Merry mother f'ing christmas to me... Sound bar talk...

[nmballa]

Just found a 250 dollar gift card from 2008 for best buy. Need to purchase a sound/speaker bar for my 60" plasma. Suggestions? I will also throw some cash at it if needed. Room is 25 by 25 but plan to use for music too. The room open concept toward kitchen. So total of around 900 square feet. Also, I do have cat 5 so can add a sub in corner if needed.

[nmballa]

Forgot to mention. Looking for suggestions on what to purchase. So any insight appreciated.

[tball]

I bought this one from Polk Audio two years ago; would NOT recommend it. The wireless woofer works well but the remote sucks and it doesn't pick up the universal remote unless you're close enough to it to just use the box's buttons. Pisses me off. Sounds ok but for 3-4 bills I expected more. If i had to do it over i'd just belly-up and get a Bose system.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Polk+Audio+-+SurroundBar+3000+2.1-Channel+Instant+Home+Theater+Speaker+System/9742882.p?id=1218165766357&skuId=9742882

[Chad H]

nmballa,
Why not get something like this?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+BRAVIA+1000W+5.1-Ch.+DVD+Home+Theater+System/9770715.p?id=1218170520148&skuId=9770715

Probably a little bit better quality sound than one bar.

[nmballa]

Chad, really want to stick with bar to minimize the number of wires. I have solid brick wall that tv is mounted in so it is a costly effort to run lines. I do have cat 5 that I can utilize but that would really only be for the sub.

[Chad H]

nmballa,
Gotcha. We have a sound bar and it's just not that impressive to me. That's why i asked.

[joedirt00]

Does it expire? That would be my luck

[chavez]

None of the sound bars are going to blow you away. They are a compromise, and short of the Bose (or other high end piece) you are going to get good sound but not OMFG good.

I run the 89$ Vizio bar from Costco. I had my own sub so I did attach that. It does the job - which means it sounds far better than the tv speakers. Of best buy choices in your general range, I'd just buy either the lg or Samsung model and be done with it. Either should do what you need them to do. Just stay away from Pyle or insignia, and given tball's experience, I'd avoid the Polk.

[nmballa]

[Okie Boarder]

I went the route of the Bose Cinemate rather than the sound bar...definitely sounds better. Not sure if that is an option for you.

[Commodore]

[goofyboy]

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/#42-inch

i have the original sound bar. It works well enough with the powered SUB. It also passes the WAF (wife approval factor). For a small room with good walls, it will do a good compromise job. It will not replaces a quality 5.1 or 7.1 system.

[finkle]

I think 7.1 systems are overrated. Unless you have a really large room, there is no need or noticable difference in the travel of sound.


Gift cards start to lose around 2% every designated period after 6-12 months.

[Broccoli B]

I have the Vizio bar with powered sub and think it sounds great.

[chavez]

The gift card diminishing value thing is very much illegal in some states.

CA is one of those states. Gift cards, no matter how old, are worth what they are worth. There is no fee, unless the card has been inactive for 2 years and the value is less than $5. Also, once you get under $10, the issuer is required to redeem it for cash if you choose to do that.

It's complete horseshit that any company put fees or expiration dates on those cards. It's theft, plain and simple.

If your state hasn't outlawed that practice, you might want to find the local petition to do so and sign it, or start one up. Your lawmakers aren't doing their jobs if that crap is still legal in your state.

[Rhawn]

If Best Buy can find a way to bend you over, they will.

[chavez]

[nmballa]

[timmy]

Find something that sounds good to you (i.e. listen to them)

Try to avoid Bose.