What makes going to the theaters so exciting is not only the stunning visuals on that great big screen but also the sound that literally surrounded us and connected us to the flick. That same sort of sound can be had at home with a home theater setup that includes the best surround sound system. But, sound is sound, right? Is surround sound really necessary to enjoy a movie at home? Yes! Yes! And yes! Without surround sound, you won’t experience that same enveloping sound found in theaters like the bone-shaking booms of explosions that rock you in your seat, the creepy creek of a floor coming from behind you, or the gentle caress of a rain shower.
Now that you know you want surround sound, how do you go about getting it? There is a myriad of surround sound systems available, each with its own unique characteristics and ability to produce surround sound, but how do you choose. Lucky you! Here’s a guide to point you in the right direction to choose the best surround sound system for your needs. Consider the pros and cons we’ve listed for each of these products as you decide which surround sound system is best for you. By the time you’ve finished reviewing this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of which of these products is the best surround sound systems available in 2023.
Seems when it comes to the word wireless, in the world of surround sound, there can be different definitions. To some, wireless means that some components are, some aren’t. To me, wireless should mean just that, no wires! The Enclave CineHome Pro is a wireless surround sound system that is truly wireless.
A 5.1 channel setup, the CineHome Pro comes with two front speakers, two surround speakers, a center channel speaker, and a 10-inch subwoofer. There are a total of 14 individually designed speaker drivers in the setup. The heart of the CineHome Pro is the WiSA certified CineHub which connects the speakers to the audio sources. Connectivity on the CineHub is made up of HDMI, Toslink optical, and 3.5 mm analog audio. Getting started is simple due to the Enclave app. Set the speakers in their optimal places in the area, then start the app. CineHub will scan available devices and automatically add the speakers to the network. The system can be upgraded to an earth-shaking 5.4 system (four subwoofers!). The app can then be used to customize the system to your surround sound preference. Along with being THX certified, the CineHome Pro has codec support for PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS Digital Surround, the CineHome Pro produces an impressive soundstage with immersive, well-defined sound.
The Enclave CineHome Pro is a truly wireless system that delivers true 5.1 surround sound. Having a wireless system is ideal for creating a clutter-free home audio system. There’s no running and hiding wires across your space. The perk of not having a jumble of wires to deal with makes the CineHome Pro a strong member of the best surround sound system club.
- WiSA certified
- Discrete 5.1 channel surround sound system
- Enclave app
- Compatible With: HDMI ARC
- Control Method: Remote and app
- What’s Included: Wireless transmitter, 5 speakers, 1 subwoofer, power cords, quick start quide
- Brand: Enclave
- THX certified
- Easy set up
- Bluetooth
- Excellent sound
- Multiple power cords
- No included remote
Klipsch is helping settle the debate about soundbars and home audio set-ups. Some audio aficionados are staunch anti-soundbar, and there are certain arguments in their favor. Soundbars can be restrictive in large spaces, and some try to be too multi-function, packing and angling tweeters, woofers, and any other speaker they can to cram in there to try and emulate surround sound. But Klipsch subtly slips in with their Klipsch Bar 48 5.1 Surround Sound System and shows that soundbars definitely have a place in a home audio set up.
Featuring a 5.1 dedicated center channel, as well as two satellite speakers, and an 8″ wireless subwoofer, this demure system packs all the sound you could want in a small package. By adding the two satellite speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, Klipsch is diversifying the audio sources and allowing you to place them in their optimal room positions. This gives you true surround sound with a soundbar. And the high-quality wood cabinetry on the subwoofer makes displaying this system and stylish as its sound quality. Overall, this is a solid offering, and one that gives you all the sound you could want for almost any size space.
- Dedicated center channel soundbar
- Klipsch quality audio and design
- 8″ wireless subwoofer
- Compatible With: Wireless, HDMI
- Control Method: Remote control
- What’s Included: Soundbar, 2 satellite speakers, subwoofer, remote control
- Brand: Klipsch
- Theater-like sound
- True surround sound with mulit-speaker system
- Remote control included
- Pricey
- Only 2 satellite speakers
Klipsch Bar 48 5.1 Surround Sound System
Sound, whether from music, or video should be big; the highs, the lows, the oomph should immerse and surround you. But that doesn’t mean the system producing the sound should be big as well. The tech shrink ray has been good to surround sound systems, which has been a boon for those with space limitations. The Logitech Z906 is comparable to most compact setups, helping place it among the best surround sound systems. Don’t let the size of this system deter you from considering this option. It’s packs plenty of sound into its smaller size.
