Soundbar recommendations

My Sony is really good. Did you check out CNET.com or avsforum.com?

I've had this for last year or so and loved it.

I got it for $228 though.

VIZIO S4251w-B4 5.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers (2013 Model)

Looks like there is a new model too: VIZIO SB3851-C0 38-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers

There are. Check out the Yamaha YAS 203

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but I do want on with a wireless subwoofer. 

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Why? They aren't truly wireless. They have to have AC power. Also, the best placement for them is usually right between the main speakers which usually puts it very close to the receiver.

So basically you want a soundbar and not a 5.1 system?

I got my mom a Klipsch R20B on sale for the same price as the R10B, and it sounds really good. Very crisp highs, and they have the sub turned all of the way down because it'll rattle the windows. It gets loud. It has a regular mode and a surround mode, but you really can't tell the difference when watching most stuff. I guess at louder volumes you could, but they keep it at a normal level

Some pretty good answers already, but since I've been going through a similar search, I'll add my $0.02.

As mentioned, 2.1 vs 5.1 vs 7.1 refers to number of speakers:
2.0 = 2 speakers
2.1 = 2 speakers with a separate sub-woofer (subwoofer is always the ".1")
5.1 = 5 speakers plus a subwoofer

Proper surround sound dictates as-- I think it was Hopeful Doc said-- that two of those speakers will be physically behind you... thus you are surrounded by different sound sources which is a more immersive effect, which is nice for some movies.

You can have a 5.1 channel sound bar, but because the two speakers that should be behind you are locked in the sound bar cabinet, which will presumably be in front of you under the tv, you won't get true surround sound.

That being said, I think there may still be some sound quality benefit to a 5.1 soundbar (over a 2.1). A 5.1 soundbar will split audio signals to different speakers... a left and right speaker may handle most of the basic sounds, the center channel (I think) handles the main character voices and the other two speakers (a left & right) will handle special effect. While this isn't surround sound technically, if it is a well built soundbar, the separation of voices into different speakers should provide greater detail / clarity. Also, if you aren't tech savvy, soundbars are generally easier to get plugged in and running without fiddling with the numerous wires of multiple speakers of a true surround sound system. (I know there are bluetooth speakers now, so wires may not be necessary, but something to think about if you're doing the work yourself and you aren't an audiophile and are considering wired speakers.)

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AlxTgr

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I really love our Vizio. Especially how easy it was to link to our remote. A simple volume up tap turns the power on. Others may do that as well, but not having to deal with yet another remote is awesome. Our wireless sub is across the room beside a couch and cannot be seen. Seems to work just fine.

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Not to hijack the thread, but I have an Apple TV, a CISCO Cox Cable Contour Box, a Sony Soundbar w/Wireless Sub and a LG 60" Plasma Smart TV.

I run them all with 1 Logitech Harmony Smart Remote. I press the "Watch TV" button and every single component flashes on to watch Cox Cable. If I hit "Watch a Movie," then it switches me to the smart TV web-browser function so I can access my website of questionable legality to watch movies online through the browser.

I programmed in "Watch Apple TV" on the LED screen so with a press of a button, the Apple TV comes on, TV switches to the right output and the soundbar stays on so we can maneuver through the Apple TV's Menu.

Best of all, when I go to bed, I hit "All Off" and everything turns off all at once.

Seriously...They're amazingly worth it.

That does sound cool, but I don't have all that and do not stream movies. The Vizio works with the Suddenlink remote. I thought that was pretty cool. That cable remote does pretty much everything I need for our stuff since moving away from a component sound system to a soundbar. I'll never have more than a soundbar again unless I have a dedicated media room.