{"id":1250,"date":"2021-07-17T00:21:36","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T00:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.audioreputation.com\/?p=1250"},"modified":"2024-01-11T11:40:39","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T11:40:39","slug":"best-wireless-surround-sound-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.audioreputation.com\/best-wireless-surround-sound-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems In 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this article, we discuss the 18 best wireless surround sound systems of 2024. We cover key aspects like sound quality, connection types (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), and overall practicality. The selection includes various models catering to different features and budgets, offering a comprehensive guide for enhancing home theater experiences with wireless surround sound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you are tired of all the cables lying randomly all over your home and you are searching for a hassle-free surround sound system for your home theater, the best thing you can do is to go wireless. Our article on 18 best wireless surround sound systems in 2024 is designed to help you understand all the important things you need to know about wireless surround sound systems and make the best possible choice based on your needs and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have also made a list of 18 best wireless surround sound systems in 2024 so you don\u2019t even have to spend hours reading about different features of different products \u2013 you can read our reviews and find out everything you need to know to make a decision. We have tried to list all the upsides and downsides of these surround sound systems<\/a> and make your search much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surround sound systems<\/a> have been popular for quite some time. People simply love the convenience of having cinema-like experience without going to the actual cinema. The first surround sound systems appeared during the 1980s<\/a> but they really became popular in the 2000s. A lot of technological innovations and improvements in audio and video equipment made it possible for regular people to have their own small home theater systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many homes in the US are equipped with some kind home theater system (TV or projector<\/a>, DVD or Blu-Ray player, AV receiver + set of surround sound speakers). The experience could not be better, right? Well, there is still one inconvenience. Don\u2019t you hate all those cables going under your carpet, or even worse, lying on the floor or dangling from your walls? Unless your house or your entertainment center is pre-wired, you will have to spend a lot of time wiring your home theater system<\/a>, connecting all the speakers to the receiver, and trying to make all those cables \u2018\u2019invisible\u2019\u2019. All that hassle makes you wonder if there is some simpler and more convenient solution. Well, as a matter of fact, there is. The last decade was really big when it comes to wireless sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, some portable Bluetooth speakers appeared. Then, the manufacturers made it possible for us to pair two wireless (Bluetooth) speakers and use them as left and right stereo channels. After that, wireless (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) multiroom speaker systems appeared and, in the end, some wireless surround sound systems were introduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These wireless surround sound systems are the main subject of our article and we are going to talk about different types of wireless surround sound systems, their characteristics, the amount of freedom they offer, different layouts (simulated and true surround sound), and we are going to present to you our list of 18 best wireless surround sound systems in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Surround Sound and Do You Really Need It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

‘Surround Sound’ as a speaker setup that immerses the viewer in the center of the action, akin to a private cinema. It’s ideal for those who watch movies with surround sound audio tracks and seek the best experience. While not the only option for enhanced audio, surround sound provides a significantly immersive listening experience compared to standard TV speakers. For those prioritizing a cinematic feel at home, it’s a worthwhile investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, since you are here, you probably want something stronger than a pair of small built-in TV speakers<\/a>. Surround sound is not the only option if you just want something louder than your TV. If that\u2019s your only desire, you can check our articles on best wireless speakers for TV<\/a> and best soundbars<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you watch a lot of movies (using Blu-ray<\/a>, DVD, or some of the streaming services) with surround sound audio tracks (5.1, 7.1, etc.), and you want to get the best possible experience, then surround sound system is what you need. Surround sound system puts you (the viewer) in the center of the action and makes you feel like you are in your own private cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Wireless<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Surround sound system is a set of speakers (you need at least 5 speakers and one subwoofer in order to call it true surround sound system, but you can also buy some smaller system (less than 5 speakers) that offers simulation of surround sound thanks to a little piece of software and to a specific driver placement). In a traditional (wired) setup you will also need some AV receiver<\/a> in order to supply power and audio signal to all those speakers, but if you decide to go wireless, you are probably not going to need it (in some cases, the speakers are battery powered, in other cases each speaker has its own power supply cable or it\u2019s powered by the subwoofer with built-in amplifiers).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most popular surround sound system configuration is 5.1 (5 speakers \u2013 3 of them are in front of you (Front Left, Front Right, Center) and 2 on each side of your central sitting place (Surround Left and Surround Right) and one subwoofer). Today\u2019s DVD and Blu-ray discs feature mandatory 5.1 audio track (Dolby Digital 5.1<\/a> or DTS 5.1 audio format<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to improve your experience even more, you can expand your surround sound system by adding two speakers behind your ”sweet spot” (Surround Back Left and Right) and get 7.1 or add an additional subwoofer and make 7.2 surround sound system but, in order to get the maximum out of this system, you will need to play some Blu-ray disc with Dolby True HD or DTS HD audio track. Some of the latest Blu-ray movies feature Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio tracks and, in order to hear that kind of surround sound properly, you are going to need one, two, or four height (or ceiling) speakers (which means that you have to expand surround sound system to 7.1.2, or 7.1.4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For most people, 5.1 configuration is more than enough. All the DVD and Blu-ray movies, as well as movies and series from Netflix and Hulu, have 5.1 surround sound track and you don\u2019t really need more than that to get a truly immersive listening experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the wireless surround sound systems on our list are 5.1 and some of them can even simulate DTS:X or Dolby Atmos audio formats. As you might assume, simulation is never as good as the real thing, but still, something is better than nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wired Surround Sound VS Wireless Surround Sound<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wired systems are known for their reliable sound quality and stability but require extensive cabling. Wireless systems offer ease of installation and a cleaner look but may have slightly lesser sound quality and depend on network stability. The choice depends on personal preferences for sound quality, convenience, and aesthetic considerations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wireless surround sound systems have been introduced a few years ago and you can\u2019t really expect them to be perfect. The quality of speakers (drivers) is not a problem but you might experience some transmission issues with some wireless systems (wired systems are more reliable). If you really want a perfect wireless surround system, you will definitely have to pay much more than you would pay for a wired surround sound system. If you compare two affordable (or cheap) systems within the same price range, you will definitely be happier with the sound coming from the wired one. If you are prepared to pay more than, let\u2019s say $1000, the difference in sound quality (between wired and wireless) becomes less noticeable. So, basically, the fact that some surround system is wireless doesn\u2019t have to mean that it\u2019s not good (especially if you buy one of those high-end systems<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Wireless Surround Sound Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are Different types of wireless surround sound systems include traditional multi-speaker setups, soundbars, and modular systems. Each type offers unique advantages in sound quality, space requirements, and ease of use, catering to various preferences and home setups. This categorization helps users choose based on their specific needs and room configurations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of wireless surround sound systems \u2013 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (some use your home Wi-Fi network, others make their own 5GHz network and don\u2019t use your home Wi-Fi at all). Wi-Fi connection is, in general, more reliable and more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi systems usually don\u2019t feature Bluetooth so you can\u2019t use them to stream music via Bluetooth from Bluetooth-enabled devices but most of them have their own apps and you can access some of the supported online streaming services through the app and stream the music that way (but you won\u2019t be able to stream the music stored on your phone or PC). Wi-Fi systems also offer much greater range. So, if your home theater is in a large room, you will be better with a Wi-Fi surround sound. In terms of sound quality, Wi-Fi is definitely better than Bluetooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bluetooth audio has to be compressed prior to transmission which means that you are not getting Hi-Fi audio. Wi-Fi allows transmission without compression so you can expect much better sound quality. Bluetooth systems are usually easier to install than Wi-Fi systems and that\u2019s probably their only advantage (except for the price).