For decades now, surround sound systems have helped to add an extra layer of immersion to our favourite films and shows. Providing accurate audio that moves around the space in tandem with any action on-screen.
However, with the introduction of soundbars into UK homes, surround sound systems quickly found themselves with some very strong competition. Soundbars can pack directional multi-channel audio capabilities into a single unified unit. With one soundbar, you can achieve realistic and immersive audio that adds believability to your content.
But are soundbars anywhere as good as surround sound systems? Can they provide an accurate audio experience that truly rivals a surround sound system? And are surround sound systems at risk of becoming obsolete?
No doubt, any number of these burning questions have led you right here. Well, our Reliant tech experts are here to answer them for you, once and for all!
Can A Soundbar Be As Good As Surround Sound?
Soundbars are designed to provide a very similar sound experience to a surround sound system, but all from one unit. For the most part, they’re great at doing this. Soundbars make use of truly advanced technologies that allow audio to have a 3D effect. Despite all coming from the same single device, audio sounds as if it is coming from all kinds of directions.
This is partly helped by how soundbars are designed. Soundbars are actually made up of an array of compact speakers all arranged in a horizontal formation. Each of these speakers is focused on a specific sound and is programmed to send sound in a specific direction. This is what allows the 3D effect to happen.
Soundbars can vary quite a bit in terms of their size, and how many speakers are packed into them. Some smaller soundbars have 3 speakers, while larger soundbars have 5 speakers. The more speakers there are, the more sound will seem to travel.
Soundbars are a great audio solution for those with smaller spaces. However, they still cannot match up with surround sound systems when it comes to audio fidelity, believability, and immersion.
However, it’s important to reiterate that a soundbar is only ever simulating the experience of 3D audio. Sound is not actually coming from different directions in the space. It just sounds that way thanks to clever technology.
Many audio experts and film lovers argue that for a true surround sound experience, with maximum clarity and believability, you need some kind of surround sound system. So far, soundbars have yet to completely usurp surround sound systems.
Why Opt For A Soundbar?
Though soundbars have yet to truly take over from surround sound systems as the ultimate TV sound solution, they offer a massive number of benefits.
Easily one of the key benefits offered by soundbars is their compact size. Soundbars are incredibly small and incredibly easy to integrate into a home theatre set-up. With just a single unit, you can emulate the surround sound experience. Without having to carefully arrange a whole set of speakers all through the space. This makes them great for smaller homes, and also for those who want to aim for a particular aesthetic in their home cinema. Soundbars are incredibly stylish and have a great modern look.
Soundbars are also incredibly easy to set up. They can be hooked up to your TV through a wired connection, or even wirelessly. All you need to do is pair the two, and set the soundbar as the primary sound source! This is much easier than painstakingly positioning every last speaker of a surround sound system.
Finally, we also have to mention that soundbars are specially designed to work directly with some of the best premium audio formats. Dolby Atmos sound, specifically, sounds just great on a soundbar. The format makes full use of every speaker in a soundbar and creates a more immersive and realistic 3D sound.
Why Opt For A Surround Sound System?
Generally, surround sound systems are best for lovers of audio. Surround sound systems offer an unrivalled level of clarity and realism with every sound. This makes it much easier to lose yourself in your favourite content. Surround sound systems are also able to actually send sounds in different directions. For instance, any sounds coming from behind you will actually come from that direction. Unlike soundbars which emulate surround sound, these systems truly give you the real thing!
Surround sound systems also sound much more powerful. As such, if you’re a fan of action films or live sports, a surround sound system will help you to really soak in the atmosphere!
Surround sound systems are much more expensive than soundbars. However, they offer an unrivalled level of audio fidelity. Sound truly does travel in all directions when using a surround sound system.
However, if you have a smaller budget, less space in the home, or perhaps absolute audio fidelity is unimportant to you, then a soundbar should more than suffice. Your choice between the two systems will ultimately depend on the kind of experience you want, and the space and money you have to spare!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Soundbar Be As Good As Surround Sound?
A soundbar can emulate the experience of using a surround sound system. The multiple internal speakers of a soundbar can project sound in such a way that it has a 3D effect. It sounds as though it’s coming from all directions. However, a surround sound system instead actually sends sound from different directions. This results in a more “true” and realistic surround sound experience.
Is A Soundbar Enough For A Home Theatre?
Absolutely. Soundbars have immense sound quality and can project sound with immense power. Your films and shows will feel that much more real. They’re also very compact. If your home theatre is limited in available space, then a soundbar can be a great solution. If you want a true surround sound experience, however, you will need a full surround sound system.
