Soundbar discussion Thread IV [consolidated]

[otts]

Just got the LG SK8Y with free SPK-8S wireless surround kit at $359.

Good price? Seems like the cheapest Dolby Atmos soundbar i can find.

cheap leh..where to get this deal dude?

 

[deep3lue]

Can u try playing lossless atmos file via the C9 video app n see if it send the lossless atmos to Q90R soundbar thru eARC? Many thanks

Tested and the answer is no. The TV is not able to do direct passthrough via eARC into the soundbar.

 

[moron+genius]

Tested and the answer is no. The TV is not able to do direct passthrough via eARC into the soundbar.

Thanks for testing. So the video app doesn’t support lossless atmos? Or eARC not functional? Looks like gotta hold back the purchase.

 

[deep3lue]

Thanks for testing. So the video app doesn’t support lossless atmos? Or eARC not functional? Looks like gotta hold back the purchase.

It feels like the TV is programmed to auto decode any video files that it is playing, and it does not have the encoder for Dolby Atmos because I got a warning saying that it is unable to decode the sound. But to the credit of the soundbar though, it still receives the data from the TV and produces sound from it, just not Dolby Atmos.

To add on, the eARC does work when I play Netflix videos that have Dolby Atmos. So the issue is not with the soundbar nor the eARC.

 

[deep3lue]

So today I have finally managed to get the stands for my Samsung HW-Q90R two rear speakers and this is how my AV room looks like now:

The Samsung HW-Q90R performs superbly playing Dolby Atmos movies, way way way better than those Dolby Atmos soundbars without physical rear speakers. I now hear much more sonic depth than compared to my dad's Creative Sonic Carrier (I know it's an unfair comparison since it doesn't have physical rear speakers but for that price that it is selling for at the moment.. )

I won't say I will recommend it at the moment cos I also had the unfortunate experience of the rear speakers having poor wireless connectivity. I had to manually re-sync them to the soundbar even though the indicator showed otherwise. However there is a new firmware that was reported to have resolved this issue. So for those who are interested in this soundbar, I will probably test the new firmware and let you guys know the result after a week or so.

But if you don't mind the extra effort of re-syncing the rear speakers now and then while waiting for Samsung to resolve the issue, I would say it does lives up to the Internet perfect score review based on the sound experience I had..

So much so that now I have the itch to watch all the Dolby Atmos movies in my collection again!

 

[Unique.Melody]

Soundbar typically are designed solely for movies in mind.
If you emphasis on music, clarity and highs.
Than go for AVR with 5.1 speaker.

However $1k budget is rather tight unless you go for second hand.
Get a decent AVR with bookshelf speakers.
Or get stereo amp with bookshelf speaker.

Dolby Atmos or Dts:X are usually for movies, DTS-X are not widely used anymore and you can only find DTS-X movies on blu ray.

I was wondering about the Bose Soundbar 700. any thoughts on that?

 

[moron+genius]

It feels like the TV is programmed to auto decode any video files that it is playing, and it does not have the encoder for Dolby Atmos because I got a warning saying that it is unable to decode the sound. But to the credit of the soundbar though, it still receives the data from the TV and produces sound from it, just not Dolby Atmos.

To add on, the eARC does work when I play Netflix videos that have Dolby Atmos. So the issue is not with the soundbar nor the eARC.

So it’s same as my C7 built in video player can’t play lossless atmos giving the same error msg n default 2 secondary soundtrack if there is. Then no pt 4 me 2 upgrade 2 C9. Btw Netflix atmos content uses lossy type DD+ which current ARC already can work no need eARC.
Thanks 4 ur help in verifying.

 

[moron+genius]

Nice setup. Pls try the new fw n report back whether it solves the problem. My purchase hinging on the issue being resolved. Btw try flipping the blind up instead of down will cut more sunlight n reduce the reflection. Best use black out curtain. Thanks.

So today I have finally managed to get the stands for my Samsung HW-Q90R two rear speakers and this is how my AV room looks like now:

The Samsung HW-Q90R performs superbly playing Dolby Atmos movies, way way way better than those Dolby Atmos soundbars without physical rear speakers. I now hear much more sonic depth than compared to my dad's Creative Sonic Carrier (I know it's an unfair comparison since it doesn't have physical rear speakers but for that price that it is selling for at the moment.. )

I won't say I will recommend it at the moment cos I also had the unfortunate experience of the rear speakers having poor wireless connectivity. I had to manually re-sync them to the soundbar even though the indicator showed otherwise. However there is a new firmware that was reported to have resolved this issue. So for those who are interested in this soundbar, I will probably test the new firmware and let you guys know the result after a week or so.

But if you don't mind the extra effort of re-syncing the rear speakers now and then while waiting for Samsung to resolve the issue, I would say it does lives up to the Internet perfect score review based on the sound experience I had..

