Surround sound systems offer immersive sound experiences. But correct speaker positioning and setup are a must for achieving it. And it is easier in a closed room. Because cable routing and speaker positioning get easy here. Moreover, the room-filling sound is only achievable in a closed room. But doesn’t it mean the surround sound system won’t work in an open room?
Not at all. A surround sound systems also work in an open room. But enough power, a suitable design, and many more things are necessary. What are those things? Which speaker(s) meet these criteria?
Here is all!
Top Picks: Best surround sound system for an open room
There are tons of surround sound systems in the market. But a few of them can provide the expected performance. If you search for an open room, there will be even fewer options. That’s why I have come up with the top 3. Choose one according to your need or preference.
| Sound System | Type | Effects | Connectivity |
| SAMSUNG HW-Q950A | Soundbar+Satalite | Surround + Dolby Atmos | Wireless |
| VIZIO SB36512-F6 | 5.1.2 | Surround + Dolby Atmos | Wireless |
| Yamaha YHT-5950U | 5.1 + AVR | Surround + Dolby Atmos | Wireless |
3 Best surround sound systems for an open room (Detailed review)
The sound systems I have picked for the top list are from reputed brands. You can expect reliability and the best performance from them. If you are still confused, read out the detailed review. It will help you to get an overview of all sound systems and make a quick decision.
1. SAMSUNG HW-Q950A
Highlights:
- Type: Soundbar+Satalite
- Surround sound system
- Wireless connectivity
Let’s start with the premium option. This sound system is a versatile option for an open room. Because it includes a soundbar, a bookshelf, and a pair of satellite speakers. Basically, it’s an 11.1.4 system. It also offers Dolby atmos technology and supports DTS:X audio. So you can enjoy an immersive movie experience and a powerful music experience with it.
That’s not all. This sound system can provide powerful sound. Unlike other surround sound systems, the bass is intense here. However, it offers app integration and voice control. So, you can also customize the sound experience according to your taste. Moreover, controlling gets easy with it.
Anyways, let’s talk about connectivity. Samsung HW-Q950A. It connects through BlueTooth and HDMI. This sound system doesn’t support analog connections like coax or auxiliaries. That’s a drawback you can complain about this surround sound.
If you ignore these little drawbacks, Samsung HW-Q950A is the best surround sound speaker for an open room. Though it demands a premium price, it offers premium performance too. Besides the look, design and built quality is also premium. So, you must give this sound system a shot.
Pros:
- Powerful sound with 11.1.4 channel
- An immersive experience with the Dolby atmos effect
- Wide connectivity range
- Voice and app control
Cons:
- High price
- Doesn’t support auxiliaries
2. VIZIO SB36512-F6
Highlights:
- Type: 5.1.2
- Surround sound system
- Wireless connectivity
After the most premium option, let’s talk about the most affordable one. VIZIO SB36512-F6 is the most affordable surround system I have ever seen. But it offers some premium features worth getting. Starting with sound quality, it’s a 5.1.2 system with Dolby Atmos technology. It includes a soundbar, a subwoofer, and a pair of satellites. These speakers can fill an open room with 3D sound. So, you can enjoy a theatre-like experience while watching movies.
If I talk about the connectivity option, this sound system offers both wifi and Bluetooth. It also has HDMI connectivity. So, you can connect your TV, Smartphone, or even USBs. Besides, it also has app control. You can stream Netflix, Prime, Spotify, or any streaming platform. Moreover, you can sync all the devices through wifi.
Anyways, VIZIO SB36512-F6 seems too good to be true. But if you learn about the drawbacks, you will understand why this is like this. Vizio emphasizes more on sound quality and other functionality. But they have compromised the built quality to make it affordable. Then again, the features it offers are rare at this price. So, you can compromise with these shortcomings and go for it.
Pros:
- Affordable price and value for money
- High-quality sound with Dolby atmos effect
- Wide connectivity range
- Voice and app control
Cons:
- Decent built quality
- Doesn’t support coax
3. Yamaha YHT-5950U
Highlights:
- Type: 5.1+AVR
- Surround sound system
- Wireless connectivity
At the end of the top list, Yamaha YHT-5950 comes. This sound system is a balance of performance and budget. Unlike other sound systems, it has an AV receiver, a subwoofer, and 4 satellite speakers. So, it’s a complete home theatre package. But is it suitable for an open room?
