# Soundbar **URL:** \ **Category:** Home Theatre\ **Created:** [August 16, 2026, 11:37am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428 "2026-08-16T11:37:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2026, 11:37am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/1 "2026-08-16T11:37:52Z")
I have a 65” Samsung OLED tv in my living room. I love the picture, but speech is sometimes difficult to hear. I have tried adjusting the sound settings to no avail. I suspect they have designed it to sound impressive for Star Wars and the like. It’s on a cabinet. I am thinking of trying a soundbar but the tv stand has a gentle slope so putting a soundbar on that would look odd and I don’t like the idea of putting in front of the tv, it would be several inches out. I could mount the tv on the wall, or perhaps get a soundbar wider than the stand and put rubber feet under it so it is just above the stand. There is only about 2.7 inches clearance. Having read reviews I quite fancy the Sonus Beam 2, but it might be a bit tall. Any suggestions? Thx, Tony ---
**Author:** ![NewNaim16](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/n/f08c70/32.png) [@NewNaim16](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/NewNaim16)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/2 "2026-08-16T12:36:20Z")
We have just purchased a new 2026 model Samsung 48” OLED television and paired it with a Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar. They are both mounted on a lamp table with the soundbar immediately in front of the screen. We used some Herbie’s Fat Dots, that we happened to have, under the soundbar. Height clearance is tight but not a problem and we’re impressed by the sound quality. I forgot to mention that the rear of the soundbar sits on the television base so extra Fat Dots at the front. ---
**Author:** ![Elginloon](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/e/b38774/32.png) [@Elginloon](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Elginloon)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2026, 12:48pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/3 "2026-08-16T12:48:13Z")
Probably too high but I’ve recently acquired a Sennheiser Ambeo Plus. I have an adjustable stand and was able to set the TV up just above soundbar which sits just in front of the TV. An impressive bit of kit much better than the Q Acoustics M2 Soundbase it replaced. Speech is much better than TV on its own. Interestingly background music on normal stuff really stands out. Film sound is great for a one box solution. I don’t see any need for a sub. I put the soundbar on little riser feet I found on eBay to clear the TV stand. Different heights and depths available to suit. Consider replacing the TV stand, there are loads available on Amazon. Ultimately I’m going get my joiner nephew to wall mount the TV. He builds full media walls so this would a simpler project for him. First I need to sort out the cabinet underneath which has my hifi equipment in it. ---
**Author:** ![learningtofly](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/learningtofly/32/487827_2.png) [@learningtofly](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/learningtofly)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/4 "2026-08-16T16:40:08Z")
> [@Elginloon](#): > > I’ve recently acquired a Sennheiser Ambeo Plus So have I and think it’s great. Using it with a Samsung too. ---
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2026, 9:40am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/5 "2026-09-13T09:40:48Z")
Sonos are about to introduce the Beam Ultra soundbar, which looks like being a better small scale soundbar than the Beam 2, which I had my eye on. It could be ideal for my needs - I am after a smaller footprint unit but with good sound and sufficient connectivity, I will not be looking at full surround speakers or sub-woofers. Cost will be £699. [https://www.sonos.com/en-gb/shop/beam-ultra?srsltid=AfmBOoqLO4emjuwsaa657U\_a4NwxW3HccFMDkWGnUq0vOw\_OwiyPOr7j](https://www.sonos.com/en-gb/shop/beam-ultra?srsltid=AfmBOoqLO4emjuwsaa657U_a4NwxW3HccFMDkWGnUq0vOw_OwiyPOr7j) I note that it does not have HDMI passthrough, I am unsure if this will be a problem. I have a modern 2026 model Samsung TV, which has plenty of HDMI ports, eg for my Blu Ray player and my Apple TV+ box (which I love), but I have read that there can be some lip synch/delay issues. I mainly use Apple purchased downloads; streaming from Apple /Netflix /Prime /Disney /Paramount+; Blu Ray movies/music and terrestrial TV. I am weak technically on all things TV-related, I should probably invest some time in this area. Any thoughts. Thanks, Tony ---
**Author:** ![thebiglebowski](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/thebiglebowski/32/477227_2.png) [@thebiglebowski](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/thebiglebowski)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2026, 10:00am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/6 "2026-09-13T10:00:48Z")
I had a Sonos Arc and mounted the TV on the wall above the fireplace so I was able to sit the soundbar on the mantel. The Arc does have a wall mount so you could mount the TV on the wall and mount the soundbar just below it. I’ve given it to the parents as they had the same issue that dialogue was muffled they had the TV so loud that action sounds rattled the windows before they could understand the speech. They think the ARC is great now. ![image](https://d2ikyu8xyuibjx.cloudfront.net/original/4X/5/8/e/58e6ccb9df34ae9dca0b421e2a6ecaa248ba1919.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![LSLFAN](https://community.naimaudio.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@LSLFAN](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/LSLFAN)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2026, 12:17pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/7 "2026-09-16T12:17:50Z")
