Surround Sound Systems Serenity: Transforming Family and Living Rooms into Audio Sanctuaries

May 10, 2024

By Dev Team

Surround Sound Systems Serenity: Transforming Family and Living Rooms into Audio Sanctuaries

If you're aiming for the ultimate home cinema experience, a surround sound system is an indispensable addition to your setup. With years of experience in audio reviewing, we understand the tried and tested audio systems that are worth your investment..

Whether you're considering a soundbar, a traditional stereo setup, or advanced systems like the Trinnov Altitude 32, Lyngdorf MP40, or JBL Synthesis speakers, one thing remains clear: a top-notch surround sound system has the power to enhance every aspect of your movie, sports, or gaming sessions.

And as technology continues to evolve, so too does our desire to create audio sanctuaries within our living spaces. This article therefore explores the surround sound systems, exploring their transformative power in turning ordinary family and living rooms into captivating audio sanctuaries.

The Evolution of Surround Sound Systems

Surround sound systems have come a long way since their inception, evolving from simple stereo setups to sophisticated multi-channel configurations. Initially popularized in cinemas, surround sound technology has now found its way into the homes of audio enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The essence of a surround system lies in its ability to envelop the listener in a three-dimensional audio landscape.

By strategically placing speakers around the room, these systems recreate the immersive experience of being surrounded by sound, whether it's the thunderous roar of a blockbuster action sequence or the subtle ambiance of a quiet moment in a drama.

How Do You Create Audio Sanctuary Using a Surround Sound System?

Creating an audio sanctuary using a surround sound system involves several key steps to ensure an immersive and tranquil experience. Here's how you can achieve it in a 5 step approach.

1. Room Acoustics Assessment

Begin by evaluating the acoustics of your room. Consider factors such as room size, shape, and materials used for walls, floors, and ceilings. Address any acoustic challenges, such as excessive echoes or reverberations, through acoustic treatments like rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels.

2. Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is crucial for achieving optimal surround sound. Follow guidelines provided by the manufacturer for positioning speakers, ensuring they are placed symmetrically around the listening area. This includes front, center, surround, and possibly height speakers for formats like DTS:X.

3. Calibration and Configuration

Utilize the calibration tools provided with your surround sound system to ensure accurate audio reproduction. This typically involves running an automated setup process that measures speaker distances, levels, and frequency response. Fine-tune settings like crossover frequencies and speaker delays to achieve a seamless audio experience.

4. Selection and Quality

Invest in high-quality audio sources to maximize the potential of your surround sound system. Whether it's Blu-ray discs, streaming services, or gaming consoles, prioritize content with immersive audio formats likeTrinnov Altitude 32, Lyngdorf MP40, and JBL Synthesis for a more engaging experience.

5. Integration with Smart Home Technology

Embrace the convenience of smart home technology to enhance your audio sanctuary. Integrate your surround sound system with voice-controlled assistants or smartphone apps for seamless control over playback, volume adjustment, and source selection. Explore features like room EQ correction and dynamic range optimization for further audio refinement.

What are the Best Surround Sound Processors?

When it comes to surround sound processors, several options stand out for their exceptional performance, features, and flexibility.

Here are some of the best surround sound processors available from RockOnAV.

Trinnov Altitude 32

Introducing the Trinnov Altitude32: a scalable, easy-to-upgrade high-end surround sound processor that redefines audio excellence.

From the entry model supporting the latest HD Audio and Video formats to the highest model with 3D audio decoding option, the Altitude32 delivers up to 32 discrete channels of immersive audio content, setting a new standard for quality and leaving the competition far behind.

Designed with no compromises, the Altitude32 ensures a future-proof solution and a unique user experience that Trinnov is committed to enhancing over time. Trinnov's dedication to 3D innovation is evident throughout the Altitude32's development.

With a rich history of pioneering achievements in 3D audio, including world-first high-spatial-resolution sound chains and a portfolio of over 50 patents, Trinnov is a true leader in the field.

The Altitude32 is equipped with exclusive patented technologies to unleash the full potential of immersive sound, regardless of formats and speaker layouts.

With native decoding support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround, and DTS-HD Master Audio, along with optional packages for Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, the Altitude32 ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio content.

Trinnov's patented 3D spatial remapping technology sets the Altitude32 apart, providing universal and spatially accurate sound playback for an unparalleled immersive experience. This technology resolves compatibility issues with current and future 3D sound formats, ensuring sustained excellence for years to come.

