Soundbars vs Surround Sound Speakers: Which is Best for You?

This was EXTREMELY helpful in language even I can understand.

Me: Buying an audio system for my small apartment living room, probably going with a soundbar. Also me: Researching all these fancy home audio systems.

I'll go for traditional speaker, because more versatile sounds, best audio quality for music.

I've gone with sound bars for the time being because of living in an apartment and not being ideal for dedicated setups based on space, and volume of sound. Years back I had a Panasonic theater in a box that had 5.1 for the built in DVD change, and stereo inputs for anything externally. It was a nice balance between a sound bar and dedicated setup. Initially I was going to just do a stereo setup for TV and Movies because I was concerned a sub would be too hard to control. However, I have really good neighbors and only on one side, and the setups I've decided on haven't caused any problems. I'd love to do a dedicated home theater, however that won't happen here, but it gives me something to look forward to whenever I can afford my own place (not rented ) I thought you did an excellent job presenting the arguments for each side and which each is better suited for. Have a great day!

The basics of speaker placement hold true for both separates and sound bars. Get the front speakers at eye/ear level as best as possible. Keeping them at least as high as the bottom of your screen will also ensure a proper soundstage or placement of the audio where it looks like it’s coming from on screen.

Just subscribed. I like the way you explain your video and don’t get super complicated. You voice runs smoothly. You get to the point on pros and cons. Thanks

For my apartment, I use a Sonos Beam and I am quite happy with it. Of course, it won't beat the big dogs, but as long as one likes what they have, that is what truly matters.

Extremely helpful. Thank you. You cleared my doubts about connections and sound quality and why one would use a soundbar.

Appreciate this video and tips while I’m shopping for upgrading my entertainment area!

Your review comparing sound bars, after the other research I did convinced me the Sonos ARC system is the one to get. So I bought the whole system. I have had my Sonos ARC system since Feb 1, 2021. I got the Sonos ARC, One SL surrounds, & the Sonos Gen 3 Sub. I am extremely impressed with the system. EXTREMELY! The Sub surprised me at how deep it goes, yet it is very musical and well integrated. It doesn't just add 'boom'. the center channel for dialogue and detail is exceptionally clear. Even though I have high 12' vaulted ceiling on the wall where the ARC soundbar is mounted, I still get a nice sense of up-firing sounds from the Dolby Atmos speakers. In short, I am blown away at the overall performance of the system. If I had one complaint, it would be the system can be somewhat bright, even when I dial down the Treble EQ range. It is not however a deal breaker. The benefits of this system are massive. I love it. I was thinking of adding a second sub just to see how it performs. I don't feel I need it however. But I am curious. Pricey however, so I'll hang back for a bit.

Nice video. I do love them both... I have a good 5.1.2 speaker setup in a living room + 5.1.2 Soundbar at the bedroom. Works well when using a receiver that has 2 HDMI out ports. One PC runs both systems. There is no way I could ever do a surround setup in my bedroom without a soundbar.

I loved the pros and cons between both setups. I was hoping for you to explain the differences in sound stage between sound bars and like a 2.1 LCR w/ subwoofer setup.

Thank you for a very "understandable" video. I was struggling with the dilemma of soundbar vs surround sound. I now understand it and have decided for simplicity and to meet my budget that a soundbar is the way forward for me. Thank you

So I have had both. Surround (Bose 7.1) and it sounded great. That was 5 years ago. I just bought Sonos arc Surround sound and I was blown away with Dolby Atmos. Plus I'm a minimalist so clean look for me

Consideration should also be given to the difference between controlling the sound. Soundbars invariably all rely on a dedicated app and/or remote controller both of which have limitations whereas a traditional 5.1 system will be controlled by an AV receiver which allows far more fine tuning of the various elements.

I absolutely loved my Sony 7.2 receiver and setup. Unfortunately, it finally burned out and died on me (I'm sure it is repairable but just can't afford it now). Anyway, enter my Sony Sound Bar from 2013. It is a great substitute for the time being. When watching TV or playing games, I sometimes forget that I am listening to a 2.1 sound bar instead of my 7.2 one. Just my 2 cents. I think sound bars are perfect for apartments or small/medium rooms. But receivers are always going to be #1.

great advice, thank you. Regards from Ireland

I am convinced. I am a traditional sound system kind of guy.

Glad I found this video. I was looking at putting a TV in my guest bedroom, My theater room has a $9000 Sound system, My master bedroom has 2k sound system. But I have sony 5.1 sound system I was looking at just setting up in the guest bedroom but I didn't want to run wires everywhere. So a sound bar sounds like the perfect option.

Comments Unbiased review thank you. For me I'm a sort of audiophile. Before getting my reasonable traditional speaker system I've visited my local technology store and I was blown away by the store's soundbar system sound output. I've never head such perfection of music and film sound quality like this before and i repeatedly visited this store just to listen. Store manager felt sorry for me and wanted to give me a discounted deal. I then went online to know the difference between the traditional and soundbar systems. Base on reviews I've opted for the traditional costing me about £1,500.00 I've returned to the tech store after listening to my new traditional system and realised even though my traditional system wasn't the most expensive yet discovered that the soundbar system I've earlier worshipped was a piece of shit that merely pretended to be producing a better sound quality. The bass it produced wasn't really a bass but some nonsense banging that only stayed in the air without any sort of low end gravity. I was lucky not to spend my cash on this soundbar system because it isn't my taste. . I've now upgraded my traditional system costing me about £2,300.00 which is a trillion miles better than soundbar system. It is better to know what system you need compare with your space and budget because you might not be able to request a full refund after purchase. Also note that this is an expensive passion if you want to enjoy great sound quality!! I'm now in trouble with neighbours for my subwoofer shaking their flats.