Nice TV, too bad it sounds like hell

It's big enough to sound great, and cheap enough it's a no-brainer solution for lame sounding TVs.

(Credit: Zvox)

I get letters about this all the time.

They usually go something like this: "I'm no audiophile, but can you explain why all of the new, slim, pretty, thin HDTV's sound so bad? I bought a 46-inch Samsung LN46A850 for its great picture, but when I got it home, the sound was tinny. So I bought a sound bar but it had its own issues and I don't want to use multiple remotes. Any ideas?"

The problem is mostly caused by just how skinny these TVs are: There's no room for decent speakers. More than that, I'm sorry to say that sound quality isn't a priority for TV manufacturers, and they know that most buyers accept "good enough" sound. So there's no real demand from consumers to get better sound from TVs. And I guess the manufacturers assume anyone who really cares will spring for a better sound system.

My advice: Check out Zvox speakers; I've reviewed many over the years for CNET. The best bang for the buck model is the 315. It sounds great for $199, and since you can hook it up to the TV's audio outputs, you won't need to use a separate remote (that's also true for some other manufacturers' soundbars).

Consider the 315 only if your TV has a headphone jack--or if its audio output jacks can be set to "variable." Then you'll be able to control the 315's volume with your TV's remote (the 315 doesn't have its own remote).

To learn more about the 315 check out my CNET review.

Or step up from the Zvox to Sony's stellar HT-CT100. The two-part (speaker plus subwoofer) 3.1-channel system is one of the skinniest soundbar speakers I've tested to date, and it boasts better-than-average connectivity highlighted by three HDMI inputs. Best of all, it costs just $300, and--considering that modest price tag--it sounds great.

Read my CNET review to learn more about the HT-CT100.

Sony's skinny 'bar and brawny sub will rock your world.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

[d06svt]

I'm going to have to disagree with Steve - and it doesn't happen often. The Sony CT100 soundbar is junk. Sound quality is so-so, but the output is extremely limited.

[c|net Reader]

Why must a professional site like cnet use such language as appears in this article's title? Instead of, "sounds like hell," which, frankly is nonsense as no one knows how it sounds there, you could write, "sounds horrible."

[pubmat]

Are you serious?

[d06svt]

Steve Guttenberg is a frequent contributor to magazines and Web sites including Home Entertainment, Playback, and Ultimate AV. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.

[pablouk1]

Why are these products never available in england

[technologyRules]

I have a Sony 40" LCD and it has surprisingly good built-in speakers. The audio is detailed and has plenty of weight for music and movie soundtracks. Not as good as a dedicated surround system - but it surprises me and my friends with its quality.

[mekons12]

My Father recently bought a 26" Vizio TV, a real nice set for him. He complained to me that "...it sounds like hell ". I said I'd look into it and immediately came here. Problem is, he paid only $ 360 for the TV so a $ 200 fix for the sound isn't going to fly. Any other suggestions ? Thank You !
DKK