So much so that now I have the itch to watch all the Dolby Atmos movies in my collection again!

 

[86technie]

I was wondering about the Bose Soundbar 700. any thoughts on that?

No comments on Bose, rather high price that you can consider Sonos instead.

 

[deep3lue]

Nice setup. Pls try the new fw n report back whether it solves the problem. My purchase hinging on the issue being resolved. Btw try flipping the blind up instead of down will cut more sunlight n reduce the reflection. Best use black out curtain. Thanks.

Sure will update here again regarding the new firmware.

And thanks for the blind suggestion. I didn't thought of that!

 

[petetherock]

I was wondering about the Bose Soundbar 700. any thoughts on that?

For that kind of money there are many choices
Eg HK enchant 1300

 

[linusz]

No comments on Bose, rather high price that you can consider Sonos instead.

anyone can share user experience with sonos beam

 

[86technie]

I was wondering about the Bose Soundbar 700. any thoughts on that?

Before I can recommend since I don't usually focus on brand.
- Size of TV?
- Contents? Streaming like Netflix or downloaded movies?
- Any preference 2.0 or 2.1?
- Budget?

For me I look at source first than decide what to get.

 

[LiLAsN]

It feels like the TV is programmed to auto decode any video files that it is playing, and it does not have the encoder for Dolby Atmos because I got a warning saying that it is unable to decode the sound. But to the credit of the soundbar though, it still receives the data from the TV and produces sound from it, just not Dolby Atmos.

To add on, the eARC does work when I play Netflix videos that have Dolby Atmos. So the issue is not with the soundbar nor the eARC.

Hi. Thanks for your informative input on your setup. Can you verify if is really Dolby Atmos? Netflix, as mentioned by moron+genius uses DD+ to transport Lossy Dolby Atmos over to to AV devices. Usually pressing Info on the soundbar will reveal it to be so. Something like DD+ (Atmos). But some AV devices like the Creative Sonic Carrier just says Atmos without it showing that it's using the lossy DD+ transport.

Anyway, following the May update, your Soundbar should finally be capable of eARC. But take note, you will need a 'HDMI Premium + Ethernet cable' (it's the name of the cable) in order to get lossless audio through from the TV to the Soundbar.

Looking at the AV enthusiast forum, we can see that 2018/2019 Marantz and Denon receivers have no problems receiving eARC from the TV. But some some other models seem to not work with the C9 and other TVs with eARC support. Along with someone also using the same Soundbar and TV as you having this problem too.

Lastly, I think it is better to wait for the firmware that enables HDMI 2.1 fully. As of now, it seems that the firmware the TV is running on is based off C8 kind of firmware with the poor built-in media player incapable of sending lossless audio without it wanting to transcode along with there having audio lag issues with Dolby codec audio if you try PS4/XBOX/PC/TV Box --> TV --> Receiver/Soundbar. The exact same issue as my C7. Thus, better to still route to Receiver/Soundbar then to the TV for now to get true lossless. Since all the devices we currently have are still HDMI 2.0 anyway. And eARC on the C9 is still funky until hopefully they'll overhaul the built-in media player and eARC when HDMI 2.1 support firmware rolls out.


For now, you can try out some of the advices mentioned here.

• It has been confirmed that LG C9 operates properly with eARC delivery when HDMI CEC is turned off on the source (TV) and destination (AVR). This is accomplished by removing HDMI configuration for target AVR in the LG C9 Connections Manager (reset configuration) and disabling ARC and TV control in the Denon/Marantz unit.... then enabling ARC and eARC w/passthrough in the C9 HDMI audio settings. It is unknown if this is functional across all AVR brands but strongly indicates that LG has properly implemented the feature so that it can be turned on independent of use of HDMI control (HDMI CEC)."
  
  
• Make sure you have C9 set for passthough: Settings > All Settings >Sound > Sound Out > Digital Sound Out

Also, regarding the cable, here's the chart.

You can follow the updates the guys put over there if you want and also, take note of KingScooty on that forum. He's the one that has the same exact TV and soundbar as you. You can see him mentioning an issue on Page 12 though he doesn't seem to be aware of DD+ lossy Atmos via Netflix app and think's he's getting true Atmos.
So maybe best to take note of the others who replies to his post to help him get a proper eARC passthrough.
https://www.avsforum.com/forum/40-oled-technology-flat-panels-general/3072900-lg-c9-earc-info-thread.html

 

[deep3lue]

Hi. Thanks for your informative input on your setup. Can you verify if is really Dolby Atmos? Netflix, as mentioned by moron+genius uses DD+ to transport Lossy Dolby Atmos over to to AV devices. Usually pressing Info on the soundbar will reveal it to be so. Something like DD+ (Atmos). But some AV devices like the Creative Sonic Carrier just says Atmos without it showing that it's using the lossy DD+ transport.

