Before you hit the stores in search of a surround sound system, you should arm yourself with some basic knowledge of stereo equipment. Audio systems come in all shapes and sizes, so you need to be aware of how they function in order to make an informed decision as to how you will choose a surround sound system that is right for you.
The first thing you will need to do is familiarize yourself with your other entertainment components, especially your television and DVD player. You should be sure to note of what input and output connections are available on your existing equipment.
The simplest route for most consumers will be to purchase a packaged sound system, which have become quite common on the market. These range in price from $150 to thousands of dollars, depending on the setup and quality of the system, as well as the amount of speakers, wattage and space in which the sound will be amplified.
Most homeowners can opt for a mid-range setup, consisting of basic equipment. This will include the receiver unit -- which sometimes doubles as a DVD/CD player -- as well as various speakers for optimal sound delivery. A subwoofer is necessary to achieve the deep booming vibrations often associated with theater atmospheres. Take into consideration the amount of time you will be using your surround sound system. If you watch movies or like to enjoy high-quality music often, you would be well-served with a higher-end package, as it will produce better sound and last significantly longer. However, a less-expensive system will also deliver high quality for those without discriminating ears. The important thing to keep in mind about surround sound is that it really is a subjective experience. What may sound great to one individual may not necessarily sound good to another.
Something you’ll come across often in your research is Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound. This is common with pre-packaged systems. It consists of five speakers installed in strategic locations in the listening area, making the listener feel as if they are in the middle of the action. Two speakers are situated in front of the listener, one on the left and one on the right. A center speaker -- which projects dialogue or vocals -- sits on top of or hangs directly over the television. Rear left and right speakers dispatches background sound and provides some of the subtleties that surround sound is known for. The subwoofer can be placed anywhere, as long as it’s in the room.
Some systems are now being manufactured as 7.1. This means there are seven satellite speakers instead of five. At this time, the extra speakers will usually only duplicate the sound made by the other speakers, since most programs and DVDs are mixed for 5.1 systems. While this makes everything sound terrific, wires hanging about on every wall are not exactly “aesthetically-pleasing”. Many choose to run the speaker wires from the ceiling or behind the walls. This is a bit more time consuming, but the overall effect will be worth the extra effort (in a cosmetic sense).
If you choose to purchase the elements of your sound system individually, there are some key points to remember. First, make sure the receiver you choose has enough power for the speakers you will be using and the room you will be using it in. Typically, 100 watts per channel is a good standard to measure everything else by. You will also need to take into consideration whether you will be using it for music, movies, or both, as this may determine the type of receiver you need. However, many receivers on the market are designed to accommodate multiple functions, so this may be less of a consideration than others.
In general, a system with higher wattage will deliver more dynamic, full-bodied sound than a lower-wattage system. It’s also wise to select speakers that are similar in looks as well as performance. This may be difficult when buying your components separately, but it is a good rule of thumb to purchase all the elements from the same manufacturer. This will eliminate a lot of confusion and headaches later when it’s time to set up your system.
Whether you choose to purchase your surround system as a packaged set or as individual components, you can be sure you will enjoy it for years to come if you plan carefully and follow the setup instructions for optimal performance.