Buying guide
Immersive Surround Sound
Updated How we research
Object-based audio and room treatment for true theater immersion. The page is split into five sections (Add height channels for overhead effects; Hide your surrounds inside the walls; Position speakers at the perfect height; Decouple the subwoofer from the floor; Tame low-end boom with corner traps), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 5.9 to 8.9 out of 10.
- Best overall:SVS Prime Elevation Speaker (Pair) - Premium Black Ash. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.9/10.
- Also great value:Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Speaker (Pair). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.3/10.
- Solid build:SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System, 4-Pack. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.9/10.
- Feature-rich:SANUS BF31-B1 31" Speaker Stands for Bookshelf Speakers up to 20 lbs - Black - Set of 2. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Add height channels for overhead effects
- SVS Prime Elevation Speaker (Pair) - Premium Black AshOur score8.9/10
- Klipsch RP-500SA Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos Surround Sound Speakers - Pair (Ebony)Our score8.4/10
- Klipsch RP-140SA Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos SpeakerOur score7.8/10
- Sony SS-CSEM2 Dolby Atmos Enabled Upfiring Height Speakers (Pair)Our score7.1/10
Hide your surrounds inside the walls
- Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Speaker (Pair)Our score8.3/10
- Polk Audio RC55i 2-Way Premium In-Wall 5.25" Home Stereo Speakers (White, Paintable Grille), 1 PairOur score8.0/10
- Polk Audio RC55i 2-Way In-Wall Speakers - 4 Pack (White)Our score8.0/10
- Klipsch R-5650-W II In-Wall Speaker - White (Each)Our score7.6/10
Position speakers at the perfect height
- SANUS BF31-B1 31" Speaker Stands for Bookshelf Speakers up to 20 lbs - Black - Set of 2Our score8.6/10
- ECHOGEAR Universal Floor Speaker Stands - Vibration-Absorbing MDF Design Works with Klipsch, Polk, JBL & Other Bookshelf Speakers Or Studio Monitors - Includes Sound Iso Pads & Carpet SpikesOur score8.4/10
- VIVO Premium Universal 18 inch Floor Speaker Stands Dual Pillar for Surround Sound and Book Shelf Speakers (STAND-SP01B)Our score7.8/10
- Mount-It! Floor Speaker Stands for Bookshelf Speakers and Surround Sound Home Theaters, 18 Inch High, 22 Lbs Capacity, Tempered Glass and Aluminum, Clear and Silver, One PairOur score7.2/10
Decouple the subwoofer from the floor
- SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System, 4-PackOur score8.9/10
- Auralex Acoustics SubDude-II Subwoofer Acoustic Isolation Platform, 1.75" x 15" x 15"Our score8.4/10
- Auralex ISO Series Subwoofer Risers Sound Damping Products, Black, 1 3/4" x 22" x 18" (SUBDUDE-HT)Our score8.4/10
- Auralex SubDude HT Subwoofer Isolation PlatformOur score8.1/10
Tame low-end boom with corner traps
- 8 Pack - Bass Traps Acoustic Foam Corner, 8''x8''x12'' Black Bass Traps Corner Studio Foam, High Density and Fire-Proof Acoustic Panels Recording Studio Acoustical TreatmentsOur score8.0/10
- Focusound 4 Pack Bass Traps Corner Acoustic Foam Corner 16.5" X 6.3" X 12" Acoustic Foam Panels Soundproof Padding Wall Panel Corner Block for Home Studio and TheaterOur score7.6/10
- DEKIRU 8 Pack Acoustic Foam Bass Traps Corner Block 12" X 7" X 7", Studio Foam Sound Proof Foam Panels Noise Dampening Wall Soundproofing PaddingOur score7.2/10
- Bass Traps 16 Pack 12" X 3" X 3" Corner Acoustic Foam Panels, Acoustic Bass Trap Corner Block, Sound Absorbing Foam for Studio, Home or TheaterOur score5.9/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1SVS's Prime Elevation speaker pair in premium black ash, an angled design usable as Atmos height or surround speakers.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Angled cabinet aims sound down from walls or ceilings for height
- + Premium black ash finish looks upscale in a living room
- + Flexible use as Atmos height, surround or front speakers
- - Priced above many Atmos add-on modules
- - Wall or ceiling mounting needs brackets and cable routing
#2SVS's SoundPath subwoofer isolation system in a 4-Pack of feet that decouple a sub from the floor to reduce rattles.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Decoupling feet cut buzzing through floors and to neighbors
- + Made by SVS, a subwoofer specialist, so fit and tuning are proven
- + 4-Pack replaces stock feet on most subs for a tidy look
- - Screw-in feet need compatible threaded holes on the subwoofer
- - Costs more than generic rubber isolation pads
#3A black set of 2 SANUS BF31-B1 31" speaker stands for bookshelf speakers up to 20 lbs, a trusted AV brand option.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 31" height lifts bookshelf tweeters close to seated ear level
- + Set of 2 covers a stereo pair or rear surrounds
- + SANUS is a well-known AV mount and stand maker
- - 20 lbs limit rules out heavier large bookshelf models
- - Tall stands can tip if bumped without added weight at the base
