Soundbar vs. Surround Sound: How to Choose What's Right for You

Posted on July 30, 2024

The quality of your audio can make all the difference when setting up a home entertainment system. Choosing between soundbars and surround sound systems is based on your needs and preferences, but finding the right option for your needs doesn't have to be complicated. This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed choice for your home.

What is a Soundbar?

A soundbar is a slim, elongated speaker system that typically sits below your TV. It’s designed to deliver high-quality audio without having multiple speakers scattered around your room. Soundbars often have built-in subwoofers and can include advanced features like Dolby Atmos for a more immersive listening experience.

Benefits of Soundbars

1. Simplicity: Soundbars are easy to install and use. With fewer components and cables, they offer a clean and clutter-free setup.
2. Space-Saving: Soundbars are ideal for small spaces due to their compact design.
3. Affordability: Generally, soundbars are less expensive than full surround sound systems, making them a budget-friendly option.
4. Advanced Features: Modern soundbars include wireless connectivity, voice control, and integrated subwoofers.

Recommended Soundbars from Silica

1. Sonos Black- Arc: The Wireless Dolby Atmos Home Theater Soundbar

(Model: ARCBL)

• Features: Dolby Atmos, wireless connectivity, sleek design
• Why We Recommend It: The Sonos Arc delivers a truly immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for movie enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. Its wireless design ensures a clean and clutter-free setup.

2. Sonos Black- Beam: The Smart TV Soundbar with HDMI Input

(Model: BEAM2US1BLK)

• Features: HDMI input, smart TV compatibility
• Why We Recommend It: The Sonos Beam is a smart TV soundbar designed to fit seamlessly into any home entertainment setup. Its compact size and powerful sound make it a standout choice.

3. Yamaha SR-B40A Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer

(Model: SRB40ABL)

• Features: Dolby Atmos®, wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity, eARC/ARC HDMI output, multiple sound modes
• Why We Recommend It: This Yamaha sound bar is perfect for those who seek an immersive audio experience with powerful bass. The wireless subwoofer adds depth to the sound, and its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy music streaming. The compact design ensures it fits well in any home setup.

4. Yamaha SR-B20ABL Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers

(Model: SRB20ABL)

• Features: Built-in subwoofers, Bluetooth connectivity, compact design
• Why We Recommend It: This Yamaha sound bar is perfect for those who want deep bass without the need for an external subwoofer. Its compact design makes it suitable for smaller spaces.

What is Surround Sound?

Surround sound systems typically consist of multiple speakers positioned around a room to create an immersive audio experience. These systems can include up to 5.1 or even 7.1 channels, meaning there are five or seven speakers plus a subwoofer. Advanced systems incorporate Dolby Atmos technology to create an even more enveloping sound.

Benefits of Surround Sound

1. Immersive Experience: Surround sound creates a multidimensional audio experience, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
2. Sound Clarity: Individual speakers dedicated to specific audio channels improve overall sound clarity and precision.
3. Customization: Surround sound systems offer more customization options for placement and setup to suit your room and preferences.
4. Advanced Technology: Many systems feature Dolby Atmos and high-resolution audio for superior sound quality.

Recommended Surround Sound Systems from Silica

1. Klipsch Flexus CORE 100 2.1-Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar

(Model: 1071980)

• Features: 5.1.4 channel sound, Dolby Atmos, powerful subwoofer
• Why We Recommend It: This Klipsch system provides a full 5.1.4 surround sound experience with the added benefit of Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for a home theater setup. The powerful subwoofer ensures deep bass, while the Dolby Atmos technology delivers an immersive audio experience that brings movies, music, and games to life.

2. Yamaha SR-X50A Black Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

(Model: SRX50ABL)

• Features: High-resolution audio, Dolby Atmos®, wireless rear speakers and subwoofer
• Why We Recommend It: The Yamaha SR-X50A offers high-resolution audio and comes with the option to add wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, providing a flexible and immersive audio experience. Its Dolby Atmos® technology ensures a detailed and expansive soundstage, making it perfect for enhancing your home entertainment setup.

