10 Best Surround Sound System Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Surround Sound System?
To buy a surround sound system, you must consider several factors and go through many products before choosing one. In this article, we have given a list of the best surrounding system in the market and have discussed each product in detail. Towards the end of the article, we will give our recommendation by stating which surround sound system is the best.
- BEST OVERALL: Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System by Logitech
- BEST BUDGET: Z606 5.1 Surround System by Logitech
- BEST SOUND QUALITY: HW-Q950A Soundbar by SAMSUNG
- BEST SIZE: 2-Way Bipolar Surround Speakers by Fluance
- BEST PORTABILITY: 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers by Monoprice
- BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: HTO50B 5.1 Theater Speaker System by GPX
- BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: 5.1 Bluetooth Home Theater Speaker System by Acoustic Audio
- BEST SURROUND SYSTEM: Acoustic Audio by Goldwood 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 2.1
- BEST FOR MUSIC: Mini Home Theater Surround Sound Bar by Polk
- BEST FOR MOVIES: Bluetooth 5.1 Surround Sound System by Acoustic Audio
Top Rated Surround Sound System
1. HW-Q950A Soundbar by SAMSUNG
While the SAMSUNG HW-Q950A might not look like a soundbar, it still produces high-quality sound. This bar is about a meter long and is slim enough to tuck under a TV screen. Compared to the main soundbar, the rear speakers are heavier but compact enough to fit in tight spaces such as bookshelves.
Even though this soundbar carries an eight-inch driver, the subwoofer is slim enough to hide down the side of a sideboard or sofa.
Design
The SAMSUNG HW-Q950A is more than just a soundbar; it comes with accessories that can enhance the surround system experience. Despite its compact size, the sound bar is accompanied by a subwoofer and a pair of wireless bookshelf rears; all come with three drivers.
One driver fires upwards, another faces towards the ground, and the third one faces towards the rear side of the room. The soundbar has dedicated front-left, front-right and front-center channels, typically part of high-quality soundbars. You can manually adjust the weight of the channels, and the bar even comes with a built-in bass adjuster. The SAMSUNG HW-Q950A can support 11.1.4 channels of sound, which is the most any soundbar can support.
Sound Quality
Is the SAMSUNG HW-Q950A a sound powerhouse? Yes, it is, but only when the knobs are on. The extra driver these bars come within the two wireless speakers packs a serious punch. These speakers produce sound without harming the sound quality of the rear speakers.
The new rear channels of the soundbar enable the rear soundstage to be more involved in the action. This surround sound system is going to immerse you in the movie truly.
Performance
This SAMSUNG surround sound system can provide a theater-like experience, especially for people who like watching movies or TV series. This soundbar can easily bounce sound off walls or ceiling, something other speaker systems struggle to do. However, to get the full 11.4 experience, you will need the speaker system to be in-game pro, surround, or the adaptive sound mode.
Compared to brands like Vizio and Klipsch, the audio quality was topnotch, and while most soundbars have poor subwoofers, the HW-Q95OA has a good subwoofer.
Pros
- Powerful movie playback
- Well-rounded Dolby Atmos soundstage
- HDR10+ and Dolby Digital pass-through
Cons
- Expensive compared to other soundbars
- The display is poorly positioned
- Poor music playing ability
2. Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System by Logitech
The Logitech Z906 is one of the complete surround speaker systems. This system offers the good sound quality, not just through one speaker but also through all 6 speakers.
This is the only surround sound system with a THX certification, making it one of the best systems in the market. This is a 5.1 channel surround sound system accompanied by 6 powerful speakers.
Design
Logitech doesn’t provide one or two surround sound speakers; it offers 6 of them. You get 4 speakers, a subwoofer, a center channel speaker, wireless remote control, and a control console.
There are many audio input options, such as a six-channel direct system, headphone jack, RCA, Digital COAX, and Optical inputs.
Unfortunately, this system doesn’t offer HDMI input, which is the only weakness of this surround sound speaker system. However, if you have a blue-ray player, it can still connect with the COAX or Optical input.
