I get it. You just dropped a chunk of cash on a shiny new QLED TV and console. Now you’re wondering if you should keep riding the upgrade train and grab some surround sound speakers to complete your killer entertainment setup.
I’m here to emphatically tell you that yes, adding a surround system is totally worth it! Let me convince you why and suggest some fantastic options to envelop yourself in heart-pounding, crispy clear audio…
Surround Sound Through the Decades: The Quest for Audio Immersion
Humans have always chased the dream of lifelike sensory experiences. The pursuit of immersive audio led engineers as far back as the 1930s to start pioneering multi-speaker setups to engulf listeners.
In the 1950s and 60s we saw the first commercial surround sound systems attempt to recreate a 360-degree audio soundscape. The format evolved from basic 4-channel quadrasonic to more advanced multichannel offerings.
Dolby kicked surround into high-gear in 1982 by introducing Dolby Stereo – the first home-targeted spatial audio format featuring four discreet channels (left, center, right, surround). This sparked an escalating arms race between formats over the following decades.
The 1990s saw the introduction of 5.1 systems which added a crucial low frequency “LFE” subwoofer channel, critical for realistic immersive bass.
The 2000s ushered in lossless formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD which enabled incredible fidelity. Recent object-based advancements like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X finally turned surround content creation into an exact sonic science – enabling sound designers to pinpoint audio objects in 3D space compared to fixed channels.
The result today? Surround systems that can convince your senses you’re truly inside the on-screen world!
7 Killer Benefits of Surround Over Stereo Sound
I get that built-in TV speakers or a basic Bluetooth speaker seem convenient. But once you experience what a well-configured surround system can do, you’ll regret sticking with flat stereo audio!
Let’s break down the key benefits well-executed surround delivers:
1. Fully Immersive “Bubble of Sound”
Instead of just left/right audio channels, surround uses strategically-placed speakers all around you to replicate lifelike soundscapes. You’re in the middle of the full 360-degree bubble!
2. Precisely Localized Sounds
Surround creates a sonic environment where effects and objects have pinpoint directionality compared to amorphous stereo. Your auditory system blends cues to precisely localize sounds.
3. Custom Tuned To Your Room
Proper surround setups require running room calibration routines. This programs audio output to overcome room-specific acoustic anomalies. Result? Audio fine-tuned to your unique space.
4. Decluttered Dialogue
Vocals often compete with other sounds in stereo. With surround, clear, dedicated center channel anchors dialogue to the screen so you won’t miss plot points!
5. Bone-Rattling Bass
Surround standards include a LFE channel for deep, floor-vibrating low frequency effects. Explosions and soundtracks quite literally hit harder thanks to a dedicated sub, essential for realistically immersive audio.
6. Enhanced Off-Axis Enjoyment
Surround continues providing an engulfing experience even if you’re not parked front-and-center. Key for when you’re multi-tasking around your living room during movies.
7. More Media Support
From films mastered in Dolby Atmos to surround-encoded music tracks, more of today‘s content is optimized for surround playback than ever before. You unlock more immersive mixes.
Surround systems with four satellite speakers, a center channel and a subwoofer provide full 5.1 surround sound – perfect for dramatically stepping up immersion!
Clearly surround is no mere gimmick – it’s an essential ingredient for transportive home entertainment. But which systems best balance performance, ease-of-use and value?
My 5 Top Surround Speaker Picks To Elevate Your Experience
After installing countless setups over my career, these five surround systems stand out as offering a superb immersive upgrade from built-in TV audio:
1. Logitech Z606 – Best Budget Surround Speakers
If you want an affordable first step into surround sound, Logitech has you covered. Meet the Z606 – a 5.1 speaker system combining strong Crash Plan performance, versatile connectivity and useful features at a Crazy affordable $120 price point.
Let’s dig into why this system kills it for the money:
Sound Quality
The Z606 may be entry-level, but pleasingly punchy and balanced audio proves you don’t need to spend big for decent surround. 160W RMS power drives the detailed satellies and thick lows from the 8-inch sub.
Connectivity
The system keeps wiring tidy thanks to bundled speaker cables. Handily, the control pod sports 3.5mm, RCA and optical inputs for TV, game consoles etc. Bluetooth even enables streaming music.
Features
The Z606 impresses with useful touches like one-touch volume control and independent bass/satellite level adjustment. Auto power-saving when idle saves electricity.
For $120, the Logitech Z606 supplies fantastic, decent quality surround to elevate movies, games and music from expectations. An affordable first step before upgrading later to wireless surround.
2. Samsung HW-Q950A – Slick Dolby Atmos Soundbar Surround
If you crave immersive audio without setting up satellite speakers and cables everywhere, Samsung’s HW-Q950A is for you. This Dolby Atmos soundbar combo dishes up awesome surround vibes from a simplified bar, wireless rears and sub setup.
Here’s what you’ll enjoy:
Sound Quality
Eleven speakers (including upfiring and wireless rears) immerses you in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio with remarkable precision and starter-to-ceiling range. Voices pop with the center speaker while the separate sub brings serious bass heft.
