Due to growing interest in spatial audio and home theaters, surround sound is back. However, people want to know “is surround sound good for music” before jumping onto this trend.
Surround sound once looked like the next big thing. However, precious little jazz, rock, and world music have been recorded in the surround. Due to this, the term, surround sound system is trending.
Although surround sound is good for enjoying an improved home theater experience. However, the surround system has made things more complicated.
What is surround sound?
Surround sound has added a few extra audio channels to the mix. For example, a 5.1 surround system channels setup includes:
- A right and left speaker
- A subwoofer
- Two surround speakers
- A center speaker.
Surround speakers usually set behind the listeners. This surround system can offer more separation for varying audio frequencies. Most importantly, it can offer you a 3D soundstage experience. You will feel that audio is coming from all directions. Surround sound systems are preferable for watching movies. Most importantly, every component in a surround sound system works for a purpose.
For example, the center channel speaker serves to provide clarity for dialogs.
Related: FLAC & AAC file format
Are surround sound speakers good for music?
“Are surround sound systems good for music?” this is arguably one of the most common questions out there. Some popular music videos have been mixed in multichannel surround sound. So, when you listen to these popular mixes, surround sound works amazingly on a surround system. Moreover, the surround system for music can offer a unique yet new perspective to conventional stereo recording.
On the other hand, some people may find this experience difficult to adjust to. This is truer if someone enjoys their favorite music on a stereo system.
Fortunately, you can also play your favorite stereo music on the surround sound system.
Multiple AV receivers usually have a sound mode to spread 2-channel audio around all speakers. This feature can work amazingly for parties.
Key facts to know about surround sound systems.
Arguably, installing a surround sound system can improve your home theater experience. However, you must know some additional facts about surround sound here.
So, here we go:
- If you are creating a home theater, you don’t necessarily need a central channel speaker for surround sound. However, it’d be better to install a center channel speaker with your surround sound system to hear the dialogue clearly.
- When setting up a surround sound system, you must place the front right and left speakers at equal distances. Sometimes the design of speakers can dictate the left and right speakers. This is typically due to the woofer and the tweeter’s placement on the front.
- Although you don’t need to install a subwoofer with a surround sound system. Still, some people install a subwoofer to achieve excellent low-end performance. This practice can help them to enjoy all the exciting thuds and rumbles in the special effects. Additionally, installing a subwoofer can help you make your whole surround system perform at its best.
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Is 7.1 surround sound good for music?
Although 7.1 surround sound is amazing, it creates a greater immersion sense in your room. It can make you feel more like part of the actions in your favorite movie scenes. However, 7.1 surround sound isn’t that great for music. Stereo systems are the best to enjoy your favorite playlists.
Final Thoughts
So that’s all for “Is surround sound good for listening to music.” However, if you want to know what surround sound is good for? Then always remember that surround sound offers the best audio experience for movies instead of music. Although it can work well for music, stereo sound is always best in this case.
