Hey folks, quick question regarding sound system stuff. Currently I have a Pioneer surround sound system in my room, it's the "Official Xbox" one, here is the link:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ystems/HTS-GS1

Newegg has more specific specs for some reason lol

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117177

So my question is...is buying a sound bar to replace my 5.1 system a mistake?

This is what I am looking at...

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-theater/HW-F450/ZA

The way my room is setup is odd for a surround sound, the way my current system is setup, all of the speakers are on the entertainment center, the Pioneer has something to "mimic" surround sound, which is actually kinda true, it does make things sound like they are behind me.

But anyway, behind me is my door, so my chair is in the middle between my door and entertainment center.

I use the system mainly for gaming and it has been quite nice but for other uses, movies, shows, music, the ability to not adjust the bass is beyond annoying. It also lacks HDMI hookup.

So with all of that out, is going to a soundbar going to be considered an upgrade or downgrade? The Pioneer is like 6 years old, has audio come any farther in terms of quality? Will a new 2.1 system sound just as good as an older 5.1?

The things I like about the soundbar are, Bluetooth (hooks to phone for music), HDMI and wireless sub.

Sorry for the Rambling

 

Sound bars are a waste of $, unless you get the $$$$$ Yamaha ones.

 

I know someone that has that Samsung soundbar, or at least one very similar. It sounds okay, but nothing special. It does have a separate bass volume control though, so maybe you would like that. Don't expect it to sound like surround sound.

 

Hmmm, I would say you are going to get better bass and actual surround sound via your current setup but if you can't adjust the bass, have no hdmi, and all your speakers are in one place, what is the point in surround sound.

Your room seems too small/not practical for a true setup so as gimmicky as the bars sound, it seems to fit your needs. Plus being able to stream is pretty cool.

Edit - I just read that is how you are supposed to setup your current system, all in one place. Weird. I would go ahead and spend a bit more and just get an inexpensive box system with wireless rears just for the ease of them.

 

The samsung soundbars are turds. There is no separation of high/mids/lows. When people talk, you hear it come from the sub. Awful.

Just because you do not have HDMI does not make the system useless. You can either run separate HDMI to the TV and optical/coax to the receiver, or get a decent HDMI switch to feed one wire to the TV and still feed optical/coax to the receiver. You made no mention of the size of the room, so can't comment on the placement. Perhaps a few pictures would help make a recommendation.