Sound Quality
This surround system comes with THX-certified speakers, delivering unmatchable cinema-quality sound. The speakers can produce shaking room audio with deep bass, and you can feel the sound. The satellite speakers are compact and mountable, and the wireless remote will let you personalize the sound.
Performance
The Logitech Z906 is quite an improvement from the Z5500 speakers. The speaker has up to 1000 watts of play, twice as much as the JBL Bar 5.1 offers. The audio quality of this speaker is powerful and has a great mixture of treble and bass. The DTS HD and Dolby Digital heighten the sound.
What surprised us was the power of the satellite speakers. Normally, satellite speakers are not as powerful, but these speakers are an exception.
Pros
- Good price and performance
- It comes with 6 powerful speakers
- Excellent audio quality
- THX-certified
Cons
- NO HDMI port
3. Z606 5.1 Surround System by Logitech
Affordable and surround sound systems are two words that you probably won’t find in a sentence. However, the Z606 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System by Logitech has an affordable price tag. This speaker has over 160 watts of power, is Bluetooth compatible, and can connect to PCs, laptops, TVs, DVD/Blu-ray Players, and gaming consoles.
The wires for the front channel and center speakers are over 7 feet long. While the satellite speakers are made for an upright position, you can even mount them on the wall through a hole given at the back of the speaker.
Design
The Logitech 2606 surround sound system is a 5.1 speaker system with a pair of satellite speakers, speakers for the right, left, and center channels, and a subwoofer. The system offers 160 watts of sound and has a 5.22-inch bass driver, which fills the entire room with quality audio.
You can put this system anywhere because it comes with a long 20-foot speaker cable, enabling you to place it anywhere in your living room, bedroom or office.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, these speakers don’t disappoint. The speakers can emit a decent audio quality for their size, with crisp mids and highs. However, the bass may get lost in some types of audio. While the subwoofer is not large and struggles to emit ultra-low bass, it still does a good job.
Performance
Most of this surround sound system setup involves placing the satellite speakers. The rear speakers are usually a challenge since they should be at the ear level to offer optimum surround and fall within the 20-foot reach of the subwoofer.
Once all that is sorted out, connect the speaker wires with the coded channels given at the back of the subwoofer, then switch the subwoofer on. Then, connect the source device. If you want to connect DVD players and TVs, you will need to hardwire them through an RCA option in the subwoofer.
Pros
- It can easily stream wirelessly through a Bluetooth device
- Easy to setup
- Affordable system
Cons
- No digital inputs for media devices and TVs
- Not audiophile sound quality
4. Bluetooth 5.1 Surround Sound System by Acoustic Audio
This Acoustics Bluetooth-enabled surround system is a 5.1 sound system with SD card and USB inputs. A remote controller comes with this surround sound system and six high-quality speakers.
Design
A subwoofer and five speakers accompany this powerful surround sound system. The speakers can deliver powerful sound while streaming music, playing games, or watching movies.
This system is integrated with a power amp which offers 300 watts of electrical power. The subs are LED illuminated and display different colored flashlights in many patterns.
Sound Quality
This system is compatible with standard RCA stereo, 3.5 mm headphones, and comes with a 110V grounded wall plug. This system is accompanied by a powerful subwoofer and 5 speakers, delivering powerful sound and enhancing your movie-watching experience.
Performance
With the help of the Acoustic Audio Bluetooth 5.1 surround system, you can have your home theater at home, and you can binge-watch your favorite TV shows and movies or play games.
Pros
- It comes with 5 passive wired satellite speakers
- Integrated power amp with 600 watts system
- Speakers offer superior quality
Cons
- Can overheat sometimes
5. 5.1 Bluetooth Home Theater Speaker System by Acoustic Audio
If you are looking for a decent surround sound system, you can opt for the Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater. Normally, people are unsatisfied with the TV’s sound, so they opt for surround sound systems.
