How did you manage the rear speakers wires ? Did you hide them ?
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Are Soundbars Worth the Money?
- Thread starter Fiery Phoenix
- Start date
How did you manage the rear speakers wires ? Did you hide them ?
Right now they are on some dinky stools. Going to Ikea and getting 2 mini book shelves that will go to ear height (when sitting) and putting them ontop of those (bolting them down too)
IR signals are really good at bouncing around. Is it possible you could just move the soundbar forward a little? Even if you just had a little gap between the speaker and the TV, it's entirely possible you could angle your remote at the ceiling and have it bounce down and hit inside that gap.
Shoot, with some of the better quality new ones you can set it so the receiver does everything automatically. All my wife needs to do is turn on the TV and the device she wants to watch. The receiver turns itself on and auto selects the device. Works like a dream.
My living room is not too big but I don't wanna spend too much on a sound system because ivI' got thin walls and idI rather not be *that* neighbor. I want something practical for watching netflNe and gaming that's why I was looking at the Yamaha.
Is there still lag if you have it wired via optical out from the tv?
I'm looking for a speakers solution too. All devices are hdmi so go into tv but tv sounds like shit.
I used to game with those Logitech speaker sets either 2.1 or 5.1 that you could plug the console audio directly into, and was happy. Now that everything is one cable, hdmi, I'm not sure how one is to set up an audio upgrade.
Soundbar seems like a good solution since tv can use optical cable out to it, but if there's lag I'm not interested.. Let's say I was interested in speakers. How does that work with modern devices and hdmi? Do you need a receiver or something? How much would a decent set up cost in the good quality but lower price range?
I bought a sound bar because of this thread and Shadow of the Colossus. Sounds fucking magical. TY all.
Yes, it is worth the $80 upgrade, or whatever a cheap model costs.
Yes, it is worth the $80 upgrade, or whatever a cheap model costs.
So maybe you should indeed stay with the Yamaha. It will still be a huge improvement I think.
Should I go for a decent middle-high range DTS-HD / Dolby True HD soundbar or stick with a Samsung MS650 with two wireless rear speakers with only Dolby Digital ?
Nice !
Nice !
Yeah theyre pretty good.
I personally avoid the ones with the Subwoofers, it just sounds like shit and rattles the whole house.
I personally avoid the ones with the Subwoofers, it just sounds like shit and rattles the whole house.
Depends, one of my friends has his set to pick up a lot of frequencies and it's too much. Mine only picks up lows and it sounds nice.
Yes, the soundbar itself can (will) have inherent audio lag.
The issue with TV audio out (optical, ARC, analog) is that it's also a gamble. Some TVs will have zero audio lag from their audio outputs, and work fine with a soundbar. Other TVs will add their audio lag to the soundbar's lag, making audio even laggier and guaranteed to be desynced.
I'm pretty sensitive to audio lag and I did notice it when I had my soundbar connected via optical to my TV and then my XB1 plugged into my TV (a slightly older 1080p Sony Bravia) with HDMI. Also, certain devices connected to the TV had worse lag than others, while my XB1 had lag in that configuration, I never had it with my Roku.
Strangely enough, certain apps had worse lag than others. Like Hulu tended to have worse audio lag than Netflix for example. I honestly never really game on my XB1, so I can't speak to the lag for gaming.
Plugging in the soundbar directly to the XB1's optical port thankfully eliminated the lag in apps I was having.
I also bought a little adapter that splits the audio from an HDMI port and spits it out through an optical port that I read has lower lag than my TV. Wasn't really able to test it too much since it turned out the show I was watching (first season of It's Always Sunny on Hulu) seemed to just have slight audio lag for those episodes built into them, so nothing on the device side was able to fix it.
I was very anti soundbars for the longest time. But I'm very PRO soundbars now.
I had (have) a Pioneer AVR and Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers in a 3.0 setup but honestly, I've come to appreciate simpler cleaner setups now that don't take up as much space.
