WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

As televisions get slimmer and less "audio friendly," the demand for a separate sound system has increased significantly. In the same way, as vintage audio (such as vinyl) continues to make a comeback, the clamor for quality stereo speakers has increased as well.

But while researching sound systems, you’re likely to run into two terms: “stereo sound” and “surround sound.” And though there is a difference, they are quite often used interchangeably. To muddy the waters further, asking which one is best is not the easiest question to answer as it depends on several factors.

So we’re here to clear up some of the confusion: we’ll dissect the differences between the two and which is best for you. This way if you decide to create your own sound system, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and feel assured that you have the right knowledge - before you buy.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Simply put, a stereo system only has two speakers: a left and a right. When you listen from a point directly between the two speakers, they produce a sound field that makes you feel like you’re standing right in front of a concert stage. But you do need to be equidistant: if you’re closer to one side than the other, the audio will be skewed in favor of that one side and the sound quality won’t be as clean and crisp. So speaker positioning is important if you want “stereo sound” - if you want the two speakers to sound like the band is playing right in front of you.

A surround system, on the other hand, has at least six speakers: a front left, a front right, a center, a rear left, a rear right, and a subwoofer. This creates a wider spatial field that really immerses you in the sound. You can have more than six speakers, of course. Rather than simply having a 5.1-channel surround system, you can go up to 7.1, 9.2, 11.2, etc.*  Ceiling speakers, in-wall speakers, and surround back speakers are all great ways to create a large sound system. “Surround sound” is achieved by positioning the speakers correctly (typically with two tower speakers and a center in front of you, two bookshelf speakers behind you, and a subwoofer aligned on the same vertical plane as your speakers or away from your wall) so the sound is coming from all around you.

*Learn more about the differences between 5.1 and 7.1 surround systems here!

WHICH IS BETTER?

Depending on who you ask, you’ll get different opinions in response to the question, “Which is better: stereo sound or surround sound?” To some, the answer is obviously surround sound because it’s more immersive and impactful than just two speakers. To others, stereo sound is preferable because high-quality stereo speakers can sound crisper and cleaner than a whole slew of standard surround speakers, and they don't take up half the space.

There are also many factors that impact sound quality: a surround system that isn’t set up properly won’t sound as clear and defined as a proper stereo system setup, and a stereo system won’t create the same immersive impact as a surround system while watching movies.

So when diving into the world of external speakers for your movies or music, don’t ask which is better; instead, ask yourself: which one is best for me?

WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?

We’ve touched on this a bit already, but choosing which one is best for you really depends on three things: purpose, space, and budget.

Purpose: First, what is your intended use for your speaker system? When it comes to movies, surround sound is the standard for dedicated home theaters. Surround systems give you a fully immersive experience that make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a theater. The full spatial qualities give you an incredible soundstage so that you’re able to sit in the center of the action: every time a car door slams, a bird sings, or a sword clashes, you’ll hear it from all around you. Plus, the center channel will give you accurate dialogue and the subwoofer will give you that deep rumble from explosions.

When it comes to music, the choice is more flexible. Surround sound isn’t necessary, though it’s sometimes preferred; and occasionally, albums are specifically mixed for surround systems, so it’s neat to hear them as intended. However, stereo is almost always preferred and used in a recording studio, and most music is mixed in stereo, so two speakers is typically all you need. And depending on the quality and positioning of the stereo speakers, you’ll still feel like the music is traveling directly into your ear.

Space: Second, what is the size of your room? A larger room needs more speakers if you want to fill it with sound. Plus, surround systems are finicky when it comes to placement: you can’t just stack them all on top of each other at the front of the room. You need plenty of space if you want to position them correctly around the room. Otherwise, you won’t achieve that immersive sound.

Stereo sound is more ideal for smaller rooms. For compact spaces, you’ll be surprised at how incredible only two speakers can sound. And if you do try to fit more speakers when you don’t have the space, you’ll actually muddy the sound since too many speakers too close together will lead to excessive sound wave reflection or cancellation. For smaller rooms, less is absolutely more.

Budget: Third, you need to consider how much money you’re willing to spend. A surround system will always cost more than a stereo system of the same quality because it uses more speakers. And not only do more speakers cost more money, you’ll also need to invest in a receiver with the correct number of channels (if you want seven speakers and a subwoofer, a 5.1-channel amplifier won’t work). The receiver is the base of your home theater setup, so it’s nothing to skimp on. Plus, you’ll need more cables and perhaps some speaker stands; if you want to conceal or wall-mount your speakers, you’ll also need to consider the costs of installation.

Stereo sound requires only two speakers, so it’s better for a tighter budget. Or, you could spend the extra cash towards getting higher quality stereo speakers or towards audio components like a turntable, cassette deck, CD player, etc.

Bottom line? If you’re into movie marathons and have the space and budget for it, then surround sound is probably the way to go. But if you’re more into music and have limited space and funds, then stereo sound is best.

SUMMARY

As with most things in life, both stereo sound and surround sound have their own pros and cons. It depends on your personal preferences and the resources you have available. But no matter which way you go, stereo or surround, you’re going to enjoy your music or movie experience far better than you ever would with the teeny speakers of a television or a smartphone.

Thanks for reading! Are you interested in investing in a stereo system or a reliable home theater setup? If so, you’re in luck! Here at SpenCertified, we’ve got beautiful-sounding speakers here, powerful subwoofers here, and expertly refurbished receivers here. And if you don’t see something you like, check back tomorrow! We’re always getting new equipment. Have a great day!

https://spencertified.com/collections/home-stereo-speakers

https://spencertified.com/collections/subwoofers

https://spencertified.com/collections/stereo-receiver-amplifiers