This system comes in 6 parts and can produce a power of 700 watts. The system also comes with Bluetooth compatibility, Flash Driver MP3 Player, SD Card, and an FM Tuner, so we can safely say that this system is the complete package.
Design
This is a stand-alone speaker system and has a straightforward build and design. This powerful speaker comes with a powered subwoofer and five full-range satellite speakers. The futuristic and sleek silver speaker is minimally aesthetic. The stylish of the speaker complements the aesthetics of a curved TV or a flat screen.
Sound Quality
This is a small-sized speaker system, especially compared to other surround sound systems. That being said, this theater still offers really good sound quality. Since buying a sound system is good sound, Acoustics has gone the extra mile to ensure there is no compromise on sound quality.
Performance
The subwoofer is the most important component of a surround sound system, and the subwoofer in this system comes with RCA ports that attach to multiple devices and speakers. The ports can be found at the back of the main speaker. The key volume, treble, and bass setting knobs are placed in the control panel at the front. You can use these knobs to achieve your desired sound.
Pros
- Subwoofer reduces noise
- Easy adjusting
- It comes with an SD Card Reader
- Bluetooth Enables
Cons
- Bad quality plastic casing
- Design is not attractive
6. HTO50B 5.1 Theater Speaker System by GPX
The GPX HTO50B 5.1 channel home surround sound system comes with six speakers (front left, right, rear left, and rear center) and is undoubtedly one of the best speaker systems in the market. Movies and music will come to life when played with this speaker; it also comes with a powered amplifier and bass controls.
Design
The surround sound system offers analog volume control, AUX input, RCA stereo audio inputs, and a built-in AC power cable. The speakers are full-range and come with a removable cloth grille.
The main speaker also has an LCD, a timer, and a clock. There are up to 4 preset EQs in this surround sound system, and it also has Radio station memory presets. Lastly, the electronic volume controller can increase or decrease the speaker’s volume.
Sound Quality
This surround sound system offers 5.1 channel virtual sound, enabling you to enhance your theater experience. A subwoofer accompanies the system, and 6 powerful surround speakers for the rear right and left, center, front right, and left.
Performance
This surround sound system offers a complete home theater experience. You can also connect your TV, DVD/Blu-ray player, PC, gaming console, or MP3 player with this speaker and experience virtual surround sound. A built-in AC power cable also powers this projector.
Pros
- Good Customer Support
- Superb Sound Quality
- Good value for Money
- It gives a good performance
- Comes with Electronic Volume Control
Cons
- Not Wireless
- The reach is not long enough
7. Acoustic Audio by Goldwood 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 2.1
This Acoustic Audio by Goldwood surround sound system is Bluetooth enabled and is a 2.1 channel surround system. This system will enable you to play music directly from a smartphone with Bluetooth. The system also has integrated power amps of 200 watts and a knob for controlling bass.
Design
This surround sound system is also accompanied by a subwoofer and has RCA inputs, enabling you to connect multiple sources to the surround system. In addition to the RCA stereo inputs, there are also input connections for a USB drive and an SD Card.
All these inputs are in the control panels placed in the front. A fully functional remote also comes with the surround system, enabling you to control this powerful system easily.
Sound Quality
This Acoustics surround sound system doesn’t compromise quality, as its powered subwoofer speaker and 2 satellite speakers have 6 RCA cables. This system can play any type of device with RCA stereo outputs or through the headphone jack.
The Acoustics Goldwood AA2103 also comes with an instruction manual, enabling you to set up and use this speaker easily.
Performance
This product has received praise from the customers and has a satisfactory rating of 8.64/10. There is a reason why this surround sound system is rated highly, it is durable, offers several audio inputs, and a fully functional remote will help you control the high treble and low bass.
Pros
- Quality Sound
- Affordable Price
- Easy to Setup
Cons
- Can overheat during operation
8. 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers by Monoprice
When talking about a 5.1 surround sound system, there are some good soundbars in the market that you can invest in. However, some people like the true 5.1 channel sound rather than the sound a soundbar emits.