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems \u2013 Comparison Table<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Wireless Surround Sound Systems<\/th>Rating<\/th>Price<\/th>Review<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4Ch<\/strong><\/td>4.4<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch<\/strong><\/td>4.4<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sonos 5.1<\/strong><\/td>4.3<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Sonos<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q90R<\/strong><\/td>4.1<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Walmart<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polk Audio Signa S2<\/strong><\/td>4.5<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Enclave Audio CineHome II<\/strong><\/td>4.5<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a><\/td>Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bose Smart Soundbar 600<\/strong><\/td>3.8<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Walmart<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yamaha YAS-207BL<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Walmart<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
JBL Bar 5.1<\/strong><\/td>4.2<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck JBL<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Denon DHT-S316<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Majority Everest 5.1<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a><\/td>Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sony HT-Z9F<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck WorldWideStereo<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polk Audio MagniFi<\/strong><\/td>3.5<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TCL Alto 6+<\/strong><\/td>4.3<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a><\/td>Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bose Lifestyle 650<\/strong><\/td>3.4<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Bose<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bose 5.1 700<\/strong><\/td>4.0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck Bose<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VIZIO V51-H6<\/strong><\/td>4.6<\/strong><\/span><\/td>Check Amazon<\/a>
\nCheck B&H<\/a><\/td>		Read Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

Are They Really Wireless?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of so-called wireless surround sound systems is not actually wireless. Most of them have the main unit (soundbar in most cases) that has to be connected to your TV through wires and it also has to be plugged into the wall outlet (SONOS and other Wi-Fi systems). This main unit receives the signal from the TV and then transmits it wirelessly to other speakers<\/a>. All the other speakers also have to be plugged in so it\u2019s hard to say that any of these \u2018\u2019wireless\u2019\u2019 surround sound systems are truly wireless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bluetooth surround sound systems are even less wireless than Wi-Fi systems. Soundbars are always wired and they send the audio signal to other speakers (in some cases, you will only get a wireless (Bluetooth) subwoofer while you need to connect surround speakers to the subwoofer or to the soundbar through wires). So, all these systems are wireless in a sense that you can stream music wirelessly from all the supported devices (Bluetooth-enabled devices for Bluetooth surround sound system or Wi-Fi enabled devices using the same Wi-Fi home network for Wi-Fi surround sound system). These wireless systems will reduce the number of cables (since you don\u2019t have to stretch cables across your room and connect each speaker to the receiver) but you can\u2019t eliminate all the cables \u2013 they won\u2019t magically disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Go Wireless?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Well, in the end, it\u2019s all up to you but you should know a few important things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you can\u2019t buy a decent wireless surround sound system for less than $300 (maybe $250) and that\u2019s considered cheap when it comes to wireless surround sound. Most of those on our list of 18 best wireless surround sound systems in 2024 cost more than $500, and some even more than $1,000 (or $1,500).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, they are usually not as good as wired surround sound systems (in terms of performance, reliability, and sound quality) and you are basically paying more for the wireless transmission and convenience than for the sound. They are definitely not crappy but you can get similar performance for half the money if you decide to buy a wired system. Unfortunately, you will lose the convenience that comes with wireless technology<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, most of the wireless surround sound systems are not completely wireless. In some cases, they need to be plugged into the wall outlet, in other cases, surround speakers have to be connected to the subwoofer. You will eliminate most of the audio cables (connecting the speakers to the receiver) but you will still have all those power cables and you will need a wall outlet for each of the speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having all these downsides (price, reduction and not elimination of the cables) in mind, we still think that you should buy one of these wireless systems if you have that kind of money. If your floor is covered with cables and you cannot stand it anymore, eliminating those longest (speaker cables) going from your receiver to the surround or rear speakers will definitely make a difference. You can hide all those other cables behind your TV stand but it’s much harder to hide the speaker cables. The best solution is buying a wireless surround sound system. And if you go for one of those above $500 or $1000, you will be seriously amazed by the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The List of 18 Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems In 2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch 400W 45″ Sound Bar with 8\u201d Wireless Subwoofer<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Nakamichi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on B&H<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nakamichi<\/a> maybe sounds familiar to older audio enthusiasts. It was one of the biggest manufacturers of old-school cassette tape decks during the 1970s and 1980s. The company was founded in 1972 and during the first two decades it was one of the most popular audio brands. After the introduction of digital audio, Nakamichi wasn\u2019t such a big name anymore. The company wasn\u2019t shut down and they managed to survive by making car audio systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2016, Nakamichi made a great comeback to the American market. A new branch of Nakamichi audio was opened in the US and their only area of expertise are home theater systems. Their first product was Nakamichi ShockWafe Pro 7.1 Bluetooth soundbar with a subwoofer and two rear speakers and it was a big success. After this one, they made three more systems \u2013 Nakamichi Pro 7.1 with DTS:X support, Elite 7.2 with DTS:X support, and Ultra 9.2 with DTS:X support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This review is dedicated to Nakamichi\u2019s first soundbar, the one that brought Nakamichi back to the market. It\u2019s called ShockWafe Pro 7.1 but it\u2019s more like enhanced 5.1 surround sound system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the greatest things about this system are that it offers much more connection options than previously reviewed SONOS 5.1 system, installation is relatively simple, surround sound performance is pretty good, and the price is more than affordable. ShockWafe Pro 7.1 is one of the best wireless surround sound systems under $500. Have in mind that this is the entry-level wireless surround sound system and if you want improved model with DTS:X support you will have to pay $150 more while 9.2 model costs more than $1000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greatest flaws of this system are lack of support for object-based surround sound audio and, in some cases, an unstable connection between the soundbar and subwoofer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

