The Best Type of Speakers for an Epic Surround Sound Experience

Posted by Tiffany Young
2
Tech Innovation
Feb 8, 2023
925 Views

Nothing beats the three-dimensional experience of a quality surround sound setup. While a simple soundbar or quality set of speakers can get the job done, surround sound is the way to go if you want movie theater-quality audio. But you must make many different considerations before deciding if surround sound is right for your home. Here is a guide to help you choose the right speakers and find a good surround sound placement.


Things to Consider When Choosing a Surround Sound Setup

Before you begin shopping, you must make a few different considerations. A quality setup can get expensive, so you must research and invest in the right equipment. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you make an investment.


How Many Speakers Do You Need?

First, you should determine how many speakers you'll need. The minimum number for a barebones surround sound setup is three - one in the center and one on each side of the room. However, the classic setup is five speakers. That allows you to have two speakers in the rear to create the full three-dimensional effect. You can get as complex as you want, and some advanced home entertainment systems have as many as 34 speakers. But for most rooms, 5-7 will suffice. So take a look at your budget and decide how much you're willing to spend to get the full effect.


How Big is the Room?

Another factor to consider is the size of the room. The more square footage, the more speakers you'll ultimately need for your surround sound setup. A full home theater will require a more complex speaker setup than the standard living room or den. It's also important to consider the acoustics of the room as well. High ceilings and the potential for echo may impact the type of speakers you get and your surround sound placement. So, be sure to take these factors into account when shopping for equipment.



What Kind of Connectivity Works Best?

Connectivity is another issue you should take into account. While wireless speakers with Bluetooth capabilities offer flexibility and convenience, they don't always offer the best sound quality. The best, most high-quality surround sound setups tend to be wired. However, this also means you must have a plan to conceal the wires so they don't impact the room's aesthetics and no one trips.


How to Choose the Right Speakers

Now that you've envisioned the perfect surround sound setup, it's time to begin shopping for the proper equipment. But with so many options, it can be tough to know where to begin. It all depends on what type of audio experience and surround sound placement you're planning. Here are a few different types of speakers you may consider:


Soundbar: A soundbar can work well as the center speaker that sits just below the television. They are great at projecting crisp high-fidelity audio that is far superior to the audio on your TV speakers. You'll need several other types of speakers to create the full surround sound experience, but this is a good place to start.


Compact Speakers: Compact in-ceiling or in-wall speakers are another great
addition to a quality surround sound setup. They are out of sight and out of mind and provide clean audio from the sides and ceiling that create the full 3-D effect. You may want to have them professionally installed or hidden in a bookcase or shelf if possible. But quality compact speakers are perfect for creating more dynamics in your surround sound.


Floor-Standing Speakers: Floor-standing speakers can be another great addition to any surround sound setup. These are the tall, slender speakers that often sit in front of the screen at a slight angle facing the audience. While not entirely necessary, they can create the full movie theater experience that many audio enthusiasts love.

Subwoofer: Finally, if you want those booming bass notes, you'll want to get a good subwoofer. The higher the wattage the more powerful the bass will be, so pay attention to this metric. A good subwoofer can handle about 100 Hz, but anything over 150 Hz is fantastic.


Where to Place Your Speakers

Finally, once you have all your speakers, you'll want to consider the surround sound placement. At a minimum, you'll want one in front, two on the sides, and two in the back. If you choose to add additional speakers, you may decide to position them at different angles in between those five core speakers. If it makes sense, you may also want to strategically place speakers in the ceilings or around the furniture to create a totally immersive experience.


Ultimately, your surround sound setup will come down to the dimensions and dynamics of the room. If you need help purchasing audio equipment or need advice on proper speaker placement, contact us.

 

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