Soundbar Recommendation?

[Jarlaxle]

While I recognize a 5.1 or even high'ish end 2.1 speaker solution would pack more punch, She Who Must Be Obeyed prefers the simplicity and looks of a soundbar. I am struggling to find any information that is relatively current, most soundbar reviews seem to be from 2014 or 2015 at best. I have about a $700 budget for this, is there a model that really stands out these days?

Thanks!

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I personally know nothing about them, but there are some good ones out there. They do not seem to be very popular on this forum. Good luck. Peace and goodwill.

 

[rojo]

While I recognize a 5.1 or even high'ish end 2.1 speaker solution would pack more punch, She Who Must Be Obeyed prefers the simplicity and looks of a soundbar. I am struggling to find any information that is relatively current, most soundbar reviews seem to be from 2014 or 2015 at best. I have about a $700 budget for this, is there a model that really stands out these days?

Thanks!

Were you thinking passive (requiring an external AV receiver), or active (the sound bar is the receiver)?

If active, I'd give a strong look at the Outlaw OSB-1. In addition to having very respectable low end extension for a sound bar, it's also got a subwoofer out jack in case you decide to add an external subwoofer later. Here's a brief AH review. It's basically a rebranded, slightly less expensive Atlantic Technology PB-235.

Edit: A 3rd party seller on Amazon has the Atlantic Technology PB-235 for the same price and with a free Bluetooth receiver included.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

What rojo suggest is most likely good option if you must get soundbar, I haven't really got into those things. But if you can you should get good stereo setup instead as it will be a lot better for sound quality.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have a Visio for my 50" TV in the family room with a wireless sub. Plenty good for casual TV viewing.
Big screen for serious BD movies.

 

[herbu]

Since this is for SWMBO, I'll suggest a feature to look for.

Auto power on/off. Get one that automatically turns on when you turn on the TV, whether it's by detecting the audio-in signal or "learning" your TV remote. Otherwise she'll have to use 2 remotes... one for the TV and another for the soundbar.

It's ok if you have to use the soundbar remote for setup and various configuration functions. But for simple on/off and volume, she may not be happy if she has to use two. (I know because I got one for my mother.)

 

[Diesel57]

Since this is for SWMBO, I'll suggest a feature to look for.

Auto power on/off. Get one that automatically turns on when you turn on the TV, whether it's by detecting the audio-in signal or "learning" your TV remote. Otherwise she'll have to use 2 remotes... one for the TV and another for the soundbar.

It's ok if you have to use the soundbar remote for setup and various configuration functions. But for simple on/off and volume, she may not be happy if she has to use two. (I know because I got one for my mother.)

Very wise Herbu, if you want peace & happiness= 1 remote...