All the pieces of ShockWafe Pro 7.1 come in one huge box. Each speaker is protected with Styrofoam and wrapped in plastic foil. Inside the big box, you\u2019ll find another smaller one with all kinds of accessories. When it comes to accessories, Nakamichi was more generous than any other manufacturer of surround sound systems. Inside the big box, you will find Nakamichi Bluetooth soundbar, wireless subwoofer (also Bluetooth), two rear (or surround) speakers, and a remote with LCD display (+ 2 AAA batteries). In the accessory box you will find all the cables \u2013 subwoofer power cable, 2 26-inch long speaker cables (not regular speaker wire<\/a> but proprietary), auxiliary cable, one HDMI cable, wall screws, wall brackets, mounting screws (for soundbar and speakers), wall mount brackets, and Velcro strips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soundbar weighs 7.25 pounds, it is 45.5 inches long, 3.3 inches deep, and 3 inches high. It looks quite interesting and unusual with all those angular edges. Inside the soundbar, there are 6 2.5-inch woofers arranged in 3 groups (channels), so you have left, right, and center channel. Additionally, there are two 1-inch angled tweeters on both ends of the soundbar. The idea is to improve surround sound experience with these two surround effect tweeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find 5 control buttons on the soundbar itself (power, source, DEMO, and Volume buttons) but you will have to use soundbar remote for most of the settings. You can also use TV remote if you want to turn on\/off the unit or adjust the volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the front side of the soundbar, you will see black aluminum grille with 10 LED lights at the bottom. These ten indicators will show you which input is selected, which type of surround sound is being played, and many other things (you will see a different combination of LED lights flashing or glowing depending on the source, surround soundtrack, type of settings you are adjusting, etc.). You can\u2019t really consider these LED indicators intuitive and you should look at the LCD display on your remote rather than LED indicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the connections are at the back \u2013 you will see two HDMI inputs with 4K pass (no HDCP 2.2 support), one HDMI ARC OUT for connecting your TV to the soundbar (if your TV has HDMI ARC IN port), one digital optical, one coaxial, and one 3.5mm input. There is also a USB port but it\u2019s designed for firmware upgrades only. Soundbar also features Bluetooth 3.0 so you can pair any of your Bluetooth-enabled devices with it and stream music or podcasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subwoofer weighs 15.5 pounds, it\u2019s 7.9 inches wide, 12.3 inches high, and 16.7 inches deep. It\u2019s also interesting and unusual (shape-wise) and it looks good in combination with the soundbar. Inside the subwoofer, there is an 8-inch down-firing driver (you shouldn\u2019t expect extremely deep lows).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the back of the subwoofer there is one pairing button with a blue LED indicator, power switch, AC input, and two output ports for surround speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Satellite (surround) speakers weigh 1.1 pound each, they are 4.3 inches wide, 6.7 inches high, and 3 inches deep. Unlike subwoofer, satellite speakers are wired and you have to connect them to the subwoofer (not to the soundbar) and that\u2019s why Nakamichi recommends placing the subwoofer on the opposite side from your TV (next to your couch, near the rear wall of your room). Each speaker has 1 2.5-inch driver. They can be wall mounted or placed on floor stands (you will have to buy stands separately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Nakamichi ShockWafe 7.1 Pro is black, it\u2019s quite stylish and just a little bit oddly shaped. The design is mostly a matter of taste and there is no universal beauty but we still think that most of you will like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting the soundbar to all of your audio sources, pairing it with the subwoofer, and connecting the speakers should take no more than 10 minutes. Mounting soundbar and surround speakers will take more, but you will spend most of the time adjusting the sound and getting used to controls, programming your TV remote to use it with the soundbar, checking different EQ modes, etc. There is no automatic calibration tool (mic or some app). There is recommended speaker layout in Nakamichi user manual, and you should try to place the speakers in accordance with this recommendation in order to get the most out of this system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best thing about this system (besides the sound) is that you can connect all kinds of audio sources to the soundbar. This soundbar is basically a substitution for AV receiver, it saves space and makes things a lot simpler. You can connect your TV, gaming console, cable or satellite box, streaming device, your PC, and other devices to the soundbar and you can shift from one to another input with your remote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also connect any Bluetooth-enabled device to the system and stream any music from your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. The range is pretty much standard (approx. 30ft). The connection is stable and we didn\u2019t experience any signal loss. If you change the input source, your device will be disconnected and when you switch to Bluetooth input, device and soundbar will pair automatically. You can\u2019t pair two or more Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously to the soundbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shockwafe 7.1 Pro supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 surround sound formats. It doesn\u2019t support any of 7.1 surround sound audio formats (DD TRUE HD or DTS HD Master Audio) nor object-based audio formats (Atmos or DTS:X). It can decode only 5.1 surround soundtracks so it\u2019s probably not fair to advertise it as 7.1 system (if you consider those two small angled tweeters on both ends of the soundbar speakers, then you can say this is 7.1 but in reality, it is not \u2013 it\u2019s 5.1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.1 Pro offers crisp clean sound with pretty good soundstage and nice separation between left and right channels. It delivers an immersive listening experience, especially when watching movies (music doesn\u2019t sound that good \u2013 it is clean and pretty loud but you won\u2019t get enough bass with that 8-inch subwoofer). The frequency response of the system spans from 35Hz to 22KHz, maximum SPL is 104dB, RMS power is 150W (peak \u2013 400W).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of all this, you can choose between 6 EQ modes (Movie, Music, Game, TV, Sports, and Night) or you can adjust bass and treble manually. You can also adjust the volume of each channel or turn off surround speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First of all, we were not completely happy with the bass. It\u2019s ok, but nothing more than that. It\u2019s not punchy enough and it sounds a bit distorted at high volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subwoofer pairs with the soundbar wirelessly through Bluetooth, but the connection is not excellent. It happens occasionally that subwoofer simply stops working (and when subwoofer stops, surround speakers also stop) and then you have to restart them and pair them again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no support for Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS HD master audio, or DTS:X and some customers might see that as a deal breaker. Also, you will have only 2 HDMI inputs at your disposal and some of you might find that insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4Ch 800W Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Nakamichi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on B&H<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here comes another surround sound system from the highly praised Nakamichi Shockwafe line. It\u2019s called Elite7.2.4 and it\u2019s an upgraded version of the previously mentioned Shockwafe 7.1 Pro (2016). Besides the obvious upgrade (2 subwoofers instead of one), this system also has more inputs, longer and more comprehensive list of supported surround sound formats, upgraded Bluetooth module, more reliable wireless connection between the soundbar and subwoofer, and an upgraded LED display (5-digit LED display instead of an array of LED lights). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering the price and the performance, there\u2019s not much to complain about. You may not like the fact that only the subwoofers<\/a> are wireless and surround modules have to be connected to the subwoofers but you will have to live with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Like with all the other Nakamichi speaker systems, everything comes packed inside one large and hefty cardboard box. There\u2019s no separate box for each part but all the speakers are nicely protected. As you probably know, Nakamichi is very generous when it comes to accessories. It’s probably the most generous of all the manufacturers and they deserve some credit for that. Kudos Nakamichi! So, besides the speakers (soundbar, 2 subwoofers, 2 surround speakers), you will get 3 power cables (for the soundbar and subwoofers), 2 speaker cables (for connecting the surround speakers to the subwoofer), and a fully-featured and very user-friendly remote. You will also get a set of cables for connecting different audio sources to the soundbar (HDMI 2.0 cable x1, TOSLINK cable x1, AUX cable x1), all the necessary mounting hardware for the soundbar and surround speakers (speaker stands are not included), user manual, and a warranty card (standard 1-year warranty). