To buy a surround sound system, you must first choose between the convenience of a or the power of a traditional receiver and speaker setup . Your choice depends on your room size, budget, and how much you value "true" cinematic immersion. 1. Choose Your System Type Soundbar System Living rooms, small spaces Simple setup, few wires, compact Less "true" separation than individual speakers Traditional Setup Dedicated home theaters Maximum audio quality, expandable, custom Requires an AV receiver and lots of wiring All-in-One (HTiB) Quick, mid-range setup Matched speakers, easier to buy Harder to upgrade individual parts later 2. Decipher the "Channel" Numbers Surround sound is measured in numbers (e.g., 5.1.2 ):
New to home theater: Where should I start with a sound system? how to buy surround sound system