Member Avatar for Danniboy

Hi Guys,

I have just finished setting up a brilliant space in which we have a large TV with the following connected to it:

PC,
Nintendo Wii,
Playstation 3,
Xbox 360,
Windows 8.1 Laptop,

The only thing missing, is that I am currently using just the basic inbuild TV speakers, which is a bit of a let down with gaming in particular...!!

What I want to do is purchase a 5.1 surround sound system (or better) - wireless if possible, to complete the setup.

What I dont know though is what sort of thing I should go for... I have looked at PC surround sound systems from logitech for example but I am wondering if I should really be going for something thats more geared towards being plugged in to a TV? especially considering that all items (bar the Wii) are connected via HDMI cabling as well, and so can route the sound via the TV if thats right?

Can anyone suggest a good system for this? or have come across, or performed similar setups at all?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer :)

Kind regards,
Dan.

  • 2 Contributors
  • 1 Reply
  • 328 Views
  • 4 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

Dani AI

Generated

Notes for — a practical, low‑hassle route that scales: a dedicated AV receiver (AVR) plus matched speakers gives the most flexibility and the best sound-per-pound for a real 5.1 (or Atmos-capable) setup. An AVR handles HDMI switching, powers passive speakers, runs room‑calibration, and preserves full multichannel audio formats — ideal if multiple HDMI sources are in play. (dolby.com)

If a simpler install is required, modern soundbar packages with a wireless subwoofer and detachable rear modules can deliver convincing surround and much easier wiring. True brand‑neutral wireless multichannel (interoperable, low‑latency) exists as the WiSA standard, but many “wireless” rear solutions are still proprietary or require powered rear modules/hubs — check whether the rears need mains or a vendor transmitter before buying. (wisatechnologies.com)

Connections and gotchas: prefer routing HDMI sources into the AVR so the receiver manages audio/video passthrough. If TV apps are important, make sure the TV and sound system support HDMI eARC so high‑bitrate or object audio (Dolby TrueHD / Atmos, DTS variants) can be forwarded without downmixing; ARC is more limited. Optical (TOSLINK) is convenient, but its bandwidth won’t carry lossless multichannel or Atmos‑class streams, so avoid it for a future‑proof 5.1/immersive setup. (hdmi.org)

Quick checklist: 1) Decide AVR+speakers (best long term) vs a high‑end soundbar (simpler); 2) Count HDMI inputs and require eARC on the TV if using TV apps; 3) If gaming matters, pick an AVR/soundbar with HDMI 2.1 gaming features or ensure passthrough supports ALLM/VRR; 4) audition where possible, then run the receiver’s auto‑calibration and tweak speaker placement. For budget, used/refurb AVRs are often a good value. (listenup.com)

Acknowledgement: ’s point about premium closed systems is valid — they’re convenient and can sound great, but compare their connectivity, codecs, and upgrade path against an AVR + discrete speakers before committing.

Member Avatar for rubberman

Bose has some nice gear for this sort of thing. A bit more expensive than Logitech, but far better in quality.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.