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The soundbar features that recognizable angular design. Every Nakamichi system comes with the same soundbar (except for the original Nakamichi Pro 7.1). This soundbar acts as the hub (it substitutes the AV receiver and three front channels. Compared to the original Nakamichi 7.1 Pro, this system has an upgraded soundbar with a more intuitive LED display (you have a 5-digit display instead of an array of 10 LED lights) and more connections. Like the original Nakamichi soundbar, this one has 6 drivers (2.5in, full-range). They are arranged in 3 groups and act as left, center, and right channels. The separation between the channels is pretty good (considering the fact that we are talking about the soundbar) and it will give you much better stereo separation than other similarly priced soundbars<\/a> on the market. The soundbar also has two small 1in drivers on each end. These are so-called ambient effect drivers and, as the name implies, they will widen the soundstage and make your movie watching experience more realistic. All the drivers are protected with a semi-transparent grille. Right in the middle, beneath the Nakamichi logo, there\u2019s a nice and intuitive LED display. All the connections are on the rear panel. The soundbar features 4 HDMI 2.0 ports. One of them is HDMI ARC OUT (this is the preferred connection if your TV has HDMI ARC input). All the HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0. They all support 4K pass-through, HDR, and they are all HDCP 2.2 compliant.  The soundbar also has one TOSLINK input, one coaxial input, one AUX input, and a USB port (for music playback and firmware updates). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The subwoofers that come with the Elite feature the same kind of design as the previous Nakamichi system on our list (the original Nakamichi 7.1 Pro) and the same kind of driver (8in down-firing driver with rear-firing port). Besides the obvious difference (2 subwoofers instead of one), the subwoofers<\/a> that come with the Elite are just a little bit larger. Each subwoofer has a Pairing button on the back (you won\u2019t have to use it unless you experience some pairing issues), USB port (for firmware updates), and one RCA speaker output. You\u2019re supposed to use these speaker outputs to connect the surround speakers. The original Nakamichi 7.1 Pro (and 7.1.4 Pro), had only one subwoofer and both surround speakers were supposed to be connected to that subwoofer but, in this case, one speaker is connected to each subwoofer. So, it’s a little bit different layout but it’s still very simple. It’s even easier this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surround speakers that come with the system are the same as the speakers that come with any other speaker system from this line (smallish 2-way speakers with 3in full-range woofers and 1in tweeters). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation is relatively easy and shouldn\u2019t take too long, especially if you don\u2019t want to mount the soundbar and satellites. Nakamichi systems don’t come with an auto-calibration mic or some kind of software for calibration, but you can find the recommended speaker layouts for different room sizes and configurations in the manual and you should try to follow them. Also, the remote has a room size button (3 options \u2013 small, medium, large) so you can play with it and find the type of sound you like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on the time of day or the content you\u2019re watching, you can select of one of many interesting DSP sound modes \u2013 night (lowers the bass), music, movie, entertainment (game\/show\/news), clear voice (improved intelligibility), stereo, and pure direct. You can also turn off the DSP effects if you want to hear the original audio track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of supported surround sound formats is truly impressive. The soundbar can decode standard Dolby 5.1 and DTS 5.1. It also supports Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital, DD+, DTS-HD, DTS-HD MA. In the end, it supports object-based surround sound formats \u2013 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soundbar has a built-in Bluetooth module (Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX support<\/a>). You can stream any audio content from any Bluetooth-enabled device (phone, tablet, laptop). Pairing and streaming are smooth and painless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To control the system, you can use the control panel on the soundbar (located on the top). This control panel has only 5 buttons and offers only basic adjustments (power on\/off, source, volume). If you want to control everything else, you have to use the remote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remote is one of the biggest highlights. It\u2019s backlit so you won\u2019t have any problems in the dark and it allows you to control anything you can think of. There\u2019s a dedicated button for every single function. You can use it to select the source or the DSP mode, to adjust the master volume, dim the LED display on your soundbar. You can even adjust the amount of bass and treble, adjust the volume level of each speaker, turn off the subwoofers, or make quick lip sync adjustments (Lip Sync + and Lip Sync -). The remote is simply perfect. The system also supports IR learning feature so you can use your TV remote to turn on\/off the system or to adjust the master volume. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to performance, this system is almost flawless. Surround sound effects are powerful and immersive, especially when playing standard 5.1 and 7.1 tracks. The bass is fast, accurate, and dynamic. That additional subwoofer really makes a difference and improves the realism. We were not impressed by height effects but, to be honest, we didn\u2019t really expect them to be extremely immersive or accurate. After all, the soundbar only simulates height effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Well, there\u2019s not much to complain about when you know what kind of performance this system delivers, but we can still think of a few things that could make it even better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, unlike some other wireless surround sound systems, this one doesn\u2019t come with an auto-calibration tool (mic, software, app). Adding one would make the installation easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, making an app that would allow you to adjust all kinds of settings would be a huge upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4Ch 1000W Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Nakamichi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on B&H<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 is the biggest and most powerful system made by Nakamichi. Its combined power output is 1,000W. The system is priced under $1,300 which is not cheap but can be considered quite affordable considering the performance and the amount of realism it offers. This is, by far, the most amazing wireless surround sound system at this price point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Ultra 9.2.4 comes with the same soundbar as Elite 7.2.4, these two systems have the same inputs, the same features, and they support the same surround sound formats. We are just going to list all the features and focus our attention on the differences. If you want to find out more about the features, read our review about Elite 7.2.4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest differences between the two systems are larger subwoofers (10in drivers instead of 8in drivers) and two additional rear speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Just like Elite 7.2.4, Ultra 9.2.4 comes in a rich packaging with many accessories. Inside the box, you\u2019ll find your speakers (soundbar, 2 subs, 2 surround speakers, and 2 rear speakers), power cables (for the soundbar and subwoofers), speaker cables (for connecting the satellites), remote (batteries included), a set of audio cables (HDMI 2.0, TOSLINK, AUX), mounting equipment, user manual, and a warranty card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