Though built by a brand primarily known for PC sound systems, the Logitech Z906 is suitable for a home theater setup as well. A 5.1 system, the Z906 comes with five very compact and solidly built satellite speakers and a not so compact subwoofer. The system is rated at 500W RMS, the subwoofer at 165W. Also included are a control console and a wireless remote. Set up is relatively straight forward as all connections are situated on the back of the subwoofer. Speaker placement is versatile as the satellites can either stand on a flat surface or mount to a wall. The Z906 can handle up to six audio sources like a computer, music player, TV, game console, etc. For such a diminutive system, the Z906 delivers powerful, quality sound with Dolby Digital, DTS, and 3D sound encoding. The highs and mids are crisp and clear, and the subwoofer was consistent with both music and movies. The system is also THX certified for cinema-quality acoustics.
The Logitech Z906 may be small, but it is mighty. It won’t take up a lot of space but delivers a lot of sound. This could be a great solution for smaller spaces, such as apartments and condos, or bedrooms converted to home theaters. And don’t forget about recreational vehicles like RV’s, motor homes, and even toy haulers. Its versatility as a PC or home theater setup and its sound quality place it on this list of best surround sound systems.
- Dolby Digital & DTS decoding
- 500W output
- Intuitive control console
- Compatible With: Computers, music players, TVs, Blu-Ray and DVD players. game consoles, other audio sources with digital optical, digital coaxial, RCA audio or 3.5 mm output
- Control Method: Remote control
- What’s Included: Five speakers, subwoofer, speaker connection, stackable console, wireless remote, six-feet direct channle cable wire
- Brand: Logitech
- THX certified
- Six audio inputs
- 3D sound
- Powerful sound
- No HDMI
- All connections are in the subwoofer
If you’re focusing your home audio set up around movies, then Dolby Atmos is a must if you want true to life cinema-like sound. Many people think that Dolby Atmos should come from a full-sized set of space-consuming speakers, but who cares about conventional thought? The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a soundbar based system that is Dolby Atmos compatible and anything but conventional.
The SB46515-F6 comes with a 46-inch soundbar, two satellite speakers (each 3.00″ x 6.52″ x 2.67″), and a 10-inch subwoofer. This is big sound with a small footprint. For Dolby Atmos, the soundbar and satellites have upward-firing speakers to produce cinematic surround sound. The satellite speakers pair with the subwoofer, which is wireless. A remote control with an LCD display is also included. Setup is quite easy, the soundbar quickly detects and connects the subwoofer. The SB46515-F6 is an excellent example of Dolby Atmos as it is meant to be. Thanks to an update that added true discrete front left, front right, back left, and back right height channels, the SB46515-F6 produces engaging and immersive surround sound with an equally moving thump from the subwoofer. There is also support for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS, but sadly not for DTS:X.
The Vizio SB46515-F6 does Dolby Atmos right, and not at a premium price. It is unconventional in that it is a soundbar system that is not full size, yet it produces cinematic surround sound. Its excellent soundstage and stylish minimal design make it a definite entrant on this listing of the best surround sound systems.
- 5.1 surround sound system
- Wireless 10 inch subwoofer
- Up firing speakers
- Compatible With: HDMI ARC
- Control Method: Remote control (included), voice control
- What’s Included: 1 soundbar, 2 satellite speakers, 1 subwoofer, remote control, Stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable
- Brand: VIZIO
- Dolby Atmos
- Voice control with Google Assistant
- Excellent cinematic sound
- No DTS:X support
- No room correction
VIZIO Elevate Sound Bar for TV
With the benefits they offer, including space-saving and great “imitation” surround sound, soundbars are here to stay. But, what if you want the benefits of a soundbar as well as true surround sound without having to shell out the cash for extra speakers? JBL has your back in the form of the JBL Bar 5.1 with True Wireless Surround Sound Speakers.