While listening to the true sound is nice, 5.1 surround systems are often expensive. However, that is not the case with the Monoprice 5.1 Channel surround sound system. The system combines the premium feel of a high-end brand and the affordability of a budget surrounding system.
Design
The shell of the speaker is made from good quality material. The grills are also durable and do a decent job of protecting the cones. The outside of the speakers is coated with black color, which gives them a stylish appearance.
Connecting the speakers to the setup is extremely easy, and each speaker comes with a spring-loaded clip, which connects directly to the speaker wire. In the box, there are 4 C-brackets, which will enable you to mount the speakers on the wall.
Sound Quality
The first thing to note is that this system is a true 5.1 channel setup, so you get 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer in the package. One satellite speaker is for the center channel, two are for the side/rear channels, and two handle the channels in the front. The subwoofer handles the low-end bass responses.
The midrange of the center speaker is about 3 inches, which enables it to propel voices in TV and movies forward. All the other satellite speakers use one 0.5-inch tweeter and a 3-inch cone. The subwoofer can handle frequencies of 50 to 250 HZ, and comes with volume control settings.
Performance
The Monoprice 5.1 surround sound system performs well. For the price, you get a fair amount of speaker and power. The 5.1 channel sound works well and will enhance your movie-watching experience. The setup is straightforward, and anyone, even an individual with no experience with audio devices, can set the system up.
Pros
- Good quality sound
- Speakers are small and powerful
- Affordable surround sound system
Cons
- The price is low, but you will still need to pay the shipping costs
- Unimpressive matte black finish
9. 2-Way Bipolar Surround Speakers by Fluance
The Fluance Elite HD 2-way Bipolar surround sound system is just the system you should buy. This speaker system comes at an affordable price, and the speakers do well in delivering ambient noises, especially when it comes to watching a movie. The speakers also offer a good music listening experience and can handle 20 to 100-watt RMS.
Design
This speaker system has a powerful and durable build, and the casing is of decent size and weight. The speaker cones are also sturdy and can handle a lot of weight. You can even mount these speakers on a wall. This system also comes with speaker stands, so you can put them on a stand if you don’t like mounting the speakers on the wall.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of these speakers is excellent; however, it is not always perfect. There will be some movies that won’t give you a perfect sound experience. That said, the system does a good job of evenly distributing the sound among the speakers. When you put on a good soundtrack, you can sense the speaker’s bottom end settling in.
Performance
These attractive speakers offer good pin terminals, are made of premium quality, have an affordable price tag, and offer superb sound quality. The height of the speakers is great, and since they are bipolar, they give you an all-encompassing surround system feel.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- It comes with 4-driver bipolar speakers
- Compact design
- Durable build
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
10. Mini Home Theater Surround Sound Bar by Polk
These speakers prove that size doesn’t always matter, even when it comes to speakers or soundbars. This soundbar is so dinky that it almost looks like a wireless Bluetooth-enabled speaker. However, since this product was launched in 2016, is it worth buying? Yes, because it remains one of the best soundbars in the market.
Design
The dimensions of this surround sound system are 13.4 by 4.3 by 3.1 inches, and while it is still larger than some soundbars, it has a compact size. The speakers pack a lot of power and come with four 2.25-inch drivers and a pair of 0.5-inch tweeters. This system also includes a wireless subwoofer, the key component of the surrounding system.
The Polk Audio MagniFi also offers several wired and wireless input options. It has an input for HDMI Arc, HDMI, and digital optical audio. The speakers support 5.1 audio, have an Ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm analog input. For wireless playback, you can choose Google Cast or Bluetooth audio.
The remote that comes with the speaker contains all the functions, such as volume control and a power button. The remote can also adjust the inputs and sound modes.
Sound Quality
While a mini soundbar is a new category of soundbars, they still perform well. This Mini home theater sound bar works well with music and movies, not many soundbars can do that. The subwoofer offers resonance and depth to the sound. The mini soundbar can produce 10 decibel sound at a distance of 10 feet, filling up a medium or small-sized room.
