Correction noted.
I was thinking of a surround sound application.

Michael, have you considered some computer speakers? You would have built-in power, have one cable for connection and they would likely sound much better than the TV speakers.

Or, maybe one of the many small, powered monitors that are used by musicians and in corporate presentations such as this Anchor system which has been a staple for many years.

Good idea(s), Mark! I've always liked the looks of those small, powered monitors from Behringer, M-Audio, etc. Wish I had some Mackies, though.

This is my current solution as the sound system on the motherboard, inasmuch as sending audio to the TV's speakers, of my bedroom TV died recently, and the cost of the proposed repair was as much as buying a new TV. But the audio out works, so I plugged in an old set of Labtec speakers that I had.

The only PITA is that the remote controlled volume adjustment doesn't work, so you've got to get off your duff to turn the knob yourself. How old school!

But even with those old PC speakers, the sound is much better than the included TV speakers were.

My Mackies seduce me every day!

Neener- Neener!

Pics or it didn't happen.

Thanks Mark I never even considered PC speakers or powered monitors, either might be a better solution.

Hey Michael - I was thinking...

Remote control of the volume could be an issue; I'm guessing that some soundbars have their own, learn-able IR codes that you could program into your TV remote. OTOH, most computer monitors probably DON'T have IR remote control capability. However, your TV might have an analog line-out that IS controlled by the TV remote volume. I'd look closely at the TV capabilities, how you're going to hook it up and how you're going to control the volume.

You (and others) are probably way ahead of me on this.

FYI, the Polk soundbar I mentioned earlier has IR volume control. They have one with a smaller sub for $400, but if I were buying one, I'd pay $500 for the better sub. The sub is wireless.

Only hookup is an optical cable from TV to soundbar. Plug in sound bar. Plug in subwoofer. And you're off and running.