Speech from TVs is generally indistinct in my experience - a soundbar and/or subwoofer can greatly enhance the overall aural experience. I still have trouble making out everything people are saying, maybe its the soundtrack or my older ears but I find myself switching on the subtitles and it makes a big difference and its not as intrusive as you might imagine - hope that helps 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Proterra](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/proterra/32/262282_2.png) [@Proterra](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Proterra)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/8 "2026-09-16T12:44:02Z")
They are designed to be a few inches away from the screen. I’ve got the Sennheiser Mini as I’ve got a 40” tv as well can recommend it ---
**Author:** ![el\_soldado](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/el_soldado/32/1171_2.png) [@el\_soldado](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/el_soldado)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2026, 7:27pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/9 "2026-09-20T19:27:23Z")
Anyone ever try or hear a Yamaha YSP sound projector (their name for soundbar)? They seem big like the Sennheiser Ambeo. ---
**Author:** ![kitfit1](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/kitfit1/32/280135_2.png) [@kitfit1](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/kitfit1)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/10 "2026-09-21T05:13:34Z")
Years ago i used to have the YSP-2500. It was very good and at the time was highly rated. Over time though it became obvious i would have to change it because it did not decode Dolby Atmos. I passed it to my nephew who still uses it. ---
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/13 "2026-10-13T15:56:07Z")
Just installed my new Sonos Beam Ultra, so far it’s a very big improvement over the tv speakers. I will have to watch a few films to get used to it. ![IMG_2400](https://d2ikyu8xyuibjx.cloudfront.net/original/4X/6/d/9/6d900935c0fb67f4b00a4622b59966198ee037dc.jpeg) Tony ---
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/14 "2026-10-15T14:20:28Z")
This is a good bit of kit. On normal tv, not much difference, except great speech that _I can actually hear_. However, with action movies it’s a paradigm shift. Been watching Casino Royale, just a different experience altogether. There may be better soundbars, but I recommend this one and I’m so thrilled I just ordered a second for the lounge. Tony ---
**Author:** ![Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/ceexkay/32/24823_2.png) [@Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Ceexkay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:11am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/15 "2026-10-17T10:11:32Z")
I have one too and it really is a step up from the original Playbar. I would recommend the echo Ultra headphones as an add on, they work pretty seamlessly. Great for late night action films when everyone else is in bed. CK ---
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/16 "2026-10-17T10:19:41Z")
I suspect you’re right about the headphones but I have Bose Quiet Comfort Bluetooth jobbies, so I’ll try them first. Might try this evening 🙂 One unexpected benefit if the Beam Ultra is I can control the volume from the Virgin remote, so I only need one remote now!! FAB!! Tony 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Maury\_Finkle](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/maury_finkle/32/289176_2.png) [@Maury\_Finkle](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Maury_Finkle)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/17 "2026-10-17T10:44:04Z")
Get the Sub Mini as well. You look like you might have a perfect spot for it. It’s a game changer. ---
**Author:** ![Maury\_Finkle](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/maury_finkle/32/289176_2.png) [@Maury\_Finkle](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Maury_Finkle)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:45am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/18 "2026-10-17T10:45:19Z")
I have both and definitely prefer the Playbar - especially for casual music listening. So much that I’m thinking of Ebaying a second. ---
**Author:** ![Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/ceexkay/32/24823_2.png) [@Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Ceexkay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:03am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/19 "2026-10-17T11:03:36Z")
If your beam is connected to tv with eArc hdmi then after switching to Bluetooth phones it aggressively switches back to eArc connection. A workaround I saw but didn’t try was to switch off soundbar to prevent this by using a smart switch. I thought it easier to get yet another set of headphones ‼ Ck ---
**Author:** ![Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/ceexkay/32/24823_2.png) [@Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Ceexkay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:06am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/20 "2026-10-17T11:06:10Z")
I had other issues with Playbar being optical only and syncing with TV. I ended up only using Sky Q box with TV as it was too much hassle to get lip syncing. Sound wise no problems Ck ---
**Author:** ![back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/back_in_the_game/32/472006_2.png) [@back\_in\_the\_game](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/back_in_the_game)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:09am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/21 "2026-10-17T11:09:04Z")
How do you switch it off? Software or the wall plug? ---
**Author:** ![Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/user_avatar/community.naimaudio.com/ceexkay/32/24823_2.png) [@Ceexkay](https://community.naimaudio.com/u/Ceexkay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:55am UTC](https://community.naimaudio.com/t/soundbar/45428/22 "2026-10-17T11:55:09Z")
I think you would use smart plug eg Hue and use your phone (or Alexa) to switch off power to Beam as there isn’t an on/off switch. I think any Sonos software off would be overridden by eArc. As I say I have not tried this ‘solution’ only came across while researching how to connect my Sony BT phones to TV and gave up.