Is it worth buying a surround sound system?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 07, 2026
Is it worth buying a surround sound system?
Surround sound systems use multiple speakers that are built to work with one another, and that typically means that they sound best together (and not great when third-party speakers are introduced). Unbalanced audio can be really distracting, so it’s worth it to buy a surround sound system with a complete speaker set.
Is there a way to adjust the volume of surround sound?
All surround sound systems allow you to manually adjust the volume levels of each different audio channel, and dialogue always comes through the center channel. If you often struggle to differentiate the sound effects from dialogue, or if you just want to make dialogue louder than everything else, adjust it in the settings.
How many channels does a 5.1 surround sound system have?
In a 5.1 speaker system, you have a center channel, left and right channels, side left and right channels, and a subwoofer (which is the .1 in 5.1). In a 7.1 speaker system, you have two additional rear channels. (And if you opt for latest-and-greatest audio technology like Dolby Atmos, you can add up to four additional channels in your ceiling.)
How can I get 5.1 surround sound on my old remote?
Youll get ‘fake’ surround using the pro-logic or surround mode buttons on the remote – its impossible to get real 5.1 surround sound into that old unit. You only option is to use the analog audio output of the PC since that is the only input on the HTS. No way around that.
Surround sound systems use multiple speakers that are built to work with one another, and that typically means that they sound best together (and not great when third-party speakers are introduced). Unbalanced audio can be really distracting, so it’s worth it to buy a surround sound system with a complete speaker set.
How can I tell if I have a surround sound system?
With a surround sound system, you will be able to hear sounds coming from multiple directions. There are several types of speaker setups systems. You can tell how many speakers or audio channels and subwoofers that a particular system has by the number in its name.
Where are the subwoofers in a surround sound system?
If you do get a sound system with two subwoofers, they should be placed on opposite sides of your screen. Each speaker in a surround sound system has its own purpose, and each speaker should be placed in a specific location for the best audio experience.
How many speakers are in a 5.1 surround sound system?
A 5.1 surround sound setup has two front speakers, a subwoofer, a center channel, and two surround speakers. With a 5.1 setup, you should place the surround speakers behind the listener at a 110-120-degree angle. This is the first “true” surround sound setup because it actually envelops the listener in sound from all directions.
What kind of surround sound do you need for a home theater?
A home theater in a box offers everything you need for true surround sound — all in a single package. A common 5.1-channel system comes complete with a home theater receiver, a center-channel speaker, left and right speakers, rear speakers, and a subwoofer.
How many channels does a surround sound system need?
A common 5.1-channel system comes complete with a home theater receiver, a center-channel speaker, left and right speakers, rear speakers, and a subwoofer. Step up to a 7.1-channel system for a more complete surround sound. Or, you can build your own system.
What to buy for a home audio system?
Make the most of your home theater with the perfect home audio system from Best Buy. Choose from our huge selection of speakers, home theater systems, sound bars, CD players, and home theater receivers to create an audio experience your ears will love. Home speakers come in a wide variety of designs and setup options.