With the explosion of surround sound based video games, movies and music, there’s no denying that having the proper sound setup is absolutely crucial to achieve the desired audio clarity and to enrich the fidelity of your overall listening experience.
Most projectors are equipped with their very own built-in speakers, but did you ever notice how hideously distorted the sound could get when you dare to turn the volume up just a little bit? Definitely not a pleasant experience.
I’m not saying all built-in speakers sound terrible but from my experience, they just don’t quite cut it.
In this article, we will be revealing some of the best speakers that integrate perfectly with a projector setup while also answering frequent questions that will help narrow down your options and pinpoint the right product for you.
Wireless or Wired Speakers?
Wires and cables are a complete hassle, they’re always messy and strewn all over the place. Having wireless speakers will enable you to connect to your projector easily while keeping your space nice and neat. Also, it will spare you the time wasted trying to figure out where each cable is supposed to be plugged in.
If you’re having doubts about the power capability of wireless, or don’t have a decent amplifier already, be sure to check out the new Bluetooth amplifiers – they’re work checking out!
If you don’t have an amplifier yet you can find my favorite here.
However, you can’t just go shopping for any regular wireless speakers, that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best wireless set of speakers on the market today. The following list is in no particular order.
If you are planning on wall mounting your speakers you can check out my article on the best speakers for wall mounting for more ideas.
The Most Popular Speakers For Projector Setups
1. Logitech Z906 Surround Sound
- 5.1 digital surround sound: Hear every detail in your Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks the way the studio intended. Sub woofer: 165 Watts
- THX certified home theater speakers: Your assurance of true cinema quality sound. Satellites : 4 x 67 W, wall mountable
Starting off our list with an absolute beast of a speaker system, this thing is capable of mustering 1000 watts of thunderous peak power that will blow you away during action scenes.
Features
- 500W RMS/1000W Peak Power
- THX Certified theater-quality audio
- DTS & Dolby Digital decoding
- Three digital audio inputs
- Compact control console
- Wireless remote
Design
This speaker system consists of a set of five black satellite speakers and a massive subwoofer, all having the traditional Logitech clean-cut design.
Performance
Equipped with DTS enabled speakers, this powerful 5.1 THX-certified audio system is capable of fully immersing you into an exceptional cinematic sound experience that is second to none.
The compact control console and wireless remote control grant you complete command over your audio experience.
As far as connectivity goes, this speaker system can connect up to six devices simultaneously via Bluetooth connectivity. It also has AV receivers and it allows for a wired connection via RCA jacks.
The only thing this speaker system is lacking is HDMI inputs and HD audio decoding, which is very unfortunate for gamers.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity range of 15 meters
- Connectable up to 5 devices
- Wireless remote control
- 1000W peak power
Cons
- Lacks HDMI inputs
- Lacks HD audio decoding
- Steep price tag
2. Onkyo SKS-HT540 Speaker System
- 7.1-channel home theater speaker set. Front speakers sensitivity is 86 dB/W/m
- 130 watts total output on 2-way bass reflex front, center, and surround speakers. 230 Watt powered Subwoofer with Auto-Standby/On Circuitry and Output Level Control
This might be the best and most affordable 7.1 system on the market today. If you’re looking for an impeccable cinematic surround sound experience without spending a whole lot of money, this is the speaker system for you.
Features
- 7.1-channel home theater speaker set
- 130 watts total output on 2-way bass reflex front, center, and surround speakers
- Front and center 2-way speakers feature 5-inch diaphragm woofers and 1-inch balanced floating tweeter
- Bass reflex powered subwoofer with 230
- watts output
- Subwoofer construction includes a 10-inch cone driver
Design
The simple and traditional design of this speaker set presents an elegant look, finished in black ash and edged by metallic silver. Don’t let the simplicity fool you, though. It consists of six speakers and a robust subwoofer.
Performance
The power behind this speaker set can render mountains to dust in an instant. This 7.1 setup is perfect for extreme sound projection in large open spaces. Offering wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and it can also be connected through an HDMI cable.
The overall performance and consistency of this speaker set would have you guessing that it sits among its peers from the same league at around $500, but it doesn’t. An exceptional speaker system indeed.