Well, this sound system has 5 channels. So, it can produce powerful sounds to fill an open room. Moreover, it’s easy to set up. So, it’s perfect for an open room.
If you ask about the source option, it supports almost all kinds of input. The AVR is also a CD player. So, you can play a CD disk here. Besides, it supports HDMI, coaxes and USB input. So it works both as a music player and a home theatre. This sound system also connects through Bluetooth and wifi. So, you can stream your favorite movie or music from OTTs.
Lastly, I must appreciate Yamaha’s design idea for this sound system. It looks cool and makes speaker placement easier. So, you should consider this surround sound system for an open room.
Pros:
- Immersive audio experience with Dolby atmos effect
- Wide connectivity range
- Easy to setup
- App and voice control
Cons:
- High price
What makes the best surround sound system for an open room
You already have learned that a surround sound system for an open room has various selection criteria. Good sound quality, budget, or aftersale service are essential for any sound system. But there are some other selection criteria that are specific to open rooms. I will talk more about them.
Powerful Sound
Power is the first thing to consider for any surround sound system. When you get one for a closed room, you mostly search for a balanced option. But a powerful surround sound system is more suitable for an open room. Because it can provide more intensity and punch to the sound. Moreover, it covers a larger area in every dimension.
However, power depends on the number of speakers in the sound system. The more no of speakers, the more powerful the sound system is. So, a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system is perfect for an open room.
Ease of Installation
Unlike a closed room, installing a surround sound system in an open room is difficult. You can place the speakers and route the cable through the wall when the room is closed. But this is not easy in an open room. So, you should get a sound system that is easy to install.
However, ease of installation depends on many factors like size, compatibility, design, or connectivity. Besides all this, a well-written user manual can also make the installation process easy.
Compatibility
If the surround sound system is compatible with your AVR, it will be easy to install. However, compatibility depends on many factors like source options, connectivity options, and supported audio formats. Let me explain them.
Firstly, the sound system must have the same connectivity option your receiver offer. It can be wired or wireless (BlueTooth or Wifi). Besides, make sure the sound system supports the audio formats the AVR receives from the source and sends to the speakers. Again, it should have the ability to produce special sound effects. It is essential for achieving the experience you expect from a surround sound system.
Minimalistic Design
The design of the surround sound speaker is more important than you think. For an open room, the design plays a vital role in aesthetics, ease of installation, and even sound quality. If the sound system has a minimalistic design, it will occupy less space and offer an aesthetic look. Moreover, the installation process gets easy when the design is minimalistic.
However, the design also has a significant influence on the sound quality. Placing the speakers in an open room will be easier if they have a 10 to 20-degree firing angle from the base,. Thus, you can get better surround sound effect, and overall sound quality also get better.
Wireless Connectivity
Connectivity also influences ease of installation and ease of use. Looks and aesthetics also change with various connectivity options. It is crucial to consider for a surround sound system in an open room. Here I explain how.
When you get a wireless surround sound system, it provides a minimalistic look. Moreover, speaker placement gets flexible with wireless connectivity. So the installation process gets easy. Again, you can move freely through your setup as there is no chance of stumbling with the wiring.
Other hand, a wired sound system is difficult to install and use in an open room. As cable routing is difficult here, the wiring keeps spreading through the floor. That’s why the chance of stumbling is high here. Moreover, it looks messy, which is not good for an open room.
Special Sound Effect
Special sound effects are good to have in a surround sound system. But it’s a must to have when the room is open. Look, each satellite fires from various directions. Thus, the closed room fills with sound. But this is not possible in an open room. Because there is no barrier to hold the sound. That’s why special sound effects like Dolby Atmos are essential.
Dolby atmos technology is an addon to surround sound effects. It adds dimension to the traditional surround sound effect. Suppose you’re listening to a fling mosquito sound. If you listen to it with Dolby atmos, you will actually feel the roaming around your ears. Thus, it makes your movie experience more immersive. So, make sure the sound system supports Dolby atmos.
Conclusion
You have realized that finding a surround sound system for an open room is challenging. There are distinct selection criteria and very few options available in the market. However, you can conduct your own research if you want. But, my objective was to reduce your effort and help you to make a quick decision.
Anyways, getting the right sound system is not enough. If you want to experience the real surround sound effect, positioning the speakers is also important. I can talk about it later in another post. If you want it, let me know in the comment section.
