JBL - Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2

You can squeeze more value out of your $ by buying open box from Best Buy, preferably for pick up so you can inspect the item, but you can always just return it as well. Open Box items come with the same manufacturer's warranty at Best Buy. With that said, any soundbar would be an upgrade from your TV. I also had size constraints so I did quite a bit of searching for something smaller and I've found that JBL consistently makes the sound bars with the smallest foot prints, though they do make up for the size difference with large subwoofers. I ended up going with the $800 JBL 1000MK2, but the $250 [JBL 2.1 Deep Bass](https://www.bestbuy.com/product/jbl-2-1-channel-soundbar-with-wireless-subwoofer-black/J7LXFW2FZC/sku/6532533?utm_source=feed?extStoreId=482&ref=212&loc=19231686191&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19224039042&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIiFntMuE4cRc4cLPi44RSjNd&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoZDJBhC0ARIsAERP-F9lN3BuIzlv0PsTdawZSiNmG_Ksel9zjKN6wXiVqwXhSZMkotuecN0aAkTWEALw_wcB) might be a good option for you.

Yes, I checked Samsung model what you have mentioned, and for 24k price I didn't like it much. JBL 2.1 (mk2) deep bass is doing a lot better justice to movie and music experience, and is available at a much cheaper price. Check that as well. You won't like the Samsung anymore.

I could be wrong but reading your post it sounds like you are looking more toward a soundbar and not necessarily surrounds or even a sub. If that is the case something like the JBL 2.1 there are I believe 2 versions of that wouldn't be to expensive, or the Bose Smart soundbar 300 if you can find one for a good price. I have an old Samsung A650 from 2020 that has wireless rear speakers connected to a modual but I busted it out to compare for use in a spare room so only had the bar and sub plugged in, but it really isn't to bad. That isn't one I would necessarily seek out now but you could find something used especially something considered more TOTL at the time and probably get it for a good price.

We moved a couple months ago and Im in a room very similar to this... While waiting on my end game solution I moved a JBL 2.1 Deep Bass from a spare bedroom into the LR and it has a really nice improvement on TV speakers... increased volume/clarity for sure and I have a great location for the wireless sub right behind the couch where it gives great tactile feedback. Im under no illusions that this compares to my dedicated theater setup but I think everyone enjoys it without being obtrusive to the decor... and honestly for casual watching sports, news, some video games and occasionally some streaming shows for my wife, it really fits the bill. I think I got this model on its way out at best buy for a nice price so thats where Id recommend you start... entry level JBL and see if that satisfy's your needs... edit: So a couple more thoughts, I looked at the 2 systems you are thinking about... With the caveat I've never heard them, I can tell you that I would shy away from the Bose because lacking a separate subwoofer it is not going to be "engaging" enough for me... if your only concern is getting more volume that tv speakers this might still be an option for you though... And the Sony has a 4" sub which can add some thump in a small room just isn't going to bring much in a room this size. I went and measured my JBL and the cone is close to 11" diameter so maybe I have the 5.1 surround model (I honestly don't know and its not labelled clearly)... Looking at Crutchfield's current models this would correspond to the Bar 500 which is about $400. To me this is about the lowest entry level I would go as it is a significant step up in performance and increasing engagement in a really satisfying way. I wouldn't waste time thinking too much about surround effects from a sound bar as they just aren't going to function in a satisfying way given your room layout....

This sub has a weird obsession of the Q990x series…I tried both in my room, few weeks apart before getting a Nakamichi Dragon, and the JBL Mk2 was better overall for me than the 990F. The 12” subwoofer helps a ton, the Atmos was *slightly* better in some instances with the q990; but overall, I appreciated and liked the Mk2 much more. Being able to place the surrounds wherever I wanted was huge, and I liked the JBL app more too. The room correction and calibration it does is pretty good as well, biggest thing with all of them is providing the correct input so they can give you the correct output. Playing music through my Samsung tv via iPhone vs playing through Apple TV 4K was completely different. If you want to spend some coin and get something that will really blow you away, check out the Dragon. The price/performance ratio isn’t the greatest, but it’s the closest thing I could find that could match my old actual home theater 7.2.2 setup short of the sub stage. I went with the one that came with the quad 8’s, and have modified it a ton lol basically just using the 8’s amps for inputs to a Crown XLS2502 that’s driving the 8’s for 200hz-80hz, and using dual 600w Monoprice 15’s modified to have a 15” passive radiator instead of their port for 70hz and down. Sub stage ran through an Anti-Mode 2.0 for full room correction and EQ. I like to tinker with stuff too much and it’s definitely not healthy. Don’t go down this path, nothing is ever sufficient 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

Sonos Arc Ultra and two Era 300s, and since Sonos is modular you can add a Sub 4 later on. I’m also a fan of the JBL Mk2, but I think the low and high ends are better on Sonos.

+1 to the MK2, without a question.