Soundbar that doesn't need a separate sub - £300

[clockworks]

My mother has decided that the sound from her Sony TV is rubbish, and having watched TV at a friend's apartment, she wants something better.

I've absolutely no idea about soundbars, as I use a proper 5.1 system in the lounge, and mini systems with stereo speakers in the rest of the house.

She's looking for a single-box solution that'll sit on the shelf below the 40" TV. Since she's in a retirement apartment, there's no need for masses of bass.
Something simple to use, that'll just turn on with the TV/BT TV box. Having bluetooth as well as optical might come in handy for playing music?

Needs to be something that she can get from Curry's or similar, budget up to £300.

What's good at that price please?

[dvs_dave]

Can’t really go wrong with a Yamaha one, like this. Decent sound, easy setup and operation, all the features needed, including built in Alexa, inexpensive pricing.

https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-yas109-black.h...

[ocrx8]

Bose Smart Soundbar 300. Surprisingly pleased with mine and not usually a fan of Bose stuff. It’s also very compact.

Don’t bother with the cheaper TV Speaker model - the sound is nothing like as good.

[Rockets7]

Yup running a couple of Bose soundbars and no real grumbles bar the setup instructions were a bit shaky

[NorthDave]

Sonos Beam is quite good for the situation you describe and has the benefit of radio and streaming music if she wants it.
I put one in my parents house and it has been zero trouble and sounds good.

[clockworks]

Yamaha one looks ideal. I've sent her the link.

Sonos would do the job, but a bit over budget.

I just couldn't bring myself to suggest anything from Bose. Maybe I'm out of touch with the brand though, and they've stopped selling overpriced junk?

[Mr Pointy]

If she has a Richer Sounds nearby she can book an appointment & they'll show her a few alternatives & deliver to her home. You might need to do a little investigation into her current TV & what audio ouputs it has.

[clockworks]

Mr Pointy said:

If she has a Richer Sounds nearby she can book an appointment & they'll show her a few alternatives & deliver to her home. You might need to do a little investigation into her current TV & what audio ouputs it has.

I looked up the TV manual online, and it has an optical output - combined with a 3.5mm headphone output, but she still has the 3.5 to toslink adaptor that came with the TV.

Unfortunately the nearest Richer Sounds is about 50 miles away, and she doesn't drive anymore.
She's just ordered it online.

[Jiebo]

dvs_dave said:

Can’t really go wrong with a Yamaha one, like this. Decent sound, easy setup and operation, all the features needed, including built in Alexa, inexpensive pricing.

https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-yas109-black.h...

I had this, sold it on EBay for the price I paid and got a Sonos Beam. It’s night and day difference - Sonos is far far superior in every way.

If you can find someone with a student discount, you can by refurbished Beams direct from Sonos. I only paid £245, and it comes as-new, you really can’t tell its not new.

[JEA1K]

clockworks said:

I just couldn't bring myself to suggest anything from Bose. Maybe I'm out of touch with the brand though, and they've stopped selling overpriced junk?

Nope, as you were, its still ste!

[anonymoususer]

I had a Goodmans soundbase it was extremely good and only cost £80
Its ideal if its not too far below theTV

I did buy a second hand Yamaha off someone and that is quite awesome its an older model with some beefy base from it

[TameRacingDriver]

Q-Acoustics M4 - had one before I got my speakers and amp, surprisingly good sound quality for what it is. Probably get one on ebay for £100 or so (thats what I sold mine for). If you can still get them new, I think they still comfortably come under £300.

Edit: am unsure if it used to come on with the TV though, I don't remember it doing so.