JBL SYNTHESIS

Introducing the 16-, 24-, or 32-channel Immersive Surround Sound AV Preamplifier from JBL Synthesis: The SDP-75 marks a leap forward in luxury home cinema processors, engineered to deliver unparalleled performance and longevity in the ever-evolving landscape of home theater entertainment.

With options available in 16-, 24-, and 32-channel configurations, the SDP-75 boasts comprehensive support for immersive audio formats such as Dolby ATMOS, DTS:X, and Auro-3D.

Equipped with powerful Trinnov Optimizer room EQ technology, the SDP-75 ensures precise system tuning, enhanced by JBL Synthesis performance enhancements for a truly immersive audio experience.

Featuring a full suite of digital and analog connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0b (4K Ultra HD) AV switching and HDR video support, the SDP-75 caters to the demands of modern home entertainment setups.

The JBL Synthesis Processor typically offers a range of features including:

Room Correction: Advanced room correction technology adjusts the audio output to compensate for the acoustics of the room, ensuring optimal sound quality regardless of the room's characteristics.

Multi-Channel Audio Processing: It supports processing for multiple audio channels, allowing for immersive surround sound experiences, often including formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP): The processor utilizes DSP algorithms to manipulate and enhance audio signals, providing precise control over aspects like equalization, dynamics, and spatial effects.

Lyngdorf MP-40

The MP-40 2.1 multichannel processor from Lyngdorf Audio offers the same sonic qualities and performance of the flagship processor, the MP-60 2.1, in a streamlined design for smaller immersive or surround sound home cinemas where less decoding channels are required.

Featuring 12 native channel decoding and 16 balanced audio outputs, the MP-40 2.1 ensures full support of immersive surround formats such as DOLBY ATMOS®, DTS:X®, and AURO-3D®, alongside 8K and 3D video, HDCP 2.3, and advanced HDMI switching capabilities.

Ease of installation and user-friendly features are complemented with a simplified feature set, allowing users to experience the performance that Lyngdorf Audio is renowned for without unnecessary complexities.

State-of-the-art HDMI processing is a highlight of the MP-40 2.1, boasting three HDMI inputs and two outputs to support HDMI 2.1 features, including eARC, Dynamic Lip-Sync, and Quick Media Switching.

With support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), along with high dynamic range (HDR) metadata passthrough for HDMI dynamic HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision™, the MP-40 2.1 ensures unparalleled video performance.

Additionally, eARC facilitates the return of a full Dolby Atmos audio bitstream from the television to the processor, guaranteeing optimal audio quality from the TV's built-in media players.

By reducing or eliminating the need for bulky bass traps and expensive acoustic treatments, RoomPerfect™ ensures a perfect surround sound experience in nearly any installation environment.

With RoomPerfect™, users can enjoy pristine audio quality tailored to their surroundings, making the MP-40 2.1 a versatile and high-performance addition to any surround sound system.

Which factors should you consider when deciding on the best option to buy?

When deciding on the best option to buy among high-end surround sound processors like the Trinnov Altitude 32, Lyngdorf MP40, and JBL Synthesis, several factors should be considered:

Audio Quality: Assess the sound quality of each processor, considering factors such as clarity, depth, and accuracy of audio reproduction. Look for features like advanced room correction technology and support for immersive audio formats to ensure an exceptional listening experience.

Features and Compatibility: Evaluate the features offered by each processor, including support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, as well as video compatibility with formats like 8K and 3D. Consider your existing audio and video equipment to ensure compatibility and seamless integration into your home entertainment system.

Room Calibration and Optimization: Consider the room calibration and optimization capabilities of each processor, such as Trinnov's RoomPerfect technology or Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect room correction. These features can significantly enhance audio performance by adapting the sound system to the acoustics of your room.

User Interface and Ease of Use: Evaluate the user interface and ease of use of each processor, considering factors such as menu navigation, setup process, and accessibility of features. A user-friendly interface can simplify operation and make it easier to customize audio settings to your preferences.

Build Quality and Reliability: Assess the build quality and reliability of each processor, considering factors such as construction materials, build design, and brand reputation. Look for processors with robust construction and a track record of reliability to ensure long-term performance and durability.

Budget: Consider your budget and compare the cost of each processor relative to its features, performance, and overall value. Determine which processor offers the best combination of features and performance within your budget constraints.

Personal Preferences: Take into account your personal preferences for audio quality, brand reputation, and user experience when making your decision. Listen to demos if possible and read reviews from other users to gain insights into the overall satisfaction with each processor.

By carefully considering these factors and prioritizing your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best high-end surround sound processor for your home entertainment system.