I have a theater room. In the living room I have a simple TV optical out to a Schiit DAC to a stereo receiver, two bookshelf speakers and a sub. It's good enough for me.
Yeah, I had that built into the house I just sold. It was 8 years old and was approximately $5,000 when installed. It was amazing, but obviously, I couldn't take it with me. Since leaving it behind, I am not looking for anything that complex, but do love excellent sound quality (I was an audio engineer for many years of my life after-all). I am definitely interested in a high quality sound bar that I can move around and is not a fixture in a home that I may not live in forever.
It's not about whether sound bars compete with home theaters. Because 85% of people don't care. They just want better sound for their TV. That's it. And yeah, I went into Best Buy too. Walked to where the listening room used to be and, surprise, it was no longer there. They had a room like area set up on the floor, but it was basically a couple of receivers I think hooked up to one set of surround speakers. More or less just there to show people, "this is the other thing you can do if you want better sound". The salesman whom I asked the very same question "is it dying?", said that these days most new homes being built are open floor plans. Hence you don't have a square room and a place to put some rear speakers. So they get directed to sound bars which work better in those situations and they are happy. Home theater people have to be people that are in to 2 channel audio as well, IMO. In fact they may prefer 2 channel and only buy home theater systems because they want the best sound for their money and aren't afraid of more complexity. Let's face it, if you are a bit older like I am, you gravitated to home theater from your old 2 channel system. There were no soundbars to choose from. I liken it to people playing games on PC and consoles. PC is for the hardcores and consoles are for everybody else.
@stijnvanderlooy5311 Pretty much. I think the Fosi 2.1 BT30 in my bedroom sounds better actually, I might just go with that since my tv has variable control rca out jacks and I can choose the speakers I use with it at least!
I appreciate soundbars for their simplicity and lack of wires however I’ll never give up true home theater. Heck I have a surround system in my bedroom. It’s just a Sony in a box w/ a bdp built in yet it sounds decent. I will be upgrading my 2013 Yamaha Aventage AVR in my living room soon for a DolbyAtmos/dtsX system soon so the Yami will go in the bedroom. I already have the speakers for both systems. I do have 2 soundbases, a huge Yamaha in a bedroom and smallish Denon in my kitchen. I have no tolerance for tinny built-n tv speakers. That said I love your channel Randy and thank you for your work.
So what you're saying Randy is that a system must pass the "Bruckheimer Test" to get enough life out of the bass. I can get behind that theory. Great video, as usual, thanks.
Just got the Flexus 200 for sale at $400. Previously had a Jamo 801PM w/ sub that wasn’t quite powerful enough for the new area and required turning on specifically and changing settings every time to use and a wife that has no interest in dealing with that. The benefit of the cost, quality, and eARC allowing it to turn on and manage the audio on its own makes it so easy, especially at the price.
A sound bar is good for space constraints or budget, I use one in my bedroom for tv . However I also have a $7000 built surround system, and there’s no sound bar on earth that comes remotely close to that thing. My friend spent over 2g’s on a sound bar and he loves it, which is great . He is not a music enthusiast he likes it for movies , and for that it’s perfectly fine. I have 2 separates 2.0ch stereo systems that I swap gear out fairly often. The last couple years my favourite music sessions are spent on my surround system . So as far as I’m concerned; for movies a sound bar (with a sub) is adequate. For music listening in surround a proper multichannel system is strongly recommended. Sometimes “adequate” isn’t good enough….
I bought my first ht system right around its inception, Dolby Pro Logic. I now have a very good Atmos system, multiple subs etc. I work part time at Best Buy. Most people are receptive to a sound bar but very few will even consider a traditional surround system. I’ve had some co workers over who have never heard a good system and they are completely blown away by the experience.
Before getting into budget hifi a couple of months ago I had a very decent Samsung soundbar with wireless sub. My Elac debut 5.2 system with 8" Pioneer sealed sub absolutely smokes it for about $300 more.
I dont think any sound bar will ever compete with my 7.4.4 theatre system. Full emersion and enough bass to feel every gunshot, every rocket launch, and every explosion in the depth of your bones. 4 18" subs is definitely the way to go!
I just got the Klipsch 200 in without the wireless sub. Specifically because the option for a wired sub output. I have a great Sunfire 12inch sub. This is replacing a smaller Yamaha yas109 (that one also has a wired sub output). The Yamaha was quite good and is going to a bedroom. The Klipsch is much better overall. This is obvious as it is larger with more power. Very happy with the purchase so far. Bluetooth music sounds great.
I had a full 5.1surround with Polk and onkyo but now in an apartment. I switched to the flexus 100 with my 15” sub and the flexus surr 100 and impressed my guests and even myself. I might swap to the 200 though. Either way it may not be top of the line home theater but it’s pretty quality for the price.
Bass is important true but heck at soundbar even if its $1000 I miss that effect that two separate speakers make when spaced in equilateral triangle, even if its 1/2 the price of the soundbar
I decided my 80% was good left-right separation and a good subwoofer. Klipsch The 5s and a Klipsch subwoofer does the job and is 99% free of inconvenience.
For me, a soundbar will be for like a living room or bedroom. I'm glad to see soundbars getting better to enjoy content in those situations. But I'll always have a full dedicated theater!