Performance
This speaker system is impressive with both music and movies. Some people even use this system as a sole music system. The system spreads the sound evenly and makes TV and movie scenes more encompassing. The dialogues in films are resonant and crystal clear. The subwoofer also delivers satisfying results and rumbles during scenes with an explosion.
Pros
- Clear voices and powerful bass
- Wireless subwoofer
- Google cast integration
Cons
- Poor treble
- No mobile application or onscreen display
What Is a Surround Sound System?
A surround sound system is a common term for audio systems used by home theater devices. This Audio system has a full bandwidth of channels and a low-frequency effect. Surround sound systems are mostly used for music and mass broadcasts because of their solid sound effects. This device uses a sound technique for enriching fidelity and sound depth to reproduce multiple audio channels for speakers surrounding the listening area.
The first type of surround system was used in movie theaters, but before then, there were sound systems that used three sound channels that blared sounds through three loudspeakers, namely the left, center, and right speakers. However, with a surround sound system, one more sound channel is added to the side behind the listener to create a sound sensation from the ground or the side. This enhances spatial sound by exploiting localized sound so the listener can identify the location of the original sound based on distance and direction. Using multiple discrete audio channels routed through loudspeakers makes a surround sound speaker a high-quality audio system widely used today for home and mass entertainment.
How Does a Surround Sound System Work?
This system works by creating the sound in the first place. The system picks the already recorded audio and reproduces them using loudspeakers. So the technology is designed to work with pre-recorded sounds. A surround sound system works with two or three front-end speakers and two or more speakers at the side. The audio signal then splits the channels into different pathways that different speakers then release.
The front speakers produce a prominent sound. The right speakers release sound, and so does the left speaker. The third speaker in the middle, just under your screen, is the most important because it anchors the sound from the left and the right speakers. This central speaker releases the dialogue effect so that the sounds appear to be coming from the center of the TV or Media player even though they aren’t. The speakers behind you fill up different background noise such as running water, blowing leaves, and barking dogs. They also work with other speakers to provide moving sensations. But these sounds are split up at some point, but how and when?
This is the job of the Audio/Video receiver.
Audio/Video Receiver
The receiver is referred to as the heart and soul of a surround sound system. This component does the same job as the amplifier in a stereo system. The receiver receives the signals from your Media players like Satellite Dish or VCR, interprets the sound, and sends it to your output device like your TV and other sound systems. The receiver uses different components for home theater systems to amplify sound like built-in media players. However, you came to arrange a surround system by buying the parts separately.
Components in a Surround Sound System include
- Power amplifiers
- Audio/video sources
- Pre-amplifier
- Output speakers
- Sound channel amplifiers
What Are the Benefits of a Surround Sound System?
There are several benefits to having a surround sound system installed in your home; here are some of them.
An immersive experience
You know the experience you get when you visit a cinema; that is the kind of experience you get with a surround system. Cinemas use this audio system, so if you were to install one in your home, you would simply be bringing a cinematic experience to your home. This system offers you an immersive experience, and if you set the speakers rightly and install them at strategic positions, it will seem like the whole action on your screen is real and ever-present. A surround sound system adds extra excitement to your movies or games.
Customized Design
Another advantage of a surround sound system is that you enjoy the benefit of customizing the system to suit your unique needs. We all have our preferences, and while meeting your needs may be difficult or impossible with other audio systems, you can customize your surround sound system to suit your requirement. You can determine the amount of Hass, treble, and amplified dialogue you want to hear. Proper sound customization will give you the quality sound you desire.
Feel
Another benefit of the surround sound system is the special effect the subwoofers provide for a heightened feeling. Everyone in the room will feel every sound note. From explosions to strong winds to boots on the ground, the subwoofer will do a good job of bringing these effects to life by amplifying them. The key to an ultimate viewing experience is not only down to the images but also the sound effects. Surround Sound systems amplify these sounds for better effect.
