Depends what you want... If you want less clutter and simplicity, soundbar

is the way to go. If you want simplicity, but still surround sound, you can do 5.1 surround bar with rear speakers.

Since you're talking about a mancave, I assume the WAF (wife acceptance factor) is not in play. So I will suggest you get a receiver and 5.1 speakers. And a big old subwoofer!

This is my area of expertise, feel free to ask away!

In response to this post by Will Stewart

Posted: 10/01/2018 at 5:14PM

So is the whole 5-speaker surround-sound thing over? -- Will Stewart

10/01/2018 5:04PM

If you go 5.1 (or 7.2) do yourself a favor and don't buy everything in one -- jmanatVT 10/02/2018 09:33AM

Anyone know if 720p to 1080i switching time is function of receiver or TV? -- pburg_hokie 10/02/2018 07:30AM

Look for output resolution setting, turn off "auto", set to 1080i or 720p ** -- Nzane4vtNnc 10/02/2018 10:40AM

A good soundbar sounds awesome. Surround sound isn't worth the messy wires -- TurboHokie 10/01/2018 11:22PM

Nah, 5.1 and 7.2 are a thing -- Manbearpig 10/01/2018 10:15PM

I've got a drop ceiling, so wiring is easy. ** -- Will Stewart

10/01/2018 10:32PM

The 5.1 thing is really about movies, really imho -- MrBayAreaHokie 10/02/2018 01:01AM

As far as the soundbar route is concerned -- Manbearpig 10/01/2018 10:39PM

Then it comes down to if you want really awesome sound -- Manbearpig 10/01/2018 10:35PM

I turned it up to 11, speakers that is ** -- Nzane4vtNnc 10/01/2018 9:52PM

Ease of use has won the battle over better sound. ** -- EDGEMAN 10/01/2018 6:19PM

You are more of a Boom Box guy ** -- bigbadbird 10/01/2018 5:44PM

Will, check you e-mail ** -- HokieKip 10/01/2018 5:35PM

Got it, thanks. Will hit you up tomorrow. ** -- Will Stewart

10/01/2018 10:02PM

Depends what you want... If you want less clutter and simplicity, soundbar -- NokieHokie 10/01/2018 5:14PM

Thanks, so what is your opinion of wireless speakers? ** -- IB4TECH 10/01/2018 7:29PM

Well depends, what do you mean? ** -- NokieHokie 10/01/2018 10:36PM

Clarity ** -- IB4TECH 10/02/2018 12:07PM

I mean wireless speakers like a sonos system? Or a wireless adapter for -- NokieHokie 10/02/2018 12:38PM

Gotcha and thanks! ** -- IB4TECH 10/02/2018 12:40PM

This is right answer^^^^ ** -- RTFC 10/01/2018 5:52PM

If true mancave, then build in greater than 5.1 -- Vtskier1 10/01/2018 5:31PM

Now if the mancave is directly below the kitchen, then does it become WAF? -- VTHokie2000 10/01/2018 5:25PM

Do sound-bars actually sound passable for surround sound? -- HokieSignGuy 10/01/2018 5:23PM

It somewhat depends on the room -- MAHokie69 10/01/2018 5:43PM

The fancy ones do. -- Will Stewart

10/01/2018 5:31PM

Bose is crap. Stay far away! ** -- NokieHokie 10/01/2018 10:35PM

Try getting that to work in your room. Soundbars suck (my opinion) and Ive -- DonHo-kieHi 10/01/2018 9:05PM

I'd have to hear it to believe it. But a 5.1 system when watching any CBS -- Tafkam Hokie 10/01/2018 5:57PM

Are you talking "over the air" or via cable TV? -- EDGEMAN 10/02/2018 11:51AM

Haven't used OTA since the 70's. Both cable and streaming of CBS sports -- Tafkam Hokie 10/02/2018 11:57AM

The one with my 8 y.o. Vizio is crazy good. -- 48zip 10/01/2018 5:56PM

They can't, but they are still a huge improvement over TV speakers. ** -- NokieHokie 10/01/2018 5:29PM

Do you work at Speaker City? -- ElbertoHokie 10/01/2018 5:22PM

Depends what you want... If you want less clutter and simplicity, soundbar

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