Audio Setup Guide: Getting the Best Sound from Your TV

You've invested in a stunning 85 inch display, but picture is only half the cinematic experience. Modern televisions, despite their impressive visuals, face fundamental physics challenges with audio—thin panels simply can't house speakers capable of truly immersive sound. This guide explores your options for matching your audio experience to your visual investment.

Why TV Speakers Fall Short

Television manufacturers face an impossible challenge: consumers demand ever-thinner panels while physics requires speaker enclosure volume for quality bass reproduction. An 85 inch TV might be under 5 centimetres thick—there's simply no space for speakers capable of full-range audio.

Most built-in TV speakers are down-firing or rear-firing, bouncing sound off surfaces rather than projecting directly toward viewers. The result is typically thin, bass-deficient audio that doesn't come close to matching the visual impact of a large 4K HDR display.

Premium TV Audio Solutions

Some high-end TVs include more sophisticated audio systems. Sony's Acoustic Surface technology uses the screen itself as a speaker, while LG's G-series OLEDs feature improved speaker systems. These can be acceptable for casual viewing but still can't match dedicated external audio for serious entertainment.

Soundbars: The Popular Choice

Soundbars have become the most popular TV audio upgrade, offering significantly improved sound in a single, easy-to-install package. They range from basic stereo bars under $200 to premium Dolby Atmos systems exceeding $2,000.

Soundbar Categories

Basic Soundbars (2.0/2.1): Entry-level soundbars dramatically improve TV audio with better dialogue clarity and modest bass (especially 2.1 models with a separate subwoofer). Brands like JBL, Sony, and Samsung offer quality options from $200-500. Perfect for general TV viewing when cinema-quality sound isn't the priority.

Mid-Range Soundbars (3.1/5.1): These systems add a dedicated centre channel for improved dialogue and may include surround processing for a wider soundstage. Prices typically range from $500-1,000. Sonos Beam, Sony HT-A5000, and Samsung Q-series soundbars fall into this category.

Premium Atmos Soundbars (5.1.2+): High-end soundbars include upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling to create a sense of overhead audio for Dolby Atmos content. Options like the Sonos Arc, Samsung HW-Q990D, and Sony HT-A7000 provide genuinely immersive audio. Expect to pay $1,000-2,500 for these systems.

Soundbar Placement

Position your soundbar directly below or in front of your TV, centred on the screen. If wall-mounting your TV, many soundbars can mount directly beneath it. Ensure the soundbar isn't blocked by furniture and has clear sightlines for any upward-firing Atmos speakers to reach the ceiling.

Surround Sound Systems

For the ultimate home theatre experience, traditional surround sound systems with discrete speakers remain the gold standard. These require more installation effort but deliver audio performance no soundbar can match.

5.1 Surround Sound

The classic home theatre configuration includes:

• Centre channel: Handles dialogue, positioned above or below the TV
• Front left/right: Main stereo pair, flanking the TV
• Surround left/right: Behind or beside the viewing position
• Subwoofer: Handles deep bass, placement flexible

A quality 5.1 system from brands like Klipsch, DALI, or KEF, paired with a capable AV receiver, costs $2,000-5,000 but delivers audio quality that complements the visual impact of your 85 inch display.

7.1 and Dolby Atmos Systems

Expanding beyond 5.1, additional rear surround speakers (7.1) or height speakers for Dolby Atmos create even more immersive sound. Full Atmos systems typically use either:

• In-ceiling speakers: Best performance but requires installation
• Atmos-enabled upfiring speakers: Easier to install but depends on ceiling reflection
• Height speakers mounted on walls: Compromise option for many rooms

Connecting Your Audio System

HDMI ARC and eARC

The simplest connection method for most setups is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or the enhanced eARC. Connect your soundbar or receiver to the TV's ARC-labelled HDMI port, and audio from all TV sources—streaming apps, antenna, gaming consoles—routes to your audio system through a single cable.

ARC supports: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround

eARC supports: All ARC formats plus Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and uncompressed 7.1 audio

For full-quality Dolby Atmos from streaming and Blu-ray, ensure your system supports eARC—standard ARC can only pass lossy Dolby Digital Plus with Atmos metadata.

Optical Audio

Optical (TOSLINK) connections remain available on most TVs and soundbars. While limited to older audio formats without Atmos support, optical works fine for basic 5.1 sound and has no compatibility concerns.

Direct Device Connection

For the highest audio quality, connect source devices (Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming boxes) directly to your AV receiver rather than the TV. This ensures full-quality audio signals reach your system without potential TV processing limitations. You can then use HDMI ARC/eARC just for TV app audio.

Audio Settings to Configure

TV Audio Settings

When using external audio, configure your TV's settings for optimal performance:

• Sound output: Set to external speakers/HDMI ARC
• Audio passthrough: Enable passthrough or bitstream output
• Dolby Digital/DTS output: Enable for surround formats
• eARC mode: Enable if your system supports it
• Disable TV speakers: Prevents doubling of audio

Soundbar/Receiver Setup

Run your soundbar or receiver's automatic room calibration if available—most systems include microphone-based setup that optimises audio for your specific room. This typically involves placing a microphone at your listening position and running test tones while the system measures and adjusts.

Budget Recommendations

Good: $200-500

A basic 2.1 soundbar dramatically improves TV audio with clear dialogue and decent bass. Brands like JBL Bar, Sony HT-S350, or Samsung Q-series entry models offer excellent value. This tier suits casual viewers who want better sound without complexity.

Better: $500-1,200

Mid-range soundbars like the Sonos Beam, Samsung HW-Q800, or Sony HT-A5000 add better surround processing and may include basic Atmos support. Some can be expanded with wireless surround speakers later. This tier suits most home entertainment enthusiasts.

Best: $1,200-3,000+

Premium Atmos soundbars (Sonos Arc, Samsung HW-Q990D, Sony HT-A7000) or entry-level separate systems deliver genuine cinematic audio. If you've invested in an 85 inch TV for serious entertainment, this tier makes that visual investment shine.