Easy Installation
Installing a surround sound system is not as difficult as many think. Nowadays, manufacturers include user manuals to help buyers install the system in their homes. So if you were to buy one now, you could rely on the installation manual to install it and get the best out of it.
Connectivity
These days, we have Smart surround systems that use different connection ports like USB, HDMI, and other methods to connect to other media. You can also connect your surround sound system to your laptop or smartphone to access your files. There is also Bluetooth and Wifi connection too. So you don’t have to rely on wires if your system uses Wifi and Bluetooth. Pairing them reduces the wires on your floors or walls, and you get the same quality.
Compactness
Another benefit of modern surround sound systems is that they are not as bulky as an old-school sound system. They are compact and occupy only minimal space in your home, so even if you have a small space, you can still find space for your surrounding system. If you wish to declutter your floor, you can even opt for wall speakers.
How to Choose a Surround Sound System?
What features do you look out for when picking a Surround Sound System? Let’s review them so you can make the right choice.
Your Room Size
The first thing you should consider when picking a surround sound system is the size of your room. No matter how good the system may be, you will not enjoy its full value if it is too big for your room. Moreover, the sound will create a hazard for everyone inside the room. The best way to evaluate size is to look at the square feet of your room relative to the ceiling size. Another thing you want to keep an eye on is your setup.
A larger room will suit a Surround system with 3 or more speakers. If you have a large TV with a 65 inch screen and above, you want a system with more speakers, and the opposite should be the case if your TV is not large. Remember that you also want the speakers to blend well with your interior décor. So let your room size, interior décor, and TV size guide your choice.
Purpose
Are you a DJ, or do you do regular video presentations? Or maybe you are buying it for movies or games. Whatever the case may be, let your needs dictate the one you go for. If you are keen on the sound system effect because you will play sounds, you should often go for a system with a booming bass effect. This sound emanates from the central speaker channel. The sound is diapered to other speakers from this central speaker for maximum effect.
For movies, you want one that has a subwoofer with a deep baas effect. The central channel speaker of systems with subwoofers is better at distributing dialogue sounds that are crisp and clear notes that the viewer can hear. Rustling leaves and whispers in the background will be heard clearly.
Channels Required
Then consider the number of channels your system needs and decide before you start your search for a good surround sound system. The number of channels will depend on the number of speakers it has. This should still boil down to the size of your room.
On average, surround sound systems for home theaters have between 5-9 channels. Systems with more channels have more speakers, and those with more speakers produce more sounds. The average system has 5.1 channels, but larger rooms can takes 7-9 speakers.
Wireless or Wired
Do you go for a wired or wireless system? For starters, there is nothing that separates both in terms of quality. The only difference is that you have no overhanging or carpeted wires with a wireless system. So it is a matter of choice.
If you do not find it hard to hide the wires, you should go for a wired system that is much cheaper. But if space is a concern, a wired system may roughen up your interior décor. Wireless Systems offer seamless and clean installation. You can also easily move the speakers from one position to the next without disconnecting them. But note that you still need a power outlet to plug the wireless system; otherwise, it will not work. So you decide whether the flexibility advantage a wireless system will provide you is worth the extra cost.
Apps
Another thing you should remember when selecting a surround sound system is the use of apps. If you want to connect apps to it, you need a system compatible with online applications. Popular music apps like Spotify can be connected to your system, including Google Cast or Apple Airplay. There are several online apps you can work with, but they will not serve you if your system cannot be connected to them.
Check the system settings and read the product description. If the system is Wifi enabled, you can be sure that it will work with online apps.
Smart Features
Every smart home deserves a smart sound system. Smart items all combine to make a home truly smart. If you want to install the Surround system in your home, we recommend you use a smart model. How would you know if a system is smart?
Check for Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri features. If the system is compatible with any of this software, it indicates that it is a smart device. Smart surround systems are easy to operate and offer more value for money.
