Since the beginning of time there has been a debate on what is the best sound system. It started with Hi-Fi stereo systems which spilled over into car audio, desktop computers and even the elusive home theater. As with everything there are different interpretations of what we need for any of these situations and it is up to you to decide your level of involvement.
For audiophiles we often know what to look for because we have experienced both the good and bad and have settled on what we like best. Most of our/their decisions are purely subjective and often backed by community perceptions, cost and what is available.
In this episode Darren talks about his recent purchase of a Samsung Q-Series 11.1.4 Wireless Dolby ATOMOS Soundbar. HW-Q990C. This product included rear speakers and a single subwoofer making it a complete surround sound system despite the front stage being comprised of a single, mutli-speaker sound bar. While this sounds like a rather nice setup, he was coming from a proper 5.1 surround system with separate speakers for each zone with dedicated amplifiers giving him finite control of the sound reproduction.
The biggest hurdle is the perception that a single sound bar solution could replace a dedicated surround sound system and that audio technology has advanced enough to not only make it sound great but also tune itself for optimal performance.
Related Links
Q-series 11.1.4 ch. Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar + Rear Speakers w/ Q-Symphony / HW-Q990C
Nakamichi DRAGON 11.4.6 Home Surround Sound System
Creative X-Fi® Sonic Carrier
Creative XSFI Carrier
Creative is Pushing Audio Quality to 15.2 at CES 2018
Episode 161 featured music:
Little People - Start Shootin' (http://www.littlepeoplemusic.com/)
