Five room-friendly ways to add surround sound speakers

Surround sound is terrific. Untidy wires snaking from receiver to surround speakers? Not so much. Here are five tactics for a clean installation, starting with the simplest.

1. Buy a wireless speaker system

Wireless surround sound systems are simple to set up and offer a lot of flexibility. Choices range from compact front-speaker systems to full 7.1 home theater.

Sonos PLAYBAR

Our customers' most popular choice for wireless surround is the Sonos PLAYBAR. Use it by itself, or add two PLAY:1 speakers and the Sonos SUB for a complete wireless system. It’s an easy way to get 5.1 surround sound and room-filling music without the clutter of speaker wire.

2. Use a wireless transmitter with existing speakers

Do you already have surround speakers and a subwoofer? Use a wireless transmitter to avoid long cable and wire runs across the room.

If your receiver has multi-channel RCA outputs, Audioengine makes it easy. Use their W3 wireless audio adapter kit to send surround information to the N22 amplifer.

Want to eliminate the subwoofer cable? Use the Martin Logan SW2-TRD to get wireless bass.

3. Run the wires through your walls

Want your wires totally hidden? Run in-wall speaker cable through your walls or ceiling for a stealthy installation. Wall plates make wire connections neat and clean if you’re using externally-mounted speakers. If you’re using recessed speakers, the wire is completely hidden away. See our comprehensive in-wall wiring guide for more info.

Conceal visible wires

Do you have exposed wires and cables running down walls and along baseboards? Easily conceal them with paintable wire channels. We also offer an assortment of cable ties and wraps to keep things organized. Read our A/V cable management guide for more tips on keeping your system neat and clean.

4. Use in-wall or ceiling speakers

Install in-wall or ceiling speakers and enjoy surround effects with zero footprint. Some people use these for just their surround speakers. Others install in-wall or ceiling speakers in each location of their home theater.

Recessed speakers do require more installation work. But they provide a smooth, finished look that sounds fantastic. Plus, they have paintable frames and grilles to match your décor. Read our ceiling and in-wall speaker buying guide for recommendations.

5. Try front speakers only

If all else fails, consider ditching surrounds all together. Powerful front speakers are great for TV, movies, and music. Here are three options:

• A sound bar. Some even simulate surround sound without using rear speakers. Read our sound bars buying guide to learn more.
• You can also achieve a powerful front sound stage by using separate speakers. A 2.1 system (a pair of speakers and a subwoofer) is a great option.
• Even better is a 3.1 setup (a 2.1 system that adds a center channel for improved dialogue). Check out this article to learn more.

Let us help you get started

Want friendly, one-on-one help choosing the best gear for your new system? Our expert Advisors can help. Call or chat with us today for free, personalized advice. Free lifetime tech support is included with every Crutchfield purchase.