Soundbar recommendations for family room TV setup...

PSUPef2k

Senior member
Mar 1, 2006
335
0
71
Need something for our main living room TV that i'm about to add an Xbox One S to.

TV is a Samsung 55" JS8500.
Will be running TV (FiOS) through the xbox one S.

Trying to stay under $600. Mainly just want something for better movie watching/gaming sound, especially since the Xbox One S will get me the 4K blu ray / Netflix capability.

Had a friend recommend the Sonos Playbar, which is right on the budget line, but I want to make sure i'm getting the best bang for the buck.

Anyone have experience with the Samsung sound towers (TW-J5500)? They are on sale at BJs Wholesale currently for $250 and sounded decent in store, though I don't put much stock in that due to the conditions.

Any guidance welcome. Thanks in advance!
 

JeffMD

Platinum Member
Feb 15, 2002
2,026
19
81
Soundbars are a money pit for if you want to look good. If you don't mind satellites, just buy a PC speaker 2.1 or 5.1 setup kit. You will spend 1/3rd the amount of money.
 
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giantpandaman2

Senior member
Oct 17, 2005
580
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I'd pick the Pioneer SP SB23W. Not much beats the sound quality of a pioneer on the value speaker end.
 

PSUPef2k

Senior member
Mar 1, 2006
335
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new vizio line any good? Wireless satellites I would consider. Could easily slide the flat sub behind my couch to connect to them.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,466
3,067
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do a 3.1 system
L/R/C and a sub with an avr.
start with stereo and add pieces as you get more money
it will be a great improvement over a soundbar

I agree, but OP seems set on a bar.

Doing a 3.1 for $250 bucks would be a stretch.
 
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MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,466
3,067
121
if you want a real sound bar and not the pussy offerings check out BiC FH-56

It requires an AVR to push it, not sure if he had one.

I've never used sound bars myself really, is it typical to run one with an AVR ?

I don't know if the OP said he had one already.

I have a Ghetto soundbar and dual old speakers I use on another amp for subs :)

And about 4 others on the other side of the room.

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funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,362
416
126
Buy you a cheap HT Stereo off of www.shopgoodwill.com, put the hdmi into the tv, then use the spdif out of the back of the tv to the receiver, and then into this bad boy....

https://www.amazon.com/Bic-Watt-Channel-Speaker-System/dp/B002IT1FFU

What you got then, is one bad butt sound bar ;)

This link shows the back of it, and its connections.....

http://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-fh56-bar-speaker-bar-system--303-442

and you could add a sub to the receiver and have some bass then too, I recommend this sub big time, and so do a ton of other people, for it sounds great and doesnt break the bank....

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-...6156682&sr=1-1&keywords=bic+america+subwoofer

This too is also a awesome sub, and has massive great reviews, and I use it as a 2nd sub, and as my main low end sound, for it hits the lowest of the lows...

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-1...156682&sr=1-15&keywords=bic+america+subwoofer
 
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