All the things we liked about the Nakamichi Shockwafe 7.2.4 are present here, too. The soundbar features the same kind of design, just like the subwoofers and satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connections are also the same \u2013 3 HDMI 2.0 inputs with 4K pass-through and HDCP 2.2 support, one HDMI ARC OUT, TOSLINK input, coaxial input, AUX input, USB port, and Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The installation is almost the same. The calibration tool doesn\u2019t exist, but there\u2019re recommended speaker layouts for different room sizes in the user manual. You have two additional speakers (rear surround speakers) and you are supposed to connect them to the left and right subwoofer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of supported DSP sound modes is also the same. You can select the mode depending on the content, time of day, or your personal preferences. Ultra 9.2.4 also has Night mode with reduced bass and Clear Voice mode for better intelligibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of supported surround sound formats is also the same. Ultra 9.2.4 can decode any Dolby Digital or DTS surround audio track, including object-based DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remote has some minor changes when it comes to button layout but all the buttons are still there and the remote is still one of the biggest highlights. So, you can still use it to select the source, select DSP sound modes, adjust the volume of each speaker, adjust bass and treble levels, or make lip-sync adjustments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important difference between Ultra 9.2.4 and Elite 7.2.4 is performance-related. Ultra comes with larger subwoofers and two additional surround speakers (rear surround). The Elite was really good. It was immersive, realistic, life-like. But Ultra\u2026 Ultra is even better. Those two huge bass modules will add some crazy rumble to every explosion and make you feel like you’re in the movie. It gets very close to the cinema experience. This system completely deserves our recommendation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Well, we can only repeat the same things we\u2019ve talked about in the Elite 7.2.4 review. There\u2019s no auto-calibration tool. There are some recommended speaker layouts in the user manual and you should try to follow them. Also, there\u2019s the room size button on the remote that will allow you to choose between small, medium, and large room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system doesn\u2019t come with an app. The remote is really great and gives you so much control over the system but it wouldn\u2019t hurt to have a backup option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

4. Sonos 5.1 Home Theater System PLAYBAR, SUB, PLAY:1 <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Sonos<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on Sonos<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonos is one of the leaders in the wireless audio industry. This is one of the first companies that came up with the idea of wireless (wi-fi) audio equipment and brought that idea to reality. SONOS is well-known for making wi-fi smart speakers and multiroom wireless speakers but they\u2019ve decided to expand a little bit and start making home theater systems<\/a>. They made a soundbar called PLAYBAR first and, after that, they decided to pair it with some of their other products. There is a lot of possible combinations \u2013 you can combine one PLAYBAR (or PLAYBASE, which is SONOS wireless sound base) with SONOS subwoofer (simply named SUB) and 2 speakers (either PLAY:1, PLAY:2, or PLAY:3) and make your own 5.1 surround sound system. The best thing is that you don\u2019t have to buy all these speakers at once and splash more than $1,500. You can start with the PLAYBAR (which is the main unit and the one that connects wirelessly to other speakers) and then make upgrades. We have decided to present to you the combo PLAYBAR + SUB + 2xPLAY:1 but you can make your own combination (buy PLAYBASE instead of PLAYBAR, PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 instead of PLAY1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our opinion, this is the best wireless surround sound system on the market. It offers great sound quality, it is really simple to install and use, and SONOS app works flawlessly (you have to use it to calibrate and control the surround sound system because there is no remote).  The greatest flaws of this system are limited number of inputs (that\u2019s an understatement since there are only one digital optical input and two Ethernet ports) and lack of support for DTS surround sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Each piece of equipment comes in a separate box. Everything looks really premium and expensive – after all, it would be a surprise if that wasn\u2019t the case considering the price of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAYBAR weighs almost 12 pounds, it\u2019s 3.35 inches high, 35.43 inches wide, and 5.51 inches deep. Besides the PLAYBAR, you will get a power cord, digital optical cable, Ethernet cable, Quick start guide, and a warranty card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have two options when it comes to PLAYBAR placement. You can mount it on the wall (wall mount kit is not included and you have to buy it separately \u2013 you can find PLAYBAR wall mount kit on Amazon for less than $40) or you can place it on your TV stand in front of your TV. It\u2019s probably better to mount it on the wall \u2013 that way the drivers are facing toward you and make the soundstage much wider.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SONOS tends to make simple and elegant audio equipment. PLAYBAR is a perfect example of that kind of approach. The front panel is completely covered with a black and soft grille made of acoustic fabric. The rest of the cabinet is made of hard plastic with a few metal elements. On the front panel, there is also IR sensor \u2013 PLAYBAR can learn commands from your TV remote or any universal remote so if you don\u2019t want to use the app, you can use one of your remotes. There are 3 control buttons on the left side panel \u2013 play\/pause (you can use it to mute the volume while watching TV), and two volume buttons. Between play\/pause\/mute button and volume controls, you will see a small LED status\/mute indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the PLAYBAR, there are 9 drivers arranged in a phased array. CENTER channel consists of 2 woofers and a tweeter between them, there are two woofers on the left and right side and two angled tweeters on each end of the cabinet. Each woofer has 2.5-inch diameter, and tweeters are a bit smaller (1.5-inch). You won\u2019t find that many drivers on other soundbars<\/a> and that\u2019s one of the biggest advantages of the PLAYBAR itself. Even if you decide to buy PLAYBAR only, you will be impressed by the soundstage and perfectly clear sound. PLAYBAR alone offers much better experience than any TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUB also comes in the same type of package. It weighs 36.3 pounds and it is 15.3 inches high, 15.8 inches wide, and 6.2 inches deep. Its design is quite unusual \u2013 it has a hole in the middle and it\u2019s black and glossy. It kind of stands out, since all the other speakers don\u2019t have that shiny look. We would like it more without that gloss, but it\u2019s just the matter of taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the SUB, you will get one power cable, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can place the SUB horizontally or vertically \u2013 both ways offer pretty much the same type of sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the SUB, you will find only one pairing button (press the button to pair it with the PLAYBAR) and LED status indicator. That\u2019s all, no volume controls or anything else. You have to use SONOS app to adjust the amount of bass and volume of the SUB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the SUB, there are two 6-inch oval drivers firing at each other with 2 class-D amplifiers (no info on amp output or max SPL). This kind of driver arrangement should cancel out all the cabinet vibrations. Bass ports are at the bottom. SUB can play sounds down to 25Hz.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAY:1 speakers come in two separate boxes that look completely the same as the boxes for SUB and PLAYBAR (only smaller). Each PLAY:1 speaker weighs 4.08 pounds (they are pretty heavy for their size), they are 6.36 inches high, 4.69 inches wide, and 4.69 inches deep. In each box, you will find power and Ethernet cable, quick start guide, and warranty card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers look really nice. You can choose between two options \u2013 white speakers with a metallic grille or black speakers with a graphite grille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speakers can be wall-mounted or placed on speaker stands. Wall mounts and floor stands are not included and you can buy them on Amazon or order them from SONOS website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The control buttons are on the top panel. You will see volume controls, play\/pause\/mute button, and small LED status indicator. On the back panel, there\u2019s one pairing button and power cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside each PLAY:1 speaker, there are two drivers \u2013 one woofer and one tweeter with dedicated class-D amplifiers (just like BOSE, SONOS doesn\u2019t provide any info on max SPL, amp output, frequency response, sound to noise ratio, etc.). You can control these speakers through the app, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

