How To Choose A Surround Sound System in 7 Steps?
Steve McConnell
- 17 Dec 2022 02:47
- 1023
A high-quality surround sound system is an indispensable item for audiophiles. It can bring your listening experience to the fullest with immersive sound, catching bass, and deep lyrics. However, picking a suitable surround sound system among hundreds of product types takes time and effort. You must carefully consider your usage needs and other factors to make the wisest purchase decision. So, how to choose a surround sound system? I will discuss all the features of a high-quality sound system and provide additional tips to help you decide. Keep reading to find out! 
How To Choose A Surround Sound System?
To achieve the listening experience, you have to choose a compatible surround sound system with your room design, connection types, and targeted audio.Consider Room Setup And Available Space
The available space in your room should be the top priority to consider when choosing a surround system. If you use a small room, just one subwoofer and a minimum number of speakers are sufficient for your needs. You can increase the number of speakers accordingly for the available space. Also, the wall-mounted speakers are more suitable for small rooms, which helps you save more available space. Consider The Available Space In Your Room
Your Favorite Content
There are surround sound systems designed specifically for listening to music or watching films. If one system is optimized for watching films, it focuses more on aspects like dialogue, sound effects, and music. Meanwhile, a music-oriented system will specialize in providing clearer lyrics and deeper voice tracks. If you love movies and music alike, consider getting an A/V receiver with many channels to ensure all these aspects.Channels To Distribute
There are some common channel specifications like 9.1, 5.1, or 7.1. While the first number indicates the total number of speakers, the second one is the subwoofer of the system. Similarly, you can consider your room’s arrangements and available space to choose a suitable number of speakers. For small rooms, I recommend the 5.1 system, while the 9.1 system is optimal for larger areas.
What Are Your Usage Needs?
Individual Or One Piece
Most surround sound systems come with separate components like subwoofers, center channels, and surround speakers. However, there are still some systems that come in one individual box. This box contains all the mentioned components and functions like a complete surround sound system. The primary purpose of this design is to save more space in your room, creating a simplistic home theater setup.Type And Number Of Connections
To decide on the number of connections and HDMI ports, consider the number of devices you want to link with the system. However, I recommend choosing products with a high number of connections in case you want to use more audio devices in the future.A/V Receivers
The A/V receiver is the heart of a surround sound system, which helps you control, modify, and check all information relating to the other components in the system. If your targeted system doesn’t come with an A/V receiver, I recommend you install an additional one. It contains many helpful features and functions that will help you tremendously in the usage process.Wireless Or Wired?
If you don’t like the cords or simply want to make your audio setup more simplistic and cleaner, go for a wireless surround sound system. It will cost more than wired products, but you won’t regret spending money on this feature.How To Build A 7.1 Surround Sound System?
The center channel of the sound system should be in front of the hearer, located underneath the PC. As their name suggests, the left and right speakers should be placed on the two sides of the center channel. These two front speakers should face your hearing position for the best hearing experience. Besides the two front speakers and the center channel, a complete surround sound system also possesses surround speakers. These surround speakers’ ideal positions are slightly behind your TV or the center channel. Meanwhile, the other speakers should be on the two sides of the viewing position. The last component of a system is the subwoofer, which has various flexible positions you can consider based on your available space. Consider putting it in the corner, beside the front audio device, or right along the wall.
A Complete Audio Setup
FAQs
Is 5.1 Or 7.1 Surround Better?
A 7.1 surround sound system possesses more advanced and higher-quality features than the 5.1 systems. With a higher number of speakers, the 7.1 systems bring you richer and more satisfying surround sound.Do I Need A Soundbar If I Have Surround Sound?
It depends mainly on your room design and arrangements. The compact and lightweight soundbars are an excellent choice for a small apartment, while larger surround sound systems are more suitable for large spaces.How Many Speakers Do I Need For Dolby Atmos?
I recommend a minimum number of four speakers to achieve the most satisfying listening experience for Dolby Atmos. It will increase the accuracy and richness of the sound, creating a realistic and immersive audio quality.Where Is The Best Place To Put The Atmos Speakers?
According to the rule, you should place the Atmos speakers slightly higher than your ears and head. For example, set the speakers higher than the TV if your eyesight is horizontal with your TV when sitting.How To Choose A Sound System For Tv?
You should pay attention to the core aspects, like the soundbar’s position, how you want to control it, and what you usually use the TV for. Also, consider between a soundbar and a sound base, which are two popular options for TV.Final Thoughts
From listening to music to watching movies and shows, a surround sound system brings you an ecstatic entertaining experience. Besides the audio performance, you should focus more on the aesthetic aspects of the product. Ensure that the surround sound system perfectly fits your audio setup and room’s space. Also, don’t forget that the system’s software and connections must be compatible with your audio hardware. I hope the provided information can help you choose a suitable surround sound system for your needs and budget. Thank you for reading!
By, Steve McConnellSteve McConnell discovered his passion for technology early in his life when he bought his first Nintendo (NES). After spending hours experimenting with cartridges, he finally got inspired and began disassembling and rebuilding any that didn't work. Steve began playing online PC gaming after he quit console gaming. He was a passionate gamer and a problem-solver, which led him to create his own computers.
Steve brings curiosity, critical eyes, problem-solving skills, and persistence to US Best Gear as a tester. Steve is a tech nut who loves to keep up with the latest technology, from electric toothbrushes and electric skateboards to fitness trackers and sewing machines.