The Best Surround Sound Speaker Systems

Understanding Channel Configurations

When shopping for surround sound, you will see numbers like 5.1 or 7.1. The first number represents the main speakers (front, center, and surround), while the second number represents the subwoofer for low-frequency effects. A 5.1 system is the standard for most homes, providing a balanced soundscape. If you want to take it further, look for systems that support Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating an overhead audio layer.

Key Components

To get the best performance, avoid 'all-in-one' cheap box systems. Instead, invest in a quality AV receiver and separate speakers. Match your center channel speaker carefully with your front left and right speakers, as the center channel handles the vast majority of dialogue in films. Proper calibration using the microphone included with most modern receivers will ensure that the audio is leveled correctly for your specific seating position, eliminating volume jumps during action sequences.