I'd give it a go if I didn't have the Klipsch Fours (The Fives, Sevens or Nines will work as well). They manage the subwoofer and crossover and I can still adjust bass with the remote. They have multiple digital inputs as well as RCAs so seperate DAC can be used.
I like it with my Klipsch to subwoofer connected to it, but I just bought a av receiver and going to get some wired Klipsch speakers and center channel speaker to start out with.
I bought the JBL Bar 500, no upwards firing speakers, 10" sub. I mostly bought it for music playback but it did increase my Movie watching pleasure. Would I like something better for home theater purposes? Yes. Like you said, convenience of not having wires sold me on this sound bar however it also scares me because I did have one instance of the Sub not "Pairing" with the sound bar. I also didn't want a bar with the satellite speakers because from what I understand you charge them up or something and that didn't sound convenient either.
I feel like there is a middle ground to this....how about wireless speakers and subs that can connect to a receiver? something like a supercharged sony ht-9 system....because lets be honest the biggest concern for HT surround setups are the cables
I have a $15k 7.2.4 home theater and my wife doesn't really care. But man, she did backflips when I put my True Sub Junior in her room to replace that crappy Denon one. She had to watch LOTR a couple more times after that. But, a good soundbar and small sub will be solely used in the LR of our new house. My home theater will be in the man cave bonus room above the garage 🙂
Soundbars are for those without ears outside of their skulls. I spent roughly the same on my surround system and now that burn in has just started to pass I'm not even putting the Focal Theva No3D's, Center and Surround's down anymore.
United States of Analog seemed to miss my knowing what Flaxseed is in my joking comment about the Focal woofers he was talking about. My hair (what remains of it) is mostly white. Yes, I'm directly aware of Flaxseed...
Building my home theatre setup as we speak. I just need another 50w stereo amplifier.. and a tv or something like that 😂 When done I will have a 7.1.2 setup. With all electrostatic speakers 😎 except for the rel subwoofer I allready owned. Total cost... 1000 for processor and amps (Marantz and Harman Kardon) ... 2100 for 7*electrostatic speakers (acoustat and quad)... So fingers crossed Nirvana will be reached soon 😎
I just bought one last week for my smaller mancave. Sound is amazing and I don't even have the sub or the rear surrounds. Is it the same as my 9.1 Sony/JBL system in the living room. No. the APP doesn't not work at all for me. I hope they fix it.
I think Linus from LTT just compared the "Nakamichi" (RIP actual Nak) Dragon sound bar to his 5 figure HT and the results were underwhelming. I've never heard any "budget" sound bar or HTIB that has come even close to a "real" traditional HT setup. My own 5 figure system still blew the doors off anything modern despite being over 20 years old. Just to give you an idea how old it was, the processor was a B&K Reference 50... which had replaced the Reference 30 I had originally bought because I wanted balanced connectors. I would still put those processors and their related eqiupment against any budget modern system even taking into consideration the outdated surround software.
This is quite an interesting point of view. I like it - I don't know about you, but I don't have much time to watch or try to get the full experience at home from movies at home, but when I finally want to get something out of this, I'm getting from other household people - "TURN IT DOWN". For font size - that's why I got a subwoofer to get as much as possible rumbling low-frequency sounds for the sake of that :-) ... Jeezus - I need to separate rooms just for that :-) Cheers - I like your videos - didn't have much time recently to immerse into the subject, but thanks to you I'll have to do something about it ... or kick out family ;-) "wink, wink, nudge, nudge"
Rather spend 2-3k on some 2 rp8000f 1 rp504c then get the Jamo 5.0 set use 803’s as surrounds use 801’s as atmos speakers.. just bought a svs pb 2000 for 300$ then I would get a budget denon 5.1.2 receiver
I always thought I could have the best of both worlds with an AV, well you cannot IMHO.. So i went back to, two channel audio and a soundbar and never looked back .
Home Theater is niche unfortunately and it’s fragmented into highend and soundbar. Totally agree we with you become hard to find something in the middle.
A more relevant comparison would be between products at the same price point. For 500 bucks, I would take a big brand soundbar than a chifi setup anyday.
@@tyty0071 I should have prefaced with “I live in Canada”. Your response prompted a quick Google search, and the only price I could find today for this monster was $5400 CDN, not including shipping; so context matters, buddy. edit: also could mention that while few of the frequent visitors here have their own YT channels, many of us folks of a “certain age” (72 in my case) have been at this game for decades longer than Randy, and often find ourselves bemused by the content of many reviewers videos and the commentary that inevitably follows.
@@fonkenful Nakamichi has admitted prices and availability outside the US is more limited and there will be additional shipping and taxes to consider. Since Randy is using USD in this comparison, I'd say the $3500 Nakamichi is about 1/3 of the price and offers great performance particularly in home theatre. Admittedly, 2-ch audio is still much better with dedicated systems. Regardless, you certainly have quite a bit of experience over the years and I'm sure have seen trends come and go.
Audio Man, I need your help. I need a system for a man loft. I have most of my music on my IPhone…not ideal. I want a surround sound audio experience that uses lossless Bluetooth, surround sound for TV and movies, but a record and CD player to make use of all my formats. Any direction?
