A 5.1 system includes five speakers and one subwoofer, while a 7.1 system includes seven speakers and one subwoofer. The addition of two additional surround sound speakers in the 7.1 surround sound system provides depth of sound.
Choosing the Best: 5.1 vs. 7.1 Sound
Finally, after all, you are going to do it. You are saving money for a long time. Now you are going to get the home theater system of your dream. However, when you buy a sound system, a question comes to your mind about exactly what type of good sound system you need to get. Now you can not choose between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound.
5.1 surround sound is known as surround sound audio system. A good surround sound system that uses five audio channels, which are a front left and right channel, a center channel, two surround channels (left and right) along with the low-frequency effects channels for a subwoofer is called a 5.1 surround sound system. 7.1 surround sound is well known as an eight-channel surround audio system.7.1 sound system is a multichannel sound system same as 5.1 surround sound system, except it, has an additional set of rear(right and left) surround speakers.
Now, which one is better? But unfortunately, it depends on some things. 7.1 or 5.1, which one is best for you depends on several different variables. Something depends on the room you are setting up in; something depends on personal preference.
Some things like listening position, room size, and furnishings will all affect which sound setup is best for you. Now in this content, we will discuss the difference between the 5.1 and 7.1 sound systems is. You can then choose and know the factor’s impact on going for a 5.1 or 7.1.
What’s The difference between 5.1 vs. 7.1 Surround sound?
Simply, The difference between the 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems is just two speakers. A 5.1 system is consists of five speakers and a subwoofer; on the other hand, a 7.1 system consists of 7 speakers and one subwoofer.
The 7.1 surround sound system builds based on the 5.1 system to give you two more additional surround sound speakers to add depth to your sound. You can enjoy an incredible listening experience by using it in the right room. If you set up a 7.1 system in the wrong room or improperly, it will sound muddled.
The easiest and most common setup for a 5.1 system is to place three speakers in front of the room (right, left, and center) and two surround sound speakers at either side of the listening area. The 7.1 system improves the 5.1 system by adding two additional surround sound speakers behind the listening area.
5.1 Surround Sounds Pros and Cons
In 5.1 surround sound system, it has several advantages and disadvantages. 7.1 used as a home theater, but it has a diminished size. That’s why the 5.1 system could make more sense for a particular home theater.
The basic level 5.1 system is more common and easy than7.1 the system. That’s why it’s easier to find troubleshooting instructions online. A 5.1 system setup is very easy because it often comes as packages that you can set up right out of the box, also known as a home theater in a box system. If you want to use wires to hook up your system, it will be easier for you because, in the 5.1 system, you will have two fewer wires to hide. Also, a 5.1 system is sufficient in most of the rooms.
But in a bigger room, a 5.1 surround sound system may not be sufficient. If there is a lot of place behind the listen to the area in a big room, the sound may not feel as enveloping as it might in small spaces. Some media comes ready for a 7.1 sound system, but for a 5.1 sound system, they would not be able to deliver as clearly and efficiently, although it’s too rare.
The 5.1 system will do most applicants though some disadvantages might upgrade the 7.1 system more useful.
7.1 Surround Sound Pro and Cons
The 7.1 system has its advantages and disadvantages. Though it needs extra power for additional surround speakers, it may be detrimental to your listening experience. 7.1 system is a better choice than 5.1 for larger rooms where sound may get lost in the open space. You can enjoy a deeper surround sound listening experience with it. A 7.1 system is cleaner than a 5.1 system.
But still, there are some disadvantages to a 7.1 system. The additional surround sound speakers may make the surround sound channels command over the front channels in a smaller room. These can cause some difficulties in hearing the dialogue and front-side sound effects.
Sometimes, few 7.1 systems come as a ready kit and will require you to buy components separately. For this reason, it isn’t easy to find an online community to help troubleshoot your system because the features will be unique to your setup.
