Best compact soundbar < £500

beardybrewer

Originally posted here:  https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057913146

I've a 18x12x8 foot lounge and am downsizing my 5.1 system to a soundbar. We only use the stereo for movies these days so it's really the fullness of sound primarily for tv/movies with enough oomph for an action flick I'm concerned about. It's not a huge room (but not tiny either with its tall ceiling) so we're going for a 43" TV. For that reason I feel a 2" (60ish cm) soundbar would fit best.

I got really excited about the Sonos Beam being the right size and price. However I've seen far too many comments about the bass response and the £700 cost of a subwoofer is really off-putting.

What are some good choices for compact soundbars (with or without sub) with enough oomph to watch action films in the < £500 price range?

I was looking at Yamaha YAS-108, LG SJ2, and Sony HT-MT300 might be viable alternatives.

Thoughts?

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

beardybrewer wrote: »

Originally posted here:  https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057913146

I've a 18x12x8 foot lounge and am downsizing my 5.1 system to a soundbar. We only use the stereo for movies these days so it's really the fullness of sound primarily for tv/movies with enough oomph for an action flick I'm concerned about. It's not a huge room (but not tiny either with its tall ceiling) so we're going for a 43" TV. For that reason I feel a 2" (60ish cm) soundbar would fit best.

I got really excited about the Sonos Beam being the right size and price. However I've seen far too many comments about the bass response and the £700 cost of a subwoofer is really off-putting.

What are some good choices for compact soundbars (with or without sub) with enough oomph to watch action films in the < £500 price range?

I was looking at Yamaha YAS-108, LG SJ2, and Sony HT-MT300 might be viable alternatives.

Thoughts?

Hi Beardybrewer.

Thanks for the post.

The Sonos range are very good indeed but as you say when you add the sub into the mix in can be expensive.

There are very few compact soundbars that are less than 60cm.
This is one of the smallest at 75cm. The OrbitsoundBAR A70 priced at £499
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-203592-315242.aspx

Have a check over the following and see if any might catch your eye.

LG SJ9 priced at £355
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-202569-sj9.aspx

LG SJ8 priced at £349.00
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-202563-318889.aspx

Yamaha YAS2700 priced at £259 - 5 star reviewed.
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-202832-319698.aspx

Let me know your thoughts.

Sony HTXF9000 priced at £399
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-203248-401893.aspx

beardybrewer

I took a look in person today and could verify the Sonos Beam, while impressive, lacked the oomph in the bass response range.  I took a look at the Sony and Samsung offerings in the < 90cm options but they didn't seem as good as the Yamaha YAS-107.  I think it may be the winner as far as value and quality of sound.  

I like that I have the option of using my Klipsch sub but hopefully it will have enough bass for our small space.  Also it sounds like I could add a wireless sub for a fraction of the stupid expensive Sonos sub. 

We're thinking a 49" tv so I think a smaller soundbar < 90cm, preferably w/o a separate subwoofer,  is the aim. 

beardybrewer

Any idea is the YAS-108 being released in Europe soon?

Richersounds.ie: John

Beardy,

unfortunately we have no update on any release date for a YAS 108 in EUR / UK / Ireland - Yamaha frequently do not launch entire ranges in the UK / Ireland and restrict some models to USA / Asia - we have just had the Musiccast 400 / YAS408 delivered into stock and its pretty fantastic.

However if you already like the YAS107 and you are looking for more bottom end range would you not look at the YAS207 which we are doing at pretty silly money at just £259 / €299 ( Euro pricing includes delivery) this includes a wireless sub ( except the mains lead of course!) and is a multiple rave review / award winner:
https://www.richersounds.ie/p-202832-319698.aspx

Thanks again and keep us posted,

ATVB,

John Mc & Crew