Hi Randy! How’s it going? I've been watching your videos for a while, and I'm starting to set up a quality audio system. Initially, I had a pair of Edifier R1280DB speakers connected to a turntable, and I noticed a difference in sound compared to before (which was terrible). However, I recently acquired a pair of Sony SSCS5 speakers, and the problem is that I follow you from Colombia, where taxes and shipping are not always economical. I wanted to ask for your advice and hope you can help me. I have $400, and based on your recommendations on the channel, I’m choosing between a WiiM Amp, which costs $300 plus $100 for shipping (totaling $400), or the Fosi Audio ZA3 + WiiM Pro + remote + S.M.S.L SU-1 without shipping (totaling $391). What do you think? Would you change anything? Please help me out!
I get what you are saying, but you are overstating the case. I have not encountered any soundbar that, by itself, offers immersive sound. Is a soundbar better than the sound coming out of your TV? Yes. Does it offer anything close to a cinematic experience? No! Do you have to spend $10,000 plus to get a cinematic experience? IMHO, no. Do you have to put up which tons of wires connecting speakers? No. Let me give two examples, both of which are wireless and cost less than $5,000. Let’s start with the Nakamichi Dragon which costs just under $4,000 and comes with a soundbar, two subs and 2 rear surrounds. The other example is Sonos. The system I would create for less than $5,000 would be an Arc, 2 subs (not sub minis), Era 300 rear surrounds and grouped with another pair of Era 300s in the front. No wires. Easy EQ for your space and very immersive. I know because I own this system and can’t imagine anyone but a very small minority needing more than this.
Check out the brand Ultimea, they have some affordable compelling choices. I have the Flexus core 200 system with the sub and surrounds added. It's honestly kinda underwhelming for the price. Being a collab between 2 companies that I have been a fan of over the years got my expectations up unfortunately.
Last year I tried every sound bar in the shop. Every brand was there and I tried their best models. Every single one had this plastic hollow resonance coming through the sound. I laughed it was that bad. The people saying soundbars are an equal alternative including reviewers, must have no ability to notice tone, in my opinion. Also because of the tiny amount of driver surface area, you've got zero dynamics. No stereo seperation, no dynamics, no bass, no tone... When it comes to this whole debate, being stereo vs soundbar, It's as bad as the plant based meat people saying you can't tell the difference.
I have the space and means but surround never really appealed to me. Good sound is critical but surround sound can't make or break a movie so its just not worth the cost and complexity when you can always get better overall sound in everything by getting better mains or amplifier. So 2.0 / 2.1 for me personally for all the things but if I wasn't into music I would for sure have a soundbar like this and I do think entry level dedicated HT systems are a waste of money and effort.
Hi Thanks for the video. l am one of those people who sadly does not get this less is more theory. For me l do not see why l should downgrade, in my opinion, to a soundbar if l can get a receiver with a complete set up. It simply makes no sense to me. l do understand people have different concerns, space, complexity, pets or children or sometimes neighbours. However, given a choice l will always avoid the soundbar for a full system. My main system is a HTIB Pioneer, 5.1 system with a subwoofer, l have always enjoyed that system, unfortunately a small accident has put the AVR out of action and l am looking at replacing or repairing. Mind you this is a 14 year old system. My next system which l use where l work is a Sony 1070 AVR with two small Yamaha speakers and the Center speaker. They do an adequate job but l am always wondering how much better it would be were it a full system like the pioneer. l am always tempted to upgrade however finances and location prevent that but should things change l will do so with much gusto. l have only ever been intrigued by one soundbar so far, that is the Nakamichi Dragon, that looks like an amazing thing and it has an amazing price too. You could get a very good system for what Nakamichi is asking for therefore at that point l would defer to a traditional set up but if l were to win the lotto though, l am definitely going for that one for 'research purposes.'
I own 1000$ samsung flagship q 950 a with sub and 2 satelite speakers and it's sound for me great for music (standard) mode and for movies as well (soround or atmos mode). I'm planing to spend around 1800$ for 2.0 Rotel A11 MK II, Dynaudio Emit 10 and new streamer Wiim ultra. Do I get any benefit in sound for music over this soundbar?
@@woodplay13 ya bro for music you should definitely go ahead with your plans. A sound bar is adequate for movies and perhaps music as background They are good for the average consumers but if want to experience hi fidelity, sound bar systems are limited. A lot has to do with cramped in closures and tiny drivers bouncing in all directions. Room correction only goes so far for phase and reflection issues. I have experience with both ways and there truly is no comparison especially dollar for dollar. If you are happy with what you have now that’s great ! That’s all that really matters anyways.🍻
@@Audiodreamer192-24 Thanks for your swift answer. I troughly love music all genres. So many radios, speakers hi fi radio speakers and home theatres...2.1 for pc...jbl's, and thus soundbar in my 40 years listening service. But I never invest in good hi fi system. Now when I have opportunity I will definetly go for that. Thanks you confirm me for doing so ❤️Just I hope that Rotel amp will be enugh for this Dynaudio emit 10 speakers because is 50w at 8 and 62w at 4 ohms. I just want hear and feel sound of my favorite songs like never before. I'm right now listening Metalica Sad but true, I'm burning to listen that whole album on hi fi 💪
@@woodplay13 I've not heard that Rotel on Dyns, but they'll be a push on it. Dyns aren't typically a very considerate load and even the lower end stuff needs plenty of control. The fact it's only rated at 62w at 4ohms suggests it's lean on input power (good amps will double into half impedence). Other than taking a bit of driving, Dyns are great speakers for the money though. Any proper hifi gear will floor what you have for music.
