer. I never thought the sound from these were great but never cared that much to upgrade since I only used it to watch movies and not music (so I think I am only using the center channel and 2 front speakers anyway) With the soundbar I should be able to connect my current sub-woofer to it as well. I know its just $70, but am I just wasting $ buying this soundbar or just stick to my current setup ?

 

[sdifox]

Thanks for the response. Knowing that now, do you think a soundbar would sound better than my current speakers. I had purchased a Sony STR DE635 years ago which came with 4 small satellite speakers (i dont think there is a model # on them), a center channel and subwoofer. I never thought the sound from these were great but never cared that much to upgrade since I only used it to watch movies and not music (so I think I am only using the center channel and 2 front speakers anyway) With the soundbar I should be able to connect my current sub-woofer to it as well. I know its just $70, but am I just wasting $ buying this soundbar or just stick to my current setup ?

waste of money

 

[NutBucket]

Better off spending $70 for some new-used speakers to use with your current receiver. The speakers in the soundbar are probably worse than what you already have and the receiver has much better electronics.

Definitely a lateral move at best....most likely a downgrade.

 

[Blayze]

That soundbar is ok. You really need to add a small subwoofer to it. I picked one up back in 2010 and tried it out, but ended up returning it. Although it was an upgrade from my TV's built in speakers.

Also make sure you output PCM if your using optical on the Vizio soundbar.

 

[Nolf3]

i guess i wont get it after all since it doesnt sound like it would be much of an improvement to what i have now. thanks to everyone who responded.

 

[MR STROKE]

I use that Vizio soundbar as my PC speakers and it sounds great for a soundbar(better than my more expensive Samsung soundbar)

But keep in mind that Vizio bar has zero bass. I have a cheap sub hooked to mine, IMO its a requirement to pair a sub with that soundbar. Otherwise everything sounds flat and lacks all bottom end

 

[sdifox]

I use that Vizio soundbar as my PC speakers and it sounds great for a soundbar(better than my more expensive Samsung soundbar)

But keep in mind that Vizio bar has zero bass. I have a cheap sub hooked to mine, IMO its a requirement to pair a sub with that soundbar. Otherwise everything sounds flat and lacks all bottom end

I caught a lurker!