A:Answer I tried using it without a sound bar (using it as bedroom TV) and it’s definitely fine in a smaller space. But in the end i opted for a sound bar; it’s by far the best sounding TV i’ve ever owned, but it’s not going to stand toe to toe with a good sound bar ($500+). Having said that, i did prefer the TV’s 2.1 channel sound system compared to my 2.1 channel $250 budget sound bar. The 2.1 channel sound bar easily had better bass, but it completely smothered the dialogue. While the A9G always preserved dialogue clarity, the bass was less convincing, though adequate. It took an 5.1 channel Dolby Atmos $700 sound bar to make the upgrade worth it. And even compared to that upgrade, the A9G’s built in sound fared well. So if you’re not an audiophile, plan to use the TV in a bedroom, or were planning to go with a budget sound bar anyway, the A9G will get the job done. I’d still recommend an eArc equipped sound bar to maximize your experience.