Home theater questions (tv, soundbars, etc)

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Sun, Nov 10, 2019 9:46 PM

We're looking to buy a new tv for our basement and I've (for now) decided on the Samsung 65" Q6D from Costco. I went in to check out the Samsung 8 Series and saw the Q6D next to it and was pretty impressed with the picture. Anyone have any experience with the Samsung QLEDs?


gut Senior Member
18,369 posts 114 reps Joined Nov 2009
Sun, Nov 10, 2019 10:22 PM

Based on CNET reviews, they are great but not quite as great as the LG OLED's.  And apparently VIZIO makes a set for like half of either of those that's almost as good.

If it was my main tv, I'd go LG.  If not, then I'd probably go VIZIO.

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 9:28 AM

It will be our main tv, but I'm not looking to spend LG OLED prices as we don't watch a ton of tv. I've considered VIZIO, but we've had issues in the past and the reviews I'm seeing from actual people, not CNET, point to potential quality control issues. One thing I like about the Samsung Q6D is that it comes with a 5 year warranty right out of the box.

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 9:30 AM

Updated the thread title to be a little more general. I will also be looking to purchase a soundbar that can be expanded (wirelessly) at a later point. I kinda like the Sonos stuff, but not sure I want to spend that much. Anyone have any recommendations on that front?

Automatik Senior Member
15,737 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 9:45 AM

I wasn't a believer of Sonus stuff until I was at a friends that had his entire apartment fitted with them. Very nice and great with any of the various voice assistant programs out there.

I'll be getting a Sonus Beam eventually to use with Google Home, then build it out further from there.

Ironman92 Administrator
56,729 posts 164 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 9:53 AM

Not sure I’ve ever been unsatisfied with a Samsung product. Vizio seems risky to me

Automatik Senior Member
15,737 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 9:57 AM

I have a Vizio in the bedroom. An older 4k, not sure on the exact model. It's just ok. The ux is garbage and slow, but paired with an Apple TV it's fine. 

I'd never go Vizio in my primary viewing area. I'd just find the best LG, Samsung or Sony in my size and price range. 

j_crazy 7 gram rocks. how i roll.
8,623 posts 30 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 11:01 AM

For the TV, I'm a big fan of Samsung, but as stated above, the Vizio is a good deal too. For example, I have a vizio on the back porch (that becomes my bar TV in the winter. My sitting room TV is an LG OLED that the people left in the house when they sold it to us, i have another Vizio in the bedroom, and my main TV in the theater/game room once finished will be either a Samsung or LG depending on the deal i can get when i'm ready to buy.

 

as for the soundbar, just like automatik said. i first experienced a sonos system at a friends house and have slowly converted myself. My sitting room has a Sonos soundbar, we have 2 sonos 1 speakers and soundbar and subwoofer going in once the theater room is finished.

Automatik Senior Member
15,737 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 11:05 AM

What soundbar do you have? My friend has the Playbar, but I'm not interested in spending that much and my research shows the difference isn't that significant. Also the Beam is the perfect size for where I would have it sitting.

The Sonus UX has gone a long way. At first you had to use their app only, I had zero interest.

j_crazy 7 gram rocks. how i roll.
8,623 posts 30 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 12:18 PM

I have the playbar. similarly, my thought is to get the beam, and put it in the sitting room and move the playbar down to the theater/play room once it's finished.

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 12:53 PM

I’ll be able to get the Beam from Costco for $299. I might get that for now, and upgrade to the Playbar later. 

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Mon, Nov 11, 2019 12:57 PM

My issue with the Playbar is that it doesn’t support AirPlay without being paired with additional speakers that do support AirPlay. 

j_crazy 7 gram rocks. how i roll.
8,623 posts 30 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Nov 13, 2019 2:27 PM
posted by justincredible

My issue with the Playbar is that it doesn’t support AirPlay without being paired with additional speakers that do support AirPlay. 

this is true. it has been a gripe of mine, but it didn't stop me from buying it.

rip34 Member
76 posts 6 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Nov 13, 2019 7:17 PM

Have you considered a projector? I have a pull down 100" screen with 1080p Epson projector and it's awesome. 

 

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Nov 14, 2019 10:12 AM
posted by rip34

Have you considered a projector? I have a pull down 100" screen with 1080p Epson projector and it's awesome. 

It wouldn't be feasible in our current space. 

I think we're running to Costco tonight to purchase the Samsung.

 

iclfan2 Reppin' the 330/216/843
9,465 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Nov 14, 2019 10:25 AM
posted by justincredible

It wouldn't be feasible in our current space. 

I think we're running to Costco tonight to purchase the Samsung.

You check their ad to make sure it isn't on sale later this month with the black friday deals? Guess you could always price match too.

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Nov 14, 2019 10:41 AM
posted by iclfan2

You check their ad to make sure it isn't on sale later this month with the black friday deals? Guess you could always price match too.

It's on sale already, but if it ends up dropping more later I will price match it. A lot of their sales started early.

justincredible Honorable Admin
37,969 posts 246 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Nov 14, 2019 7:41 PM

TV purchased. Anyone have recommendations on a wall mount? The last one I bought over a decade ago was from Monoprice and it was a tank. Not sure if it's worth the extra money to buy one from Costco or Best Buy.

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