Let's face it: even the best TVs have a built-in speaker system that flat out doesn't cut it. When you're building a hi-fi or home theater system, one of the most important choices you have to make is the size and type of speakers you'll need for your space. Whether you're just looking to upgrade your living room TV or building a dedicated home theater setup, there is a great deal of aftermarket equipment that can help you figure out a sound solution that works for your room.
Are you going to get bookshelf speakers or floorstanding speakers? If so, what are the differences? And how are they similar? The goal of this guide is to help you familiarize yourself with audio equipment like soundbars, receivers, and speakers to help you get the best sound possible and give you a few starter recommendations too.
Soundbars
Soundbars comprise an array of speakers combined into a single body. They're a great hybrid of convenience and performance and they offer a few benefits over traditional home theater setups. They're easy to set up, are relatively affordable, and still allow you to get rich, room-encompassing sound. Soundbars are probably the closest to a "set it and forget it" type of solution for an audio setup. Of course, not all soundbars are created equal, so we've rounded up some models to help you get started in your journey for the perfect soundbar and not break the proverbial bank while doing so.
The Samsung HW-S700D packs a powerfully substantial sound and is a huge upgrade from just about any TV's built-in speaker system. You'll likely be genuinely impressed by the grand and enveloping sound that this Dolby Atmos surround setup delivers. With adaptive height channel drivers, you'll get the 360 degree audio effect that makes Dolby Atmos so entertaining to experience.
If you're looking for an even more immersive audio experience, you can opt for a true Dolby Atmos soundbar system with added surround speakers, like the Vizio M-Series Elevate. It makes the Dolby Atmos experience even more authentic thanks to side-firing and upward-facing speakers that can direct sound from the ceiling. And in addition to the subwoofer, it comes with two satellite speakers.
If you want to invest in a more high-end soundbar system, we recommend the Samsung HW-Q910D, which delivers ample power and a whopping 9.2.1 channel configuration. This model will even analyze your space and automatically calibrate the system to it. The result is optimized surround sound audio that maximizes immersion and realism. With tons of connectivity options, such as Airplay 2, Chromecast and Alexa, you'll not only have a top-of-the-line theater experience but also a premium sound system for your music. That said, if you're searching for even more performance, that's where the next category begins.
Receivers
An AV receiver is very much the heart of a surround-sound setup. If you're trying to get as close as possible to recreating the high-fidelity audio experience of being in a movie theater, an AV receiver is an absolute must-have piece of equipment. For starters, your receiver can power the speakers of your choice and can handle the job of input switching from devices like your TV or gaming consoles. Other than source switching, your receiver is also responsible for audio (and sometimes video) processing, speaker amplification, and volume control, too. You'll basically plug all of your devices into the receiver and it'll do the rest.
With detailed specs and hardware, shopping for an AV receiver can be a bit intimidating. The price can also vary from as low as a few hundred to thousands of dollars, so we've rounded up a couple of choices that are a great place to get started in your search. The Onkyo TX-SR3100 and the Denon AVR-X1800H, are great midrange choices for those building their first setup. When choosing between models, it's important to consider how many sources you plan on connecting to your receiver because they are all equipped with a varying number of inputs and include a variety of streaming options like Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and more. Now that you have gotten a quick overview of AV receivers, the next logical stepping stone to building your setup is your choice of speakers.
Floorstanding Speakers
Also known as tower speakers, these, alongside their smaller bookshelf counterparts, are probably the most iconic element of a home theater setup. Unlike bookshelf speakers, floorstanding speakers can deliver on a greater scale and their sound is way more room-filling than their smaller siblings. Generally speaking, bigger speakers are capable of delivering higher volumes, better dynamics and more bass, thanks to their increased size that can house more powerful drivers. Most floorstanding speakers are passive as opposed to active. In a passive speaker system, there's no amplification inside so you need a separate amplifier to get the best sound. An active speaker system, on the other hand, has its own integrated amplification and will connect directly to AC power.
It's important to identify your overall budget when choosing speakers because ideally, you want your components to match somewhat in terms of performance. You're just leaving money on the table if you have a pair of high-end speakers that the rest of your kit can't properly power. For a suggestion for floorstanding speakers that deliver solid sound quality without breaking your budget, consider the the Polk Audio Monitor XT60, which sports a 6.5" bi-laminate paper woofer and 1" Terylene dome tweeter; a 38 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response and 86 dB sensitivity ensure accurate audio. Handling 25 to 200W of power per channel, these speakers are compatible with 4- / 8-ohm outputs.
Pair the above speakers with the Polk Audio Monitor XT15, and you've got a system that's not only ideal for surround sound theater viewing, but also capable of delivering a top class music listening experience.
There are considerably higher-end speakers available, like the Reference Premiere RP-8060FA II Speakers, from Klipsch, equipped with a front-firing pair of 8" Cerametallic woofers, a 1" tweeter, and the ability to produce up to 150W RMS of power. Each speaker is also fully Dolby Atmos capable with integrated drivers, which work to envelop viewers in an immersive surround sound experience.
Whether you're looking to improve your TV's sound or building an elaborate home theater setup, there are plenty of affordable options available, and you don't need to sacrifice style for performance either, with modern setups looking cleaner than ever. Soundbars are getting better and better, but building your own setup allows you to mix and match based on your needs. Regardless of whichever option you choose, you'll never miss a line from your favorite show listening through underwhelming TV speakers ever again.
Which of these will you be adding to your at-home setup? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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