Glad you like it.

How about this - Sony HT-XT1

Haven't heard it.

Huhu - here bos

I see most soundbar has 3.5mm input. how's the amplification? i'm just a little worry that i need to crank the volume to max because the input is not a line level signal.

Heard about Pioneer SBX-N700?

I mean I know about the XT1, just haven't heard it in person. Was never a fan of soundplates though, poor dynamics. RM999 for a soundplate is also way too expensive for the sound quality you'll get.

Now, I may be wrong and the XT1 may actually sound quite good. But I'm willing to bet that the XT1 certainly isn't going to sound as good as the similarly priced CT370.


Yes. It's quite a balanced sounding soundbar, good stereo image and very fluid mids (for its class that is). Bass is a little too floaty though, not sure why Pioneer didn't go with the sub on the SB23W though, as that is more balanced and still kicks hard enough. Too bad the N700 does have some design flaws, which is no HDMI input.

It does have HDMI out which is ARC compatible, so basically you'd have to control your sources from your TV's inputs instead. Sucks if your TV has too little inputs or if your TV just doesn't want to work with the ARC function on the soundbar. Know that ARC isn't always fool-proof like optical or standard line-in/out connections, often times it'll work but when it doesn't then you can be at a total loss.

I like the N700 and since it has reduced in price, it's actually not a bad deal if you have enough HDMI inputs on your TV and don't mind just using optical. I still think there are better choices out there though.

Do you guys face any issue with Philips soundbar/home audio system remote control? My philips soundbar (HTL2100) and HTIB (HTB-9550) remote control frequency interfere with my astro decoder.

Mostly all the button of Philips interfere Astro, including On/Off, Volume and sometimes accidentally recording Astro program while I control Philips.

Big thank you bos, very appreciated your advice & opinion

Bro, Thanks for your information..
Currently, Harvey Norman is selling RM 1,699
Not sure is it worth for money, that's why asking around to get some review on that.

I'm thinking to get soundbar because of I just staying in condo, I feel Home Theater system may not be suitable in condo.

My LG TV got 3 HDMI included 1 HDMI ARC.. want to check with you, If my TV HDMI ARC connect to the N700 HDMI ARC...
Is it possible, I can connect other devices (DVD/Blur Ray) to TV HDMI and will get the sound from soundbar? Correct me if I am wrong...

Besides that, Is there any soundbar that you recommend and got a balanced sounding soundbar like N700??

I don't think it is worth the money to be honest. Personally, I feel there's a design flaw with it that just doesn't justify its price even after the price cut. It sound decent enough, but I'd trade it for the cheaper Sony CT770 instead.

Yes your other devices will work through HDMI ARC, assuming if there are no ARC issues.

Other soundbars around the 1.5k range that I can recommend is the Sony CT770 and the Pioneer SPSB23W.

Sorry to butt in as I find your discussions here interesting. I'm trying to find a great soundbar to buy as well.

Someone mentioned that Philips Fidelio HTL-9100 is now superseded by a newly launched model, Fidelio B5. Anyone has an idea where to buy it now? And how much does it cost? So far I haven't seen it at Harvey Norman Nu Sentral, KL, but not sure about other locations though.

This post has been edited by blankerroo: Dec 16 2014, 05:10 PM

I also check around, don't think its here yet

Considering Philips Fidelio B5 is already officially launched (although it seems not yet in Malaysia), do you think it's still worth it to get the Fidelio HTL-9100? Are there much differences between these 2 models?

Hi SSJBen,
Actually I tested CT770, but I feel that the sound quality and bass not as good as N700...
Btw, you trade in N700 and buy CT770??

Tested with HTL9100, also interfere with Astro IPTV PVR decoder, too bad~

If the HTL9100 can be had for under RM2.3k then yes, go for it. Pretty sure there will be shops selling them for clearance to make way for the B5. Not much of a huge difference between them really, the B5 does have better battery life (this is as claimed, I won't say so until I have it tested). Also not sure if they tweaked the drivers or anything like that as well.


Did you test the CT770 with default settings? Because if so, then yeah the CT770 is very bloaty sounding out of the box. The bass will mud-up the lower mids way too much and there's very little air in the treble. I've said it earlier, the CT770 needs to have its bass toned down a few notches and also have the EQ set to vocal to be more balanced.

The N700 will always sound better, but as I said before, I'd trade up the slightly better sound quality for a more versatile system (3 HDMI inputs on the CT770 with low input lag is great thing). Otherwise you know, going for the almost barebones Pioneer SWS23 is the better choice.

Thanks for your information..
That day I tested the N700 again... but this time N700 not place inside the room.. the sound quality not so nice...
Thinking to get something cheaper... maybe can consider Sony or Philips..
Do you have any comments on Philips also? example, HTL5140 or HTL6140 ?

Using soundbar most likely you will need to have walls close by for it to work properly.

Then it's suitable for my house because I live in a condo.

I kind of made my mind already to go with HTL9100 or B5 depending on availability. Hopefully I've made my choice correctly...