Design
The streamlined Atmos soundbar mounts neatly to your wall or sits on a credenza, complimented by tidy wireless rears. The whole system looks appropriately slick.
Features
HDMI ports enable video pass-through from players to TV while Wi-Fi handles audio streaming. Bluetooth lets you jam smartphone playlists. Alexa support allows convenient voice control which is super handy!
If you want more advanced surround audio without installing a full-blown A/V setup, the Q950A bundles amazing wireless Dolby Atmos support into one of the most seamless solutions out there today.
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3. Sonos Arc 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar System – Wireless Surround excellence
For the best immersive Wi-Fi multiroom audio experience available today, Sonos Arc system shines. While spendy, you’re investing in superb wireless Dolby Atmos sound quality practicality across movies, games and music.
Let’s break down the goodness:
Sound Quality
Combining the Arc soundbar with Sonos Sub and Surround speakers creates expansive 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos separation. The upfiring speakers bounce sound effects off your ceiling as rears envelope your sides. Crystal clear!
Design
Setup takes minutes thanks to clever wireless surround components – simply position and plug-in. Control happens right from your phone. With matte black or white finishes available, the system discreetly blends into your living space.
Smart Features
As part of the Sonos ecosystem, the system seamlessly playlists music services like Spotify as well as playing TV optical/HDMI audio. Voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration amps up convenience.
While carrying a high ticket price, know every dollar invested gets you an awesome easy-to-integrate wireless surround system, and a gateway to whole-home multiroom audio if you add more Sonos speakers down the track. An excellent future-proof investment!
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4. Vizio SB36514-G6 – Big Surround Sound on a Budget!
My next tip if you want truly monstrous Atmos audio on a relatively tight budget is Vizio’s SB36514-G6. For under $500, this mighty 5.1.4 soundbar combo dishes up ear-splitting surround separation to fill even large spaces courtesy clever upward-firing drivers.
Sound Quality
Four dedicated up-firing speakers combine with satellite rear surrounds to bounce overhead effects down onto listeners, creating the illusion of 3D object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio at a fraction of a full separate AVR system price. 100 decibels of room-filling loudness means blockbuster audio guaranteed!
Connectivity
HDMI handles 4K HDR passthrough while Chromecast is built-in for direct media streaming. DTS Virtual:X processing helps approximate 3D soundfields from standard audio. Conveniently calibrate tuning to your room with the smartphone app.
Value
Priced south of $500 yet pumping out Dolby Atmos scale thrills, the Vizio SB36514-G6 gives you license to piss off your neighbors with serious blockbuster surround sound on a working man’s budget. Boom!
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5. KEF Q950 System – State-of-the-Art Surround Speakers
Finally, what if money is no object and you demand bleeding-edge immersive fidelity? Allow me to introduce the KEF Q950 hi-fi nirvana machine primed for object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sonic ecstasy!
Performance
KEF’s Uni-Q driver array technology pumps out reference-grade cinema audio across eight discreet channels. Upfiring speakers bounce hyper-detailed effects overhead as the powerful 10-inch sub hits rock-concert volume 20Hz lows cleanly. Hear audio masterpieces as intended!
Build Quality
Constructed from premium metals and high-end components, the Q950 set screams excessive engineering excellence from meticulously braced cabinets to bespoke oxygen-free audio cables. Truly Built To Not Be F*cked With!
Customization
KEF includes dedicated room calibration mics allowing you to finely tune the systems response to your space. Adjust each channel individually then save audio presets between movie and music modes via the amplifier.
Make no mistake – the Q950 range represents one of the current pinnacles of high-fidelity, cost-no-object home surround sound. If you have the disposable income, this system will reward you with an unparalleled immersive audio experience!
Smart Surround Sound Shopping: 3 Key Buying Considerations
Hopefully my top recommendations have you convinced on enhancing your space with quality surround sound! Before pulling the trigger though, keep these key factors in mind while shopping to score the perfect system for your needs:
Room Size Compatibility
Factor in the dimensions of your living room and ceiling height. Larger spaces may require extra separates or wireless speakers to immerse listeners sitting further from a soundbar. Measure first!
Acoustic Accommodations
Consider nearby reflective surfaces that could skew perception of audio effects. Can your system calibrate its output via room correction? This optimizes surround precision.
SOURCE Flexibility
Check available inputs match your TV, console and streaming box audio outputs. Do you need HDMI, 3.5mm, optical or RCA jacks? Also consider streaming options – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Chromecast, etc.
Also set a budget cap based on features needed. And remember great deals routinely pop up if you can wait!
Wrap Up: Dive Into Immersive Surround Today
I hope this guide has convinced you to take the plunge sooner rather than later into quality surround sound for your personal entertainment oasis!
Compared to basic built-in TV speakers or primitive Bluetooth boxes, adding an immersive speaker setup literally adds a whole new dimension to movies, streaming shows, games and music.
You’ll be thrilled realizing what you’ve been missing after experiencing your first pulsating action sequence, soaring movie score or enveloping video game soundtrack through a well-implemented surround system.
Surround is the ultimate sensory upgrade for today’s digital lifestyle – so treat your ears and upgrade! Need any help or advice on choosing, feel free to hit me up.
