I’ve wanted a soundbar for a couple years now. Every time I look for one, I don’t find anything that meets all my requirements, or I get overwhelmed looking and just give up.

My setup:

  • We have an SBC hooked up to my dumb TV through HDMI. HDMI handles both audio and video for the computer. We never use any other input to the TV, so this is the only audio concern here. This is currently a Radxa Rock 5b, but I’m considering replacing it with an x86 NUC or mini-PC.
  • We have a cheap little record player nearby. This sounds fine but could really stand to have better speakers attached. It has stereo RCA output.

What I want:

  • All sound to be output through one speaker/set of speakers. Ideally it would be a soundbar, since the TV is mounted above a fireplace and we can run the soundbar along the mantle.
  • If the speakers have to toggle between inputs to get sound between the PC and the record player, so be it, but it would be much nicer if the two were mixed. We’ll never have a record playing and have something on the TV, anyways.
  • I’d prefer not to have any extra cables coming from the PC to the speaker. I’m trying to avoid any wires showing, and so I’d like to keep the PC audio through HDMI if possible.

I’d love to know if such a product exists. Please, internet denizens, give me your recommendations if you have any.

  • ian@feddit.ukEnglish
    1·
    1 month ago

    HDMI is important as you can control it with the TV remote control. On off too. Essential.

    I have a Sony soundbar with a separate, floor standing, Bass unit. If you have a good screen then good bass, I mean really good bass, gives it a cinematic feel. Play the THX Intro on YouTube and you’ll know what I mean. My neighbours love it too!