It does sound much better than TV speakers but...
I don't need a sound bar because I have more speakers/monitors than I need. But it has received so much praise from reviewers, so I ordered one and hoped it would sound at least on par with 2.1 at the similar price range, plus its phasedcue that mimics surround sound in a way as advertised.
Its Phasecue has 9 levels, the higher level the more sound field it expands. But high level, e.g. 7, phasecue occasionally causes voice replication. Otherwise it does make you feel there are virtual speakers added on both sides. But you still feel significant portion of sound energy comes from the center, speaker itself clearly, especially mid range frequencies.
Its bass is surprisingly good out of 2 4" drivers on the end of both sides, similar to average 8" subwoofer in sound but better in localization. It evenly distributes the bass because of 2 4" driver on both sides, especially for upper bass . However, it reproduces poor high frequency sounds, very very subtle, so no detail sound texture. Maybe it is because of using 3" drivers to handle high range sound which usually done by 1" driver. The mid range is sounded somewhat harsh or say too much.
I compared it with "gigawork s750" (already discontinued), not with my favorite monitors which would be unfair, in both stereo music and surround movie playbacks around my 40" samsung lcd tv. I like s750 better significantly in both cases. Basically, it is just too much compromise from it for me.
If you really hate to wire around 5.1 setup. Buy a decent 2.1 with build-in amplifier that should make wiring nearly as simple as the sound bar. Based on what I tested on zvox 425sx and others in stores. It is hard to compete with classical decent 2.1 setup at the same price range in every way. Like I said, 2.1 setup is not hard to install at all. 5.1 indeed need a lot more to move around and wiring. I did 5.1 using very good studio monitors with expensive balanced cables but later I realized there are only less than 1% and 10% chances for music and movie respectively that 5.1 make sense in playback.
The building quality is good and it weighs 36 pounds and it is bigger than I expected, although I did check its size before ordering it.
2009-11-06
