Soundbar to go with existing Sub and AV

[Darrenj69]

Hello, firstly apologies but wasn't sure whether to post in AV receiver area or home cinema but here goes....

I currently have a TV, Sky Q box, Yamaha receiver and an MK active sub. I USED to have a set of 5.1 satellite speakers but have them no longer and the gf is not keen on me installing a new set of satellite speakers so I guess Im left with a soundbar option but I know nothing about them.

Can I get a soundbar which will connect to my existing sub and AV receiver and if so how and could you recommend one? (my budget is fairly low as bought 1st house)

If Im going to encounter issues could you advise what and what options I have?

Thanks

 

[Aryn86]

Monitor Audio do a range of passive soundbars that will allow your receiver to power them and I assume you'd also be able to integrate your sub-woofer into the mix. This is the only option I can think of that would allow you to make use of your receiver and sub as most soundbars are active and don't require a receiver to power them however there are a quite a few that have a sub-woofer out port which will allow your to supplement the bottom end of the audio frequency of the soundbar via your sub-woofer.

First you need to let us know your actual budget.

 

[Darrenj69]

Ahh ok so most soundbars 'replace' the need for an AV receiver? Thats actually ok as Im not wedded to my AV receiver so sounds like Id be best to sell the AV and buy a soundbar but ensuring its one which can attach to my sub as I dont want to lose that?

My budget is really about 200 to 300 MAX

but ideally a bargain less which can work with my sub.

 

[Aryn86]

Well I just upgraded from my last set which were the, Q Acoustics BT3 which are a stereo pair of speakers that have a sub out port and I had them connected to my BK XLS200 without any problems

Very good price at the moment (£189)

Q Acoustics BT3

The only downside may be that they require a touch more space on the side of your tv and you may have to set them up on stands like I did but they'll provide great stereo separation.

Or you could go with the M4 from Q Acoustics which is more a traditional soundbar but has the same sub out port. It's still a touch over £300 yet though.

 

[Darrenj69]

Ok thanks, I may keep an eye on the m4 and see if it drops as 300 was a reluctant maximum. Really wanted closer to 200. Can I just check my understanding then ie the last statement I made:. Do soundbars replace av receivers ie do same role ?

 

[Aryn86]

Ok thanks, I may keep an eye on the m4 and see if it drops as 300 was a reluctant maximum. Really wanted closer to 200. Can I just check my understanding then ie the last statement I made:. Do soundbars replace av receivers ie do same role ?

OK so normally your AV receiver is there to power your av equipment traditionally that would be a 5.1/7.1 system but most soundbars have no need for a receiver as they are powered (much like your subwoofer) so they can be connected strait to your TV via an optical cable or a HDMI if the soundbar has it.

 

[Joe Fernand]

Soundbar - most will be a self contained unit with processing, amplification and loudspeaker drivers.

The budget units tend to have very limited Input/Source connectivity plus you will need to ensure any unit you are considering has a dedicated Sub out if you wish to use your active sub.

Where you have limited connectivity on the Soundbar you are looking to your TV as the 'Hub' of the system so hopefully your TV has enough HDMI Inputs plus an ARC (HDMI) or preferably Optical Output.

Some Soundbars' will be 2.0/2.1 - others will 'offer' Surround sound modes (assuming your Room/Room layout allows for bouncing sound off of side walls).

NOTE Many TVs only support 2.0 via HDMI.

Joe

 

[Darrenj69]

Bit of a delay my side in reply as been away but thanks for info so far. What Im sort of struggling with is the concept that the Q Acoustics BT3 are for the rear or front of room? Im really constrained on places to put speakers hence not simply enriching my existing AV receiver and Sub with the additional speakers required to make a 5.1 system.

I looked at the M4 Q acoustics but was concerned it says it has built in Sub? Does this mean it wont play well with my separate sub?

My TV certainly has ARC Hdmi as currently that's what my sky Q box is connected to and the TV has 4 HDMI ports in total. I don't know if it has optical out but can check.

 

[Darrenj69]

Can ignore my ramblings above, I went and bought the Q Acoustics M4 for 330, however Im now a little concerned I should have maybe spent the extra 20 quid and gone for :

Yamaha YSP-1600 review

It says its not quite as good sound but it perhaps is better at providing a pseudo surround effect AND has HDMI which I assume is better for general set up?