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System Upgrade Takes Listening to the Next Level
Whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, or listening to music, a high-quality sound system can take you from casually listening to feeling like you’re part of the action. If you’ve thought about installing a sound system in your home, ’tis the season, to treat yourself to 1 that easily meets your needs and budget.
All sound systems have 2 basic components. First, there’s the source providing the audio signal. This can be a TV, gaming device, or digital music player, like your phone or computer. The second component is the amplifier, which boosts the audio signal. More than just volume, the amplifier improves the overall sound quality with more detail and clarity.
When it comes to speakers, music formats only require 2, but the more speakers you have, the more immersive the sound will be. A soundbar sometimes called a media bar, has multiple speakers enclosed in a single horizontal unit, usually placed above or below the TV. A surround sound system is much more complex, with speakers strategically placed around the room to deliver the best possible sound.
Soundbar vs. Surround Sound
Soundbars are ready to go right out of the box. They’re relatively inexpensive, sleek, and easy to install. Soundbars are ideal for smaller spaces because of their minimal visual impact.
When shopping for a soundbar, pay close attention to the number of speakers hidden inside. A larger soundbar doesn’t necessarily mean better sound quality. Look to manufacturers like Bose, Sonos, or Vizio for reliable options.
Surround sound is the choice for high fidelity and full dynamic range of sound—think of your listening area as a movie theater with booming audio. It considers factors like room size, acoustics, and listening positions to determine the number of speakers and locations. If you already have a basic speaker system at home, upgrading to surround sound might be as simple as adding an extra speaker or 2.
Price of Perfection
Very simple sound systems can still deliver a fantastic listening experience, so don’t worry if you’re starting on a smaller budget. But if you’re designing your own setup and need advice on speaker placement or hiding wires behind walls, you’ll need an electrician for expert guidance. Installers charge an average of $50 to $100 an hour, so remember to budget for that.
The most common format for surround sound systems is the 5.1, with 6 audio channels, 5 speakers, and a subwoofer that delivers deep, rumbling bass frequencies. A 5.1 setup can cost between $300 to $1,700.
A more extensive option is the 7.1 surround, with 2 additional audio channels and 2 more speakers. Comparable to the audio setup found in large cinemas, the cost of this configuration runs anywhere from $400 to $4,000.