Pros
- Powerful 230 watts subwoofer
- Very affordable price
- Incredible sound quality
Cons
- A little too bulky
- The design is pretty basic
3. Harman Kardon SoundSticks III
- Compatible with all devices with a stereo minijack output
- Outstanding bass performance
This marvelous looking sound system is a complete work of art. With its unique and luxurious modern design disguising the raw power and consistency behind it. Truly one of the most beautiful sets of speakers you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Features
- 2.1-channel configuration
- Total power of 40 watts
- Eight full-range transducers
- Six-inch down-firing subwoofer
- One 3.5mm auxiliary input
- Volume and mute touch controls
- Adjustable satellite speaker angle
- Transparent design
Design
Are you sick and tired of the same old bleak and gloomy black set of speakers? This system uses clear and transparent plastic for the subwoofer and the satellite speakers, which makes it look like something that was retrieved from inside of an alien ship, in an astonishing way.
Performance
This small 2.1-channel set consists of eight full range speakers and a six-inch subwoofer with a combined power of 40 watts. This speaker system is highly resistant to distortion regardless of volume while also delivering a rumbling yet crisp bass sound even at a relatively limited 44 Hz to 20 Hz frequency response range.
There’s almost little to no audible static noise or hissing sounds that can be heard between tracks, which induces a clearer hearing experience and therefore making this sound system a perfect choice for avid music listeners.
Pros
- Unique design
- Distortion-resistant
- No audible static noise
- Consistent performance
- Four drivers in each satellite speaker
Cons
- Fairly delicate
- No remote control
- Hardwired cables
- Lacks an external headphone jack
- Control buttons are on the subwoofer
4. VIZIO SB3621n-E8M Soundbar
Do you prefer soundbars over speakers? Behold the VIZIO SB3621. This soundbar is most likely the undisputed champion of budget soundbar systems.
If you’re interested in soundbars I’ve created a list of the best under $200 here.
Features
- DTS virtual: X
- Wireless subwoofer
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 100 dB sound clarity
- Less than 1% harmonic distortion
- Dolby Digital, DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruSurround, DTS TruVolume
Design
A modern looking design that will integrate perfectly with its surroundings. An amazing build quality for an affordable soundbar. This soundbar contains two speakers and a subwoofer.
Performance
You might be questioning the performance and reliability of this soundbar considering its relatively cheap price, we’re here to tell you that the performance of this soundbar is remarkably superb without undergoing any compromises whatsoever.
The sound quality on this soundbar is really clean and crisp at 100 dB clarity. And the bass packing subwoofer roars as deep as 50 Hz.
Pros
- Crystal clear dialogue
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dolby and DTS decoding
- Affordable price
Cons
- Two speakers only
- Distracting LED lights
Difference Between 5.1 & 7.1 Systems
When choosing the right system for your projector setup, you’ll find that the two most common choices are the 5.1 system and the 7.1 system. Picking the right system for you depends primarily on the room size where the event is hosted or the range of projection required if the event is hosted within an open space.
5.1 System
This setup consists of one subwoofer responsible for the bass sound and five speakers that are responsible for the other aspects of sound. This system is preferable for a home theater scenario where the room size is around 350 square feet.
Two front speakers are positioned on either side of your projector screen while the other two sit on each side of your preferred listening position. The subwoofer’s position could vary but it is usually positioned in one of the two corners of the room next to your projector screen.
7.1 System
This setup also consists of a subwoofer responsible for the bass sound and a larger set of seven speakers that are responsible for the other aspects of sound. This system is preferable for large outdoor events and closed spaces that exceed 350 square feet.
The setup is similar to the 5.1 system but with two additional height speakers that are mounted on the wall. This addition enhances the surround sound effect and offer a more immersive experience to the listener.
Conclusion
To wrap everything up we’re going to assign the products we recommended with scenarios where they are most impactful.
The Onkyo SKS-HT540 is an ideal system for outdoor events where you need multiple sets of speakers to deliver across the entire area.
The Logitech Z906 isideal for an indoor home theater scenario and also for an outdoor event due to its immense power.
The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III is very preferable for those who seek a luxurious and peculiar design. Gamers will appreciate having this speaker set sitting next to their desktop or console.
The VIZIO SB3621n-E8M Soundbar is for those who appreciate the simple dimensions of sound and don’t need much for their enjoyment.
Overall, all these sound systems pack a punch and are reliable. Hopefully, you’ve found our information useful and were able to pick the right one for your intended purpose. Feel free to drop your thoughts/experience or questions concerning