@@tyrantworm7392 Yes exactley that. They need bit of driving. The seller/audiophile from small shop in Croatia told me that. I purchace this setup (without wiimp streamer) monday and he returned me 1500$ yesterday because I was still thinking and in doubt with purchace. We spoke alot. From begining he was explaining me that but I was not listening.Great guy. I catch that rotel and not leting go. Because I look reviews from cheapaudioman, andrew robinson and audiophiliac and they liked this rotel a11 mk2 verry much. And for me looks simple and great without that ugly screen like other rotels. He told me that Dynaudio don't need comercial and that they are great for money. Just one downside they are power hungry. Emit 10's and next level Evoke 10. They need stronger amplifier. He told me same as you they need doubling power at 4ohms at least 120 wats. I explain that I have relativly small room 16 square meters and I will not cranck volume to the top just quality listening and I was thinking 62w from rotel will be enough. He told me that I need more power just to properly open speaker and that then will be lively and greater soundstage as well more responsive on botom and on end. Now even I'm looking some stronger amp as he reccomended. Rotel or cambridge cxa81 mk2 with 80w at 8 and 120w at 4ohms. He told me that cambridge is litle bit softer and warmer and I need to listen which one before I buy my first hi fi. I'm not considering to buy other speakers because all others in that budget are strong in treble and lack of base. Like kef, monitor audio, q acoustic, dali and they need sub. For amp I was also looking arcam, music fieldity, audiolab...now again I'm note shure, but I'm shure that I want something special thet my hair go up when I listen my favorite songs on that/first hi fi system. Any sugestions for amp? Thanks on your time 🤗
If the media content doesn't draw you in and hold your attentention and suspend disbelief, no collection of doodads and geegaws are gonna help. They CAN improve the experience, if there's one to be had.
Disagree. It's not about the explosions for me. It's about actually being able to hear the dialogue and also the explosions without having to piss about with the volume
Love your channel and everything you do but no sound bar will reproduce a full scale movie I owned a def-tech set up with a pioneer elite revciever all bought at a wholesale discount I worked at an audio video store and let me tell you I spent less than 5 grand for everything no sound bar on earth will ever able to compete no way Jose I got lucky and worked for a good audio video company
If you want an actual home theater in a sound bar setup there is only one option. The Nakamichi DRAGON 11.4.6 Home Surround Sound System. Two dual subs in a push/pull system. The rears have upwards firing speakers that rotate. It also has a total of 3000 watts and while power doesn't equal good sound, the sound at itself is insane. Below is the soundbar description. It ain't cheap, it's also not much more than what Sony costs either and they only come out with a product like every 29 years (weird company) but when they do....How many sound ars out there are stainless steel? 14 speaker drivers powered by 7 digital amplifiers are embedded into a stainless steel 58" casing, complete with 116,000 airflow-optimized holes and waterfall-chamfered edges.
Flexus is not that great of a name. It would be more evocative to combine the words Flat, as in audiophile neutrality, and US, because it’s an American company. So they should have called it the Flatus.
Your conclusion (50% as good as something costing 25x more) seemed designed to bait gullible viewers. Your choice obviously but a lot of ppl might think that crosses the line….
I have a theater room. In the living room I have a simple TV optical out to a Schiit DAC to a stereo receiver, two bookshelf speakers and a sub. It's good enough for me.
Me too, I am a 2.1 guy
No substitute for a good avr receiver and 5 or more individual speakers!!
@@brooklynknightss absolutely 👍
@Audiodreamer192-24 I'm willing to bet a 5.1.2 will out perform the best soudbar.
@@obagolden7043 agreed
Yeah, I had that built into the house I just sold. It was 8 years old and was approximately $5,000 when installed. It was amazing, but obviously, I couldn't take it with me. Since leaving it behind, I am not looking for anything that complex, but do love excellent sound quality (I was an audio engineer for many years of my life after-all). I am definitely interested in a high quality sound bar that I can move around and is not a fixture in a home that I may not live in forever.
@michaeldurkin8659 listen they make great soundbars today!! What ever works for you whether its budget or space!! Its all good!!
It's not about whether sound bars compete with home theaters. Because 85% of people don't care. They just want better sound for their TV. That's it.
And yeah, I went into Best Buy too. Walked to where the listening room used to be and, surprise, it was no longer there. They had a room like area set up on the floor, but it was basically a couple of receivers I think hooked up to one set of surround speakers. More or less just there to show people, "this is the other thing you can do if you want better sound".
The salesman whom I asked the very same question "is it dying?", said that these days most new homes being built are open floor plans. Hence you don't have a square room and a place to put some rear speakers. So they get directed to sound bars which work better in those situations and they are happy.
Home theater people have to be people that are in to 2 channel audio as well, IMO. In fact they may prefer 2 channel and only buy home theater systems because they want the best sound for their money and aren't afraid of more complexity. Let's face it, if you are a bit older like I am, you gravitated to home theater from your old 2 channel system. There were no soundbars to choose from. I liken it to people playing games on PC and consoles. PC is for the hardcores and consoles are for everybody else.
