In search of a better soundbar: Sony HS100F to ???

[Iammetalguy]

Hi! I have a 2.0 Sony HS100F that fared well for the price, but I want to upgrade to something better. The issue is, whenever I watch a dvd or show on Netflix, the dialogue tends to be overpowered by the music or SFX. I’m unsure if this is because of the model or just the fact it’s a 2 channel soundbar.

My TV is a Samsung Series 7 and I have a PS5 with a Sony blu ray dvd player. I currently control my soundbar with an ARC connection (my hope is to get everything contained thru the tv without having to add an HDMI router or anything extra to run into the new soundbar). While I'm not necessarily opposed to a subwoofer, I would prefer to get a 3 channel soundbar that has decent bass but good vocal dialogue that doesn’t get drowned out. I’m really trying to not break the bank, but I’m open to suggestions if it’s below $400.

 

[isolar8001]

You would get much more advice here....not much love for, or interest in soundbars here at Audioholics.
Your dialog issue is probably due to an incorrect setting on your set or soundbar...or both.

Soundbars

For the chat on soundbars used under flat panel displays. Be it 5.1 or stereo, this is the place to talk about it.

www.avsforum.com

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi! I have a 2.0 Sony HS100F that fared well for the price, but I want to upgrade to something better. The issue is, whenever I watch a dvd or show on Netflix, the dialogue tends to be overpowered by the music or SFX. I’m unsure if this is because of the model or just the fact it’s a 2 channel soundbar.

My TV is a Samsung Series 7 and I have a PS5 with a Sony blu ray dvd player. I currently control my soundbar with an ARC connection (my hope is to get everything contained thru the tv without having to add an HDMI router or anything extra to run into the new soundbar). While I'm not necessarily opposed to a subwoofer, I would prefer to get a 3 channel soundbar that has decent bass but good vocal dialogue that doesn’t get drowned out. I’m really trying to not break the bank, but I’m open to suggestions if it’s below $400.

On here we will steer you away form soundbars. I know they are ubiquitous but they are not going to sound good as the speakers are too small. Their advertising and marketing is totally dishonest and is actually an infringement of law. Take your current sound bar. It claims 120 watts output to the speakers, yet its power consumption is listed as 30 watts. That is contrary to the laws of thermodynamics and is what the Irish would call finagelling the truth. In other words lying.

These wretched things are all over the place and I have a hard time people can really enjoy listening to the contraptions.

If it really is better sound you seek, then forget soundbars.

 

[Wardog555]

Even on avs they will say the same or perhaps just me.

Get away from soundbars. I'll talk futher if you decide to care about your setup and demand better.