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Which surround sound system do you recommend?

H

hajime

macrumors 604
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
7,951
1,315
Hello, I bought the 65" KS8000 9-Series 4K SUHD TV (2016 Model). If I want to have surround sound, what product do you recommend? From Samsung's Accessories site, they recommend HW-K650 Soundbar w/Wireless Subwoofer.

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN65KS8000FXZA

It seems that to get surround sound, I also need something like the Radiant360 R7 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Speaker

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-audio/WAM7500/ZA

BestBuy's sales recommended: Sonos Playbar, Play Sub and Play 1 x 2 for rear surround.
Another sales recommended the more expensive Boss's Sound Touch 130.

What audio system do you recommend? Thanks
 
Surround sound in itself usually requires a 5 speaker set up (minimal) plus a sub. That is why it is often referred to as a "5.1" system. Sound bars emulate surround sound or at least a right, center and left channel. Some advanced models might reflect sound off of walls so that it feels like surround if you are sitting in the proper location.

Given that you have a large screen, perhaps you might investigate a real 5 speaker system plus sub. A good place to start would be to go to avs forum ( http://www.avsforum.com/ ). There are many there that can help you who are into audio-visual experience in a home set up.

Soundbars (if that is your thing) come in two flavours - those that are passive and require something like a receiver/avr to provide the audio and active soundbars have the amplifiers built into them.

A good typical surround system might be a moderate AVR along with something like ENERGY brand "Take Classic 5.1" kit. It is not the top of the line but a lot of bang for the buck and excellent for surround sound needs.
 
I'd like to recommend you any of the systems from Marshall systems. You just need to buy an adapter and thats all
 
5.1? Aim higher, 7.1 or better. Buy yourself a surround sound receiver and get quality speakers. I have a Pioneer, several years old, and Klipsch speakers, my TV, also a Pioneer, is used as a monitor and I have my computer hooked up to the TV. When you hear a movie with DTS played through a 7.1 system, you'll be glad you made the investment.
 
I completely agree with all the previous posters. If you want surround sound, skip the soundbar. I've heard some soundbars that sound amazing for what they are, but there is no comparison to a full 5.1 or 7.1 setup. As mentioned earlier, avsforum.com is a great place to do research. If your budget is limited (i.e.- in the soundbar price range), you can piece together a pretty amazing system by shopping for used gear and still stay pretty low on the cost. My advice would be to wait, save some money, and spend as much as you feel comfortable spending on a surround sound system. I submit you will be much happier when you hear your system sound as good as or better than an IMAX system. FYI, I bought a 1-yr old Integra receiver (originally $1800- bought used/broken for $300, replaced the HDMI board). Found some 10-yr old Infinity towers, bookshelf size (for surround), a center, and a used sub on eBay and Craigslist. Everyone who hears it is blown away, and I've got less than $1000 in it. Oh, and don't skimp on cables. Get high-end speaker cables (used Monster or something just as good but less expensive) and invest in Audioquest Forest (or equivalent) HDMI cables. Hope that helps!
 
I miss the sound quality from my Marantz AV Receiver and 6 JBL speakers, but I don't miss all the cables and having to try and arrange furniture to accommodate the speakers. I know the technology has moved on and wireless rear/sub speakers are now available, but for me a Soundbar & sub (2.1) represents a decent enough middle ground that's a vast improvement on the TV speakers but will never deliver a true 5.1 or even better 7.1 surround sound.

I love Philips Ambilight TVs, so my Soundbar is matched up to that with a Philips HTL3140 which for the money does a pretty good job.
 
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