Need some assistance updating my home theater system. Been out of the loop too long.

[BARRACUDA1968]

I just finished a remodel and want to freshen up my home audio. I have a 4 year old Pioneer Elite Receiver that I want to use. I don't remember the exact model but I believe it's 7.2 surround? My current speakers are too big for my living room now and so is my Velodyne 18" powered sub. I like the wireless speaker idea but not sure how that works with my receiver? I want a system that's compact, I'd like to hide a sub behind the couch (Something like the Bose subwoofer should fit) I also like the look of a sound bar vs a smaller speaker as a center channel. I've got an old Escient set up for music so I want it to work well for music and TV. I'll try and post a picture of my living area so you can see what I'm working with. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

You need to post a budget. Also, are you looking for just a soundbar and a sub? Or do you want a surround setup?

If you want small and compact, put these on your list if you don't go the sound bar direction. I recently bought one as a center to match some in-walls I have and am pretty impressed with the sound for its size. They are designed to be wall mounted and can be horizontal or vertical so Ive seen in many reviews where people are using 3 of these to surround their tv.

I wouldnt call them audiophile, but if size is more of a concern these sound really good for their size imo.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I just read through a few threads and I think I would be leaning toward a sound bar set up mainly because I don't have a way to use rear speakers in my living room. It looks like these sound bars can give a surround effect. I would also want a sub with it. Budget is $1500 ish How does my Receiver integrate in a sound bar system? I'm getting the impression they are powered?

 

[Drunkpenguin]

lol, thanks @KEW (forgot to post a link)

so um, yah, this is the one I was talking about. In fact its cheaper right now. I paid 255 for it 3 weeks ago. Right now its 209.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW8H3NX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

Thank you for the information.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

The above are passive speakers that would need your AVR. WIth a sound bar you typically wont need the AVR unless you use it for video switching. While they have come a long way over the years, I personally would not consider them in any semi serious setup. They will beat the socks off of TV speakers for sure, but at the end of the day its still a compromise on a few levels. Not only are you using smaller speakers, but they have to cram amplifiers and other electronics in there was well. If you already have the receiver I would look for something passive personally and take advantage of what that receiver will give you such as eq and level balancing.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I agree, I just started looking for a passive option which makes sense. I'm just trying to keep my living room clean and uncluttered while trying to get some good sound. The sound bar idea with a sub behind the couch achieves that.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

I hear good things about Sonos but Ive never used them. If I was going to go sound bar I would consider them. These look pretty cool and the reviews are very good.

https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-3-1-Entertainment-Set-Theater/dp/B01KU6XP2S/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1542735731&sr=1-3&keywords=soundbar&refinements=p_36:100000-150000

 

[KEW]

I assume you realize that you are making a pretty big compromise in sound quality.
In particular, there is a lot to be said for being able to separate your speakers by more than the typical 24" - 40" wide sound bar!
Obviously, you are the only one that really knows what you situation is and what you value, but you might consider on-wall speakers (especially if you or a friend are comfortable running wire in the wall) as a way to keep the clutter uinder control without so much sacrifice in sound quality:

Since you mentioned wireless, here is a video done by Marshall (for Audioholics) on a $1000 (currently) wireless system (however, it is important to understand that every speaker in a "wireless" system still needs an AC cord to power the amp in each speaker).
I don't think this is an answer for you, but it might be useful in brainstorming what direction you want to take (and I had already gone to the trouble of digging it up before you made it clear that you could not really do surrounds).
I like Marshall's presentations and his wife is fun:

https://www.audioholics.com/surround-sound-reviews/enclave-cinehome

 

[shadyJ]

Soundbars will sound better than your TV speakers, and if that is what you are looking for, its a solution. Soundbars don't sound amazing though, and they won't give you a surround sound effect contrary to marketing claims. They are not in the same sound quality league as a couple of good real speakers. I can understand your desire for less clutter, however. If I were you, I would get a couple of thin tower speakers, in a white finish to compliment your room. For speakers like that, I would look at what can be had from Wharfedale, Monitor Audio, PSB, Revel. Those manufacturers all carry very well engineered speakers that can be had in a nice white finish. A couple of nice looking gloss white speakers with curved cabinets could compliment your room instead of marring it.And they will sound worlds better than any sound bar.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

KEW, your set up is real nice and clean! I completely understand I'm sacrificing sound by going this route. I have a couple set's of ESS smaller floor standing speakers in Piano black I bought direct from them back in 2005. They are very modern looking, maybe 10" wide and 3 1/2 feet tall. Mine are similar to the attached picture. They sound nice with the 18" Velodyne but that sub is like a piece of furniture. I could stuff it back in the corner by the smaller end table I guess and maybe it wouldn't be noticeable? I'll have to chew on this a bit before I pull the trigger on a sound bar. Still open for any suggestions.

Shady J I'll check out your suggestions too!

 

[Drunkpenguin]

Maybe just trade in the sub for something smaller? The svs cylindars have small foot prints and some people lay them on their side and put them behind couches.

https://www.svsound.com/products/pc-2000

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I love the Velodyne but when I set up the system you see in my sig I had it all in the basement. Over the years I just quit using the basement so my gear just sits. I've sold a few things but I have most of it laying around. I plan to turn my basement in to a bar area with pool table instead of a home theater area. Then I will have all kinds of room for the gear I have now. I just want to come home get in my chair and only need 2 remotes to run everything. It took 3 minutes just to turn on my components system which is fine but not on a day to day routine. I also don't want my living room to look like a dorm room.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

I get what your saying. I really do. I have 3 systems, the theater which is a fully functional sound machine, the living room, 3.1 setup with in-walls, and a bedroom tv with a sound bar. Honestly most of the tv watching happens in the bedroom. Thats where the recliners are! The older I get the simpler I want it all to be. I do use harmony remotes which make that much better tho.

I will say this, we bought a sound bar for my son and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it could sound in his bedroom. You're just asking the wrong crowd over here, thats all. Depending on expectations there are probably some dang good sound bars out there.

If I were you I would demo some, maybe at a best buy or something similar. Or purchase from someone with a good return policy to make sure you get what you you're gonna be happy with.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I may go listen to a few different things when I get some time. I haven't looked at any speakers for years. Thanks for all the input.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

Why are these passive sound bars so expensive?

 

[Auditor55]

I just finished a remodel and want to freshen up my home audio. I have a 4 year old Pioneer Elite Receiver that I want to use. I don't remember the exact model but I believe it's 7.2 surround? My current speakers are too big for my living room now and so is my Velodyne 18" powered sub. I like the wireless speaker idea but not sure how that works with my receiver? I want a system that's compact, I'd like to hide a sub behind the couch (Something like the Bose subwoofer should fit) I also like the look of a sound bar vs a smaller speaker as a center channel. I've got an old Escient set up for music so I want it to work well for music and TV. I'll try and post a picture of my living area so you can see what I'm working with. Thanks in advance for the help.

My recommendation would to get a bigger screen or TV.

 

[BARRACUDA1968]

I hear you! Honestly I just don't watch a lot of TV at home but a bigger TV would be nice.