[Prot0n]

With the incoming Black-Friday, I'm thinking on updating my HTPC setup, adding a better sound system than the one from my LG TV.

The idea would be either some speakers, 2.1 typically due to space constraints, or a soundbar. What system would perform better?

What are the most important characteristics I should be looking at (HDMI...)? If I go with the soundbar option, would you recommend getting one with a subwoofer?

So, what are your thoughts? Any model recommendations?

Thanks!

[Prot0n]

I forgot about the budget! Something not greater than 200€ would ideal

[Topken]

You would get better help posting over on something like AVSForum or audioholics

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/index.php

http://www.audioholics.com/

[psysfaction]

For that small budget I would go with a soundbar.
Yamaha makes some good once and I would choose a MusicCast one.
MusicCast is the Multiroom audio solution similar to Sonos.
So you get a nice app which you can use for streaming music to the sound bar.

For example this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YSP-1600-M...=musiccast

comes with no subwoofer so you can upgrade the sound with a subwoofer of your choice at a later point.

[Prot0n]

For that small budget I would go with a soundbar.
Yamaha makes some good once and I would choose a MusicCast one.
MusicCast is the Multiroom audio solution similar to Sonos.
So you get a nice app which you can use for streaming music to the sound bar.

For example this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YSP-1600-M...=musiccast

comes with no subwoofer so you can upgrade the sound with a subwoofer of your choice at a later point.

Thanks for the advice! It seems to be a very nice, but sadlly over here, in Europe, the price is arround 500€ 

I've seen this one LG Sound Bar SJ8 with seems to be nice

[nickr]

I love my vizio 5.1 soundbar system. The sub is wireless and the rears plug to the sub. Warning, they only run on us voltages, I had to buy 2 240v/120v transformers. I guess I am so used to universal power supplies I hadn't even thought to check.

But they vastly improve bedroom tv!

[Topken]

Glad to hear the Vizio is working well for you nickr. As I said in the other thread I have one in my bedroom and its a great system for tv/movies/and even gaming via PS3.

[AlexeiSayle]

As far as bass and low-frequency sounds go, soundbars are fairly decent in that regard. You get soundbars which come with external subwoofers speakers that cover low-frequency sound to aid the audio quality of the soundbar.