Who Makes the Best Surround Sound System?

Surround Sound is a System, Not a Product

No single company makes all of the best components for a complete surround sound or home theater system. A comprehensive system consists of:

• Display (projector/screen or TV)
• Surround sound receiver
• Speakers
• Subwoofer(s)
• Wiring/cabling/interconnects
• Control system or universal remote control
• And most importantly, the knowledge to make it all function cohesively and sound its best

Brands We Recommend for Surround Sound Systems

Displays

For TVs, we usually suggest Samsung and Sony due to their advanced technology and consistently improving quality for the money. For projectors, we focus on Sony and Epson, which always produce the best images for the price.

Audio/Video Receivers

We primarily focus on Yamaha, as they have been a leader in audio technology for decades. Despite not always being at the top of brand surveys due to large distribution companies pushing other brands based on profit or parent company logistics, Yamaha remains a top choice for quality and reliability.

Speakers

Monitor Audio is a top-tier speaker manufacturer which continually improves its products, even during economic slowdowns. The brand always tests well, our clients love them, and they are extremely reliable.

Subwoofers

SpeakerCraft absorbed the previous company Sunfire but continued to focus on the Sunfire's quality sound performance. While SpeakerCraft makes many great products, we prefer other competing brands based on quality or reliability.

Wiring and Interconnects

We are not committed to any specific brand for wiring and cables. We use brands which produce tested and verified wiring and cables, seeking out verified brands for better reliability and performance, especially in quality longer HDMI cables.

Control Systems and Remote Controls

For standard surround sound or home theater, we usually use Universal Remote Control (URC), as they make many other brands' remotes and have been reliable for over two decades. For multi-room or true home control/home automation, we use NICE (formerly Elan), which is known for standardizing cabling over Cat5E cables and offering excellent tech support.

The Importance of Expertise in Installation

The most critical aspect of a surround sound system is the expertise of the installer/technician. Many people can plug in components and make them work, but without proper settings, you won't get the performance you paid for.

For instance, I visited two homes last week where significant amounts were spent on good equipment, but the sound quality was subpar due to improper settings. In both homes, simple adjustments to bass and treble dramatically improved the sound quality, highlighting the importance of professional installation and fine-tuning.

Our Commitment to Sales and Installation

At our company, we combine sales and installation, ensuring our clients receive not only the best equipment but also expert installation and configuration. We aim to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of your home entertainment system, making it more enjoyable and user-friendly.

Investing in a Quality Sound

We hope this guide is helpful to you on your journey to better enjoy your home entertainment system. Investing in a quality surround sound system and professional installation can greatly enhance your home experience. Treat yourself and make your home more enjoyable.

For more information on our services and how we can help you, please contact Entertainment Pros.