A Vizio M51AX-J6 is close to that price range (if you pick the right time for a sale, it should drop into that range). I have one, and I love it. It's a 5.1 setup with satellite speakers (if you don't have the space to position the satellites optimally, it has a front-surround mode where all the speakers sit together in front of your tv), and it supports uncompressed PCM as well as the lossless versions of Dolby and DTS. The DTS will be especially helpful, since the C5 can't play DTS on it own, but the HDMI-in port on the soundbar can allow external devices to access DTS (the only caveat being that the soundbar only supports HDMI 2.0, which is enough for a 4K Blu-ray player, but if you want to play games, you'll have to choose between 4K or 120 fps, instead of both at once).
I currently am using a Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar. Bought a few years ago on a deal and overall has worked pretty well.A few minor issues - sometimes it doesn’t play audio and I have to reset it, using the TV remote to turn up and down audio sometimes mutes it, etc. but nothing more than minor inconveniences. Unfortunately now I need to replace it, as the rear speakers have become an issue….even though the wires are secured to moulding / under rugs, some how my kid and dog keep figuring out ways to get to it. I’m sick of constantly dealing with that so I’m gonna move this soundbar to a different room.
Now I’m looking to replace it and hopefully upgrade without breaking the bank too much. (under $500, and ideally around $300) any recommendations for something that’s wireless? Am I better off just getting a nicer soundbar with a subwoofer but no rear speakers on my budget, or is there a good wireless option in my price range? I’m not the most well versed when it comes to this so I’d rather solicit advice here rather than interpret specs. All I know is I value good bass, and frequently use the soundbar for music, and of course want good sound quality.
TL;DR: need subwoofer under $500. Any good ones with wireless rear speakers or should I disregard those in my price range
Sam’s Club has a good deal right now for the Vizio 5.1 system, check it out. I just purchased it for $160 and set it up today. It’s performing good so far for my front living room space (smaller-medium sized room).
I really like the Samsung Q990. I have multiple systems in my home and I think 3.1, 5.1 and above soundbar systems are awesome. I have an inexpensive Vizio 5.1 soundbar system that I am very happy with. It’s set up in an upstairs loft in my home paired to a matching 55” Vizio 4K TV and is perfect in that area. I have a 100” projector setup in a large family room with a full 5.2.4 Atmos surround sound. It’s a lot of amps, speakers and subwoofers that take up significantly more space than a soundbar. I have no issues with soundbars or ARV setups. Good quality products do make a difference though.
It totally depends on the soundbar. I am still impressed with the Vizio 5.1 system’s ability to produce a really nice sounding virtual atmos experience. I also have a Polk Mini ax and in my opinion it doesn’t compare to the Vizio. I also have a Vizio 5.1.2 system and I’ll still stand by that system as THE top of the line budget system. Saying all of that I’ll conclude by saying, none of those systems match my Sony HT-A9, but I wouldn’t expect them to. I had an LG SP7Y and took it back within hours of purchase. It soured me on LG soundbars quickly. Also, if you’re looking for a budget system, don’t count out ONN’s 5.1 or 5.1.2. They both are surprisingly good.
F1Nerf
