Hey guys, I have my eyes on a soundbar on Amazon, and there are more cost-effective options via third parties (thru Amazon). One unit is available "Used-Like New" (Manufacturer Refurbished) and there is another "Used-Like New (Open Box, Like New, Never Used, Full Warranty) for $70 more than the refurbed.

Both of the stores (PrimeTimeBuys and Video & Audio Center) have extremely good ratings overall, so I'm guessing either would be ok. PrimeTime Buys's return policy just references Amazon's return policy as well as the A-to-Z guarantee.

Video & Audio Center's is a bit more specific. Basically can only return if it is damaged or defective, if I'm reading correctly.

The only reason that I would need to return it is if it is defective or damaged.

Has anyone gotten an open box and/or refurbed from Amazon third parties and in general, is one direction better than the other? Amazon has conditioned me to feel safe and warm when ordering direct through them, but I'm hesitant to go third party. I'd love any insights you might have.

Thank guys!

Dont need anything fancy, just improvement on cheap tv audio, not even really sure if the TV has an hdmi arc. Gift for girlfriend who doesnt really care about immersive experiences just want to hear a more regulated dialogue volume in a small apartment to avoid having to adjust volume when an action scene comes on.

Got a cheap 55" TCL TV and the sound is okay. But I can't here most of the dialogs clearly without cranking up the volume, but that makes explosions too loud. Room size is around 15sqm/160sqft.

So I'm looking for a cheap setup to remedy this, and I'm open to respectable budget or Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Edifier, LG, Samsung, Logi, etc. Only caveat is I'm not in the US, so the usual big box brands might not be available (Monoprice, Vizio, etc). I'm expecting to directly plug the soundbar to the TV, without any additional devices.

Would love to hear suggestions. Thank you.