3. Klipsch RP-500SA II Surround Sound Speakers

(Model: 1070021)

• Features: Versatile placement options, premium audio quality, sleek design
• Why We Recommend It: These Klipsch speakers are designed for versatility and can be used as either surround or elevation speakers, making them a great addition to any home theater system.

Soundbar vs. Surround Sound: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a soundbar and a surround sound system depends on various factors, including your room size, budget, and audio preferences. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Room Size and Layout

• Small to Medium Rooms: A soundbar is often sufficient for smaller spaces. It provides excellent sound quality without taking up much room.
• Large Rooms: If you have a larger space, a surround sound system might be the better choice. It ensures even sound distribution throughout the room, providing a more immersive experience.

Budget

• Budget-Friendly: Soundbars are generally more affordable and offer great value for money, especially if you're not looking to invest heavily in a sound system.
• Investment Worthy: Surround sound systems can be more expensive but are worth the investment if you seek the ultimate home theater experience.

Audio Preferences

• Simple and Effective: If you want a straightforward setup and good sound quality, a soundbar is a great option. It's perfect for watching casual movies and listening to music.
• Audiophile: A surround sound system is the way to go for those who prioritize top-notch audio quality and are willing to spend time on setup. It offers a richer and more detailed audio experience.

Installation and Support

At Silica, we don’t just sell top-of-the-line audio equipment; we also provide a complete suite of services to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. Our electronics team specializes in pre-wiring, new builds, and comprehensive installation services. From hooking up Bluetooth to performing detailed pre-wiring inspections, our experts are here to help.

Why Choose Silica?

• Expert Curation: We offer a curated selection of the best soundbars and surround sound systems, ensuring you receive only the highest quality products.
• Comprehensive Services: Our installation teams handle everything from initial setup to ongoing support, making your transition to a new audio system seamless.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Our focus is on you, the customer. We aim to provide a hassle-free experience, from choosing the right product to enjoying it in your home.

Upgrade Your Home Sound System With Silica

Whether you opt for a soundbar or a surround sound system, the key is to choose what fits your lifestyle and audio needs. Both options have their unique advantages and can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience.

Ready to upgrade your audio system? At Silica, you can buy the best soundbars and other entertainment electronics, such as turntables, speakers, HT systems, LED TVs, OLED TVs, and more. Explore our range of soundbars and surround sound systems to find the perfect match for your home. And don't hesitate to reach out to our expert team for personalized advice and installation services.

Stop by one of our electronics store locations in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, Wisconsin, to browse our extensive inventory and get the best sound experience for your home today!

Related readings from our blog:

• Everything You Need to Know About Soundbars
• Finding The Best Soundbar For Your TV
• How to Clean my OLED TV

FAQ: Soundbars vs. Surround Sound Systems

What is Dolby Atmos, and how does it enhance my audio experience?
Dolby Atmos technology adds height channels to your audio setup, creating a more immersive and three-dimensional sound environment. This tech allows sounds to move freely around the room, giving you the sensation of being inside the action rather than just hearing it from a distance.

How difficult is setting up a surround sound system compared to a soundbar?
Setting up a surround sound system is generally more complex than installing a soundbar. Surround sound systems require strategically placing multiple speakers and may involve running wires or configuring wireless connections. Soundbars, in contrast, involve simpler plug-and-play setups, making them more user-friendly for casual users.

Can I use a soundbar along with a surround sound system?
Yes, many users integrate a soundbar with their surround sound system for enhanced audio performance. Some high-end soundbars are designed to be part of a larger home theater setup, acting as the central unit while still allowing additional speakers for a fuller sound experience.

What's the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems?
A 5.1 surround sound system includes five speakers (front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right) and one subwoofer, providing a solid surround sound experience suitable for most home theater setups. A 7.1 surround sound system adds two additional speakers (rear left and rear right), offering even more detailed sound positioning and a more expansive audio experience.

How do wireless surround speakers work, and do they perform as well as wired ones?
Wireless surround speakers use radio frequency (RF) or Wi-Fi to communicate with the main audio unit, eliminating cumbersome wiring. While they offer greater flexibility in placement, their performance can be affected by signal interference and distance from the base unit. High-quality wireless systems, however, are designed to minimize these issues and can perform comparably to wired counterparts.