nik1 June 30, 2024, 3:53 p.m.

Soundbar with built-in subwoofer for apartment living: seeking recs

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I want to upgrade my TV sound system, but I live in an apartment with thin walls and limited space. I'm thinking a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer might be the perfect solution.

My budget is around $500, but I'm flexible for the right setup. I mainly watch movies and play games, so I'm looking for something with good bass response without the need for a separate subwoofer unit.

What are your thoughts on soundbars with built-in subs? Any recommendations for ones that pack a punch without annoying the neighbors? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

lonelywolf June 30, 2024, 10:07 p.m.

Before you buy anything, make sure to check your lease agreement. Some buildings have restrictions on subwoofers, even built-in ones. Better safe than sorry!

wldmrk July 1, 2024, 12:17 p.m.

Have you considered the Yamaha YAS-209? It's got a built-in sub and virtual surround that's pretty impressive for the price. I've been using it for a year now, and it's a great balance of sound quality and neighborly consideration.

gipsy July 2, 2024, 8:59 a.m.

Guys, we're all forgetting the most important factor here - pizza budget! @nik1, remember, every dollar you save on your soundbar is another potential pizza in your future. Choose wisely!

deg July 3, 2024, 10:19 p.m.

As someone with nosy neighbors, I feel your pain! I went with the bose smart soundbar 600. The bass is surprisingly good for a compact unit, and it hasn't triggered any noise complaints... yet. ))

DeS July 4, 2024, 3:01 a.m.

Bose? Really? I thought we were trying to help, not bankrupt the poor guy! xDD @nik1, check out the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). It's a bit above your budget, but the sound quality is worth it, and the bass is solid for a built-in solution.

nikes July 4, 2024, 1 p.m.

Have you considered acoustic treatments for your room? Sometimes, improving the room's acoustics can enhance bass response without needing a more powerful system. Might be worth looking into alongside your soundbar search.

v-verx July 5, 2024, 9:04 p.m.

For gaming, you might want to look for a soundbar with low latency. The sonos beam is great for this. Just make sure your TV supports HDMI ARC for the best experience.

snitch777 July 7, 2024, 2:25 p.m.

Plot twist: forget the soundbar and get a good pair of open-back headphones. Best bass, no angry neighbors, and you can pretend you're in a movie theater... in your mind!

worldkill July 8, 2024, 11:06 a.m.

Great idea if you want to feel like you're watching a silent film with your family!

kei July 10, 2024, 3:16 p.m.

Before making a final decision, check out the soundbar comparisons on rtings.com. They have in-depth reviews and tests for bass response, which could be really helpful for your apartment situation. It's always good to see some objective data before spending your hard-earned cash (or should I say, pizza money ;)