On: Can a soundbar rival a surround-sound system in a blind listening test? (2020)

[akho]

But it is somewhat broke. If receivers were smaller and prettier, soundbars would not be a thing, and we’d all be better off.

[globular-toast → akho]

I'm pretty sure soundbars are popular because of the speakers and cables etc. For many people, running cables between playback devices, receivers and speakers is way too confusing. Nobody who is comfortable with separates is going to switch to a soundbar because they don't find the received "modern" enough or something.

[akho → globular-toast]

I think it’s space (the receiver is bulky and difficult to place), and looks — it’s common for one member of a household to be enthusiastic about sound and messing with wires, and for another to be enthusiastic about interior design.

I hope people are not as helpless with technology as you think. Also, you can pay someone to deal with wires.