SONOS 5.1 is one of the best-looking wireless surround sound systems on the market. They look minimalistic and elegant. The only thing that really stands out is the SUB because of its shiny finish. We would prefer the look without that finish but that\u2019s just our taste. And we would pick black speakers with graphite grille \u2013 it fits better with black SUB and black and silver PLAYBAR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing the system should not take more than half an hour. Physically connecting the soundbar to your TV takes a few seconds (but you need a TV with digital optical output). All the other adjustments are done through the app. When you\u2019re done with pairing all the speakers into a system, you have to calibrate the system. That\u2019s also done through the app. There a section called TRUEPLAY which is auto calibration tool. This tool uses mic on your iPhone to calibrate all the important sound-related characteristics and adjust the speakers. TRUEPLAY doesn\u2019t work with Android devices and you are going to need an iPhone (or iPod) to calibrate the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SONOS 5.1 system supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and that\u2019s pretty much it. None of the other 5.1 or 7.1 or object-based surround sound formats are supported. Luckily, most of today\u2019s Blu-ray discs feature DD 5.1 soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can stream music and podcasts from your phone to the SONOS 5.1 system but there\u2019s a catch. You can do that only through SONOS app. SONOS app has a bunch of streaming apps like Deezer, Spotify, Google Play<\/a>, iHeartRadio, etc. integrated and you will have to open the SONOS app, then go to the section with all these integrated streaming apps and stream the music. It doesn\u2019t matter if you have some streaming app already installed on your phone \u2013 you have to open SONOS app and access the streaming app through SONOS app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two more additional features that you can activate through SONOS app \u2013 Speech Enhancement and Night Mode. You can use Speech Enhancement<\/a> if you are hard of hearing or if you want to hear the vocals better. This thing really improves the intelligibility by making the voices louder and clearer and background sounds and music quieter. Night mode is something that you can use if you are watching TV or movies late at night. If you don\u2019t want to wake up everybody, you just have to activate night mode and it will adjust the sound by making quiet sounds a bit louder and loud sounds quieter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will hardly find some wireless surround sound system that\u2019s so easy to use and install, that works flawlessly, and offers very good sound. SONOS 5.1 is the perfect combo of these three things. Some would say that Denon Heos AVR 5.1 Surround System is better when it comes to sound quality and that\u2019s probably true but there are some functionality issues that make it really user-unfriendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

SONOS 5.1 doesn\u2019t support DTS 5.1 surround sound audio format and that\u2019s the greatest downside of this system. It also doesn\u2019t support any 7.1 or object-based surround sound formats but that\u2019s not such a big issue. Most Blu-ray discs have either DD 5.1 or DTS 5.1 audio track and if you get a disc with DTS 5.1, you won\u2019t be able to play that surround soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SONOS PLAYBAR features only one INPUT port (digital optical) and there is not even one HDMI input. For some people that could be a huge deal breaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to use all the streaming apps through the SONOS app and that\u2019s a bit inconvenient. On the positive side, SONOS app does have more than 80 different streaming options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SONOS 5.1 system is slightly overpriced. PLAYBAR and PLAY:1 speakers are pretty good for the price, but SUB with 6-inch drivers should definitely cost less. You can find much better subwoofers for less than $700 but only SONOS SUB will work with SONOS PLAYBAR and if you are a fan of SONOS wireless audio, you won\u2019t mind paying $100 more for SONOS 5.1 system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q90R<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Samsung<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on Walmart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samsung is one of the leaders when it comes to wireless surround sound systems. They have already introduced more than a dozen different wireless systems and you can find 2 of them on this list. HW-Q line is created in cooperation with Harman Kardon (which is, by the way, Samsung\u2019s daughter company). Most of the Samsung wireless surround sound systems are simple soundbar\/subwoofer combos that only simulate surround sound, but their flagship models come with additional surround speakers and can be considered true surround sound systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HW-Q90R is Samsung\u2019s flagship wireless surround sound system for 2019. This is a 7.1.4 system (it simulates object-based surround sound) and it comes with wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. The number of necessary cables is minimized and the performance is quite amazing. The biggest problem is the price. Q90R is priced slightly under $1,500. Another problem is the fact that it\u2019s optimized for Samsung QLED TVs<\/a>. It will work fine with other TVs but you won\u2019t be able to experience all the benefits and use all the features.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The box is quite large and weighs almost 60lb. Inside the box, you\u2019ll find all the speakers (soundbar, subwoofer, rears), 4 power cords, remote (batteries included), one HDMI cable, mounting equipment, user manual, and 1-year warranty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The system looks quite sleek. The edges of the soundbar and surround modules are reinforced with aluminum. The soundbar is entirely wrapped in a semi-transparent black grille, just like the rear speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of drivers built into the soundbar is quite amazing. There’re 13 drivers in total \u2013 9 drivers on the front side (arranged in 3 channels \u2013 front, left, right), 2 drivers on the far-left and far-right end of the top panel, and two drivers on the left and right panels. The manufacturer’s idea was to envelop you with the sound coming from all directions. Each rear speaker features two drivers \u2013 one front-firing driver and one up-firing driver. In total, there are four up-firing drivers and they are supposed to bring the height effects to the next level and offer better object-based effects than any other wireless surround sound system on the market. The subwoofer features one side-firing 8in driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the inputs are located on the rear panel of the soundbar. There are two HDMI inputs, one HDMI ARC OUT port, digital optical input, and USB port (for firmware updates). The soundbar doesn\u2019t have an Ethernet port but it has a built-in Wi-Fi antenna and can be connected to your home Wi-Fi network. The number of available physical inputs is not amazing. The manufacturer obviously wants you to use your TV as a hub. Still, compared to the SONOS 5.1 system and to some other wireless surround sound systems, HW-Q90R offers satisfying connection versatility. HDMI inputs support 4K HDR pass-through and are HDCP 2.2 compliant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The installation is very simple and hassle-free. The preferred connection type for your TV is the HDMI ARC OUT port. All the wireless speakers will pair automatically with the soundbar. If that doesn’t happen, you can always do it manually by pressing the ID SET button on each speaker (page 7 of the user manual). The soundbar can be connected to a TV via Bluetooth (works with many Bluetooth-enabled TVs) or it can be connected via Wi-Fi (works with Samsung Smart TVs made after 2013). A small downside is a fact that there’s no auto-calibration tool. You can find the recommended speaker layout in the user manual (page 6 of the user manual) and you are supposed to position the speakers appropriately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have multiple options when it comes to controlling the system. You can use the remote that comes with it, four control buttons on the top panel of the soundbar (power, source, volume), or your Samsung TV remote (in some cases, you can only control the basic functions). You can also use the SmartThings app (available for Android and iOS devices). The remote has a simple button layout but it allows you to control all kinds of things. For example, the settings button on the remote allows you to adjust the speaker levels, bass and treble, make your EQ settings by adjusting 5 frequency bands, make SYNC corrections, etc. The remote has two minor downsides – there\u2019s no dedicated button for each function and it\u2019s not backlit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SmartThings app has pretty nice ratings on both Google Play and App Store. This app is not made exclusively for Samsung wireless surround sound systems but for all kinds of Samsung smart devices. It\u2019s quite demanding and it\u2019s also quite large so you might experience some issues with older phones. It worked flawlessly on iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S9. The app allows you to control everything, just like the remote. It also allows you to perform the updates wirelessly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HW-Q90R has a few sound modes including standard, Game Pro (optimizes sound for gaming and it activates automatically if the console is connected to a Samsung TV), surround sound, and Adaptive Sound Mode. Adaptive Sound Mode is a very interesting feature \u2013 the soundbar will analyze the audio and optimize the output depending on the content you\u2019re watching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system is also Alexa-enabled so you can control it and stream music wirelessly via Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HW-Q90R supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based surround sound formats. It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby True HD, and Dolby DD+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to wireless connectivity, you can choose between Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Both options are pretty easy to use. You have to use the SmartThings app to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few features that are Samsung-specific (the features that work best with QLED and other Samsung TVs). When connected to Samsung TV (via HDMI cable), you can use your TV remote to control the soundbar. This feature is called Anynet+ and it’s Samsung’s version of CEC. Also, there’s the Auto Power Link feature which turns on the system whenever you turn on the soundbar (when they are connected via optical or HDMI cable). