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scottfaith
scottfaith
Contributor I
November 17, 2016
Question

Play:5 vs Playbar sound quality

I want to buy either Play:5 (single) or Playbar for my living area. I am more interested in music sound quality than TV sound. Which has better sound quality for streaming music?
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8 replies

Airgetlam
Airgetlam
November 17, 2016
The consensus for music is the Play:5, if you spend any time around these boards. The Playbar is no slouch, but it doesn't have the same depth of sound field as the Play:5, due to its size. However, if you're ever going to want to connect to a TV, the Playbar with a sub wins out.
Bruce
    jdag
    Prodigy III
    November 18, 2016
    I agree with Airgetlam. Further, in my opinion the Playbar needs the Sub to shine whereas the Play:5 does not.
      Kumar
      November 18, 2016
      The Playbar is no slouch, but it doesn't have the same depth of sound field as the Play:5, due to its size. However, if you're ever going to want to connect to a TV, the Playbar with a sub wins out.
      I haven't heard a Playbar, but I suspect it will take a 5 pair for the first statement quoted to be evident.

      And even a 5 pair can be connected to a TV and the Sub not missed quite as much. There will be a small lip-sync issue, but few are distracted by it, once the TV speakers are muted.

      To the OP therefore; start with one 5 and start saving up for another!
        Matt V
        Contributor I
        April 8, 2017
        [quote=Kumar]
        And even a 5 pair can be connected to a TV and the Sub not missed quite as much. There will be a small lip-sync issue, but few are distracted by it, once the TV speakers are muted.


        Rolling through some old threads to get more info.

        But us this correct? You can connect a play 5 to a TV? I thought you could only connect soundbars?
        Kumar
        April 8, 2017
        If the TV has audio out jacks, you can, via a cable with one jack at the 5 end.
        Matt V
        Contributor I
        April 8, 2017
        If the TV has audio out jacks, you can, via a cable with one jack at the 5 end.

        Thanks. I should have thought of that. I guessed I dismissed it while back cause the TV does not.
        Graig
        Lyricist II
        December 23, 2017
        I have a playbar and sub and love it. I had it first without the sub. And it sounded great without the sub. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with just the play bar. But with the sub. It’s even better. I also have a play 3.
        Chris
        Chris
        Lead Maestro
        December 23, 2017
        Many have said the Playbase has better sound for music (has more bass then the playbar).

        More for Music Sound I would go Play:5 vs. Playbar. Playbar gives a Dolby Prologic surround sound feel to regular stereo music. It fills a room but its not the normal stereo image your used to.
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