Required?
No, but it can be nice. Problem is finding one you like. Not like Best Buy has a bunch hooked up so you can listen to them and get an informed opinion.
Lots of affordable ones on amazon with tons of reviews. I'd buy there off reviews over best buy.
Reviews aren't your own ears. I grew up in the era of music being on AM radio. So no bass for me. Too many systems today over boost the bass and I don't like that. So some unknown's review of a sound system is useless for me.
I did buy a Samsung sound bar for my Samsung TV off Amazon, figuring it'd be most compatible. Reviews were good. Not impressed with it's sound and it occasionally freaks out and both the TV and soundbar play, causing a slight echo effect.
