soon, the quality of our home entertainment systems is of the utmost importance. But while that massive TV or projector is a key component, your speakers are equally so. These components need to come together to form that rich, cinematic experience that you so desire.

But what are the different types of speakers out there, and which ones are right for you? Read on to find out.

Subwoofers: The Power Behind Your Sound System

If you ever looked at the product packaging for a 5.1 speaker system and wondered, “… how can you have .1 speakers?”, a subwoofer is the reason why.

The subwoofer is technically not a “speaker” in that it doesn’t handle audio like dialogue or music in movies. What it does tackle, however, are those incredibly low bass tones that smaller speakers can’t handle on their own. Anything below a certain decibel level is sent by your receiver not to one of your front or even rear speakers, but to the subwoofer (also called the LFE channel) in your system.

So the next time you’re watching your favorite Hollywood film, and you’re really able to feel that incredible explosion, you have your subwoofer to thank.

Sound Bars: The Surround Sound Replacement?

An option that has become quite popular over the last few years is a soundbar – a long, narrow “bar” of individual speakers (hence the name) that claims to offer everything a larger surround sound system does in one tight package.

It’s meant to be placed in front of and below your TV to give you a better cinematic experience than your TV’s speakers can on their own.

Can a soundbar fully replicate the sound quality and spacial awareness of a dedicated surround sound system? No, of course not. But if money or space are major factors in your decision, a soundbar is absolutely a step up from the stereo speakers built into your TV.

Surround Sound Options: An Overview

Finally, we arrive at the various surround sound configurations for you to choose from depending on your needs. The most popular options include ones like:

• 1. In this type of configuration, you’ll have three front speakers (left, right and center) and two rear speakers, providing you a true surround sound experience.
• 1. In addition to the speakers outlined above, this adds in two “side” surround channels. This greatly expands the sound field, offering a more immersive experience.
• Dolby ATMOS.This takes things to a new level and adds a variety of “height” channels – usually at least two in the front and back. They can be built into your ceiling or purchased separately as modules to be attached as high on the wall as possible. These speakers handle sound effects like a helicopter flying over your head or anything else that is supposed to be “above” you.

If you still have any additional questions about the various speaker options that are available, or if you’d just like to discuss your own needs with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact Cathey’s Audio Visual Entertainment today.