So fast forward to last week or so when I found out I get a huge 30% discount on Bose products and ordered their SoundTouch 300 3.0 soundbar. I LOVE it. Sounds great and looks as good as it sounds. But back to the audio, it surpassed my expectations, it has a microphone that you run a calibration with while it sends audio tones while you sit in different locations so the system can calibrate itself to you're listening environment. My Pioneer AVR had something similar. It's awesome, the soundstage it creates by doing this is way wider than I expected and I can hear effects from both ends of the room thanks to its phasing tricks with the calibration.
I loved the bar so much I ordered the matching wireless rears so now I have a 5.0 surround setup. I would love to get the wireless sub, but living in an apartment I don't think it would be the best idea.
But yeah, it's all so clean and simple while sounding absolutely fantastic. I get a smile everytime I look at it too, it looks so sleek and modern like a fine piece of furniture.
About the lag though, that's a real problem but it's more on the TV side. My TV introduces lag via ARC (HDMI or optical) and using Dolby or DTS when passing that sound out from any of the connected to TV HDMI devices to the sound bar. If I output stereo, there's no delay.
Audio coming straight from the TV (like it's built in Roku apps are fine however with no lag), but ARC passing through HDMI device audio introduces big audio lag.
Luckily the sound bar has an HDMI in with 4k HDR passthrough and optical in, so I can plug in the optical from my PS4 and go straight HDMI in from the XB1 to eliminate any lag.
I originally tried a cheaper Vizio soundbar that was highly rated and while it sounded pretty solid because it came with a wireless sub, it had really bad audio lag that I couldn't fix aside from using the optical in on it. But it didn't have HDMI in so I couldn't use the other device on it without getting lag.
I firmly believe this to be a TV issue though with my TVs ARC adding delay to the Dolby and DTS processing. Stereo via ARC was fine.
So yeah, depending on your TV, some soundbars (via ARC) may not play nice.
I had (have) a Pioneer AVR and Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers in a 3.0 setup but honestly, I've come to appreciate simpler cleaner setups now that don't take up as much space.
So fast forward to last week or so when I found out I get a huge 30% discount on Bose products and ordered their SoundTouch 300 3.0 soundbar. I LOVE it. Sounds great and looks as good as it sounds. But back to the audio, it surpassed my expectations, it has a microphone that you run a calibration with while it sends audio tones while you sit in different locations so the system can calibrate itself to you're listening environment. My Pioneer AVR had something similar. It's awesome, the soundstage it creates by doing this is way wider than I expected and I can hear effects from both ends of the room thanks to its phasing tricks with the calibration.
I loved the bar so much I ordered the matching wireless rears so now I have a 5.0 surround setup. I would love to get the wireless sub, but living in an apartment I don't think it would be the best idea.
But yeah, it's all so clean and simple while sounding absolutely fantastic. I get a smile everytime I look at it too, it looks so sleek and modern like a fine piece of furniture.
About the lag though, that's a real problem but it's more on the TV side. My TV introduces lag via ARC (HDMI or optical) and using Dolby or DTS when passing that sound out from any of the connected to TV HDMI devices to the sound bar. If I output stereo, there's no delay.
Audio coming straight from the TV (like it's built in Roku apps are fine however with no lag), but ARC passing through HDMI device audio introduces big audio lag.
Luckily the sound bar has an HDMI in with 4k HDR passthrough and optical in, so I can plug in the optical from my PS4 and go straight HDMI in from the XB1 to eliminate any lag.
I originally tried a cheaper Vizio soundbar that was highly rated and while it sounded pretty solid because it came with a wireless sub, it had really bad audio lag that I couldn't fix aside from using the optical in on it. But it didn't have HDMI in so I couldn't use the other device on it without getting lag.
I firmly believe this to be a TV issue though with my TVs ARC adding delay to the Dolby and DTS processing. Stereo via ARC was fine.
So yeah, depending on your TV, some soundbars (via ARC) may not play nice.
