Question: Soundbar vs AVR - advice for a small room

[Pokus]

Hello,

I would appreciate some views about my (nice) problem to have...

I do have a small room , with a small TV (likely 10 years old), which is still using the built in speakers. not sure about the exact dimensions of the room, but it is small, likely 2,5m by 2,5m (educate guess).
I am about to replace the TV with something new and want to build some "better/proper" sound setup to go along.

the primary use will be to watch netflix/amazon/disney/etc. but it will also be used to listen some music (sometimes youtube music, sometimes tidal).

I am wondering what would be the best option on this case. I was thinking on something like a 5.1 wharfedele system (either a DX-3 or a Diamond 12.1) with likely a Denon AVR to match the speakers, or alternatively a Sonos Arc sound bar.

I am pretty sure that any of the above will be much better than a 10 years old TV with built in speakers, but I am not sure if the Diamond 12.1 would be an overkill for such small room? if it is, would the next best option be the DX-3 or the soundbar?

Would be keen to listen to people views/experiences.

cheers!

 

[Messiah]

I have yet to hear a soundbar that can replicate what a 'true' surround set-up can achieve.

Have you heard a (let's call it) proper surround set-up?

Whilst I'm sure the Arc is fine I think the Denon/Wharefdale combo will be far better.

I would not be too concerned a out the size of the room as the auto-set up will take care of that. I have used surround in similar (and smaller) spaces and it still sounds great.

 

[Pokus]

I have yet to hear a soundbar that can replicate what a 'true' surround set-up can achieve.

Have you heard a (let's call it) proper surround set-up?

Whilst I'm sure the Arc is fine I think the Denon/Wharefdale combo will be far better.

I would not be too concerned a out the size of the room as the auto-set up will take care of that. I have used surround in similar (and smaller) spaces and it still sounds great.

thanks! that is helpful!

I used to have a half decent sound system like .... 20 years ago... then got married, moved house, kids, etc, etc, etc.
just felt the need to look at it again and got myself thinking on the soundbar question, as i am also sure a shedload of stuff changed over the past 20 years, hence my lack of current perception of up to date systems and performances.

 

[abacus]

Soundbars require clear walls and ceiling to get the best effect, plus with minimal set up can give a great sound and effect, (Hence probably 99% of consumers go for them) however, for the 1% that are really into home cinema (It really is a niche market) then separates will always be the way to go.
If music rather than movies is the main use, then get a decent soundbar for movies and a separates Hi-Fi system for music.

Bill

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

Would highly recommend a Soundbar - either the Arc you mention, or perhaps the newer Arc Ultra depending on budget. In fact, in a room that size, I'd suggest even the smaller Sonos Beam 2 would do a job. As you can see from my signature, I've run various Sonos products and am happy with them all.

Alternative, in my view, would be a 2(.1) set up using something along the lines of a Wiim Amp or if budget allows, Lyngdorf or the like.

Net net, compared to the 10 year old tv, anything now should sound dramatically superior.

 

[twinkletoes]

Ok im guessing you are not going see this as you seem to have made your mind up.

But ill put a very pragmatic point of view foward.

2.5meters squared is a very very small space to place 5-7 Diamond 12.1 and a subwoofer, small boxes they are not! Not saying you can't put a surround system in a space that small (ive done it) but im guess you'll also have, shall we say, life's pleasures in that space as well. Which will mean you and probably will struggle to place the speakers of a traditional system ideally. Many can't place 2 channel speakers correctly, weather that be dictated by the room or by a significant other. Then you have the cable vomit that you have to "hide"/deal with.

Messiah is correct, "I have yet to hear a sound bar sound better" BUT make no mistake get the right sound bar and its not fair behind. Think Sennheisers Amebo range of bars. They have smaller ones now.

In you situation its not going to be all about sound, the very fact your asking the question means your concerned. As ever with everything its a compromise.

There are a few options you could look at that will probably suit better IMO.

2.1 channel setup, a nice amp with an HDMI Marantz do some nice options or some kef ls50 wireless type designs. Make no mistake this can give a very good holographic sound when setup right. Many haven't heard this due to living arrangements but it can make you question the need for 5.1/7.1 or atoms in the home environment setup correctly.

Sony do a 5.1-HT-A9m2 system where the speakers can be pretty much placed anywhere all very cleaver stuff and probably a sign of things to come industry wide.

Sound bar like the ARC/ultra/beam, sennheisers Amebo range would be the only ones I look at.

lastly a proper surround with small surrounds like the Dali fazon sat speakers for example. And in your space really wouldn't go much bigger than this. down side with this is you'll probably have to channel the cables into the wall.

​

 

[Cricketbat70]

As another option. My son has a Denon AVR and a Monitor Audio Mass 5.1 speaker system from Richer Sounds, in his attic bedroom. The attic was split in half to make two bedrooms so his side is probably 2.5 by 4 meters. Being used to stand mounted book shelf speakers and wall mounted bipole rears, for my AV set up, I was pleasantly surprised how good the 5 little satellite speakers and bass module sound together.