A 7.1 sound system can make a better sense in larger rooms and add depth to your sound. Also, a 7.1 system is more expensive and more difficult to set up and troubleshoot than a 5.1 system. Finally, the choice between a 5.1 or 7.1 sound system will depend on one’s particular situation.
5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound Layout
As I mentioned before, there is a difference between a 5.1 and a 7.1 system in only two surround speakers. These additional surround speakers add depth to the large space of the rooms with theater-quality sound.
There has a fairly standard set up in a 5.1 system. A center speaker always goes below your TV or projector and two front speakers on both sides (right, left) of the TV. Finally, there are two surround speakers which are set up on either side of the listening area.
We know that a 7.1 system adds two additional speakers, but it’s otherwise set up the same way. The other surround speakers are designed so that they can go behind the listening area, and their main purpose is to send sound at a different angle than the first set of surround speakers.
It’s is not very rare for these speakers to be mounted in the ceiling. There is some advantage to ceiling mounting because it gives us an interesting sound experience, and it keeps the place behind the listening area free for walking.
What’s Right for Your Room?
Several things are going to affect which sound system is appropriate for your room. You want an enormous theater-quality sound from a 7.1 system, and it doesn’t mean you will get it in any room. There are three major characteristics of rooms to determine what kind of sound system is right for them.
Room Size: Additional speakers are used to filling up larger rooms. Many speakers can make a muddy mix of sounds that sound louder than the clear sound in a small space. Generally, if your room is smaller than 350 square feet, you should not use a 7.1 system.
Listening Position: The main difference between the 5.1 and 7.1 systems is that the larger system puts speakers behind the listeners to give them a full surround sound experience. If you don’t have much space behind the listening area, it doesn’t make any sense to put the speaker back there.
Furnishings: The hard materials like tables, desks, cabinets, and wood or tile flooring will reflect sound and ruin the effect of additional speakers. On the other hand, soft surfaces such as bookshelves, couches, and carpeting will help prevent sound reflection and keep the sounds in the parts of the rooms where they are supposed to be.
Features and Your Budget
If you want to pick up your ideal sound system, you have to look up several things. Most of the features will be a matter of weighing your budget against the perks of a better setup.
Generally, a 7.1 system will be more expensive than a 5.1 system. It has more components so that it can give you a richer sound experience. Moreover, different factors will impact the expenses of your system.
Receiver: For running your sound system, you will need a receiver that converts a line-level signal from your TV into a speaker-level signal for your speakers. Most of the 5.1 systems come with a receiver included, but few 7.1 systems come as an all-inclusive package. Though not as ideal as getting a coherent 7.1 speaker set, you should always start with a 5.1 system and upgrade into a 7.1 receiver and two additional speakers later.
Wires: Another fact that you may want to consider is how you intend to hook up your sound system. Most of the system comes with wireless capability, and setting up speakers around the room less of a tangle. Moreover, what you gain in convenience, you will lose that in sound quality. A direct wired signal is always better and higher than the quality you get to form a wireless connection. Ultimately, you will need to decide what do you need?
Calibration: Provide your internal calibration; there are many systems on the market. These systems will optimize your sound by sending test tones from each speaker to a microphone that you set up in the primary listening area of your room. These systems are more common with 7.1 systems and expensive.
Price Different Between 5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound System
One of the most concluding factors between whether getting a 5.1 or 7.1 system is price. If you want to save cash, you can get a 5.1 surround sound package at a very fair price.
You get what you are paying for, but these systems may not be sufficient for your needs. If you want to get a top brand 5.1 sound system like Klipsch, you may pay about $6,000. This system comes with a high definition theater-quality sound, and a receiver included.
If you plan to get a 7.1 surround sound system, you can expect to pay at least $500 more for a decent system. Of course, this won’t get you a very high-quality sound. Getting a good 7.1 surround sound system with a receiver can cost you from $1,000 to $13,000.
