If the question is, can you add speakers to a soundbar, the answer is, yes, you can!
You can use a soundbar with other speakers but the steps to do this will differ depending on several factors, such as what soundbar model you have, your external speakers, the output device’s connectors, and more.
So while it is possible to use a soundbar with other speakers it is a bit complicated and there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Firstly, soundbars very rarely support audio output, as they’re mostly input devices which means you can’t directly connect other speakers to soundbars. But if you have a knack for electronics and experience in setting them up, it may be possible to rewire and configure the internal circuitry of your soundbar to create an output signal.
One way to use a soundbar with other speakers is to connect an optical cable splitter to your audio output device and then run two optical cables from that splitter to your soundbar and external speakers. However, the two audio devices won’t be in sync and the audio quality from each will be slightly different, which makes the audio sound strange. Unless you have a stereo mixer or 5.1 channel audio receiver with outputs for multiple channels the audio will not mix well, and may only come from two speakers.
While it is possible to add speakers to a soundbar, it’s quite impractical. It requires a lot of electronics know-how, as well as a lot of adapters, cables, and other devices, and the result may be poorer overall audio quality.
Can I connect wireless speakers to my soundbar?
Although you cannot change a 2.1 soundbar to a 5.1 because it requires completely different hardware, as mentioned above is it possible to add more speakers to a soundbar. However, you do risk having audio that won’t mix well as well as a lot of wires to contend with.
Most soundbars use a 2.1 (left, right, center) audio channel and use audio tricks to simulate and create the illusion of surround sound. Changing a 2.1 soundbar to 5.1 is quite complicated, and the cost for all the additional components, cables, and adapters will add up to a lot more than just buying a surround sound system.
However, there are a few ways to add additional rear speakers to your soundbar. Although you won’t be getting a true surround-sound experience, it will be pretty close. Below we have listed some solutions to add surround sound speakers to your soundbar.
You could use officially supported surround sound speakers. Certain soundbars are compatible with specific surround sound speakers and these are usually made by the same manufacturer.
Finding a compatible directional-speaker kit is probably the simplest and best solution if you’re looking to add additional surround-sound speakers to your soundbar.
However, not every soundbar supports external speakers. If your soundbar does not then there are other options. You could try using a universal rear speaker kit (ideally with two inputs), or you could try using a 5.1 AV receiver.
Can any speaker be used for a surround sound?
Yes. Luckily, any speaker can be used for surround sound as long as it has the proper connection to a receiver with matching impedance ratings (ohms) and is placed in an appropriate spot in your home theater. You can have a wired or wireless connection between the speakers, as long as you follow the equipment specifications.
When you begin constructing your surround sound system, it is hard to know if all of the connections are appropriate between the different pieces of sound equipment.
A soundbar is a long, thin bar-shaped cabinet that has multiple speakers inside. It does work as a surround sound system in and of itself, but it can be a nightmare trying to incorporate it into a surround sound system. But as we have mentioned, if you have some electronic expertise you can establish an appropriate connection between your speakers.
A surround sound system requires at least a front left, right, and center speaker. You can also add rear and side speakers as well as additional front speakers. To emphasize the bass, you will also need a subwoofer - or maybe two. This can seem quite overwhelming, but there are plenty of options on the market for you to choose from.
Many surround sound systems are sold as a package deal, and this makes the setup process a whole lot easier. But if you have a couple of pieces of sound equipment already and just want to know if you can use what you’ve got to create a high-quality surround system in your home then this is achievable.
What you will need to pay attention to is the impedance rating on both your receiver and the speaker you plan to use. You will then need to establish a connection between these devices, but first, you need to remember their specifications.
This is important because it will make a difference in how effective and appropriate the connection is. Disregarding these connections could damage your equipment and produce distorted audio.
Do you need rear speakers with a soundbar?
Having a good speaker setup is the main factor when it comes to elevating a normal media setup to an effective home theater. As we have mentioned above, standard home theaters don’t have rear speakers and are usually a handy addition. But many people wonder if a rear speaker is what’s missing from their home theater and if it makes a big difference.
While you don’t necessarily need a rear speaker in your home theater, having one makes for a more immersive experience. The number of speakers you have in your home theater will be dependent on a few factors such as space, and what exactly you’re looking to get out of your home theater.
However, while you can have as many speakers as you want in your home theater it does make sense to have more than two.
Standard TVs output sound in stereo, so have left and right channels (speakers) which also produce the bass. If you’re upgrading your standard TV to include a home theater system the ideal number of speakers would be 3, along with a subwoofer.
