Soundbar or Stereo Speakers for Movie Watching?

[AdamITR]

I have a 39” LED TV that I watch movies on occasion via a blu-ray player. On each side of the TV are Boston Acoustics HD9 speakers that are connected to a Technics GX500 stereo receiver.

My question:

Should I use the HD9’s for both my Music Listening and Movie Watching, or add a soundbar to use exclusively with my blu-ray/TV for movies only? Opinions? The room is small 12’ x 9’ and full surround is a problem.

Thanks for any advice.

Pic:

 

[JoeESP9]

I've never heard a sound bar that I thought was worth listening to.

 

[SuperjazzyJa]

The only experience I have with sound bars is hearing them in stores. They don't sound good to me and while a sales floor won't give you an accurate idea of how they'll sound at home, it does give you a partial picture. Sound bars can be bought at Walmart. Strike one! Boston Acoustics speakers can't be found anywhere near a Walmart shelf. That says a lot IMO.

I would venture to guess that you would be much happier using the BAs for movies. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

 

[jsisk]

I have only listened to one setup. It was over a grand for the soundbar and subwoofer. I find it almost impossible to sit through a movie. It reminds of the old simulated surround sound they had 20 years ago - sounds cool for the first 10 minutes, then the listening fatigue sets in.

Better off with a couple small front speakers and set it up in stereo.
(kinda like the ones in your picture)

 

[stereofanboy]

Should you spend money when you already have speakers?

Will a sound bar sound better than your speakers?

The only good thing I have to say about a sound bar is that it can look nice in a clean wall mounted installation. Do you plan to wall mount your TV?

 

[Montycat]

I would use what you have. The Technics or Blu Ray player should have some settings for surround effect or not (Stereo, Hall, Surround, Phantom or similar) that allow you to tweak a bit. In one system I use an older NAD AV receiver that sounds slightly better in some modes with different sources.