I have a Vizio 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar that sounds better.. than the TV speakers 😅
Most things do sound better than tv speakers 😂
Exactly. And there your expactations from a soundbar should stop.
@stijnvanderlooy5311
Pretty much. I think the Fosi 2.1 BT30 in my bedroom sounds better actually, I might just go with that since my tv has variable control rca out jacks and I can choose the speakers I use with it at least!
I appreciate soundbars for their simplicity and lack of wires however I’ll never give up true home theater. Heck I have a surround system in my bedroom. It’s just a Sony in a box w/ a bdp built in yet it sounds decent. I will be upgrading my 2013 Yamaha Aventage AVR in my living room soon for a DolbyAtmos/dtsX system soon so the Yami will go in the bedroom. I already have the speakers for both systems. I do have 2 soundbases, a huge Yamaha in a bedroom and smallish Denon in my kitchen. I have no tolerance for tinny built-n tv speakers.
That said I love your channel Randy and thank you for your work.
So what you're saying Randy is that a system must pass the "Bruckheimer Test" to get enough life out of the bass. I can get behind that theory. Great video, as usual, thanks.
Just got the Flexus 200 for sale at $400. Previously had a Jamo 801PM w/ sub that wasn’t quite powerful enough for the new area and required turning on specifically and changing settings every time to use and a wife that has no interest in dealing with that. The benefit of the cost, quality, and eARC allowing it to turn on and manage the audio on its own makes it so easy, especially at the price.
Starting to love this channel. Didn't really understand how important sound quality was until now. Thanks Randy! Keep it up.
A sound bar is good for space constraints or budget, I use one in my bedroom for tv .
However I also have a $7000 built surround system, and there’s no sound bar on earth that comes remotely close to that thing.
My friend spent over 2g’s on a sound bar and he loves it, which is great . He is not a music enthusiast he likes it for movies , and for that it’s perfectly fine.
I have 2 separates 2.0ch stereo systems that I swap gear out fairly often. The last couple years my favourite music sessions are spent on my surround system .
So as far as I’m concerned; for movies a sound bar (with a sub) is adequate. For music listening in surround a proper multichannel system is strongly recommended.
Sometimes “adequate” isn’t good enough….
I bought my first ht system right around its inception, Dolby Pro Logic. I now have a very good Atmos system, multiple subs etc. I work part time at Best Buy. Most people are receptive to a sound bar but very few will even consider a traditional surround system. I’ve had some co workers over who have never heard a good system and they are completely blown away by the experience.
Before getting into budget hifi a couple of months ago I had a very decent Samsung soundbar with wireless sub. My Elac debut 5.2 system with 8" Pioneer sealed sub absolutely smokes it for about $300 more.
I'd much rather have a $500 soundbar and $9500 in my bank account
Well said!
I think it's still fair to say 500 dollars worth of bookshelf speakers and maybe a sub would still outperform a 500 dollar soundbar.
The difference is if you have $10k to spend on stuff you’re still going to have that money in the bank.
@@chancemackey7100 Yes.
I dont think any sound bar will ever compete with my 7.4.4 theatre system. Full emersion and enough bass to feel every gunshot, every rocket launch, and every explosion in the depth of your bones. 4 18" subs is definitely the way to go!
I just got the Klipsch 200 in without the wireless sub. Specifically because the option for a wired sub output. I have a great Sunfire 12inch sub.
This is replacing a smaller Yamaha yas109 (that one also has a wired sub output). The Yamaha was quite good and is going to a bedroom. The Klipsch is much better overall. This is obvious as it is larger with more power.
Very happy with the purchase so far. Bluetooth music sounds great.
I had a full 5.1surround with Polk and onkyo but now in an apartment. I switched to the flexus 100 with my 15” sub and the flexus surr 100 and impressed my guests and even myself. I might swap to the 200 though. Either way it may not be top of the line home theater but it’s pretty quality for the price.
Bass is important true but heck at soundbar even if its $1000 I miss that effect that two separate speakers make when spaced in equilateral triangle, even if its 1/2 the price of the soundbar
I decided my 80% was good left-right separation and a good subwoofer. Klipsch The 5s and a Klipsch subwoofer does the job and is 99% free of inconvenience.
I have The Sevens for the same reason. And I don't miss the non-existent Atmos and rears of crappy soundbars at all.
For me, a soundbar will be for like a living room or bedroom. I'm glad to see soundbars getting better to enjoy content in those situations. But I'll always have a full dedicated theater!
I'd give it a go if I didn't have the Klipsch Fours (The Fives, Sevens or Nines will work as well). They manage the subwoofer and crossover and I can still adjust bass with the remote. They have multiple digital inputs as well as RCAs so seperate DAC can be used.
I like it with my Klipsch to subwoofer connected to it, but I just bought a av receiver and going to get some wired Klipsch speakers and center channel speaker to start out with.
