Vizio SB3830-C6M soundbar vs ??

[Mike64]

Having recently bought my first HDTV (Toshiba 40L310U), I saw this Vizio soundbar (SB3830-C6M) for $100 at Best Buy so, based on the price and a quick glance at what proved to be at least reasonably good reviews around the web, ordered one more or less for the hell of it. (I'm not a big TV watcher in general, and really not into the "home theater" thing at all, but figured better sound is better sound.)

But I know basically nothing about soundbars as such and/or what else is out there, so now I'm wondering if there's something better for around the same price, or something more or less comparable for a price lower enough to bother returning this one (which I can do pretty easily in-store)?

I do like the idea of 3 channels, but am also willing to consider 2 and 2.1. Not really interested in 5.1, etc, and I'm definitely not looking for a "Sens-A-Round" effect (for those of you old enough to remember that.) I'm primarily interested in clarity over a wide frequency range/basic sound reproduction. Thanks.

 

[smitbret]

Having recently bought my first HDTV (Toshiba 40L310U), I saw this Vizio soundbar (SB3830-C6M) for $100 at Best Buy so, based on the price and a quick glance at what proved to be at least reasonably good reviews around the web, ordered one more or less for the hell of it. (I'm not a big TV watcher in general, and really not into the "home theater" thing at all, but figured better sound is better sound.)

But I know basically nothing about soundbars as such and/or what else is out there, so now I'm wondering if there's something better for around the same price, or something more or less comparable for a price lower enough to bother returning this one (which I can do pretty easily in-store)?

I do like the idea of 3 channels, but am also willing to consider 2 and 2.1. Not really interested in 5.1, etc, and I'm definitely not looking for a "Sens-A-Round" effect (for those of you old enough to remember that.) I'm primarily interested in clarity over a wide frequency range/basic sound reproduction. Thanks.

In general, a true AVR setup will be better and provide better upgrade path. Even if you start with an inexpensive receiver and 2 quality speakers.

However, I prefer a soundbar system, too. I feel like I can get 85% of the quality for a lot less money and I don't like spending hundreds or thousands of dollars chasing that last 15%. Plus the whole look is a lot more streamlined if you don't have a cabinet or closet to stash everything.

Personally, in that price range, I like the Yamaha ATS-1030. It's $139 at CostCo right now. The Vizio is not bad, but there is just a little more umph out of the Yamaha without the sub.

If you have an extra $99, Costco has the SB4051-C0 for $199 right now and would give you a 5.1 system. Even if you don't use the satellites, it is a lot of great sound for the cash. Plus it has an HDMI input that a lot of less expensive soundbars lack.

http://www.costco.com/Vizio-SB4051-...=vizio+sb4051&langId=-1&storeId=10301&refine=

 

[Mike64]

Thanks. I'm not seeing the Yamaha ATS-1030 on Costco's site at all, is it only available in-store or something?

But in any event, I'm really not looking to spend more than $100. Even that was kind of a stretch I made because of the heavy discount on the Vizio, since for me/my purposes, a soundbar is almost superfluous. A whole sound system geared toward TV/video is completely superfluous (for me.) I do, and probably always will, think of it as a "stereo" and while, practically speaking, I'm neither, I'm much more of an audiophile than a "home theater enthusiast" at heart. So I'm also not really looking to go the 3-or-more channel receiver route in general. When I get around to replacing my old reciever, I'd rather spend the money on better basics than "features" I don't care about...

 

[smitbret]

Yeah, I don't have it online either but it was in store when I checked last Wednesday at $129.99 (or was it $139, I don't remember).