[Achilles97]



• TV = Samsung HL-R6768W
• Room = 16x17, ceiling slopped to 10-feet, with a 4-foot-high open wall on one side.
• Samsung p3600 blu-ray player

Right now I am using the TV's built-in speakers. I've always felt that they sound decent because I assume they are slightly larger than the typical built-in speakers.


I'm looking at a CT500 or YSP-1100 setup. Will I really hear an increase in sound quality?


Thanks!

 

[blue comet]

I wouldn't call the 1100 a virtual surround bar .. this thing decodes DD and DTS and actually projects it at different angles than the front channels... virtual is something like the Polk SDA or Zvox systems ..

 

[Achilles97]



Quote:
Originally Posted by blue comet /forum/post/16871201


I wouldn't call the 1100 a virtual surround bar .. this thing decodes DD and DTS and actually projects it at different angles than the front channels... virtual is something like the Polk SDA or Zvox systems ..

OK, thanks for the response.


I've never heard any of these systems in person so I'm wondering how they would compare to my built-in speakers. Can anyone comment on that?


Thanks!

 

[ickysmits]

What's pretty cool about your TV is that it has a subwoofer output (p.27 of your manual): http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...00Eng_book.pdf


The 1100 would be an improvement especially with the addition of a sub. You could also try the Polk or Zvox as suggested above. The fact that you can add a subwoofer opens a lot of doors for soundbars or 2.1 speakers and you'd be able to get some nice sounds without having to buy a receiver (I believe you'd need powered speakers though). I wouldn't even consider the CT-500 since you can do better with a bigger powered sub than the 6" "subwoofer" included with that unit.

 

[davyo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ickysmits /forum/post/16873400


What's pretty cool about your TV is that it has a subwoofer output (p.27 of your manual): http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...00Eng_book.pdf


The 1100 would be an improvement especially with the addition of a sub. You could also try the Polk or Zvox as suggested above. The fact that you can add a subwoofer opens a lot of doors for soundbars or 2.1 speakers and you'd be able to get some nice sounds without having to buy a receiver (I believe you'd need powered speakers though). I wouldn't even consider the CT-500 since you can do better with a bigger powered sub than the 6" "subwoofer" included with that unit.

Good advice from "icky" about the sub output on your Samsung.


You should try hooking up a sub to your Samsung and see how that sounds, very few TV makers include a sub output, I had one on my 60" Pioneer Kuro and it made a big difference.


As far as "icky's" advice of "dont consider the CT-500" I would suggest NOT taking that advice.


The CT-500 is a great soundbar and a huge improvment over the CT-100, instead of taking "icky's" advice just read the threads about the CT-100 and CT-500 to see the opinions of people that own these units,,, I have owned both myself and have been really impressed with the new CT-500.


Cheers

Davyo

 

[ickysmits]

@ Dave - Don't you think a good 12", 10", or even possibly a 8" powered sub would be a nice addition to his set-up paired with a Yamaha or Polk bar (or other manufacturer)? It would surely add some extra oomph and excitement the CT-500 couldn't provide. You said yourself the sub on your Kuro made a big difference.


@ Achilles97 - Your room isn't that big and, to answer your question, I believe either one would certainly be an improvement over the TV speakers and be a good choice. I've heard the CT-100 and wasn't impressed at all but Dave owns and likes the CT-500 so he'd know better. I should have qualified my statement and said not to consider it if price wasn't a factor. I think a good sub paired with another soundbar would be a better choice, however, it will be more expensive. In any case, check them out and see what you think.

 

[davyo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ickysmits /forum/post/16873674


@ Dave - Don't you think a good 12", 10", or even possibly a 8" powered sub would be a nice addition to his set-up paired with a Yamaha or Polk bar (or other manufacturer)? It would surely add some extra oomph and excitement the CT-500 couldn't provide. You said yourself the sub on your Kuro made a big difference.

Hey Icky


Yes the sub did make a BIG difference with my Kuro, the Kuro fake surround sound aint half bad so being able to add the sub really put the Kuro into soundbar territory without having to have a soundbar.


For the OP I was thinking your suggestion was a good one, to try his Samsung with a sub and see how that sounds.