The JBL Bar 5.1 is a 3.0 soundbar with a unique feature being that the surround speakers are attached on either end. The surround speakers are wireless and are charged via being connected to the soundbar or via USB ports. Left attached to the soundbar, the speakers produce a wider 3.0 soundstage but separated and placed in satellite position; they produce true surround sound with the soundbar. The .1 in the setup is a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Altogether, the 5.1 channel setup has 550W of total-system power. You get a handy remote to control not only sound level, but also other options like the Bass Boost feature. Setup for this system might be the easiest among all the systems on this list. Simply connect to your TV and the system does the rest. An included calibration microphone assists in the optimal surround sound speaker placement. Connectivity is ample with three HDMI ports, USB, and Bluetooth. Though there is no Dolby Atmos support, the JBL Bar 5.1 system does support Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS. 5.1 performance is great with teeth-chattering bass and rich, immersive surround sound. You’re still getting plenty of that rich surround sound that will help transform your entertainment center into a true home audio system.
The JBL Bar 5.1 with True Wireless Surround Sound Speakers is a very versatile surround sound system that gives you layout options, either a standard soundbar layout or a very capable 5.1 layout. Such versatility and great sound place the JBL Bar 5.1 surround sound system firmly on the list of best surround sound systems.
- True 5.1 surround sound
- Wireless speakers
- 510W system power
- Compatible With: Soundbar, subwoofer, remote, wall bracket, HDMI cable
- Control Method: Remote control
- What’s Included: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
- Brand: JBL
- Included calibration microphone
- 3 HDMI ports
- Bluetooth
- Easy setup
- No Dolby Atmos
- Only 10 hour battery life for the surround speakers
JBL Bar 5.1 – Soundbar with Built-in Virtual Surround
When it comes to movies, especially action or sci-fi flicks, I want to be able to feel the boom of explosions or the thump of bass; it just adds to the cinematic and musical enjoyment. Most traditional surround sound systems will feature a subwoofer for the lows. But, if you’re talking about truly immersive sound, then two subs are the way to go—the Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4. If you’ve never experienced dual-subwoofer surround sound, you might just be missing out on one of the most appealing aspects of modern home audio.
The brain center of the Shockwafe Elite is the striking soundbar that is rather sizable. It has six drivers for the center, left, and right channels. There are two somewhat small two-way surround or rear speakers. Then there are the dual subwoofers. Also included is a backlit remote control. Connectivity is ample with four HDMI ports (one HDMI Arc), one coaxial, and one optical port. Set up is easy, though the surround speakers must be connected to the subwoofers, and there is no auto-calibration tool included. The Shockwafe Elite supports a number of sound formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, among others. Sound from the Shockwafe Elite is near flawless, producing surround effects that are crisp and immersive. The star, though, is the dual subwoofer setup which produces detailed and powerful bass that not only sound good but feel good as well. Balancing the sound performance is Nakamichi’s proprietary Spatial Surround Elevation Technology. This feature uses triple audio-processing engines that optimize and enhance the performance of the surround sound.
High-end surround sound systems will usually include dual subwoofers for true cinema emulation. But, along with that experience usually comes a huge price. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite comes with dual subwoofers and gives an excellent cinema experience for less than high-end systems. It’s a worthy member of the list of best surround sound systems.
- Wireless
- Dual subwoofers
- Spatial Surround Elevation SSE Technology
- Compatible With: RCA, optical, HDMI, coaxial
- Control Method: Remote control
- What’s Included: Soundbar, 2 rear speakers, 2 subwoofers, remote control
- Brand: Nakamichi
- HDMI Arc compatible
- Dolby Atmos
- Bluetooth with aptX support
- Surround speakers are not wireless
Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2
Soundbars are great and do a good job of filling a space with immersive sound. However, if you want true surround sound, a system with more than just a soundbar is necessary. But getting a top-shelf surround sound system can be a little expensive. That’s what makes this Sonos Soundbar an appealing option. Not only do you get amazing whole-room sound right out of the box, you get a buildable system that you can expand when you and your wallet are ready.
The heart of your Sonos surround sound system is the Sonos Beam soundbar. Everyone loves soundbars for their space-saving convenience, as well as their enhanced sound. Adding a soundbar to any entertainment system will automatically increase the audio output and quality. And for true 5.1 surround sound, pair the Beam with two Sonos One SLs and the Sonos Sub. The SLs are great speakers in their own right and compliment the Beam as rear speakers for enveloping sound. The Sub does a great job of filling in the bass inadequacy that many soundbars suffer from. Being Sonos, the full 5.1 setup would be wireless, allowing flexibility in speaker placement. Aside from wi-fi, connectivity on the Beam includes an HDMI and an ethernet port. Far-field microphones make voice control easy using Alexa or Google Assistant. And set up is easy via the Sonos App. As a combined system, the Sonos 5.1 system produces deep, rich, and immersive sound with support for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital 5.1.