Power Consumption
Some surround sound systems are not energy efficient and raise your energy bills more than you expect. If the system is used regularly, we recommend you buy an energy-efficient model. Energy star-rated systems are the best because they offer incredible Audio quality without consuming too much power.
Remote Controller
Never buy a surround system that does not have a remote control. Without one, you will always have to walk to the device to operate it by hand. But remote controls make the job easier; from the comfort of your position, you can operate it. Make sure the remote has a wide range. What we mean by this is that you should be able to operate the system even if you are 3-5 feet away. Some controllers can even send signals at 7 feet away.
Interior Décor
Last but not least is the internal décor. This factor is not as important as the others, but if aesthetics matter to you, ensure the system blends well with your interior décor. If your TV has a black body, you may want to go for a system with black color. Picking a model with a similar color or design theme will add more value to your living space. We recommend systems with minimalist design themes because they will blend in rather than stand out in your living room. However, if the system is for Outdoor use, the design theme should not be a deal-breaker for you.
Surround Sound System FAQs
How to set up a surround sound system?
Setting up a surround sound system is not a hard thing to do. You will need a video/audio AV receiver to connect multiple speakers to the system. The system then processes, separates, and amplifies the audio to activate the speakers. The AV is also responsible for switching the various audio and video sources so you can change from one media source to another, like from your Xbox to a CD player with a button.
To set up your surround sound system, arrange the speakers close to the system with the front and back speakers positioned correctly. Then connect all the speakers to the system. Make sure they run through your home theater or other Media system appropriately. You can use wireless speakers if you don’t want to see too many wires.
Wireless systems use wireless speakers connected to a media source by Bluetooth or WiFi network. Setting up a wireless surround sound system is relatively straightforward. You don’t have to waste time connecting each speaker to the right port. You simply activate the Bluetooth function and link them up, and you are good to go. A wireless system produces good sound quality, just like a wired system.
Is there a completely wireless surround sound system?
Yes, wireless surround sound systems exist, and they are more popular for home theaters than wired systems. There are two main types of surround sound systems, namely a Bluetooth system and a WiFi system. Let’s take a look at both.
Bluetooth System
A Bluetooth surround system is a wireless system that first arrived on the market before WiFi systems. Bluetooth systems compress audio before transmitting it to the speakers. However, the technology is not as robust as Wifi technology. But it is easier to install, affordable, and works for almost any Media player.
Wifi
Wifi is a newer entrant into the market, but it is far more advanced than Bluetooth technology. The only downside to Wifi system is that it is not compatible with all media devices, so you need to check for compatibility with your device before you buy it. Wifi is also more complex, but the sound quality is worth it. They produce better sound because they don’t compress the audio before release. Furthermore, their connection is far better than Bluetooth because of their better range. This makes them the ideal option for larger spaces.
How to wire a surround sound system?
There are different ways to wire a surround sound system, but the simplest method is to use a baseboard. If your room has carpeted floors, you can run the wires from one end to the next, and they will not be visible. Carpets majorly use tack strips and are laid about half an inch from the wall.
Tools you need (Screwdriver, pliers, knife, tape measure, fish tape, wire strippers, razor)
The first step is to use the pliers to pull the carpet from the installation area right behind the AV gear where the speaker stands. Measure the gap between the baseboard and the tack strip and the gal under the baseboard molding.
Lay the cables: The cables to the surround speakers are from the speakers. Note that you will likely be running two cables simultaneously, with one stretching to the second surround speaker. Use your pliers to hold the carpet up as you pull the wires.
Tuck the cable: After laying the cables, tuck them between the tack strip and the baseboard, then lay the carpet down but be careful, so it doesn’t interfere with the cables. Arrange the carpet so it remains ad it used to be before the cable tucking.
Connect the speakers: With your wire in place, let it come out of the baseboard and run to the speaker. Do the same for all the second speakers as well. Connect all the other speakers before switching your media player to the speaker. As the audio is blaring, take your time to check every speaker in the setup to be sure they are working perfectly.