I bought the JBL Bar 500, no upwards firing speakers, 10" sub. I mostly bought it for music playback but it did increase my Movie watching pleasure. Would I like something better for home theater purposes? Yes. Like you said, convenience of not having wires sold me on this sound bar however it also scares me because I did have one instance of the Sub not "Pairing" with the sound bar. I also didn't want a bar with the satellite speakers because from what I understand you charge them up or something and that didn't sound convenient either.
I feel like there is a middle ground to this....how about wireless speakers and subs that can connect to a receiver? something like a supercharged sony ht-9 system....because lets be honest the biggest concern for HT surround setups are the cables
I have a $15k 7.2.4 home theater and my wife doesn't really care. But man, she did backflips when I put my True Sub Junior in her room to replace that crappy Denon one. She had to watch LOTR a couple more times after that. But, a good soundbar and small sub will be solely used in the LR of our new house. My home theater will be in the man cave bonus room above the garage 🙂
Soundbars are for those without ears outside of their skulls. I spent roughly the same on my surround system and now that burn in has just started to pass I'm not even putting the Focal Theva No3D's, Center and Surround's down anymore.
United States of Analog seemed to miss my knowing what Flaxseed is in my joking comment about the Focal woofers he was talking about. My hair (what remains of it) is mostly white. Yes, I'm directly aware of Flaxseed...
I will always have a home theater system and in my opinion. It will always be better.
Building my home theatre setup as we speak. I just need another 50w stereo amplifier.. and a tv or something like that 😂
When done I will have a 7.1.2 setup. With all electrostatic speakers 😎 except for the rel subwoofer I allready owned.
Total cost... 1000 for processor and amps (Marantz and Harman Kardon) ... 2100 for 7*electrostatic speakers (acoustat and quad)...
So fingers crossed Nirvana will be reached soon 😎
I just bought one last week for my smaller mancave. Sound is amazing and I don't even have the sub or the rear surrounds. Is it the same as my 9.1 Sony/JBL system in the living room. No. the APP doesn't not work at all for me. I hope they fix it.
My mom hates wires as well, Randy. I wave my RCA cables and I see the anxiety and conniption start to emerge. 😂😂
I think Linus from LTT just compared the "Nakamichi" (RIP actual Nak) Dragon sound bar to his 5 figure HT and the results were underwhelming. I've never heard any "budget" sound bar or HTIB that has come even close to a "real" traditional HT setup. My own 5 figure system still blew the doors off anything modern despite being over 20 years old. Just to give you an idea how old it was, the processor was a B&K Reference 50... which had replaced the Reference 30 I had originally bought because I wanted balanced connectors. I would still put those processors and their related eqiupment against any budget modern system even taking into consideration the outdated surround software.
This is quite an interesting point of view. I like it - I don't know about you, but I don't have much time to watch or try to get the full experience at home from movies at home, but when I finally want to get something out of this, I'm getting from other household people - "TURN IT DOWN". For font size - that's why I got a subwoofer to get as much as possible rumbling low-frequency sounds for the sake of that :-) ... Jeezus - I need to separate rooms just for that :-)
Cheers - I like your videos - didn't have much time recently to immerse into the subject, but thanks to you I'll have to do something about it ... or kick out family ;-) "wink, wink, nudge, nudge"
I have 2 soundbars. Q800 c with rears and q900c. I have a small child so I had to go with that.
Rather spend 2-3k on some 2 rp8000f 1 rp504c then get the Jamo 5.0 set use 803’s as surrounds use 801’s as atmos speakers.. just bought a svs pb 2000 for 300$ then I would get a budget denon 5.1.2 receiver
I always thought I could have the best of both worlds with an AV, well you cannot IMHO.. So i went back to, two channel audio and a soundbar and never looked back .
Home Theater is niche unfortunately and it’s fragmented into highend and soundbar. Totally agree we with you become hard to find something in the middle.
Thanks, Randy!
A more relevant comparison would be between products at the same price point. For 500 bucks, I would take a big brand soundbar than a chifi setup anyday.
You can get the Samsung q990c for $1200 and that is pretty impressive. Still not as good but surprisingly good.
Nice. Do Polk MagniFi MaxAX next.
I feel like my Kef 7.2 system sounds better than being in a movie theater. That 10k system better sound better haha
If you have an AVR its a better experience. For films and music. With your choice of speakers.
YEAH RANDY, I AGREE YOURE COMPARING APPLES AND ORANGES, I HAVE BOTH TO SUIT MY INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES..
My brother has paid not too far from 10k for his av set up. Sounds a lot better than my Sonos arc and gen 3 sub but I still enjoy movies on it
Our Samsung Q990C is pretty good for movies/TV. It's really BAD for music though.
I'm thinking of building a 5.2 system using Klipsch.
Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 can definitely give you 90% of a 10K system
And for only 50% of the price. 😂
@@fonkenful1/3 buddy 😅
@@tyty0071 I should have prefaced with “I live in Canada”. Your response prompted a quick Google search, and the only price I could find today for this monster was $5400 CDN, not including shipping; so context matters, buddy.
edit: also could mention that while few of the frequent visitors here have their own YT channels, many of us folks of a “certain age” (72 in my case) have been at this game for decades longer than Randy, and often find ourselves bemused by the content of many reviewers videos and the commentary that inevitably follows.