I bought a soundbar that comes with a sub and 2 rear speakers. Does that count as "surround" when I go in game options? I'm playing Wolfenstein 2 in cinema mode and the gunshots are very low. It's clearer when I choose stereo/hifi. Also I tested the surround option on my wii u and switch and only 2 sounds out of 5 played.
I thought I was getting a surround 4.1 system but it seems like games treat it as stereo only.
I thought I was getting a surround 4.1 system but it seems like games treat it as stereo only.
I guess you gotta do full surround sound then! I'm planning to do that in the future.
The Wii U and Switch only support LPCM 5.1 which likely your soundbar doesn't support. What platform is Wolfenstein 2 on?
I mean, they are better than TV speakers, bu still no match for an actual surround sound system with discrete speakers
Wolf 2 is on PS4. So for the best sound I should choose Stereo even if I have a 4.1? I'm going to test more games tonight.
I would not buy a decent soundbar. If I were you, I would buy a midrange soundbar , since that is an improvement over TV speakers. However, no soundbar will even come close to a 5.1 surround speaker system.
If you can't have the 5.1 setup now, that is ok, start saving money, buy an okish soundbar for now and upgrade when you can. Don't spend a lot of money on that
people that say that soundbar is like 5.1 setup are insane, there is not even comparison, and I have a decent soundbar in my bedroom, so I can compare
If you can't have the 5.1 setup now, that is ok, start saving money, buy an okish soundbar for now and upgrade when you can. Don't spend a lot of money on that
people that say that soundbar is like 5.1 setup are insane, there is not even comparison, and I have a decent soundbar in my bedroom, so I can compare
Which soundbar do you have and what are your settings on your PS4? For the Wii U and Switch, you'll only be able to do stereo, or some virtual surround sound like Pro Logic since your soundbar likely doesn't support LPCM.
I've got the latest Vizio sound bar with sub and rear speakers. I think it was $250 or something. Aside from the overly boomy sub, it's actually quite good and coming from tv speakers, will blow you away.
Still nothing like a true 5.1 system but works out well for those not wanting to drop a load of cash on audio.
Still nothing like a true 5.1 system but works out well for those not wanting to drop a load of cash on audio.
I have a Samsung hw-k370 with the rear speakers and it's connected to my Samsung tv by audioconnect wirelessly. I have an optical cable if necessary. The ps4 is connected by hdmi to the tv. In the audio settings I left it at PCM.
Link to my soundbar system:
https://www.samsung.com/us/televisi...370-soundbar-w-wireless-subwoofer-hw-k370-za/
Thanks for your help!
Anyone got a good soundbar recommendation for TCL P605? Hoping for something with little audio lag as possible.
Was looking at this since it's well reviewed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZN5PSS/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IDDYKV1WS592&colid=3T8KF9LXXI1AG&psc=1
Was looking at this since it's well reviewed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZN5PSS/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IDDYKV1WS592&colid=3T8KF9LXXI1AG&psc=1
If it's set to PCM you won't be getting surround sound to the rear speakers, it will just redirect some of the audio to the rears. You'll want to set it to bitstream and Dolby on your TV and PS4 audio settings.
Looking at the specs on your soundbar, it looks like it only even handles 2.0 for Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreaming. You'll want to switch to that on the PS4, but even then, you're only going to get stereo. I wonder if they just have the rears to do stuff like Pro Logic and virtual surround sound. If I'm understanding it right, this is what you can do and can't do
LPCM 2.0 - Yes
LPCM 5.1 - No
Dolby Digital 2.0 - Yes
Dolby Digital 5.1 - No
DTS 2.0 - Yes
DTS 5.1 - No
Just grabbed a soundbar last week. Great investment. Plan on mounting it under the tv next week, it should look really sharp.
I have 3 HDMI HDCP 2.2 inputs on it which is also great since there's only one input on the tv.
Highly recommended over just the tv speakers or if you need additional inputs that are HDCP 2.2 compliant for full 4k and HDR.