The Sonos Beam Soundbar makes this list because it is an impressive starting piece to what can become one of the best surround sound systems for you. And the beauty of it all is you get to complete the system in stages, making it a very budget-friendly way to build a great home theater.
- Simple set up
- Wireless
- Voice assistant compatible
- Compatible With: HDMI, Smart TV
- Control Method: Voice, app, pair with your existing master remote control
- What’s Included: Soundbar, connecting cables
- Brand: Sonos
- Far field microphones
- HDMI port
- Stylish design
- Can be upgraded with additional Sonos speakers and subwoofer
- Pricey
- No included remote control
Sonos Beam – Smart TV Sound Bar
Compact surround sound systems make a lot of sense for a lot of people who don’t have a ton of space but want big sound. Though it can seem somewhat oxymoronic to get a big sound out of a compact system, tech wizardry makes it not only possible but desirable for many. No better example of big sound from a compact system can be found other than the Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack.
A 5.1 home theater system, the Klipsch Theater Pack includes four identical satellite speakers measuring a diminutive 7.75 x 4.5 x 5.5 inches. The center channel speaker measures 4.38 x 10.75 x 5.37 inches, and the subwoofer comes in at 13.25 x 11.75 x 11.75 inches. The satellites and center speaker feature 3.5-inch drivers, while the subwoofer features a down-firing 8-inch woofer. The kit includes a wireless transceiver for the subwoofer which adds flexibility to the system set up. Though not wireless, the satellite and center channel speakers feature keyhole mounts for versatile placement.
Yes, this is a small system compared to some of the others on this list, but that’s exactly why it’s on this list. Some people have small living spaces, or are building a small home theater, and the size of the Klipsch is exactly what they’re looking for. The surround sound produced is dynamic with an impressively clear and solid soundstage. The compact nature of the Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack makes it more suitable for smaller rooms, but there will be no sacrifice in sound for the space-saving benefit. And that’s not only where you save. This is one of the more affordable complete surround sound systems available, making it a thrifty way to add surround sound to your entertainment set up. Its affordable price more than makes up for its lack of Dolby Atmos support. As a compact 5.1 setup, the Klipsch Theater Pack is one of the best surround sound systems available.
- 5.1 channel surround sound system
- Klipsch exclusive Tractrix Horn Technology
- Wireless subwoofer
- Compatible With: Wireless
- Control Method: Pair with existing remote or devices
- What’s Included: 5 satellite speakers, subwoofer, subwoofer transmitter
- Brand: Klipsch
- Affordable
- Built-in all-digital subwoofer amplifier
- Compact design
- Excellent sound
- Only subwoofer is wireless
- Not Dolby Atmos compatible
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack
I’m old school when it comes to speaker systems. I can’t deny the quality out of compact systems, but there is just something more to the surround sound when it comes to full-size speakers. The immediate downside is that a full-grown set of speakers need a full-grown room and price to match. If you have space and don’t want to break the bank, the Fluance SXHTB surround sound speaker system is a great choice.
A 5.0 channel setup, the SXHTB includes a set of two-way, three-driver floor-standing front tower speakers, a full-sized two-way, three-driver center channel, and a set of two-way, two-driver surround speakers that are wall mountable. Unfortunately, a subwoofer is not included, but the tower speakers make up for that omission by being very bass capable. A separate subwoofer can certainly be added. The set is solidly constructed in a stylish audio-grade MDF wood build. The sound quality of the SXHTB is amazing, though maybe not better than much higher priced surround sound systems. The trebles are sharp and clear, the mids are accurate, and the lows thumpy and precise. The quality of the SXHTB is also evident in how Fluance backs its product with a full lifetime of parts and labor warranty (who does that?!). And these speakers look amazing. These are large speakers, and meant to be shown off. With this system in place, everyone will know you’re serious about your audio quality.
Big sound from big speakers doesn’t have to mean big bucks, and the Fluance SXHTB surround sound system does an excellent job in proving it. The full-sized set will cost you space, but the sacrifice will be well worth it. Being a bargain and having excellent performance, place the Fluance SXHTB setup on the list of best surround sound speakers.
