Best mid range soundbar?

[troopa85]

I have narrowed my search down to 2 soundbars. I got 300 euro to spend and these seem to offer the most bang for the buck.

The Philips HTL5120 and the LG 4530. The HTL5120 costs 120€ less but which is the better buy and why?

If possible I would like them rated for both music and movies.

If you have any other suggestions feel free to add them as well just keep in mind I can't spend more than 300 euro.

 

[troopa85]

The NB4530:

http://www.whathifi.com/review/lg-nb4530a

The HTL 5120:

http://www.whathifi.com/review/philips-htl5120

Also yes I know the nb4530 won the 2013 award for its price range but both scored 5 at a similar review price and would really like to know which one is the better for both movies and music and if the nb4530 is worth spending an extra 120 euro on.

 

[bigboss]

Of the two, I would go for LG simply because it includes a subwoofer for far superior bass as compared to Philips.

 

[troopa85]

Alright, the philips has an integrated subwoofer though which is one of the things reviewers have been very positive about, haven't really read anything negative but I guess the standalone sub from the nb4530 might be better.

 

[troopa85]

To add to the above I have also looked at this review of the nb4530 and the conclusion:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/lg-nb4530a_Surround-Sound-System_review_operation-performance-and-verdict_Page-2#tr-review-summary

We have nothing but praise for the LG NB4530A. Its appealing feature list includes Bluetooth, USB playback and a wireless subwoofer, while its performance is right up there with the very best in its price class. Even more impressive is the design – it’s one of the slimmest soundbars we’ve come across and build quality is luxurious.

It’s worth pointing out here that the Philips HTL5120 adds a second HDMI input and delivers similarly impressive build and sound quality at a lower price, making it a better bet overall, but even so the LG NB4530A still deserves a place on your shortlist.

Which makes me doubt if the extra money for the nb4530 is worth it... was hoping someone here had auditioned both but that's probably too much to ask for.

 

[troopa85]

Also how would a system like the nb4530 compare to a set of normal active speakers ? If you were to spend 300-350 euro on a pair?

For example something like this:

http://www.hifiklubben.dk/Products/argon-7460a-aktiv-hojttaler-31748/

Normal speakers +reciver is out of my price range and I figured sound bar would be the way to go?

 

[bigboss]

Actually, it's not out of your price range. Check this for example:

http://www.richersounds.com/package/system-savers/home-cinema-separates-bundle-deals/pah011682

This will be superior to soundbars.

Soundbars should only be used if space is an issue, IMO.

 

[troopa85]

I don't want wires all over the place so only really looking at a 2.1 system , also would like it to be good for music as well as movies.

 

[Leeps]

Q Acoustics BT3

 

[bigboss]

I don't want wires all over the place so only really looking at a 2.1 system , also would like it to be good for music as well as movies.

I would suggest a 3.1 system as a minimum. A dedicated centre channel will pay rich dividends to the sound quality, especially with dialogues.

 

[unsleepable]

Q Acoustics BT3

I've got a pair and find them very good. Short on bass, but with nice soundstage and beautiful sound. Unfussy about placement. Anyways, they are above the price range given.

 

[troopa85]

I could probably stretch my budget for those, but then I would need a sub as well it seems?

 

[Al ears]

I don't want wires all over the place so only really looking at a 2.1 system , also would like it to be good for music as well as movies.

I would suggest a 3.1 system as a minimum. A dedicated centre channel will pay rich dividends to the sound quality, especially with dialogues.

I'd have to second this.

Soundbars, and particularly those in this price bracket, are only there to reinforce the rather weedy sound you get from modern flat-screen tv's that have no speakers to speak of. They are not intended to be part of a hifi set-up.

If you want 'music' of any quality then you seriosly have to consider the seperates route.

 

[troopa85]

If I go for something like Q Acoustics BT3, which center should I get, and will such a setup have enough bass or will I need a sub as well? cause then its getting really pricey.

 

[unsleepable]

The BT3 are very convenient because you get nice speakers, amplifier and DAC for a good price—I live in Germany and I bought mine online from the UK for £364, shipping included. They also don't take much space, and this is the reason I decided for this model instead of going for separates. Their size is perfect for where I have put them.

The alternative for me was the Nad D 3020 plus Q Acoustics 2020i. But that was more expensive, would have taken more space, and did not come in the nice red color.

But the BT3 are short on bass. It is not only that they will not produce a powerful bass, it's that their range on the lowest frequencies does not reach so far either. If this important for you, maybe you would prefer to have them with a subwoofer. Since for me these are not my main Hi-Fi speakers but just TV speakers, I am happy with them as they are and have not added a subwoofer.

They will also not fill a medium/large living-room with music. I'd say they are better suited to be listened at less than 2m far—really, TV speakers. You can of course raise their volume more than that, but will clearly hear the source of the music.

On the upside, they are detailed, pleasingly neutral and produce a nice soundstage.

 

[unsleepable]

Since posting this, I've made a point to listen to more music on the BT3, and I think it'd be fair to make some additions. I will start by following davedotco's advice and saying that I do enjoy listening to music with them.

The bass they have is really nice. As I said, it won't go very low, but what they have is as nicely neutral as the rest of their sound.

And they also sound great from farther than 2 m—I think the way I wrote my previous post may have implied otherwise. I've tried from 5 m far and while their sound won't involve you at that distance—this is what I intended to say—, they sound as nice as from close. Of course, from closer it's more difficult to clearly be aware of the source of the sound.

Now, as for soundstage, I had the impression that they had better probably because of hearing movies with them. But with music their sound rather lacks depth. Maybe it's because they sit as bookshelf speakers without much space around them except, naturally, in front. Maybe placing them differently would improve the soundstage—but since I bought them to stay where they are and put quite a bit of an effort to hide the cables, I'm afraid I lack the motivation to try moving them around.

All in all, I really recommend them.

 

[Happy_Listner]

I realized that low priced soundbars will not sound much better than many TV speakers. I just bought a $400 dollar one and I am thinking of returning it.

 

[bigboss]

Which one did you buy?