**Update:** Went with [**Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6-Ch Surround System**](https://reddit-links.com/NakamichiDragon). It finally improves dialogue clarity while still keeping strong bass and depth.
I am searching for a soundbar with subwoofer to improve dialogue clarity in my Sonos setup. My current sound makes voices hard to understand during busy scenes.
I watch a lot of shows with heavy dialogue and it has been frustrating mising lines. I want something that makes voices clearer without losing depth in sound. what should I look for to balance bass and clear dialogue?
I mostly use my TV for gaming and streaming movies, and I’m finally trying to move away from TV speakers since everything sounds flat, especially explosions and low-end effects. I want something that feels more immersive but still easy to set up in a small apartment space.
What would you say is the best soundbar with subwoofer for this kind of mixed use, and do you think 2.1 setups are enough or should I be looking at something more advanced for better surround feel? Appreciate any advice
**Heads up:** decided to go with [**Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6-Ch Surround System**](https://reddit-links.com/NakamichiDragon) and ordered one. Just got it running and the difference is already huge for both games and movies.
Heads up: decided to go with Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6-Ch Surround System and ordered one. Just got it running and the difference is already huge for both games and movies.
If you want a no fail of a soundbar system you could go balls to the wall and do what I did and drop $2800 on a Nakamichi Dragon. That thing is the absolute best system I have ever used.
Check out the Samsung Q900F…EPP pricing is right at $800. There are other ways to qualify for discounts outside of EPP…military, 1st responder, student, etc.
I have (2) Full 9.3.6 systems w/ fairly high end components and a Nakamichi Dragon w/ (3) SVS Sub integration..each costing significantly more than the 900f. As a comparator, from a cost standpoint, there is no single component in any of my room setups that cost less than the 900F.
My assessment so far is that the Samsung system is pretty good, especially for $800! Bass response is not exactly what I’m looking for, but in my use case (office system), it’s enough. At some point, just like with the Dragon, I will add a standalone sub…but not a requirement nor is it an “urgent” need.
After $1000 all soundbars are basically the same.
The front drivers will all be 3" max, and have wireless surrounds and a wireless subwoofer. For larger rooms it may sound empty or disconnected from the bass.
For a room dedicated for movies and gaming, have you considered an actual AVR setup? $1500 would get you proper Atmos and an actual front sound stage.
If you are set on a soundbar setup, the closest thing you will get to actual theater sound is a Nakamichi Dragon. It has the biggest drivers two subwoofers (but goes for $2600 or so on sale).
Samsung Q990 is good for a soundbar, but won't come close to actual cinema sound, unfortunately.
If not, an AVR with Atmos and the Polk XT set or Klipsch Reference set (with built in Atmos modules) would be cheaper and sound much better.
Soundbars are definitely the simplest option, but surrounds and subwoofer will still have wires, just power cables instead of speaker wire.
If you want easy but full sound, checkout the Nakamichi models; they're big and bulky, and for good reason. Lot of oomph and good midrange.
Samsung Q990 is liked a lot around here, but its more for medium to small rooms.
Top Soundbars on Reddit
1
Samsung
Q990F
77% positive of 600 users
Value for movies and easy setup, but music falls flat.
Scheuermann_Yamelly
