Compact Speaker System

[admin_exported]

OK, looking for a compact speaker solution for a family member (mother!) .......... who having now heard my new set up wants a better system for herself and my father (a bit hard of hearing at the best of times!!!).

Easy I hear you say ...................... well, it needs to be compact (to a point) and without yards & yards of wires trailing around the room (their OLD and a trip over trailing wires would be lethal!).

So what I've come up with as a simple solution is either a Bose CineMate speaker System [two small speakers and an Acoustimass box] OR a Yamaha Soundbar YSP 500 (or the 600 or the YAMAHA HTY760 ).

Has anyone had any experience of either of these (?)

OR can anyone suggest an alternative ...............?

At the moment (because it's going to cost ME) ............... I'm tempted by the HTY760 as Superfi have it on offer at only 195.70 :-

[ http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/3756]

So ................... any experts out there who can help .............?

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Andy Clough]

Hi ScoobyCanDo

I'd go for one of the Yamaha soundbars as they're generally a good-sounding, neat solution and easy to install. That deal from Superfi looks pretty tempting to me, although I haven't heard that particular model...

 

[Anonymous]

RE: The Yamaha Deal for the HTY 760 at Superfi

If you click on their links for the Model Brochure OR User Manual ................. it comes up as the YSP500?

Have found the following :-

[*]Black Cabinet, Black Facia with Black Grille (YSP600)
Black Cabinet, Silver Facia with Black Grille (HYT760)

So may just be a cosmetic change?

 

[Anonymous]

 

[mikey2008]

Check this link out:

http://www.weymouthhifi.co.uk/website/yamaha/hty760.htm

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks

......... but cheaper at :-

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/3756

 

[mikey2008]

If you buy one of these can you, can you give an update as to how it performs, because I'm quite tempted.

 

[Anonymous]

Spoke yesterday with a chap at my local Richer Sounds ............... confirmed the HTY760 IS the same as the YSP-600 as featured on page 13 of What Hi-Fi (December 20080).

He was surprised at the price ............ could not match it but did warn that it had a poor bass output ........... would need to buy a separate unit ............... thus putting up the cost!

For me ............... should be OK, as it's for my parents set up .................. so no need for 'rumble-in-the jungle effect when watching films etc .........

Really want to hear one running, so looks like I get to spend a few weekends 'shopping' ............... (oh what joy)

If anyone HAS one of these .................... how do you find it?

The SCOOBY

 

[mikey2008]

Just ordered one from Superfi - paid extra top get it delivered Saturday. I'll let you know how I get on with it. Still seems really cheap - Pixmania are selling it for £330.

 

[mikey2008]

So, got it delivered today and I'm very impressed with it. The sound is infinitely better than the speakers on the 40W4500. It's very clear at high volumes and it's got enough bass, - you can add a subwoofer if necessary. Also, it looks very cool and is very compact. The top volume isn't that loud (62W) although it's fine for my needs. I'd recommend it, particularly at £195.

 

[Anonymous]

Seem a bit of a bargain at only £195 ................. everywhere else is quoting around £280 upwards??????

 

[mikey2008]

I know, it's cheap. It was brand new - I was half expecting a second-hand one. Weymouth Hifi were doing it for £205 earlier in the week but it's just gone up to £249.

 

[Anonymous]

Mikey , you seem to be pleased with your soundbar and at this price seems a good bet . But was just wondering if this model would give a decent soundstage in a closed living room, size 15ft x 12. any thoughts in relation to your own room size? and does it provide enogh of a rumble without a subby?

 

[mikey2008]

Hey Joe,

Your room appears to be quite square and I would say that is probably ideal. I've got it an a kitchen/diner which is (a) quite rectangular and (b) has quite a few odd shapes it (sticking out stepped cupboards etc) which makes it non-ideal to get the best from the surround sound. However, the reason I bought it was becuase I just wanted an upgrade from the TV speakers on the W4500, which are a bit pathetic. The soundbar was ideal for this purpose. I think I would be tempted to get an additional sub-woofer if I was watching a lot of movies etc, but for the kitchen, it's fine as it is. It does have a TruBass option built in which cranks the bass up a bit, but it's still no substitute for a separate woofer.

 

[Anonymous]

Mikey , thanks for the reply. I have my Tv(pana 42'') positioned in the corner and was just concerned that although the YSP600 was small it might struggle to fill the room(this is my first attempt at home cinema).So i was holding off thinking that i could save for the larger more expensive YSP30D .From your experience the 600 would cope well enough in a room like mine( mainly movies) then i would go ahead and get the 600 and then add sub later.I cant demo the 600 as richer sounds do not currently stock it and we have very little in the way of specialist HiFi where i am. But would be happy to take the leap based on the reviews and some personal opinions.

 

[mikey2008]

I'd advise you to go and have a listen to it. As I mentioned previously, it's only got an output of 62W, which isn't exactly going to shake your room.