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HW-Q90R delivers surprisingly immersive performance. 9 front-firing, 4 up-firing, and 2 side-firing drivers, combined with that 8in subwoofer, will envelop you with sound from all directions. The watching experience is very lifelike. Even those object-based sound effects are pretty good. It\u2019s still a simulation, and the sound is not perfectly directed but it\u2019s much better than any other soundbar with up-firing drivers. The adaptive sound mode is a great feature, too \u2013 it analyzes the content and makes the adjustments to make your watching experience more interesting. So, if you are watching a basketball game, it will emphasize the audience and send that audio to your rear speakers. It will make you feel like you\u2019re in the arena. Also, if you\u2019re watching something at low volume, it will emphasize the mids while reducing the bass in order to make the dialogues more intelligible. The only thing that may need some upgrade is the subwoofer. Adding a larger subwoofer would make the movie-watching experience even more immersive but we don\u2019t know what kind of effect would that have on the midrange reproduction (especially on the dialogues). With the existing subwoofer, all the speakers work in perfect synergy and deliver very reliable wireless performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no auto-calibration tool which is a bit inconvenient, but the recommended speaker layout is pretty simple and you shouldn\u2019t have any problems with speaker placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this price point, we have expected some additional features like Google Chromecast and Airplay support. At the moment, this system is Wi-Fi enabled and supports Alexa. Adding a few more wireless services would make HW-Q90R even more attractive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are only two HDMI inputs and one HDMI ARC OUT which is not much and it means that you have to connect some of the devices to your TV. This is a common thing with soundbars and wireless surround sound systems so it can\u2019t be considered a deal-breaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Polk Audio Signa S2<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Polk<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Price on B&H<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polk is always a viable option when looking for a budget-friendly solution. Polk Audio Signa S2 is an ultra-slim and ultra-compact soundbar\/subwoofer 2.1 system offering versatile connectivity, great ease of use, Dolby Digital decoding, several DSP sound modes for improved sonic performance and better intelligibility, and pretty good overall audio quality. Naturally, you can’t expect a true surround sound experience from a 2.1 system but it definitely performs above expectations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Like most soundbar\/subwoofer combos, Signa S2 comes in an L-shaped box. Inside the box, you will find the soundbar, subwoofer, remote (batteries not included), two power cables, optical cable, HDMI cable, and all the standard literature. You will also get a 1-year warranty on electronics and a 2-year warranty on the drivers. The soundbar can be mounted but the mounting kit is sold separately.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Both main components of the system have a very small footprint and don’t require too much space. The bar is ultra-slim (2.15in), it’s 35.4in long and 3.2in deep. The enclosure is made of plastic and has a black finish. Some parts, like the side covers, have a shiny finish and look a bit cheap. The front panel as well as a large chunk of the top panel are covered with a protective fabric. The inputs and mounting holes are on the back and all the controls are on the top.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The subwoofer is, just like the soundbar, very compact (6.7in x 13.4in x 12.3in) and fairly light. The enclosure is made of MDF and is ported (front-firing bass reflex port). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soundbar houses four drivers arranged in two channels. You have two oval 1.25in x 4.4in full-range drivers and two 1in tweeters. The subwoofer houses one 5.25in woofer and a front-firing bass reflex port. The manufacturer doesn\u2019t publish power outputs for this model but, according to some reviews and specs we\u2019ve found on other websites, the peak power output of the soundbar is 120W and the peak power output of the subwoofer is 100W.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as connections are concerned, you have three options \u2013 HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX IN (3.5mm). You can use either but, naturally, the preferred option is HDMI connection. If your TV doesn\u2019t support HDMI ARC, use optical. If your TV supports CEC, you will be able to control some basic functions of the soundbar (power, volume) with your TV remote. Aside from physical connections, the soundbar also features Bluetooth so you can also stream any audio content from any Bluetooth source wirelessly. This soundbar doesn\u2019t support wi-fi connectivity but if you need one that features wi-fi support (and Google Chromecast) and is equally affordable, try the upgraded version \u2013 <\/span>Signa S3<\/span> (priced under $250).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The installation shouldn\u2019t take more than a few minutes. In case you want to mount it, make sure to order a mounting kit separately. To make it work, you just have to connect your TV and one or two additional audio sources to the soundbar, turn on the soundbar and subwoofer, wait until they pair with each other, and start using the system. In case you experience pairing issues, you can easily pair the subwoofer manually or reset the connection (the instructions are given in the user manual).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to control the volume, change the source, or initiate Bluetooth pairing, you can use 5 control buttons located on the top panel of the soundbar or you can use the included remote. The remote gives you a few more options \u2013 it allows you to adjust the bass levels and enable one of the available DSP sound modes. The soundbar has four LED lights located on the front panel, right in the middle, and protected with that cloth grille. Different colors and different LED combos will light up when different sources are used and different audio formats are being processed. The LED indicators can be a bit confusing, especially at first.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The meaning of different LED combos (source \u2013 Signa S2 user manual)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signa S2 features several sound modes. The purpose of each mode is to optimize the audio output for different types of content. There\u2019s the movie mode, music mode, and night mode. The last one lowers the bass levels, improves the dialog clarity, and provides you with a more enjoyable listening experience at night. The soundbar also supports 3 different levels of VOICE ADJUST. These are special DSP modes designed to improve the intelligibility of dialogs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system decodes Dolby Digital 5.1 and that\u2019s one of the key features the manufacturer likes to advertise. The unit can also decode DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus. It doesn\u2019t support Atmos or DTS:X.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The audio performance is quite enjoyable. The system is loud, the bass is present and punchy, and the vocals are perfectly clear, even without the VOICE ADJUST feature. The system doesn’t create an incredible surround sound effect but it would be unreasonable to expect something like that from a simple 2.1 system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we don\u2019t like<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The bar is mountable but the wall mounting kit is not included and you have to buy it separately.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are not supported.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LED indicators can be confusing at first.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unit has only one HDMI input.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Table<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Enclave Audio CineHome II<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Enclave<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Check Price on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first wireless surround sound system from Enclave Audio, CineHome HD 5.1, was a big success. It was one of the first systems with <\/span>a WiSA certificate<\/span><\/a> and one of the best-sounding 5.1 wireless <\/span>home theaters<\/span> on the market, especially in its price range. