Recommendation Soundbar: 3.1 vs 5.1?

[Sweet FA]

I got a new TV (LG) in January but the Wharfedale speakers I already had are a pain in the arse as LG don't support Wharfedale.

I'm looking at buying an LG soundbar and I'm down to 2:

LG Soundbar for TV with Cinematic Sound 3.1 channel US60T | LG UK

Buy LG Soundbar for TV with Cinematic Sound 3.1 channel US60T 2024 US60T.

www.lg.com

LG Soundbar for TV with Surround Sound 5.1 channel US60TR | LG UK

Buy LG Soundbar for TV with Surround Sound 5.1 channel US60TR 2024 US60TR.

www.lg.com

5 is 2 more than 3 so is therefore better?

Also the 5.1 is 50 quid cheaper than the 3.1.

The sofa is c.2.5m from the TV and the 2 rear speakers would have to be tucked in tight on either side of the sofa.

teuchter? spitfire? A380? beesonthewhatnow

 

[spitfire]

You probably don't need 5.1 and the rear speakers may be a bit too close but I imagine it will have settings to bring it back to 3.1 if you so desired, I couldn't find a manual to check though.

And if it is £50 cheaper then...

 

[spitfire]

You probably don't need 5.1 and the rear speakers may be a bit too close but I imagine it will have settings to bring it back to 3.1 if you so desired, I couldn't find a manual to check though.

And if it is £50 cheaper then...

Found a manual, doesn't say if the rear speakers can be left out and if it can be manually set to 3.1.

 

[Sweet FA]

Cheers mate - would it sound better with 3.1 in a room that small?

 

[spitfire]

I was just thinking you may find the 2 rears a bit loud but they don't do much tbf and I imagine it is designed to work in small rooms. I'm probably over thinking it a bit tbh. Sure they'll be fine.

5.1 is generally "better" than 3.1.

I see you can set it to blast mode as well which would be good for listening to tunes on all speakers at once. This is the "Up to 11" mode.

I'd get the 5.1 if it was me.

 

[Sweet FA]

Nice one, ta.

Extra 5% off for joining up too.

The TV itself is great but fuck me, the arseache of reconnecting the soundbar every time you turn the telly on/wake it up from screensaver

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

3.1 would be fine for most things, 5.1 is great if you’re watching a lot of films that utilise it.

Most of these things come with a calibration routine to balance the levels for your listening position so should be fine in your room.

 

[spitfire]

3.1 would be fine for most things, 5.1 is great if you’re watching a lot of films that utilise it.

Most of these things come with a calibration routine to balance the levels for your listening position so should be fine in your room.

I'd forgotten about that, they do have set up routines don't they? Must admit I don't do a lot of resi/home cinema anymore.