Budget soundbars

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I've looked in the back of WHF and had a quick chat with Richers - the in-laws are after a soundbar to replace a malfunctioning home-cinema-in-a-box, something that there seems to be a dearth of now.

Prefer a conventional IR remote, so erring away from Sonos, only connection available to them is optical, and ideally less that 80cm wide - budget under £500.

Any personal experiences or things I should be aware of before a store visit?

 

[jjbomber]

Any personal experiences or things I should be aware of before a store visit?

Got the Sky soundbox for my mum. Devialet developed them, so a good pedigree. Only HDMI, optical and bluetooth inputs, but it was only used with the TV in my mum's case. Just 38cm long, 21cm deep and 11cm tall. You can pick them up second hand for £100. I found it great.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

only connection available to them is optical,

Alas no, then.

 

[jjbomber]

Alas no, then.

It has an optical input. Doesn't have an IR remote though.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

My reading age appears to be dropping!

 

[nopiano]

We have a Canton, though it’s a base rather than a bar. It sounds great and we’ve used it with Sony and LG using optical. IIRC they all got good reviews. Handy remote with volume, tone and input options.

Stopped using it with our latest LG as couldn’t seem to get a consistent synchronised sound - it seemed to depend on the input. I think it’s a new LG thing. However, I’d buy one again as it’s discrete and sounds very good. (I think ours was the DM50, and WHF still mention the newer 55)

 

[Al ears]

My reading age appears to be dropping!

Mine did years ago....

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Ended up with a discounted Denon - they're happy.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

A 5.1 setup isn't a soundbar. This (and the 'we') makes you look like a spammer - apologies if not.

 

[Wander]

Bose 838309-1100, 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Bose 838309-1100, 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.

See post #8...