After upgrading a 5.1 to 7.1 surround sound system, there comes a more variety of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers system to choose from it. Though these look aesthetical, they will require a professional to install. Another defect is that upgrading to a different system means pulling speakers out of the wall/ceiling and patching the hole.
So What’s The Verdict?
It seems very hard to build the home theater of your dreams, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. To make your work easier, consider making a list of must-have features and a list of features that would be nice to have. It’s a good idea because it helps to come up with a budget before you start browsing.
The key to being successful is, to be honest with yourself about your needs. The 7.1 surround sound system might seem like a cool status symbol, but it may ruin the sound if placed in the wrong room. The features of the space where you are working must keep in your mind so that you can choose the system that will be best for you. We hope that, with these tips, you will be on your way to creating your perfect home theater experience.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Best Seller List of Surround Sound System:
- 7.1ch Virtual Surround Sound System for TV: This 7.1ch sound bar includes 3 main channels for clear dialogue and 4 surround sound speakers for a virtual surround sound field. SurroundX technology delivers precise audio with 99.99% detail accuracy. AI optimizes sound for lifelike audio, coordinating speakers to simulate accurate sound movement, enhancing your home theater experience.
- Wired Connection between 4 Surround Speakers: Connect sound bar and 2 front surround speakers with front surround cables (FR & FL). Connect 2 rear surround speakers with rear surround cable, power the rear right surround speaker to pair it wirelessly with sound bar. If pairing fails, hold the SURROUND button on the remote for 5s until "SUR" flashes. Then hold the PAIR button on the rear right speaker for 5s until its light flashes. When paired, the light will stay on.
- 4 Adjustable Surround Speakers: The Aura A40 soundbar for tv features 2 wired front surround speakers and 2 wired rear surround speakers, ensuring precise sound projection from the front and back, enhancing audio spatiality and immersion. With 13 adjustable surround levels, the rear speakers and sound bar connect wirelessly, reducing cables and improving space use.
- Ultimea Smart App Control: Ultimea is dedicated to making life more intelligent through the Ultimea Home. Ultimea smart App of this 7.1 tv sound bar for smart tv can switch multiple EQ, adjust bands and matrix. Stay ahead with regular OTA upgrades to ensure a seamless premium audio experience with Ulitmea 7.1 virtual surround sound system for TV.
- 121 Preset EQ Matrices: The Ultimea App caters to the ultimate audio enthusiast with 121 preset equalizer matrices, tailored for four distinct sonic preferences: Bass, Pop, Classical, and Rock. Explore precision tuning and fine-tune your listening experience with dynamic adjustments to achieve your desired effects.
- 7.1ch Surround Sound System for TV with Dolby Atmos: This 7.1ch sound bar includes 3 main channels for clear dialogue and 4 surround sound speakers. Power the rear right surround speaker to pair it wirelessly with sound bar. The result is an immersive surround sound field that makes you feel as though you’re right in the heart of the action. Note: Recommended for space of 108 to 270 ft².
- 4 Surround Speakers for Home Theater Sound System: The Aura A60 soundbar for tv features 2 wired front surround speakers and 2 wired rear surround speakers, strategically placed to deliver an expansive sound field. The rear speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar, reducing cable clutter and improving space use.
- Dolby Atmos Creates an Immersive 3D Soundscape: This 7.1ch dolby atmos soundbar takes your audio experience to the next level, offering 3D sound that flows all around you, elevating your home theater with rich, dynamic audio that makes every scene feel more vivid and immersive.
- 4-inch Wired Subwoofer with BassMX Technology: The Aura A60 sound bar is equipped with a 4" wired subwoofer featuring BassMX technology for enhanced low-frequency sound. Its optimized magnetic circuit and diaphragm deliver rich, resonant bass. Immerse yourself in rich low frequencies and feel the impact of every beat.
- Precision Audio Tuning Redefined: Tailor your audio experience like never before with the Ultimea App. It offers 121 expert EQ presets across genres like Bass, Pop, Classical, and Rock, plus 10-band and 6 tailored EQ modes including Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, and Night. With the advanced “Customize” feature, you can fine-tune your sound to match your exact preferences, ensuring every note is just the way you like it.
- Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures
- Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
- 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
- 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performance—bringing more realism to every scene.
- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
- 7.1ch Virtual Surround Sound System: Upgraded from the 5.1ch Poseidon D50, the Poseidon D70 meets more needs with enhanced surround sound. Enjoy crystal-clear dialogue from three main channels, 4 wired surround speakers, and a 6.5" wireless subwoofer for a wider sound field. (Note: Not compatible with Dolby Audio/Atmos.)
- 4 Adjustable Wired Surround Speakers: This tv sound bar features 2 rear and 2 front speakers, ensuring precise sound projection from the front, back, and sides, enhancing audio spatiality and immersion. With 13 adjustable surround levels that elevate your surround sound experience, this soundbar for tv takes your audio to the next level. 2 rear speakers connect to subwoofer with 20-foot cable, which allows for versatile layouts and enhances space utilization.
- Ultimea Smart App Control: Ultimea is dedicated to making life more intelligent through the Ultimea Home. Not only can Ultimea Smart App meet all your needs, but it also allows you to customize your own favorite styles. Stay ahead with regular OTA upgrades to ensure a seamless premium audio experience of this sound bar with subwoofers.
- 121 Preset Equalizer Matrices: For the ultimate audio connoisseur, ULTIMEA App presents 121 meticulously crafted preset equalizer matrices. Explore four distinct styles: Bass, Pop, Classical, and Rock, and immerse yourself in the art of precision tuning, where every adjustment brings you closer to your ideal soundscape.
- 10-Band Equalizer Settings: Elevate your audio experience with 6 tailored EQ modes: Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, and Night, each finely tuned for optimal performance. Plus, use the ULTIMEA App's "Customize" feature to fine-tune your sound for a perfect, personalized experience.
- 5.1CH SURROUND SOUND: Hear cinematic surround sound and deep bass with 3 front-firing speakers, two rear speakers, and included subwoofer.
- SOUND STRAIGHT FROM CINEMA: Get the best streaming experience with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- CLEAR DIALOGUE: Catch every word in the scene with dedicated center channel speaker.
- ROOM FILLING SOUND: Multi Stereo enhances your listening experience by playing the same sound from all speakers, creating a room-filling sound boost.
- BRAVIA THEATER AND BRAVIA TV, THE PERFECT PAIR: Pair with compatible BRAVIA TVs to control the soundbar from the TV menu and take advantage of Voice Zoom 3 for enhanced dialogue.
- Home Audio Surround System: The 2.1 Channel Sound bar with 5 Inches Subwoofer delivers crystal-clear dialogue, rich midrange for your TV, tablets, or smart projector. It is suitable for TV news, movies, games and music to enjoy immersive sounds
- Powerful Bass & Loud Sound: The 5-inch subwoofer delivers deep, impactful bass with 7 adjustable levels for a theater-like experience at home. The sound bar for smart tv has two racetrack-shaped speakers and two bass reflex tubes, enhanced by built-in DSP, provide balanced sound clarity, perfect loud sound for most living rooms and bedrooms
- More Compatibility: Bluetooth 5.3 enables the tv sound bar to easily connect to various mobile devices that support BT output, optical, HDMI-ARC, and USB inputs can be adapted to TVs, projectors and other devices with related interfaces. USB input only supports U disk playback and software updates
- 3 Preset Sound Modes: The tv speakers sound bar has been optimized for different scenarios, Music mode offers balanced sound, Movie mode delivers powerful bass, and News mode enhances vocal clarity
- Detachable Design: Use as a 32 inch soundbar for concentrated sound under your TV or split into two 16 inch tower speakers for an enhanced surround effect. Choose your setup based on your needs for easy and flexible installation
- New Dimensional Sound - Come home to the cinematic sound you’ve always wanted, and experience every heart-thumping, thrill-inducing, moment. With 4 channels backed by a booming wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, this LG Soundbar delivers a big audio punch without taking up too much of your space—or budget. Dolby Digital and DTS Digital compatibility means you still get enhanced sound quality for all your shows, movies, music and more.
