Best way to improve sound to your TV?

[HappyHippyDad]

I have just fitted a TV in my gym. This will be to use spotify and youtube.

The sound quality isn't great and I want to improve it.

My main objective is to keep it VERY simple and easy to use. I just want to switch the TV on and whatever sound source is involved to instantly be on as well. This excludes a separately plugged in bluetooth speaker as i would need to switch that on as well (maybe I'm being picky).

I bought a JBL 2.0 soundbar which was awful. It was ridiculously quiet. This was a £100 sound bar, are the more expensive ones worth it?

I have read that I could use 'active' or 'self powered' speakers. Again, I just want these to plug into the TV and play. Any recommendations?

Any other ideas?

Technology does gobble up your life!

 

[kropaske]

It probably is, but because I have no idea what you just said, the former idea is still the best.
In the world of stereos and TV's I would say I'm approximately a 5 year old. i was going to say 10, then realised that would be silly.

@pc1966 explain basic differences of 2 channels vs multi channels system further to that all those system can be expanded to 7.1 or 9.1 giving more surround speakers, 7.2, 9.2 giving more low frequency speakers (subwoofer), and those systems can be expanded even more to 5.1.2 or 7.2.4. The third digit represents speakers that for best experience are installed overhead giving 3 dimensional sound effect.
You won't need any of that as your source will be stereo. To get most of the stereo signal you want stereo system. By connecting 5.1 speakers using 3.5 you will get anolog signal spread accros all speakers so you won't get true stereo experience.
For extra 75 quid you can get THIS (they are available in different colours too). You can connect them using optical cable (check with your TV but most of them have it) which will supply digital signal and your speaker will handle it. You will get much better quality sound and true stereo experience. Also they come with Bluetooth so you can wirelessly hook up your phone and play any song from it also they have USB for charging