Matter of fact before I read your post I was not even aware that the Samsung he has had a sub output, the only displays I have really known to do this on a regular basis have been the Pioneer plasma's.


Personly I have never understood why more TV makers dont include a sub output, its such an easy thing to add and can greatly improve the sound on any givin display if using a display's fake surround sound feature.


I cant comment on the Polk bar as I have only heard it in the store and it was not the best of set-ups, so I really have no idea how the Polk really sounds at all.


As far as Yamaha, any YSP is always a good choice when paired with a sub. Is the YSP better than the CT-500, if judging for just sound alone, yes, the YSP does do a better surround sound, if judging by features and price, in my opinion the CT-500 is the better choice.


As far as the CT-500 I hope I did not come off as being rude to you in telling the OP to dis-reguard your negitive input about the CT-500, being rude was not my intent, I just know your not a big fan ot the CT-100 or CT-500 and I wanted to let the OP know the CT-500 does get a good deal of love from others.


Cheers

Davyo

 

[ickysmits]

No worries, I was being unfair to the OP as there's no doubt that the ct is good value. You make a good point about the subwoofer pre-out.


I think you narrowed it down quite well but I'll summarize and suggest the OP go one of two routes. 1) get the ct500 and use that or 2) buy a subwoofer for the TV and try it out. If it fails to thrill then add the Yamaha. Or just get the Yamaha...but I think the sub is the way to go.

 

[davyo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ickysmits /forum/post/16873774


No worries, I was being unfair to the OP as there's no doubt that the ct is good value. You make a good point about the subwoofer pre-out.


I think you narrowed it down quite well but I'll summarize and suggest the OP go one of two routes. 1) get the ct500 and use that or 2) buy a subwoofer for the TV and try it out. If it fails to thrill then add the Yamaha. Or just get the Yamaha...but I think the sub is the way to go.

Yes, the CT's can be a good value but one thing I forgot to mention for the OP,,,, perhaps hold off for just a bit if considering the CT-500.


As Icky had mentioned a few posts ago, myself and a few others had to return our CT-500's for some minor bugs, I was already to order another one but in reading the CT-500 thread again tonight I saw a few other reports of problems with the CT-500,, it's a great soundbar (in my opinion) but it is starting to look like Sony might have to work out more issue's than I originaly thought.


Cheers

Davyo

 

[Achilles97]

Wow, thanks a lot for all the replies!


I've been reading the CT500 thread and the recent issues people are seeing with it are making me hesitate on making a decision. On the other side, I can't find a black YSP-1100 selling anywhere for a decent price except ebay. If I went YSP-1100 I would get a decent 10" sub to go with it.


I get the impression that the YSP-1100 w/sub would sound better than the CT500, and either setup would sound better than my TV speakers.


Right now it looks like I can get a refurbished "b-class" YSP-1100 off ebay and add a 10" sub for a total of around $550, or I can get the CT500 new for around $450. I have to decide if the extra $100 and the uncertaintly of an ebay'ed refurb unit is worth it for the YSP setup over the CT500, but then again there have been reported issues with the CT500... decisions, decisions...


I'll keep reading and looking around before I make a decision. Thanks a lot for your advice!

 

[blue comet]

I'd be REAL cautious about the CT500 .. Sony may have a lemon on its hands...

 

[Achilles97]

Yesterday I switched my TV sound to mono and watched the dirt bike chase scene in Terminator 2, then I tweaked the sound settings and watched it again. I was actually satisfied with the sound.


I think I will just hold off on getting a sound bar right now. I should have a dedicated media room in the next year or two and I'll be able to install a true 5.1 system. Maybe I'll get the 5.1 system now and just use it as 3.1 in the meantime.


Thank you for all your comments.

 

[ickysmits]

Why don't you get just a subwoofer for your TV? It might be a nice addition and you can always use it later on with whatever you get.


Just a thought...

 

[Achilles97]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ickysmits /forum/post/16882088


Why don't you get just a subwoofer for your TV? It might be a nice addition and you can always use it later on with whatever you get.


Just a thought...

I think I might do that, it's a good suggestion. Thanks!

 

[GregF2]

What subwoofer would be recommended for a 60 Kuro plasma?