I have 3 HDMI HDCP 2.2 inputs on it which is also great since there's only one input on the tv.
Highly recommended over just the tv speakers or if you need additional inputs that are HDCP 2.2 compliant for full 4k and HDR.
For the people who suggest using headphones, I have a pair of Sennheiser 598's that I'd love to use, but everything I've read tells me that plugging them directly into the audio jack would negate all the good sound these headphones could produce. What are you guys using to increase the sound quality while playing on a console?
I have a DAC/AMP that I use with my PC, but I didn't think those worked with consoles. Am I wrong?
I have a DAC/AMP that I use with my PC, but I didn't think those worked with consoles. Am I wrong?
Thank you both for the help. I knew I wasn't going to get real surround sound at this price range but I thought I could fake it in game options. It's still better than tv speakers at least!
Which audio jack are you talking about? A controller or TV one? Yeah those are trash. If you're talking about a receiver then you might be okay since the HD598s aren't actually that demanding when it comes to amping requirements. If your DAC has optical then that can be used with the Xbox/1X and OG PS4/PS4 Pro which would be the optimal method for sound quality.
I still rock the 5.1 Logitechs. Optical out from the TV. Zero lag, and the setup sounds better than anything I've heard at friends' houses; none of whom have 5.1, but many of whom have soundbars.
I'm sure it's the worst way to do 5.1, but all these years later I still have no desire to upgrade. Only place I ever hear better audio is in a movie theatre. None of the headphones I own sound superior - actually they sound pretty much identical. I needed to use headphones for the binaural audio in Hellblade (speakers didn't come close in that instance); but I stopped bothering with headphones for VR because they didn't sound any better or more immersive than my speakers.
Thanks, I didn't realize these would be an option. Not sure if my existing ones have optical input, but I'll probably pick up some that do in that case.
Yamaha YAS-107- no sub, but better quality and 4K proof
or
Samsung M450-comes with sub, might own Samsung TV one day
which should I get?
or
Samsung M450-comes with sub, might own Samsung TV one day
which should I get?
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. The Yamaha is a nicer piece and will be more flexible in the long run, although the Samsung offers some nice parts and lots of connectivity for the price, I feel it will age poorly
I just bought a Samsung soundbar for 160 Euros. The audio quality is awesome, especially compared to my TV, and it's great that it automatically connected to it wireless (the TV is also Samsung). I was considering 5.1 setups but they're just too fucking big and complicated for where I play, while having a "small" bar in front of the TV is far more convenient to me. I played Forza 7 last night and the sound was pretty damn glorious. Drive over the kerbs and you'll hear the sound "below" as it you would in real life. To me it was worth it, obviously there are better options but if you're limited on space it works real good.
One final q for those inclined, this is my tv- www.mytoshiba.com.au/file/product/manual/4294/40RV700A.pdf
40R- no HDMI ARC from what I can tell
Edit: everything went sweet.
40R- no HDMI ARC from what I can tell
Edit: everything went sweet.
Last edited:
Yeah, I've purchased and installed the YAS-107. It's been great. I have all my boxes/HTPC connected via HDMI to the TV then digital optical out of the TV into the soundbar. It's a one button power on for immediate sound out of the sound bar.
The DTS Virutal X simulated surround is incredible
The YAS-107 doesn't seem to have an AV-Sync function. How's the audio lag?
It seems pretty tolerable- I wouldn't say I've noticed much/any lag. (using a 1.5m digital optical cable) watched HTPC movies, TV, X1 and Switch for a few days without anything sticking out.
I might not be too sensitive to it
That's good to hear. Enjoy the soundbar!
My soundbar has 60ms of audio lag, which is desynced from my TV with 26ms display lag. Another guy in the thread has a soundbar with an A/V sync toggle that goes as low as 25ms. See my post earlier in the thread for more info.
Audio lag is pretty difficult to notice, especially in most video games, so don't worry about it too much if you don't notice anything. It doesn't bother me most of the time (just some of the time lol).