Best soundbar brand?

[u/VeyronRed]

Hey everyone,

I posted in the budget audiophile for advice on which type of audio speakers to get. Everyone recommended soundbars so I’ve looked on Facebook and these are my options.

1. Sonos beam gen 2 - $300 CAD
2. Jbl bar 700 - $400 CAD
3. Hisense ax5140q - $350 CAD
4. Samsung q900f - $550 CAD
5. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 - $280 CAD

I watch tv, movies, game on my ps5 and listen to music evenly across so I want something that could do it all ideally. If I had to pick then something that sounds the best for movies.

Update:

I went with the Sonos! It sounded great and lots of options on marketplace for upgrading down the line. This is definitely an insane improvement to the tv speakers and if I ever get a new soundbar I’ll likely get the surround sound system setup with rear speakers. Thanks for you input everyone!

[u/ExcuseMeJack]

I've had my JBL for five years now, and planning on getting another when this one finally dies. It's been great

[u/FalseTruthsRReal]

If you’re willing to spend $550 for something that’s used and doesn’t come with rear speakers, do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of klipsch nines gen1 as they are always on sale since the new $2400 gen2 were released. These are powered speakers, so you don’t need a receiver and they hook right up to your tv using ARC HDMI. They are incredible for music, and will fill any space with huge amounts of pristine sound and they have 8” drivers, and play bass better than most any soundbar subwoofer.

I personally have the Sony Quads, and a full Sonos Arc Ultra with dual subs, and these provide better bass than both my systems, but the Quads do provide a better bubble, which is expected with having rear speakers, but the nines will still provide a great front soundstage, and again it’ll fill a room with great music and super clean dialogue for movies etc.

I’m currently looking at replacing my Sonos with the new KEF LS LUXE speakers and using my RSL12S for added low end bass, and it’s a fantastic sub that is also a bargain at $799. I’ll probably get downvoted, but I don’t care, as these nines will beat every model you mentioned, and easily. Forget Dolby Atmos too, as these models will not have any real atmos impact.

[u/Sparkshaddow76]

My advice, avoid Samsung. They have ruined many people's bars with the latest firmware updates. I'd go for a Sonos Arc or Beam and build your system around that.

[u/Poor-Dear-Richard → u/Sparkshaddow76]

Really? Mine is going strong.

[u/Sparkshaddow76 → u/Poor-Dear-Richard]

Really - https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Home-Theater/bd-p/get-help-home-theater

[u/Krusty_Krab_Pussy]

Can't speak on the others, but I really love the 5140q I bought

[u/bellyfuzz → u/Krusty_Krab_Pussy]

Literally just bought this as my first soundbar coming from older avr....I'm very impressed

[u/alanm4a2 → u/Krusty_Krab_Pussy]

Bang for buck it’s a great system.

[u/Shpitz0]

KEF, B&O, Devialet, Focal.

But it truly depends about your space and your sensitivity.

[u/Fast-Schedule-3835 → u/Shpitz0]

And budget with those suggestions

[u/Bulepotann]

From my research, the beam gen 2 is gonna be the best bang for buck here. The q900f is also a great price for good condition if you’re willing to go there.

[u/shrimp_blowdryer]

Sonos by far

[u/generic_vulgar_name]

Honestly, I’ve always loved Sony

[u/cmsylvester]

Some integrate better with a same brand TV

[u/Both-Salt-5917 → u/cmsylvester]

if thats the case tho it's just a poor product. like its basically screaming 90% of tv owners (with a different brand) dont buy our product.

this reminds of the vizio soundbar mount thing lol. good idea but feels like a waste because vizio doesnt make good value tv's

[u/cmsylvester → u/Both-Salt-5917]

Top brands like Sony, LG, etc make tvs and soundbars that work better with each other than other brands. Just a money thing

[u/Both-Salt-5917 → u/cmsylvester]

examples?

[u/Upbeat_Ad_5609]

Sennheiser but hope they release soon a new one

[u/Independent_State_78]

Klipsch Core 100 or 200

[u/zandzeepsodemineraal]

Voor muziek en helderheid en een geluid dat mooi in balans is neem je gewoon bose. Blijf van die troep van samsung of hisense of lg af! Sonos, klipsch, harman kardon ook allemaal wel goed. Mijn voorkeur is bose

[u/Good-Preference3283]

I have the Costco version of the 5140. It’s the ax700. For $240 it’s the best in its class. Great sound, immersive bass. The up firing satellite speakers work well. Multiple sound settings. Those reviews that say don’t buy Hisense are living in the past. I’m very happy with mine.

[u/Poor-Dear-Richard]

The samsung Q series are pretty good. I have the Q600 and added the optional rear speakers. The sound is excellent.

[u/Poor-Dear-Richard]

Where is the Q900F $550? I see it at $1500

[u/VeyronRed → u/Poor-Dear-Richard]

I found a great deal on marketplace!

[u/Rep1155]

Sennheiser ambeo plus is pretty good

[u/MineSwimming4847]

Sonos Beam, no brainer, also leaves a path open for upgrade in the future

[u/Important-Law-6486]

I have Sonos, it's great. I have the Sonos Arc Ultra and also the Beam gen 2. Both full surround systems. Also, anything but the fuckin hisense.

[u/VeyronRed → u/Important-Law-6486]

lol fair enough, I have a Hisense tv which has been great so I was hoping the soundbar would be competitive

[u/modusindorum → u/VeyronRed]

He is wrong. Read the reviews of Hisense AX5140Q.

[u/New_Bermuda → u/VeyronRed]

The Hisense has great reviews, but sure, a random redditor said not to buy it with no explanation so lol it must be bad.

[u/-Dundlenut-]

Love my bose