Soundbar vs Surround Sound

Posted April 6th, 2023

When it comes to creating a cinematic experience at home, sound quality plays a significant role without a doubt. The right sound system can transport you to a different world, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which option is right for you.

That’s why we will explore the differences between soundbars and surround sound systems to help you find the perfect fit for your home entertainment needs!

Soundbar and Surround Sound: What’s The Difference?

A soundbar is a single-speaker unit that typically sits in front of your TV. It contains several speaker drivers that deliver audio in a stereo format, with some models also offering a virtual surround sound experience. On the other hand, surround sound consists of several speakers strategically placed around the room, creating a 360-degree audio experience to fully immerse you in sound.

The Benefits Of Soundbars

•Compact: Soundbars are compact, making them a popular choice for those with limited space.

•Easy To Set Up: They are easy to set up which is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a complex installation.

•Built-in Amplifiers: Soundbars come with built-in amplifiers, which means you don't need a separate receiver to power them.

•Budget-Friendly: They tend to be more budget-friendly than surround sound systems.

The Benefits of Surround Sound

•Immersive Experience: They offer a more immersive audio experience than soundbars thanks to the multiple speakers positioned around the room.

•Customizable: Surround sound systems are customizable, allowing you to choose the number of speakers and their placement to create the perfect audio experience for your entertainment space.

•Sound Quality: Generally speaking, the sound quality of surround sound systems is generally better, offering a more nuanced and detailed sound.

The Best Soundbars and Surround Sound Systems

Yamaha YSP-2700 Black MusicCast Sound Bar

Why We Love It: This Yamaha soundbar has a sleek ultra slim design that matches any room decor while also adding a luxurious touch. It also offers versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay, and Spotify Connect to add convenience. Additionally, this soundbar allows you to use voice control with Alexa and Google assistant devices to control your sound, further enhancing the ease of use to provide a better listening experience.

LG Electronics High Res Audio Sound Bar with Surround Speakers

Why We Love It: This LG surround sound system creates a three-dimensional audio experience to make it feel like sound is coming from all around you. You can enjoy music and movies with stunning clarity in the comfort of your own home with its high-resolution audio capabilities. Additionally, this system supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to stream audio from your favorite devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to connect a Samsung soundbar to a TV?

Connecting your new Samsung soundbar is a quick and simple process. First, prepare an HDMI cable then connect that cable to the TV's HDMI IN (ARC). Lastly, connect to the HDMI OUT (TV-ARC) port of the soundbar and turn on the soundbar to set the source to D.IN.

Is surround sound good for gaming?

Yes, if you are looking for a fully immersive gaming and entertainment experience, surround sound systems are a great option.

Do I need a receiver for surround sound?

Yes, you typically need a receiver for surround sound. A receiver serves as the central hub for your audio and video sources, and it processes and amplifies the signals before sending them to your speakers. Without a receiver, you would not be able to properly decode and distribute the audio signals necessary for surround sound.

Transform Your Entertainment Experience

Whether you choose a top-rated LG soundbar or one of the best surround sound systems, the right setup can make all the difference in your home entertainment experience. At Queen City, we proudly carry some of the best speaker systems from top brands like Samsung, LG Electronics, Klipsch, and more for you to choose from.

Stop by any of our electronics store locations in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Pineville, Monroe, Salisbury, Greensboro, and Morganton, North Carolina, to upgrade your home entertainment system today. We strive to help our customers find the perfect electronics to match their unique needs, budget, and preferences. For all of your home electronic needs, Queen City has got you covered!