Small room (10 feet x 10 feet) surround sound?

Question

Would 5.1 surround sound be a bit of a waste in a small room? It is 10 feet by 10 feet.

Would I be better spending the money on a big kick *** pair off floor standing speakers or something?

Would 2.0 or 2.1 be the best value for money in a room this size? (would 5.1 be a waste?)

Answer 1

If you intend to watch movies even a small room can benefit from surround sound ... after all this is how the director and sound designer intended the movie to be heard. Whether you NEED surround or not is your decision, but, no, 5.1 would not be a waste.

I could make an argument that large speakers in a small room would be a waste of money.

The rationale for large speakers is they reproduce the full audible range of frequencies (in particuler the low end bass notes). BUT it's very difficult (and expensive) to get a true full range speaker. They also take up a lot of space and must be positioned just right to work optimally ... limiting furniture placement.

The most cost effective way to get full range sound is small speakers for the mid and high notes and a subwoofer for the bass. Since bass is non-directional a single speaker can suffice, while the small mid/high speakers can be positioned and fit into the room more easily than a big full range speaker.

The same approach works for stereo as for 5.1, so the choice between 2.1 and 5.1 speakers isn't room size, it's what you want to achieve / what will you listen to.

A 5.1 setup works for movies, surround audio (e.g. SACD, DVD-A) and stereo music listening (for the latter you simply turn off the surrounds). However, a stereo setup (2.0 or 2.1) only works well for stereo.

On the other hand a 5.1 speaker system will cost a bit more than the same quality 2.1 system ... so you can save a bit (or get better speakers) with a 2.1 setup.

So ... the choice is yours, but personally I prefer a surround sound setup even in a small room.

As noted by the precious respondent you can also get single speakers (Yamaha and Polk make them, for example) that provide a form of surround sound. While not necessarily inexpensive, they simplify installation somewhat (not that it's very difficult to run the wires for true surround speakers .. particulalry in a small room.

Hope that helps you decide.

Answer 2

I would stick to 5.1. The folks in Hollywood work very hard trying to emerse you in the experience of the film you are watching. Regardless of room size surround plays an important role in your experience.

In the sixties, you might have asked "Should I get stereo or one kick *** mono speaker?" We all know the answer, regarless of room size, and the same applies today with surround.

One exception to consider is the Yamaha Sound Projector so long as you are placing the TV on a wall and not in a corner. It's a single device with 44 speakers inside and it takes advantage of room reflections to achieve something very close to true surround.

Answer 3

no go for 5.1

and put the back pair around ear level of where you sit, and it will be kick ***, most systems are, even cheap ones