Anyway, following the May update, your Soundbar should finally be capable of eARC. But take note, you will need a 'HDMI Premium + Ethernet cable' (it's the name of the cable) in order to get lossless audio through from the TV to the Soundbar.

Looking at the AV enthusiast forum, we can see that 2018/2019 Marantz and Denon receivers have no problems receiving eARC from the TV. But some some other models seem to not work with the C9 and other TVs with eARC support. Along with someone also using the same Soundbar and TV as you having this problem too.

Lastly, I think it is better to wait for the firmware that enables HDMI 2.1 fully. As of now, it seems that the firmware the TV is running on is based off C8 kind of firmware with the poor built-in media player incapable of sending lossless audio without it wanting to transcode along with there having audio lag issues with Dolby codec audio if you try PS4/XBOX/PC/TV Box --> TV --> Receiver/Soundbar. The exact same issue as my C7. Thus, better to still route to Receiver/Soundbar then to the TV for now to get true lossless. Since all the devices we currently have are still HDMI 2.0 anyway. And eARC on the C9 is still funky until hopefully they'll overhaul the built-in media player and eARC when HDMI 2.1 support firmware rolls out.


For now, you can try out some of the advices mentioned here.

• It has been confirmed that LG C9 operates properly with eARC delivery when HDMI CEC is turned off on the source (TV) and destination (AVR). This is accomplished by removing HDMI configuration for target AVR in the LG C9 Connections Manager (reset configuration) and disabling ARC and TV control in the Denon/Marantz unit.... then enabling ARC and eARC w/passthrough in the C9 HDMI audio settings. It is unknown if this is functional across all AVR brands but strongly indicates that LG has properly implemented the feature so that it can be turned on independent of use of HDMI control (HDMI CEC)."
  
  
• Make sure you have C9 set for passthough: Settings > All Settings >Sound > Sound Out > Digital Sound Out

Also, regarding the cable, here's the chart.

You can follow the updates the guys put over there if you want and also, take note of KingScooty on that forum. He's the one that has the same exact TV and soundbar as you. You can see him mentioning an issue on Page 12 though he doesn't seem to be aware of DD+ lossy Atmos via Netflix app and think's he's getting true Atmos.
So maybe best to take note of the others who replies to his post to help him get a proper eARC passthrough.
https://www.avsforum.com/forum/40-oled-technology-flat-panels-general/3072900-lg-c9-earc-info-thread.html

Hi, thanks for the query. Right now I am using the

UGREEN 1m High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet Gold Plated Zinc Alloy Case Support 4K*2K and 3D

which I got from Lazada on both the TV -> soundbar -> media player. The media player I am currently using is the NVIDIA Shield TV and it's connected to the soundbar. The app in use is Kodi. Also, when I play any 4K movies using the app, the HDR logo will appear on the TV.

When I wakes up either the TV or the Shield, the other two connected devices will wakes up at the same time. The only way to tell if the sound source is Dolby Atmos is when the words "Dolby Atmos" appears in the display panel on the soundbar.

Though I must say that the setting to get it enabled is not as straightforward as I would like on both the TV and on the Shield + app. Much tinkering is required but yes I can say now for certain that Dolby Atmos is working on the soundbar because of my inexperience with the settings initially. In the early stages of using the soundbar, I was happily watching a movie without Dolby Atmos but thinking that it was on!

So with regards to your question about whether the eARC is working properly, I need to go back and check the settings (HDMI CEC) on the TV first since I have already tested trying to play Dolby Atmos file on an USB thumbdrive which the soundbar could not produce.

Finally, I am happy to report that the new firmware has solved the rear and sub wireless disconnection issue on my end. I have seriously no regrets getting this soundbar!

 

[auzzuro]

Any thoughts about LG sound bar ? Eg sk9y ....

 

[Unique.Melody]

Before I can recommend since I don't usually focus on brand.
- Size of TV?
- Contents? Streaming like Netflix or downloaded movies?
- Any preference 2.0 or 2.1?
- Budget?

For me I look at source first than decide what to get.

- 49" TV
- Streaming movies
- Listening music on YouTube/Spotify etc..
- 3.0 or 3.1 as long as there's upgrade capability for 5.1 in the future
- budget around 1k+

 

[billovee]

- 49" TV
- Streaming movies
- Listening music on YouTube/Spotify etc..
- 3.0 or 3.1 as long as there's upgrade capability for 5.1 in the future
- budget around 1k+

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakamichi-...402978?hash=item46963eb622:g:HoMAAOSwg1Jc65ku

 

[86technie]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakamichi-...402978?hash=item46963eb622:g:HoMAAOSwg1Jc65ku

Take note of the voltage, as US is using 120V.

 

[moron+genius]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakamichi-...402978?hash=item46963eb622:g:HoMAAOSwg1Jc65ku

This 1 no upfiring speaker right? So virtual atmos/X?