@@fonkenful Nakamichi has admitted prices and availability outside the US is more limited and there will be additional shipping and taxes to consider. Since Randy is using USD in this comparison, I'd say the $3500 Nakamichi is about 1/3 of the price and offers great performance particularly in home theatre. Admittedly, 2-ch audio is still much better with dedicated systems. Regardless, you certainly have quite a bit of experience over the years and I'm sure have seen trends come and go.
Audio Man, I need your help. I need a system for a man loft. I have most of my music on my IPhone…not ideal. I want a surround sound audio experience that uses lossless Bluetooth, surround sound for TV and movies, but a record and CD player to make use of all my formats. Any direction?
Hi Randy! How’s it going?
I've been watching your videos for a while, and I'm starting to set up a quality audio system. Initially, I had a pair of Edifier R1280DB speakers connected to a turntable, and I noticed a difference in sound compared to before (which was terrible). However, I recently acquired a pair of Sony SSCS5 speakers, and the problem is that I follow you from Colombia, where taxes and shipping are not always economical. I wanted to ask for your advice and hope you can help me.
I have $400, and based on your recommendations on the channel, I’m choosing between a WiiM Amp, which costs $300 plus $100 for shipping (totaling $400), or the Fosi Audio ZA3 + WiiM Pro + remote + S.M.S.L SU-1 without shipping (totaling $391). What do you think? Would you change anything? Please help me out!
I get what you are saying, but you are overstating the case. I have not encountered any soundbar that, by itself, offers immersive sound. Is a soundbar better than the sound coming out of your TV? Yes. Does it offer anything close to a cinematic experience? No!
Do you have to spend $10,000 plus to get a cinematic experience? IMHO, no. Do you have to put up which tons of wires connecting speakers? No.
Let me give two examples, both of which are wireless and cost less than $5,000. Let’s start with the Nakamichi Dragon which costs just under $4,000 and comes with a soundbar, two subs and 2 rear surrounds. The other example is Sonos. The system I would create for less than $5,000 would be an Arc, 2 subs (not sub minis), Era 300 rear surrounds and grouped with another pair of Era 300s in the front. No wires. Easy EQ for your space and very immersive. I know because I own this system and can’t imagine anyone but a very small minority needing more than this.
Check out the brand Ultimea, they have some affordable compelling choices. I have the Flexus core 200 system with the sub and surrounds added. It's honestly kinda underwhelming for the price. Being a collab between 2 companies that I have been a fan of over the years got my expectations up unfortunately.
The intro made me laugh xD
Last year I tried every sound bar in the shop. Every brand was there and I tried their best models.
Every single one had this plastic hollow resonance coming through the sound. I laughed it was that bad.
The people saying soundbars are an equal alternative including reviewers, must have no ability to notice tone, in my opinion.
Also because of the tiny amount of driver surface area, you've got zero dynamics.
No stereo seperation, no dynamics, no bass, no tone...
When it comes to this whole debate, being stereo vs soundbar, It's as bad as the plant based meat people saying you can't tell the difference.
I have the space and means but surround never really appealed to me. Good sound is critical but surround sound can't make or break a movie so its just not worth the cost and complexity when you can always get better overall sound in everything by getting better mains or amplifier. So 2.0 / 2.1 for me personally for all the things but if I wasn't into music I would for sure have a soundbar like this and I do think entry level dedicated HT systems are a waste of money and effort.
Hi
Thanks for the video. l am one of those people who sadly does not get this less is more theory.
For me l do not see why l should downgrade, in my opinion, to a soundbar if l can get a receiver with a complete set up. It simply makes no sense to me. l do understand people have different concerns, space, complexity, pets or children or sometimes neighbours. However, given a choice l will always avoid the soundbar for a full system.
My main system is a HTIB Pioneer, 5.1 system with a subwoofer, l have always enjoyed that system, unfortunately a small accident has put the AVR out of action and l am looking at replacing or repairing. Mind you this is a 14 year old system.
My next system which l use where l work is a Sony 1070 AVR with two small Yamaha speakers and the Center speaker. They do an adequate job but l am always wondering how much better it would be were it a full system like the pioneer. l am always tempted to upgrade however finances and location prevent that but should things change l will do so with much gusto.
l have only ever been intrigued by one soundbar so far, that is the Nakamichi Dragon, that looks like an amazing thing and it has an amazing price too. You could get a very good system for what Nakamichi is asking for therefore at that point l would defer to a traditional set up but if l were to win the lotto though, l am definitely going for that one for 'research purposes.'
I own 1000$ samsung flagship q 950 a with sub and 2 satelite speakers and it's sound for me great for music (standard) mode and for movies as well (soround or atmos mode).
I'm planing to spend around 1800$ for 2.0 Rotel A11 MK II, Dynaudio Emit 10 and new streamer Wiim ultra. Do I get any benefit in sound for music over this soundbar?
@@woodplay13 ya bro for music you should definitely go ahead with your plans.
A sound bar is adequate for movies and perhaps music as background
They are good for the average consumers but if want to experience hi fidelity, sound bar systems are limited.
A lot has to do with cramped in closures and tiny drivers bouncing in all directions. Room correction only goes so far for phase and reflection issues. I have experience with both ways and there truly is no comparison especially dollar for dollar.
If you are happy with what you have now that’s great !
