CnoEvil said:
acalex said:
Indeed, a lot of info. It might be great also considering I am buying a Yamaha AV amplifier....and it is almost decided!
I believe the Yamaha Soundbars have built-in amps, so if you went for a Yamaha amp, you would be better with Wishtree's suggestion of the passive Kef.
Not just because I suggested the passive LCR speakers, but overall I find passive speakers with AV Receiver being far more flexible and sonically better than the active soundbars like Yamaha.
IMO, Active soundbars caters to some one who want a true all-in-one barring a subwoofer. They are good for that purpose but sonically they are a bit of compromise.
As far as unobtrusive solution is concered, Passive Style speaker packages with an AVReceiver is the best sonically (offer better soundstage and depending on the model have added sonic benefits)
Passive Sounbars (LCR speakers - KEF 8003 or MA LCR or Wharfedale Diamond LCR) are a bit of comprimise wrto soundstaging but offer a very good alternative. Choose the passive soundbar which fits the look & style. Though I have not tried others and KEF seemed to be rated the best out there with a 3 way design in each of the L, C & R it sounds a bit more full, I guess.