- 5.0 channel surround sound system
- Lifetime parts and labor warranty
- Stylish design
- Compatible With: External amplifier (not included)
- Control Method: Connects to external amplifier control (not included)
- What’s Included: 1 center channel speaker, 2 main speakers, 2 surround speakers
- Brand: Fluance
- Lively bass from tower speakers
- Affordable
- Great build quality
- Great all-around sound
- Not wireless
- No subwoofer
If you’re not interested in a soundbar setup, complete home theater systems, including an A/V receiver and speakers, are certainly available in a plethora of choices. Although, complete systems that have all those externals are usually not inexpensive. The Onkyo HT-S3900 setup is a quality surround sound system that is affordable, yet comes with great performance.
The HT-S3900 is a home theater in a box, which means it has everything you need for your home theater, except for the TV. A 5.1 system, the HT-S3900 includes an A/V receiver, two L/R front channel speakers, two L/R surround channel speakers, one center channel speaker, and one subwoofer. It is a 120W compact system more suitable for smaller rooms. A remote control is included, and the setup is fairly straight-forward, with ample and clearly marked connections on the receiver. Multiple HDMI ports mean connectivity is tidy and allows for high definition audio and visuals. The HT-3900 supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to produce a very good soundstage with clear vocals, discernable mids, and rounded bass. Assisting the sound quality are the discrete analog amps in the receiver.
Just because a system may be considered budget or entry-level, especially one that includes all the components for a home theater system, doesn’t mean it will be lackluster when it comes to sound performance. One Amazon review says, you’re not going to be “blowing out any windows” with this surround sound system, but the sound quality is “pretty amazing for the money.” The Onkyo HT-S3900 is a very affordable complete surround sound system that is a very good performer with a sound that is anything but budget. The HT-S3900’s performance and affordability make it an excellent choice on the list of best surround sound systems.
- Complete 5.1 home theater system
- Supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Compact system
- Compatible With: Bluetooth, HDMI
- Control Method: Reomte control
- What’s Included: Control console, 4 surround speakers, 1 center channel speaker, 1 subwoofer
- Brand: Onkyo
- Bluetooth
- Affordable
- Easy set up
- Great sound performance
- Speakers are not wireless
- Underpowered for larger rooms
In the simplest of terms, surround sound is a technique for enriching the fidelity and depth of sound reproduction by using multiple audio channels from speakers that surround the listener. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Ya just put speakers all over a room to surround a listener. But, there is much more to surround sound than just a bunch of stacked peakers. With different speaker configurations, different audio formats, different hardware types, etc. there are many things to consider when trying to put together your own surround sound system. Try on the following mini-primer for size to help you find the best surround sound system.
Helpful Notes
It’s helpful to know what it is that makes surround sound, sound surround. With a nod to an excellent surround sound guide from digitaltrends.com, a surround sound system will include a set of front speakers and a set of surround speakers. More speakers can be added like a center channel speaker, subwoofer, presence speakers, etc. The number of channels (speakers) in a surround sound setup is indicated by the number designation. For instance, the most common surround sound setup is 5.1, 5 being the number of speakers (two front channels, two surround channels, one center channel equalling five), and the .1 being the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel produced by a subwoofer for added bass. Surround sound configurations can thus range from any number between 5.1 and 9.1, and more speakers are possible. You may think that surround sound will always mean having a lot of speakers, but that’s not the case. Soundbars have advanced to the point of producing comparable surround sound by using multiple speakers in a single cabinet with precise placement and fidelity to essentially fooling you into thinking that what you are hearing is surround sound. But, as good as soundbars can be, they cannot produce the true surround of a discrete speaker setup. All these systems are designed for one thing, to immerse and surround you in sound.
Having a bunch of speakers is not the only aspect to surround sound. The quality of the sound produced depends on the type of audio format supported by your surround sound system. Called codecs, the sound formats are how the sound is processed through the channels. Sounds codecs include Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, among the more common formats. A newer format is Dolby Atmos which adds in sound from the ceiling or via upward-firing speakers to add another dimension to surround sound.
Additional choices for a surround sound system include whether you prefer a space-saving compact system, a full-sized system, a wireless system, or a soundbar combo, etc. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to determine your best setup for a surround sound system at home. To fulfill your cinematic sound desires, here’s a guide with the best surround sound systems out there. Any one of them will set you up with a home theater that might just make you not miss going out to the movies. Now that you’ve reviewed this guide, you’re ready to revisit this list of the best surround sound systems to find the perfect one for you!
FAQ
Q: What exactly is surround sound?