- Dolby Audio - Experience an unparalleled immersive journey with Dolby Audio. This LG Soundbar delivers an unforgettable listening experience with your favorite entertainment. Never miss a single detail, no matter where you're watching.
- Rear Speakers - Now there’s a surround sound system for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Our new rear surround speakers have wireless connectivity—that means no special receiver needed to deliver an immersive audio experience.
- WOW Orchestra - Create the perfect harmony using the audio from your LG TV and LG Soundbar to produce the ultimate listening experience. Feel every detail of sound. Use the LG TV and LG Soundbar speakers at the same time while using one remote to adjust the settings interchangeably.
- WOW Interface - Now, convenience is in your hand. Control your soundbar and your LG TV with one remote. Adjust the volume and audio settings, check the connection status and even select a sound mode on the screen, all from the TV remote.
- Three full-range speakers inside the soundbar, two surround speakers, and one wireless compact subwoofer deliver 96dB of detailed and dynamic high-impact sound that’s perfect for medium to large-sized rooms.
- Soundbar remote control sold separately.
- Receive the latest product updates and adjust advanced soundbar settings by downloading the VIZIO mobile app for your Android or iOS device (A VIZIO Account is required.)
- Use your existing TV remote to control volume on your soundbar when connected through your TV's HDMI eARC port. (HDMI eARC Output ONLY.) No TV HDMI port? No problem! Contact VIZIO customer support 844-254-8087 or visit support.VIZIO.com if your TV requires optical connection.
- When watching Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, this soundbar puts you at the center of your entertainment, creating an immersive audio experience
- 820W Output power
- Built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding
- With detachable, battery powered surround speakers you can enjoy real surround sound without the wires
- Experience deep bass with a 300W, 10" powered subwoofer
- Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision
- Experience the pinnacle of 3D surround sound with breathtaking height channels. Six up-firing speakers in the soundbar and the wireless rear speakers deliver true Dolby Atmos sound. No extra wires. No power connections. Just lift the detachable surround speakers off the soundbar—you can do it with just one hand—and place them behind where you’re sitting to create a true surround-sound experience. It’s that simple. Whether you’re binge-watching your new favorite show or hosting a movie night, the speakers’ long-lasting batteries mean you’ll enjoy immersive, cinematic surround sound for hours. And when you’re done, just place the speakers back on the bar to recharge overnight.
- SmartDetails: Hear all the subtleties in a film’s sound mix, just like you would in the theater. From a creaking door to a faraway shout, experience every detail the way the filmmakers intended in a clear, balanced sound field, thanks to JBL’s own advanced sound enhancement technology.SmartDetails Hear all the subtleties in a film’s sound mix, just like you would in the theater. From a creaking door to a faraway shout, experience every detail the way the filmmakers intended in a clear, balanced sound field, thanks to JBL’s own advanced sound enhancement technology.
- True Dolby Atmos and DTS:X: Plunge into theater-quality 3D spatial sound with true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Shiver as spaceships fill the sky overhead. Feel explosions that rumble through your body. Experience music like you're right there in the recording studio.
- Night listening: Enjoy your favorite shows or movies without disturbing others. Just put the wireless detachable speakers in front of you and use the JBL ONE app to turn on night listening. The soundbar and the subwoofer are automatically muted, while the speakers deliver an intimate high-quality audio experience just for one. Or two.
- MultiBeam 3.0: Wherever you're sitting, you'll be in the middle of the action. Our MultiBeam 3.0 delivers a wide, cinema-like soundstage that makes every high-speed chase or epic fight scene come alive. The sound beams perfectly fill your room, delivering truly immersive, lifelike, and realistic sound reproduction.
Last update on 2025-12-25
