Using Onkyo AV Receiver with Yamaha soundbar

[StrikerTokyo]

Are there any benfefits in using a soundbar with a proper AV receiver?

This seems very counter-intuitive but my son is eagerly exploring our fairly small Tokyo apartment and I don't have a safe place to put my rear speakers. I'm also having to crowd the centre/left/right speakers in front of the TV to keep them out of reach.

I'm considering buying a Yamaha soundbar but it seems to be a waste of my Onkyo receiver. Having said that, I am only able to use 3.1 at the moment so it might be a better option for a few years. Can I take advantage of the video / audio decoding on the receiver and pipe that though to the soundbar, or will the receiver not recognise what the soundbar is? Even if I can't do anything with the audio can I use the video decoding?

I have a seperate amp to improve the bass so this seems like an option, very interested in some more expert opinion.

Thanks,

Neil

 

[mjbtin]

You can buy LCR soundbars that are passive and designed to be used with a separate av receiver.

http://www.avbristol.co.uk/products/soundbar/av1461.html

Regards Martin

 

[PSM1]

Could you not wall mount the rears to get them out of reach?
It is also amasing how quickly kids learn not to touch certain items. I have a full 5.1 system with rear standmount speakers on stands and after the initial inquisitive stage (lasts only a few months) both have then left the speakers etc alone.

 

[StrikerTokyo]

Thanks Martin, will check the passive soundbar out.

You might be right psm1, I may leave it for a couple of months to see if he can leave them alone. I can't find anything that will hold the speakers on the plasterboard, tried a couple o options but they were not strong enough (despite claiming to be)