At its most basic, surround sound is a system that surrounds the listener in sound by using multiple audio channels from speakers. The best example of surround sound, before we all really knew about surround sound (or cared) is movie theaters. There, the viewer is surrounded by multiple speakers for immersive fidelity via front speakers, side and sometimes rear speakers that give the sensation of sound coming from all angles. A home surround sound system, though on a smaller scale, can offer a theater-like sound experience just as immersive as going to the movies or being at a concert.
Q: Are two subwoofers really necessary?
As with just about anything, having more of something is usually perceived as a good thing. But on the more practical side, having two subwoofers offers more power and enhances that immersive feeling in a surround sound system by increasing the bass fidelity, particularly in larger spaces. The downsides of having two subwoofers include increased cost and having a second boom box will make placement all the more important because done incorrectly, they can have a negative impact on the entire sound system. There’s also the issue of space as a second subwoofer, even if the pair is smaller than a single subwoofer, will take up more room. It boils down to personal preference and having the space to make it work.
Q: Which has better sound, wired or wireless systems?
While the sound quality of wireless surround sound speaker systems continues to inch closer to that of wired systems, traditionalists continue to argue that wired is the way to go. The argument is really more about convenience versus audio quality. A wireless system eliminates the age-old problem of how to hide speaker wires particularly for spaces that may need extensive additions/remodeling to handle the plethora of wires. But that convenience can come at the expense of sound quality you’d get from a wired system. That argument seems less important as wireless systems can produce excellent results, the one downside being that they are typically more expensive.
Q: Do I have to have a specific type of TV or A/V receiver to take advantage of surround sound?
When it comes to surround sound, an audiovisual (A/V) receiver is generally important because surround sound systems use more than two channels. Also, if you have multiple sound sources (i.e. TV, Blu-Ray or DVD player, etc.) an A/V receiver is a must. Luckily, some surround sound systems don’t require an A/V receiver as the source can be plugged directly into it. But such surround sound systems will require that the TV or other sound source has the proper connections to properly utilize the benefits of surround sound. Luckily, most modern TVs and other sound sources have the required connection ports.
Q: What does watts mean in surround sound systems?
WPC, or wattage per channel is something you will sometimes see in the specs and marketing ads for amplifiers and A/V receivers and refers to the amount of power produced. When it comes to surround sound speakers, the wattage will refer to the maximum amount of wattage the speaker can handle. When choosing a surround sound system, the bigger the room, the more power you’ll need. Generally speaking, for great surround sound, a small room can require around 50 watts and a large room can require around 150 watts. It can be confusing because higher wattage doesn’t necessarily mean better sound. What you should look for is quality to go along with those watts particularly since higher watts and equipment that will produce quality watts usually mean a higher price.
Q: What is the best way to set up a surround sound system?
To get the best out of a surround sound system, speaker placement is critical because each speaker has a purpose with specific locations to optimize their performance. Proper speaker placement starts first with correct wiring and then depending on the system you have (2.1, 5.1, etc.). Using a 5.1 speaker setup (5 representing the number of speakers and the .1 representing the number of subwoofers) as an example, there will be three speakers at the front (center, and left and right speakers), and two at the sides of the listener. The subwoofer can pretty much go wherever. Next, the speakers have to be calibrated so they complement each other. Many systems will have an auto-setup feature that will calibrate for you. You can also get an SPL (sound pressure level) meter to assist in setup.
Q: Why are there so many formats when it comes to surround sound?
You’ll see stickers or specs that indicate the type of formats or audio processing the surround system supports. Depending on the format of the source material, the sound is decoded to the proper format and sent to the speakers. The plethora of formats range from the ubiquitous Dolby versions to DTS (digital theater systems) among others, each with their own particular capabilities (i.e. Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, DTS HD, etc) thereby owing to the large number. What is important to remember is that the A/V receiver has to support the particular format to take advantage of it. Luckily, the mode or format will be automatically selected (if supported) to provide the optimal surround sound experience.
Q: How can a single soundbar create surround sound?
You would think that true surround sound can only come from multiple speakers, but soundbar technology has allowed a single speaker cabinet to capably simulate that same surround sound experience offered from 5.1 and 7.1 setups. Soundbars pack in speakers angled specifically to bounce the sound off the walls around the listener and provide the sensation of surround sound. Some soundbars come with a subwoofer to increase their surround sound fidelity. Soundbars are certainly convenient with regard to placement and setup (fewer wires and there are wireless versions), but that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of sound quality.
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