{"id":107133,"date":"2024-09-19T17:09:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T16:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reliant.co.uk\/blog\/?p=107133"},"modified":"2025-01-10T14:56:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T14:56:27","slug":"soundbars-vs-surround-sound-speakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reliant.co.uk\/blog\/soundbars-vs-surround-sound-speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Soundbars Vs Speakers For Your TV"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#126366″ admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”20px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” quote_font=”|300|||||||” quote_font_size=”22px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}”]Though often overlooked, sound plays a crucial role in home entertainment. Good sound helps to complete your immersion in all kinds of TV<\/a> content<\/a>, for a more immense overall experience. In order to make the most of your content\u2019s sound, however, you\u2019ll need a sound system that\u2019s up to the task. But should you go for a soundbar<\/a> or a traditional speaker setup for your TV?<\/p>\n

In this guide<\/a>, we\u2019re going to pit the two against one another, to see which solution delivers the best overall solution for your content. We\u2019ll take a look at price, sound quality, and form factor, to help you decide which option is best for your living room.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#126366″ admin_label=”What Are The Key Differences Between Soundbars And Speakers?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”20px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” quote_font=”|300|||||||” quote_font_size=”22px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_line_height=”1.2em” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What Are The Key Differences Between Soundbars And Speakers?<\/h2>\n

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Sound Quality<\/h3>\n

A quality soundbar can easily be an improvement over your TV\u2019s bog-standard built-in speakers. Soundbars are actually made of numerous individual speakers each packed into a single compact device. Each of these speakers is aimed in a specific direction, to allow audio to travel throughout your living room. Essentially creating audio that surrounds you from all directions!<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s worth noting that a soundbar does not offer true<\/b> surround sound like a traditional speaker setup does. While effective, it is ultimately an illusion. Traditional speakers are allowed a little more room to breathe when it comes to setting them up. This ensures there\u2019s no risk of the speakers drowning each other out. It also means you can enjoy true surround sound that approaches you from different directions.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re keen to enjoy a true surround sound experience, then we\u2019d recommend opting for a speaker setup.<\/p>\n

Connectivity<\/h3>\n

Soundbars are incredibly easy to connect and set up, which has helped to make them a very popular audio solution for many homes. Many top soundbar models are equipped with BlueTooth compatibility, which allows them to connect wirelessly to your TV. If BlueTooth isn\u2019t an option for your TV, you can simply use an HDMI cable<\/a> to connect it to a soundbar. HDMI cables can send detailed audio signals effortlessly between your TV and a soundbar, and vice versa!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a simple audio solution that\u2019s easy to set up in your living room, then a soundbar is the option for you. Though there are some wireless options available, the majority of external speakers will need to be wired directly to your TV. This can make the setup a little more complicated. Especially in unconventional spaces.<\/p>\n

Wired speakers also have a slight advantage when it comes to fidelity and responsiveness. Audio signals are able to travel much faster via a cable, than via a wireless connection, which requires coding and decoding an audio signal to create sound. Again, if you need absolute fidelity from your audio, then it\u2019s worth opting for a speaker setup.<\/p>\n

Form Factor<\/h3>\n

Soundbars are perfect for living rooms with limited space. They\u2019re designed to be incredibly compact while still delivering immense audio fidelity. Soundbars are also available in a wide range of sizes, so you can account for even the tightest of spaces. When choosing the perfect soundbar model, make sure to carefully consider the audio experience you\u2019re looking for. The smaller the soundbar is, the fewer speakers it contains, and vice versa. If you\u2019re looking for truly powerful audio, you may need to look for a larger soundbar.<\/p>\n

Traditional speakers, on the other hand, can vary massively in size and shape. Again, this mostly depends on the number of speakers you\u2019re installing. A stereo speaker setup, for instance, involves just two speakers, which you can arrange to the left and right of your TV. A surround sound speaker setup, on the other hand, will involve more individual speakers that you have to more carefully arrange. Depending on the speaker setup you choose, you may need to ensure you have more available space.<\/p>\n

Some speakers and soundbars come equipped with subwoofers, capable of delivering immense floor-shaking bass. In order to make the most of a subwoofer, you\u2019ll need to make sure you have suitable space.<\/p>\n

Cost<\/h3>\n

When it comes to cost, soundbars have a slight edge over the competition. Many fantastic soundbar models come at a fraction of the cost of some of the very best speaker setups. In fact, there are some great soundbar models that you can purchase for well under \u00a3100. The cost of a soundbar will depend on a few factors, such as its size, brand, and any extra features. <\/p>\n

Speakers vary much more wildly when it comes to cost. Again, cost most often varies as a result of the number of speakers in a given setup. Costs can also differ depending on which brand you are considering. Surround sound setups can often be particularly expensive, as they come with many more individual parts to consider. <\/p>\n

When choosing between a soundbar or speaker setup, you\u2019ll need to strike a balance between cost and function. You don\u2019t want to spend too much on a sound system full of features you\u2019ll never use, but you also don\u2019t want to spend too little on a solution with subpar audio quality.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.reliant.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Soundbar-Vs-Surround-2.png” alt=”Quantum Dot Technology” title_text=”Soundbar Vs Surround 2″ align=”center” admin_label=”Image 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Soundbar Pros & Cons” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Using a Soundbar With Your TV<\/h2>\n

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Pros<\/h3>\n

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