That’s all that really matters anyways.🍻
@@Audiodreamer192-24 Thanks for your swift answer. I troughly love music all genres. So many radios, speakers hi fi radio speakers and home theatres...2.1 for pc...jbl's, and thus soundbar in my 40 years listening service. But I never invest in good hi fi system. Now when I have opportunity I will definetly go for that. Thanks you confirm me for doing so ❤️Just I hope that Rotel amp will be enugh for this Dynaudio emit 10 speakers because is 50w at 8 and 62w at 4 ohms. I just want hear and feel sound of my favorite songs like never before. I'm right now listening Metalica Sad but true, I'm burning to listen that whole album on hi fi 💪
@@woodplay13 I've not heard that Rotel on Dyns, but they'll be a push on it. Dyns aren't typically a very considerate load and even the lower end stuff needs plenty of control. The fact it's only rated at 62w at 4ohms suggests it's lean on input power (good amps will double into half impedence). Other than taking a bit of driving, Dyns are great speakers for the money though. Any proper hifi gear will floor what you have for music.
@@tyrantworm7392 Yes exactley that. They need bit of driving. The seller/audiophile from small shop in Croatia told me that. I purchace this setup (without wiimp streamer) monday and he returned me 1500$ yesterday because I was still thinking and in doubt with purchace. We spoke alot. From begining he was explaining me that but I was not listening.Great guy. I catch that rotel and not leting go. Because I look reviews from cheapaudioman, andrew robinson and audiophiliac and they liked this rotel a11 mk2 verry much. And for me looks simple and great without that ugly screen like other rotels. He told me that Dynaudio don't need comercial and that they are great for money. Just one downside they are power hungry. Emit 10's and next level Evoke 10. They need stronger amplifier. He told me same as you they need doubling power at 4ohms at least 120 wats. I explain that I have relativly small room 16 square meters and I will not cranck volume to the top just quality listening and I was thinking 62w from rotel will be enough. He told me that I need more power just to properly open speaker and that then will be lively and greater soundstage as well more responsive on botom and on end. Now even I'm looking some stronger amp as he reccomended. Rotel or cambridge cxa81 mk2 with 80w at 8 and 120w at 4ohms. He told me that cambridge is litle bit softer and warmer and I need to listen which one before I buy my first hi fi. I'm not considering to buy other speakers because all others in that budget are strong in treble and lack of base. Like kef, monitor audio, q acoustic, dali and they need sub. For amp I was also looking arcam, music fieldity, audiolab...now again I'm note shure, but I'm shure that I want something special thet my hair go up when I listen my favorite songs on that/first hi fi system. Any sugestions for amp? Thanks on your time 🤗
@@tyrantworm7392 youtube delete my comment maybe it was too long. Waste of time.
If the media content doesn't draw you in and hold your attentention and suspend disbelief, no collection of doodads and geegaws are gonna help. They CAN improve the experience, if there's one to be had.
Waiting for the fuuuuutuurrrre when "wireless" truly means wireless. Including power.
@@eaches I think Thomas Edison ruined that for everyone
Can you please review the new jbl surround sound system?
a samsung q990c b d its very close to a good system .. 5.1 or small atmos.
00:15 😂
@@ruog395 BuuUT! ☝️ AaaND! ☝️ 😂😂😂
Now just getting stupid- 10k opens all options..
Disagree. It's not about the explosions for me. It's about actually being able to hear the dialogue and also the explosions without having to piss about with the volume
Soundbar only better than tv built in speakers or in other words better than nothing.
Love your channel and everything you do but no sound bar will reproduce a full scale movie I owned a def-tech set up with a pioneer elite revciever all bought at a wholesale discount I worked at an audio video store and let me tell you I spent less than 5 grand for everything no sound bar on earth will ever able to compete no way Jose I got lucky and worked for a good audio video company
If you want an actual home theater in a sound bar setup there is only one option. The Nakamichi DRAGON
11.4.6 Home Surround
Sound System. Two dual subs in a push/pull system. The rears have upwards firing speakers that rotate. It also has a total of 3000 watts and while power doesn't equal good sound, the sound at itself is insane. Below is the soundbar description. It ain't cheap, it's also not much more than what Sony costs either and they only come out with a product like every 29 years (weird company) but when they do....How many sound ars out there are stainless steel?
14 speaker drivers powered by 7 digital amplifiers are embedded into a stainless steel 58" casing, complete with 116,000 airflow-optimized holes and waterfall-chamfered edges.
He's just Justifing for his hobby. A good soundbar can be sufficient enough.
Agree most people I know opted for a soundbar because lack of room, ease of setup and the need to by groceries and pay rent.
Yes it can be, but is not the same as a AVR and 5 or more speakers
😂😂😂
For some people, sure. Some people are plenty happy with a $35 Bluetooth speaker. I am not.
@mattjones7547 I agree!! What ever you can afford or meets your needs
Flexus is not that great of a name. It would be more evocative to combine the words Flat, as in audiophile neutrality, and US, because it’s an American company. So they should have called it the Flatus.
No.
@@zyntax81 yes
Please, time stamp your vids
Your conclusion (50% as good as something costing 25x more) seemed designed to bait gullible viewers.
Your choice obviously but a lot of ppl might think that crosses the line….