Surround Sound Speakers Test

Reviews on Surround Sound Speakers

"Surround yourself with both style and substance"

Issue: 7/2008

On test: Tannoy Mercury F Custom 5.1, System Fidelity 5000, B&W 685 Theatre, Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo

Historically there has been a trade-off to be made with style speaker packages and more traditional sets. But with the more modern options now offering better sound and traditionally styled speakers also beginning to compete in the aesthetics stakes this trade-off no longer has to be as severe as it once was. So out of these four desirable packages, which wins out? → More

"Yamaha YSP-500 Digital Sound Projector"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: Yamaha HiFi YSP-500

Home cinema soundbars are taking off big time thanks to the growing number of people getting fed up with their feeble flat-panel TV speakers but can't commit to a full home cinema system. There are aesthetic benefits too, as they can be discreetly integrated into a TV stand or placed on a wall-mounted shelf without eating up a great deal of space. Perhaps the most active manufacturer in this growing market sector is Yamaha, which was one of the first companies to launch such a product and now boasts six models in its range. I remember visiting Yamaha's Hamamatsu headquarters back in 2004 and hearing a demo of its first soundbar - the results were good if not earth-shattering, but the technology has moved on a great deal since then and recent products from Yamaha and rivals Denon, Marantz and Philips have ably demonstrated the possibilities of the technology. We're hoping this new model from Yamaha can take wireless surround sound to new heights. → More

"Jamo package is price perfect"

Issue: 11/2007

On test: Jamo A 102 HCS 5

Most speaker packages involve a compromise of some sort: high-end performance often comes courtesy of behemoth boxes that devour room space, while tiny discreet speakers with large subs more often than not communicate bass with all the subtlety and nuance of Gordon Ramsey in the throes of a full-bore dinner rant. But few speaker systems manage to blend design, performance and - crucially - price with the effectiveness of the A102HCS5 package from Jamo. → More

"Mordaunt Short's sharp shock"

Issue: 11/2007

On test: Mordaunt-Short Alumni

Mordaunt Short's speakers have developed a distinct, instantly recognisable style in recent years, and this package follows suit. That smart silver fascia, and the smooth white mid-bass driver - made all the more smooth by its 'CPC' (Continuous Profile Cone) design that means there's no dustcap at the centre of the driver - loudly proclaim the MS style we've come to know well in recent times. → More

Surround Sound Speakers

A surround sound system recreates sound in three dimensions to give the listener the feeling of actually 'being there'. It expands the idea of stereo – sound coming from two directions – to involve five or more directional speakers. There is also a dedicated sub woofer especially for low, bass sounds.

Some speaker manufacturers claim to be able to produce surround sound from only two speakers. These claims are not as far fetched as they first appeared, by using special timing and directional processors, sophisticated chips can even create fully immersive surround sound from a set of headphones. If going down this route, make sure that the speakers come from a reputable manufacturer like Bose, otherwise the effect may leave a little to be desired.

Perfect placement of speakers in a surround sound system is also very important, this is why most speakers will be magnetically shielded, this allows them to be mounted next to televisions and monitors with no danger to the internal components. Satellite speakers should be positioned close to the video source at about ear level with the rear speakers directed towards the listener from the back. The subwoofer, which is usually housed in a large box can be placed anywhere. The human ear is not able to locate such low tones and so it is safe to hide the box behind the TV or sofa.

When looking at a surround sound system, pay attention to the cable it uses. A larger, thicker cable will permit less sound to be lost and will give away the quality of the system.

A basic system can cost as little as fifty pounds, but a for good system, especially a two speaker configuration, expect to pay a lot more.