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(And if you opt for latest-and-greatest audio technology like Dolby Atmos, you can add up to four additional channels in your ceiling.) Not sure how to decide? Here’s all you need to know: if you mostly watch streaming content or cable TV, a 5.1 system is perfect (they don’t broadcast in more than 5.1 anyway). In a 7.1 speaker system, you have two additional rear channels.
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In a 5.1 speaker system, you have a center channel, left and right channels, side left and right channels, and a subwoofer (which is the. There are a number of ways you can set up a surround sound system, but the most popular configurations are 5.1 and 7.1 speaker systems. Which surround sound configuration is right for your space? If you’re building a home theater or need the absolute best audio quality available, plan on buying a receiver and speakers separately. Our take: if you’re outfitting an apartment, dorm room, or other small space, a home theater in a box is your best bet. If you opt to buy everything separately, you get a lot more choice, but bundles are usually a lot more affordable. To create proper surround sound, you’ve got two choices: you can go with a traditional receiver-and-speakers model and purchase each separately, or you can buy a preconfigured “home theater in a box” that includes everything you need for a modest, typical surround sound setup. Do you want a receiver and speakers or a home theater in a box? Key considerationsīefore you do any shopping, there are two big questions to answer. Trying your subwoofer in various locations will give you a sense of what it can do - in some cases, the right corner placement can make all the difference. While it’s true that subwoofer audio is directionless (meaning it’s impossible to tell where it’s coming from), that doesn’t mean you can put yours just anywhere. Still others prefer surround sound speakers designed for computers because they’re so good at creating big sound in small spaces.Įxperiment with subwoofer placement.
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While some people love the simplicity of all-in-one bundles, others prefer the massive sound of multi-speaker packages with speakers that are so big they’re basically furniture. With the right surround sound system, you can add a whole new dimension to your video enjoyment.įinding the right surround sound system can be tricky because there are so many different approaches across the market. Surround sound takes the multichannel audio from whatever you’re watching - cable box, Blu-ray player, or streaming box - and separates each channel into a different speaker, allowing you to hear dialogue more clearly, and you can hear explosions, vehicles, and crowds throughout the whole room. When it comes to home theaters, 4K TVs get hyped a lot, but if you ask us, a good surround sound setup is just as important to the viewing experience as a high-resolution screen.
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Buying guide for best surround sound systems
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