I've got an over the top 7.1.4 setup, and after running with the calibrated setup for a while, bumping the center speaker several notches was very helpful with hearing dialogue from all sources I've tried. Even in my 4.1 setups, I've boosted the center virtual speaker. So I'm not surprised people are having trouble with the mixes if they don't have the ability to adjust things.
Personally, I haven't used soundbars, the home theater shop that put together my theater did a demo with one that had two wireless? satellites and it was actually pretty good, but most soundbars are using small drivers so it takes a lot of tech to make them sound good for mid-low frequency. Otoh, modern very thin tvs have such minimal speakers that anything else is better.
Personally, I haven't used soundbars, the home theater shop that put together my theater did a demo with one that had two wireless? satellites and it was actually pretty good, but most soundbars are using small drivers so it takes a lot of tech to make them sound good for mid-low frequency. Otoh, modern very thin tvs have such minimal speakers that anything else is better.