The cruel reality is that even if you spend a considerable amount on a TV that has truly spectacular picture quality, the sound may leave you unsatisfied.
The reason for this discrepancy is simple. Today’s ultra-thin flat screens just don’t have enough space for built-in speakers good enough to give you the powerful sound you need for sports or the subtlety you need for detailed dialogue. Most modern TVs have very small speakers positioned downwards or backwards to optimize sound distribution, but the result is rarely satisfactory.
So, what are the best ways to improve your TV sound? Here are four options that will instantly enhance your auditory experience.
Sound bars
If you don’t have a lot of space and you’re looking for a solution that is aesthetically pleasing as well as practical, a sound bar might be ideal for you.
These discreet, stylish speakers are easy to install in front of a TV or underneath it. Some can even be wall-mounted for a neat, uncluttered look.
The vast majority of sound bars have built-in amplification, which means you don't need an external amplifier or multiple cables to run the audio signal. Many use just one cable to connect the speaker to the TV.
Not all sound bars perform the same way. Some models like the Sonos Arc are compatible with Dolby Atmos Sound and are equipped with speakers that face upwards for a more immersive 3D effect. Other sound bars like the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar and the Bose Soundbar 700 are easy to pair with subwoofers for more sound depth.
Stereo systems
If you already own a stereo system with high-performance speakers, did you know that you might be able to connect it to your TV to considerably improve the audio quality?
Many integrated stereo amplifiers, such as the Cambridge Audio AXR100 and the Yamaha R-N602, have optical and RCA inputs that can connect to the various types of audio outputs found on modern TVs.
If your stereo amplifier doesn’t have a remote control, don’t worry. If your TV has a headphone output, you can use it to connect to your amplifier, which will enable you to control the volume with your TV remote.
If you’re worried that this set up won’t have enough bass, you can always add a subwoofer to your stereo system to create a 2.1 system.
Home theatre systems
If you aren’t satisfied with your TV sound, a home theatre system is the ultimate solution. Stereo is good, but surround sound is better, especially if you want an immersive TV experience.
An AV receiver paired with a set of home theatre speakers and a subwoofer will give you all the punch and detail you’re looking for when watching sports or movies. For example, you could connect your TV to a Yamaha RX-V4A receiver and pair that with 5 B&W M-1 speakers and a B&W ASW608 subwoofer.
More and more streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+, for example) are offering Dolby/DTS 5.1 sound, so it makes perfect sense to invest in a 5.1 surround sound system if you want optimal audio. You can even upgrade to a 7.1 system or a full Dolby Atmos system with ceiling satellite speakers if you want the ultimate setup.
Headphones
If you want to hear every detail of your favourite shows, you can also use headphones designed especially for that purpose. With headphones, you can crank the volume up as high as you like without disturbing the neighbours!
TV headphones have a slightly different design than standard headphones. They are usually wireless and come with a transmitter that syncs picture and sound perfectly and provides a convenient recharging station for the headset.
If your priority is understanding dialogue, there are models like the Sennheiser RS 195 that can be adjusted to match your hearing level.
For a personalized solution, talk to one of our consultants
If you want to improve your TV sound, there are many options available. We have solutions for all kinds of budgets and expectations.
Before choosing one, take the time to check the types of audio outputs your TV has. This may dictate which solution you choose or eliminate certain options, unless you get adapters.
If you need help deciding, our Fillion experts are here to share their expertise. They can even suggest personalized solutions based on the audio equipment you already own. Contact us!
