High end atmos soundbar or entry level 5.1 speakers with amp ?

CraftBeer

hi, i'm planning to kit out a small room with a large tv and decent sound system, mostly for watching movies.

For the sound system, I'm undecided on whether to go for an entry level 5.1 system (Q-Acoustics 3010i 5.1 with av receiver) or spend roughly the same on a large soundbar (Samsung HW990B - 11.1.4 with 8 inch subwoofer).

I've never tried an atmos soundbar, but i'm sceptical that such small speakers, no matter how many they cram into a bar, will give a full bodied rich spacious sound with clear voices.

Any opinions on premium atmos soundbar vs entry level separates system?

lionmqj

Depends on your budget. Personally, I'd go with the Q-Acoustics 5.1 and AV receiver all day long over ANY sound bar.

But the way I would do it to spread the cost would be............

1st get an AV receiver, a subwoofer, and a front left, right, (the Q Acoustics 3010i's are great) and center speaker.

For the subwoofer I would only buy from a brand that is a subwoofer company before it's a speaker company, such as SVS or REL. These tend to make much better sub's than speaker companies.

2nd I would, after saving a bit, buy the Q Acoustic's 3030i's and use them as my front left and right, moving the 3010's to surround sound duties or if I found the 3010's are plenty good, I'd just go ahead and buy a pair of these for surrounds.

CraftBeer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121025112#Comment_121025112

In the end I sorta compromised. I bought something that's not as good as a dedicated 5.1, but better than a soundbar.

The Sony HT-A9 and SW5 subwoofer.

I didn't have the room for a center speaker or an amplifier/receiver, and the HT-A9 doesn't have either of those anyway. I then added the Sony A80J which can (sorta) boost the center channel. I'm happy with my choice, but it was very expensive system. Way over what I originally planned to spend. My only gripe is lack of crossover settings on the sub.

lionmqj

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121036110#Comment_121036110

Yes that is better than a sound bar, much better. That integrates well with your Sony tv too as you have said. Happy listening.