Supplementary TV Speakers

T

TitanTim

Elite
Hi all,

Currently have a Sony TV bought earlier in the year and always been disapointed in the sound quality, well it is a flats panel and at times the speakers vibrate as I have equaliser set on the side of bassy to try and overcome the thin sound quality.

Bose do a supplementary speaker box that the TV sits ontop of

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/home-and-personal-audio/home-cinema-and-sound-for-tv/sound-for-tv/bose-solo-tv-sound-system/

Its a bit pricey and you can only control the volume by a sperate remote that come with it rather than the TVs remote. You also can't adjust the tones manually as it does it automatically depending on the programme. Most user reviews seem good however some says its rubbish and can sound too bassy, although Bose do a USB software download that decreases the bass tones.

Anyone have one of these or can recommend something better for the money. I don't have alot of space around the TV so a surround sound is out so something like this seems ideal.

Cheers,

Tim.
 
There are probably newer systems available but I have this system (in 5.1) and its great. Volume is controlled via the TV remote as it controls it via HDMI. Sound quality is very good, and provides a very wide and surrounding sound. It handles all sorts of newer HD audio formats which many others don't, and as its a '1 box system' no worrying about matching speakers to an amp.

Also as the amp and base unit is the control unit, you can just put it in a corner or next to the TV unit rather than inside the cabinet.

http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-9631-onkyo-htx22hdx-21-high-definition-decoderamplifierspeaker-system.aspx?utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle&_$ja=cgid:3807764182|tsid:52064|cid:84819382|lid:37793944102|nw:{ifsearch:search}{ifcontent:content}|crid:26174243182|dvc:{device}|adp:{adposition}|bku:1&gclid=CMyu4aqy_boCFTLJtAod8gMAAQ
 
This seems to be a problem with most TVs these days especially LED models as they are so slim that there is no hope of getting any integrated speakers of any substance.

Retailers are pushing these 'sound bars' these days to combat this issue, they usually comprise a mid/high end unit which sits below the TV and a wireless sub woofer. I'm thinking about a new set soon and will probably go this route, but at present can't offer any recommendations. I'd be interested if anyone else has any views.
 
we did something similar tim with one of these

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/home-and-personal-audio/speakers/computer-speakers/companion-3-speaker-system/

for a couple of years until we moved and fitted a full blown 5.1 system - got to say the little Bose system was pretty good and provided much better sound than the TV ever managed .

There are a lot of soundbars on the market these days - The guys in John Lewis or if you are near a Richer Sounds will give good advice - like a lot of things you can keep going up and up but something like this will improve things. The Sonos system offers a sound bar which is well regarded.

http://www.whathifi.com/review/sonos-playbar
 
I had a similar dilemma with wanting better sound out of my TV. Looked at sound bars and other things but in the end for flexibility I went with an AV receiver and 2 good quality bookshelf speakers.

I went with a pioneer AV receiver that is 5.1 and has 6 HDMI so I run all the things through it. It also has airplay, DNLA and internet radio. I liked the idea that I can add further speakers to the system if I wanted to.

I currently run it in 2.0 with 2 q acoustics 2020i which seem to win what hifi best speakers under £200 every year. I find the sound quality superb although I would not consider myself great at telling the difference.

The whole setup including nice speaker stands was around £350 as I got some deals in the christmas sales.

If thats a little too big for your setup, I have heard some decent things about the Yamaha sound bars or the new Sonos one.
 
Whatever soundbar or system you end up with consider this - it's a real pain having to turn on the TV then the soundbar and controlling the sound from a separate remote. Sounds ridiculous but it annoys me. . .

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
So get one with HDMI control like the one I posted. It switches on with the tv and volume is controlled by TV remote. Also when switching to other inputs for Xbox etc, all via tv remote. The receiver follows the tv for input. Can't recall last time I used the surround system remote
 
** note, you may need to check how you will connect to any speaker. For HDMI you'll need ARC enabled. Audio return channel.
 
Thanks for the replies all :thumbsup:

How about this Denon which is 100 quid cheaper than the Bose and usefully you can stream music via blutooth from ipod/iphone/Android which you can't on the Bose plus the remote has a learning mode for taking over the TV? what does that mean lol.

http://www.whathifi.com/news/denon-dht-t100-tv-speaker-base-launches-for-%C2%A3249

LG have also recently released its Sound Plate which also looks good

http://plug-in.bestbuy.ca/t5/Visit-the-Plug-in-Blog/Review-LG-SoundPlate-LAP340-A-flattened-sound-bar-soon-in-Canada/ba-p/72055

Thanks for the suggestions appreciate it but I think its going to be one of these that sits directly under the TV as usefully for me it will raise the TVs height as the latest Sony stands are fixed :x

I'm really just after something that improves the standard sound without going over the top.

Tim.
 
I think as soon as you've experienced a good 5.1 system, you won't look back especially if you like films.

I have always gone with what hifi recomendations and have not been disappointed and now on my third.
 
Peddyboy said:
Denon amp and you won't regret it. Mines a few years old now but still a great sound. :-)

Sent from my Z1 on Tapatalk
Click to expand...

+1, Marantz good too
 
I have bose solo and a sony tv and Its a great bit of kit good clear sound not to bassy and looks nice :D
but if you are looking for something to take the pictures off the wall then this is not the system for you!
BTW you can programme your sky remote to work it.
 
sars said:
Peddyboy said:
Denon amp and you won't regret it. Mines a few years old now but still a great sound. :-)

Sent from my Z1 on Tapatalk
Click to expand...

+1, Marantz good too
Click to expand...

Both are good- Both are the Same Company - What Hi-Fi is a decent guideline but nothing beats listening to it yourself and the advice of a good Hi-Fi specialist . What hi-Fi can be a bit like What-Car they have their predictable favourites . 5.1 systems are great but don't suit every room and are not sometimes to Significant Others taste.

I have an AV Amp from a brand that What Hi-Fi don' t even audition but are highly regarded . Some people love the Bose sound others hate it .
 
Think a soundbar is the way to go if your sure about not wanting a 5.1 system but you must have a listen prior to buying imo
Not a fan of the Bose sound,but you may love it :)
 
Cheers again for the replies, we have a Bose dealer in town so will pop in and have a look, will also look at the LG sound plate as I'm likeing the slim design. I do like the Bose stuff but the lack of bluetooth is a bit of an omission considering the cost of the Solo. Appreciate these won't be as good as cinema surround sound type set ups but I think will be an improvement on the standard TVs speakers without the added baulky speakers etc.

Tim
 
Decided on the Bose in the end to be delivered on Friday :) its a little more compact than the LG and Denon, the LG soundplate although slim in height its the width of my TV so quite large.

Tim.
 
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