Any of these methods will work, so feel free to use your most preferred option or your resources.
How to connect a surround sound system to the TV?
There are two methods to connect a surround sound system to your television.
1st method – Hdmi using ARC feature
2nd method – Connection using an HDMI, Optical or Coaxial cable
The above options work well, but the one you use will depend on the port type in your system. Not all systems have ARC support. If yours doesn’t, you can use the second direct connection option.
1st method: HDMI using ARC feature
For this method, your system must have an ARC label
1. Connect the HDMI cable to the ports with the ARC label or a manual port with the same label
2. Open the TV menu and set your speaker to Audio
3. Press the home button on your Remote Controller and choose Settings
4. Select Sound and Display/Audio Output/Audio System/Select Sound/Speakers (this depends on your TV’s menu options
5. Turn on the HDMI control setting on the TV and the AV receiver on the home theater
2nd method: Connection using an HDMI, Optical or Coaxial cable
Your approach will depend on your TV’s design and whether it comes with a jack. You can buy jacks and cables separately.
1. Connect the optical, audio, or Coaxial cable to your TV’s output Jack.
2. Connect the other end to the other AV receiver jacks or your home theater (Some TVs have Video or TV input labeling.
3. Switch on the TV
4. Press the home button on the remote and then press Settings
5. Select Sound and Display/Audio Output/Audio System/Select Sound/Speakers (this depends on your TV’s menu options
6. Switch on the AV receiver or your home theater
7. Set the home theater or AV receiver to a proper input.
Can I add more speakers to my surround sound system?
It will depend on the number of ports available. Surround sound systems are of different types, such as 3,5,7 and even 9 speaker systems. If you have utilized all the ports, you can’t add more speakers beyond what the system can accommodate. If your system can only accommodate 5 speakers, you cannot install 7 speakers.
What is the difference between a home theater system and surround sound?
There are stark differences between a Surround Sound system and a Home Theater system, even though they both amplify sound. A home theater system uses subwoofers and speakers packed with surround sound. Home theaters are essentially designed for home entertainment. On the other hand, a Surround system simply re-creates audio as accurately as possible. A Surround system captures every single note in the audio, while home theaters do not have that capability.
Another difference is that amplifiers powder Surround systems while Home Theaters use a receiver to tweak the effect of surround sound. In terms of quality, a Surround Sound system offers more audio quality. However, both systems easily connect to TVs and Media player devices.
Do all movies work with a surround system?
No, not all movies work with surround sound. This is because movies are shot with different audio specifications. Surround Sound may be available on various streaming platforms, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, but your system will not produce a quality surround effect if the movie does not support surround sound. To ensure that you enjoy the best sound effect, check the sound specification of your movies or the streaming platform you are streaming from to see if it has to surround sound.
Is wireless surround sound good?
Yes, it is. This is because you don’t have to deal with strands of wires littering your floor or hanging on your walls, as so much of it makes for an unpleasant sight. But with a wireless system, you can connect the speakers to the system using Bluetooth technology and still get the same quality sound as you would get with a wired system. Wireless surround sound is more popular with modern systems than wired systems.
Another type of wireless surround sound system is the Wifi system. Wifi is more expensive but very good. With a Wifi function, you can connect your speakers to the media device and enjoy quality sound.
Is surround sound good for music?
Yes, it is good for music. A Surround Sound system will capture every single sound note. For example, if you listen to a song with a violin, piano, and guitar playing at once, a surround sound system will pick them apart and amplify them. This allows you to differentiate each instrument. The ability to segment musical notes makes it a surround system very good for music. The subwoofer also serves to amplify sound to the maximum.
Conclusion
This article has thoroughly discussed 10 of the best surround sound systems available in the market. We have also gone through different aspects of each speaker, such as design, performance, and features. However, which speaker is the complete package? While all the speakers have their pros and cons, these are the ones that we feel offer the best quality:
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