Considering buying a sky soundbox

[Ricram]

Hi everyone

I have been looking at the sky soundbox, I'm only the basic VIP.

All the reviews look good for the price of this sound box.

I wondered with it being an older model now wether it's 

a) still a good buy for the sound you get

b) if anyone knows if they will be bringing out a new device soon?

my old sound device recently broke but it gave great sound quality (Boston Acoustics system I bought from richer sounds maybe 8 years ago) 

thanks 

[mike+simmonds]

Hi @Ricram 

I've not heard of any plans to bring out a new version.  

I think the soundbox is good value at £200 / £220  or less providing you have a good open location for the soundbox (not enclosed in a cabinet or on a shelf enclosed on the sides /top

Im my opinion  it needs a minimum of 6-8 inches space all around it. I've got mine on a sliding out shelf 

Also - you should understand the soundbox doesn't support ARC so for TV apps and DVD players (etc) you will be using the optical input

Whenever you go for a "one box " solution you're not going to hear cars driving across your room from one side to the other, but mine has been absolutely fine for me. 

From Sky you have a 30 day window in which you can return the box if you're not happy with it. 

[Ricram]

Thank you

rhis is the space so should have room at the side

it seems a good price 

thanks 

 

[drew666]

sorry to gatecrash this thread but i have a couple of quesitons please @mike+simmonds as i have also been considering buying the soundbox as i think its a good deal being a VIP platinum member

1) i understand that its all run through HDMI and its not eARC. So anything thats through my smart TV apps would need to be via an optical cable for it too work. Now Sky is adding more and more content via Q (prime,netflix,disney etc) im assuming this isnt really an issue anymore? ( i dont really watch DVD's or anything else, and i have all wores chanelled behind a wall so dont want to run another cable to the TV etc)

2) You mention about postionng of the box - would in your opinion the box sound compromised if not directly centred to the room? I have an open shelf to the left of my wall mounted TV. Plenty of room above, and easily 6-8 inches either side.

3) do you know the dimesnions of the box ? 

4) im asuming this is all customised to work with the Q box and HDR and Dolby roll out? I am also in process of upgrading my Q box for a new version to be able to play HDR content through Q

[mike+simmonds]

Hi @drew666 

This link will answer your question on size as well as a few other points 

http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Draft-Content/Sky-Soundbox-FAQ/td-p/2741362 

Any content from your Sky Q box (including apps on the Q box) will only need the HDMI setting 

That sound position wouldn't work for me (but that's just me) - I would be trying to put an open shelf below the TV - but do try what you have in case it's fine for your ears 🙂

It is designed to work with Sky Q and Dolby up to a point - but the Sky soundbox can't produce true Dolby Atmos - as it doesn't have upward firing speakers 

[drew666]

thats great thanks for the reply. Ive been getting by with my TV's internal speakers for the last year so whatever i do im guessing it will be better. 

Hvae been put off purchasing one for ages due to there being no eARC but in reality i watch everything through sky q anyway, have no freeveiw TV input etc, and now all the apps are coming via Q i think it makes sense. 

[mike+simmonds]

The lack of ARC has always been a sore point for some @drew666  - but in practice - I've never really struggled for sound quality when using optical for my bluray player 

[LC6]

Just been looking at these comments. @drew666 Wondered if you'd put the soundbox to the left of your TV and what you thought of it?  I can't put one below or under my TV but have the perfect shelf a short distance to the left. Struggling to work out if it'll be really weird if the sound is coming from somewhere other than the general position of the telly 🤔

[mike+simmonds]

Hi @LC6 

My thoughts is that a speaker to the side of the TV would be weird and annoying. Not a solution for me   

I've read of another user putting their Soundbox on a small table in front of and below their TV and he / she said it works fine 

[drew666]

Hi @LC6 

i didnt purchase it in the end as i was worried how it would sound on the left and everyone seemed to advise against it. 

still looking at options and trying to find a solution.