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Model: Philips B8905 Soundbar 3.1.2 with Wireless Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, Compatible with DTS Play-Fi, Connects with Amazon Echo Devices and Voice Assistants, AirPlay 2 and BT Support, TAB8905
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That's an apples to oranges comparison. One would expect the Samsung with 2 extra speakers to out perform the Philips. Plus the Samsung can easily integrate rear channel speakers that Best Buy sometimes has as open box sales for $80. It just seems like you're comparing vastly different class products. The Samsung is a good option for a living room or family room and the Philips is more for bedroom or small office.
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That's an apples to oranges comparison. One would expect the Samsung with 2 extra speakers to out perform the Philips. Plus the Samsung can easily integrate rear channel speakers that Best Buy sometimes has as open box sales for $80. It just seems like you're comparing vastly different class products. The Samsung is a good option for a living room or family room and the Philips is more for bedroom or small office.
Sure and you are correct but I just don't think I care and just need a descent audio better than TV for the general watching for cheaper price.
I'm coming from a Monoprice 5.1.2 that conked out. The 5.1 was geat, the .2 was invisible. Hoping for a brand that knows what they're doing this time around.
Last edited by talonstriker March 24, 2025 at 08:57 PM.
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I'm coming from a Monoprice 5.1.2 that conked out. The 5.1 was geat, the .2 was invisible. Hoping for a brand that knows what they're doing this time around.
Looks like it's only available in stores as it is where I am but no shipping option
It's still showing in stock for shipping on my end. In for one. Thanks OP!
I tried the Bose soundbar from the $200 ($155 refurbed) deal a few months ago but it didn't have enough bass or separation to be a meaningful upgrade from TV speakers. I'm hoping this Philips 3.1.2 setup will do both better at both for less money.
I had the 5.1.2 version before, and this is how the soundbar compares to my LG OLED's built in speakers. See below for video of me switching back and forth between TV speakers and soundbar.
Summary: The TV speakers had way better low mid range than the actual soundbar, so much that you can tell it in Robin William's voice. Of course the TV speakers aren't as clear, but that's because tv speakers don't usually point towards the viewer, and the OLED's is actually pointed down at the TV stand due to design.
Some people might appreciate the addition of the subwoofer into their setup since people usually comment that their rooms explode during action scenes and the clarity of the bar is good, but I could not appreciate the tinny and hollow sounding center that is supposed to sound 'full'
Lastly, the 'Voice EQ' setting makes the center sound even more hollow, but you need it when movies master dialogue into distinct center channels, and in this case, only 1 of the 3 in the soundbar. Movies like Interstellar and Polar Express still have dialogue hard to hear and hard to avoid the room exploding the next second in action scenes.
I eventually made my way to Vizio soundbars and tested them against the Phillips. Vizio always made things sound more full.
Music was hit or miss. Of course dubstep, electronic and the like will sound good. They simply rely on the subwoofer and a few instrumentals. When you start putting orchestral, movie scores, or anything that has low midrange mixed in and not blanketed by the booming of a subwoofer, like Stevie Wonder's Superstition, you start to really notice how empty the entire setup is.
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I bought this because I've been needing a new soundbar for my bar. It arrived today and it's really great for the price. I am extremely happy with it. For reference, I have Sonos speakers throughout my home but was looking for a cheaper soundbar for my projector. Definitely not a Sonos but it sounds great.
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I bought this because I've been needing a new soundbar for my bar. It arrived today and it's really great for the price. I am extremely happy with it. For reference, I have Sonos speakers throughout my home but was looking for a cheaper soundbar for my projector. Definitely not a Sonos but it sounds great.
Awesome for price. Passthrough works great too. Adds an extra 2 HDMI 2.1, full bandwidth ports. Can run 4K 120hz easy on console & even 4K 240hz on my Mac mini w/ DSC.
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OOS
I'm coming from a Monoprice 5.1.2 that conked out. The 5.1 was geat, the .2 was invisible. Hoping for a brand that knows what they're doing this time around.
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If price is paramount, then the Philips is probably the cheapest Atmos soundbar you'll find at the moment, short of buying used from FB or Craigslist.
OOS
I'm coming from a Monoprice 5.1.2 that conked out. The 5.1 was geat, the .2 was invisible. Hoping for a brand that knows what they're doing this time around.
I tried the Bose soundbar from the $200 ($155 refurbed) deal a few months ago but it didn't have enough bass or separation to be a meaningful upgrade from TV speakers. I'm hoping this Philips 3.1.2 setup will do both better at both for less money.
Summary: The TV speakers had way better low mid range than the actual soundbar, so much that you can tell it in Robin William's voice. Of course the TV speakers aren't as clear, but that's because tv speakers don't usually point towards the viewer, and the OLED's is actually pointed down at the TV stand due to design.
Some people might appreciate the addition of the subwoofer into their setup since people usually comment that their rooms explode during action scenes and the clarity of the bar is good, but I could not appreciate the tinny and hollow sounding center that is supposed to sound 'full'
Lastly, the 'Voice EQ' setting makes the center sound even more hollow, but you need it when movies master dialogue into distinct center channels, and in this case, only 1 of the 3 in the soundbar. Movies like Interstellar and Polar Express still have dialogue hard to hear and hard to avoid the room exploding the next second in action scenes.
I eventually made my way to Vizio soundbars and tested them against the Phillips. Vizio always made things sound more full.
Music was hit or miss. Of course dubstep, electronic and the like will sound good. They simply rely on the subwoofer and a few instrumentals. When you start putting orchestral, movie scores, or anything that has low midrange mixed in and not blanketed by the booming of a subwoofer, like Stevie Wonder's Superstition, you start to really notice how empty the entire setup is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN_UWWa
QD-OLED just because it doesn't have a dedicated headphone jack.. 😂
The 2 added HDMI 2.1 passthroughs are really helpful as well.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank beaustewart80
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