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Enclave<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The next generation of Enclave Audio <\/span>surround sound systems<\/span><\/a> brought us two units \u2013 CineHome II and <\/span>CineHome PRO<\/span><\/a>. The systems are fully redesigned and look more luxurious than the first one, but all the good things remained the same. Both CineHome II and CineHome PRO are the epitomes of convenience and ease of use. They both sound amazing, and the prices are still competitive.  Today, we will review the cheaper and a bit more compact of the two units \u2013 CineHome II. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most wireless surround sound systems, CineHome II is, just like its predecessor CineHome HD 5.1, a true surround sound system. It doesn\u2019t simulate surround sound or anything like that. The speakers don\u2019t require <\/span>speaker wire<\/span><\/a>, but they do require power cables (6 cables in total), so you should think about the number and position of wall outlets in your room. If you don\u2019t have enough wall outlets for all the speakers and other equipment, you may want to buy additional power strips. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price of the CineHome II is just slightly higher than the price of the previous CineHome HD 5.1. You can have it for $1,100. It may seem a lot, but if you compare it to other <\/span>higher-end home theater systems<\/span><\/a>, even wired ones, you will see that this can be considered affordable. Especially for a wireless surround sound system. Sure, you can get a soundbar-based system for less, but it will never sound the same as this thing. We\u2019ve heard people calling CineHome systems soundbar killers and we couldn\u2019t agree more with that statement. Nothing can replace <\/span>a true surround sound experience<\/span> with a dedicated speaker for each channel, regardless of how good the simulation is. But let\u2019s leave the discussion about sonic performance for later and start this review as we usually do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" What\u2019s in the box?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

CineHome II comes in a huge box with a nice sketch on the front side explaining the contents. Everything is nicely packed and protected with Styrofoam. On the top, you will find the main unit called the CineHub packed inside a separate box. Along with the CineHub, you will find a power supply for the CineHub and one HDMI cable. The old CineHome system didn\u2019t come with this unit. Instead, the <\/span>center channel<\/span><\/a> was in charge of all the sound processing and wireless communication with other speakers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s another smaller box on the top, right next to the CineHub box. Inside this box, you will find six power cables, one for each speaker. Power cords for all the front speakers (FL, FR, C) and for the <\/span>subwoofer<\/span><\/a> are 6ft long. The cords for the rear speakers are 9ft long. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you remove the upper layer of Styrofoam, you will see your speakers \u2013 one subwoofer, two front speakers, <\/span>a center channel speaker<\/span><\/a>, and two rear speakers. Each speaker has a label on the back, so you won\u2019t mix them up.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The package doesn\u2019t come with a remote. You can control some basic settings with your TV remote (HDMI CEC has to be enabled) or you can use the CineHome CineHub remote app for advanced adjustments. You can also <\/span>order the remote directly from Enclave Audio for $15<\/span>, but we don’t think there’s a need for additional expenses. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CineHub is a simple, compact unit. It looks like some kind of Android TV box. On the front, you have an LED indicator and an IR receiver. On the back, there\u2019s one HDMI eARC output, one optical input, AUX input, and a DC input. The existence of CineHub is the first big difference between the old Enclave Audio surround sound system and the new ones. Not just the fact that you have a separate unit in charge of sound processing, but also the fact that Enclave Audio completely changed its philosophy when it comes to connectivity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The center channel was the hub of the old CineHome HD 5.1 system and it had 3 HDMI inputs and one <\/span>HDMI ARC<\/span><\/a> OUT. The new CineHub has only one HDMI eARC OUT and no HDMI inputs. In other words, Enclave Audio doesn\u2019t want you to use your CineHub as the hub for your entire entertainment system. They want you to connect all video sources to your TV and then just send audio to the CineHub, either via HDMI, TOSLINK, or AUX cable. This will unload the burden from your surround sound system, but it will put a strain on your TV. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Old<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Anyhow, an important thing to think about when buying CineHome II is the number of devices that you want to connect via HDMI cable. If your TV doesn\u2019t have enough HDMI inputs for all those devices, you should probably buy an HDMI switch (that\u2019s the cheapest solution). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speakers have hard plastic cabinets and solid semi-transparent grilles protecting the drivers. Three front speakers have the same measures (3.5x16x7\u201d) but the driver arrangements are not the same. Behind the grilles of the FL and FR speakers, you have one 3\u201d woofer, one 1\u201d tweeter, and an airflow port at the top. The center channel<\/a> has two 3\u201d woofers and one 1\u201d tweeter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The subwoofer is quite chunky \u2013 it\u2019s 11.75\u201d wide, 14.75\u201d tall, and 14.5\u201d deep. It has a single 8\u201d down-firing woofer paired with a down-firing bass reflex port.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rear speakers feature <\/span>a bipole design<\/span><\/a> \u2013 each looks like an irregular hexagonal prism. This kind of design is supposed to additionally improve surround effects and make the stage even wider. Each rear speaker has two 2\u201d woofers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Enclave<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On the back of each speaker (excluding the subwoofer), you have mounting holes and threads. You can mount the speakers on the wall, or you can buy the flor stands or table stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Things we like<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, the entire system has been redesigned and doesn\u2019t look at all like the old version. It\u2019s much more luxurious, more futuristic. The old version was a bit too boxy, too ordinary. So, a big plus for improved design.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Old<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re new to the world of wireless surround sound, <\/span>you shouldn\u2019t need more than 30-60 min to take the speakers out of the box, place them, and set them up<\/span>. This system is WiSA-certified and that means that the installation is absolutely hassle-free. CineHome II is not like some other wireless surround sound systems that are supposed to be easy to set up but are actually not (who said Bose?). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you <\/span>place the speakers<\/span><\/a> and plug them in, you need to turn them on. On the back of each speaker, there\u2019s a power button and an LED connection status indicator. When you turn them on, the lights will start to flash. Then, you need to connect your TV to the CineHub using one of the available connections (ideally, <\/span>HDMI ARC<\/span><\/a>), and turn the CineHub on. The CineHub will create a proprietary wireless network (using 5 GHz frequencies to avoid interference with all the devices in your home that use 2.4 GHz frequency) and will use it to connect all the speakers into a system. The system should be up and running in 30sec. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the initial setup, you have to download the Enclave Audio remote app (<\/span>Android<\/span><\/a>\/<\/span>iOS<\/span><\/a>) that you\u2019re going to use instead of an actual remote. This app will allow you to do some basic things (turn the system on, select the audio source, control the master volume), but will also let you do some fine-tuning. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you install the app and open it, you have to press the power button and then wait for half a minute or so for the app to register all the speakers. When that happens, the speakers in the app will light up (they will turn orange).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Enclave\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

From the Home screen, you can mute the system, adjust the volume, and select source (HDMI, optical, AUX, Bluetooth). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional settings, fine-tuning, and room calibration, you have to go to the SETTINGS tab. In this section, you can also do some manual calibration (adjust the distance between you and speakers), adjust individual speaker levels, select <\/span>Dolby ProLogic<\/span><\/a> Mode (Off\/Auto\/Movie\/Music), select Dolby Dynamic Range Mode (Standard\/Minimum\/Maximum), or turn on\/off Whole Room Stereo. Finally, you can use the Settings tab to install firmware updates or to send your complaints to the Enclave customer service.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enclave Audio CineHome II – step-by-step setup<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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