#4A pair of Klipsch RP-500SA Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos surround speakers in ebony for height or surround use.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pair gives both height or surround channels in one purchase
- + Ebony finish suits black speakers and dark theater rooms
- + Can mount on walls or sit atop speakers for Atmos effects
- - Older version, so the RP-500SA II revision may be a better buy
- - Horn tweeters can be too bright for some listeners
#5ECHOGEAR's universal floor speaker stands with vibration-absorbing MDF, sound iso pads and carpet spikes for bookshelf speakers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + MDF build absorbs vibration for tighter, cleaner bass
- + Iso pads and carpet spikes are included for any floor type
- + Works with Klipsch, Polk, JBL and studio monitors
- - Title gives no height, so check it puts tweeters at ear level
- - MDF can chip at corners if knocked during moves
#6Auralex's SubDude-II acoustic isolation platform measuring 1.75" x 15" x 15" for compact subwoofers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Platform floats the sub to reduce floor and wall rattles
- + Auralex is a respected acoustic treatment brand
- + Works with subs of any foot type, no screws needed
- - 15" x 15" top only fits smaller subwoofer footprints
- - Adds height, which may affect placement under shelves
#7Auralex's black ISO Series SUBDUDE-HT subwoofer riser measuring 1 3/4" x 22" x 18" for sound damping.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 22" x 18" surface fits most large living room subwoofers
- + Black finish blends in with typical sub cabinets
- + Sound damping reduces boom and rattling transmitted to floors
- - Large riser takes up visible floor space beside the TV
- - Isolation does not fix bass problems from poor sub placement
#8A pair of Klipsch R-5650-S II in-wall speakers, a hidden option for side surrounds or front channels.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pair packaging covers both side surround positions
- + Klipsch horn tweeter keeps effects crisp through the wall
- + Flush design keeps a clean look in finished rooms
- - In-wall install needs drywall cutting and cable planning
- - Title gives no driver details, so check fit between studs
#9Auralex's SubDude HT subwoofer isolation platform, a larger home theater version for decoupling bigger subs.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + HT size platform accommodates larger home theater subwoofers
- + Isolation tightens bass by reducing floor resonance
- + Especially helpful in apartments and on suspended wooden floors
- - Title gives no dimensions, so confirm your sub's footprint fits
- - Plain platform look may not match premium speaker finishes
#10Polk Audio's RC55i 2-Way premium in-wall stereo speaker pair with 5.25" woofers and white paintable grilles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 5.25" drivers suit rear surrounds or kitchen and den audio
- + White paintable grilles hide the speakers against drywall
- + Moisture-resistant Polk RC design works in humid rooms
- - Small woofers need a subwoofer for home theater bass
- - Installation requires cutting drywall and running wire
#11A 4 Pack of white Polk Audio RC55i 2-Way in-wall speakers, enough for surrounds or two rooms of hidden audio.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4 Pack covers side and rear surround positions in one order
- + Consistent sound across all speakers from the same model
- + White grilles blend in and can be painted to match walls
- - More holes to cut and wire runs than a single pair
- - Needs amplifier channels for every speaker in the pack
#12An 8 Pack of black high density fire-proof corner bass traps in 8''x8''x12'' studio foam for acoustic treatment.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Corner placement targets bass buildup where it is strongest
- + 8 Pack treats both vertical corners of a room
- + Fire-Proof rating adds safety in home theaters
- - Small foam traps have limited effect on very low bass
- - Stacking to cover full corners needs many pieces
#13Klipsch's RP-140SA Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos speaker, an up-firing module that sits on top of front speakers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Up-firing design adds height effects with no ceiling install
- + Sits on bookshelf or tower speakers for a tidy Atmos upgrade
- + Reference Premiere voicing matches Klipsch RP front speakers
- - Up-firing effect depends on a flat, reflective ceiling
- - Check if it is sold as a single speaker or a pair
#14VIVO's premium universal 18 inch dual pillar floor speaker stands (STAND-SP01B) for surround and bookshelf speakers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Dual pillar design adds stability over single-post stands
- + Pillars can route speaker wire neatly out of sight
- + Universal top plate fits many surround speaker sizes
- - 18 inch height suits surrounds more than main front speakers
- - Check the stand's weight limit against your speakers
#15Klipsch's R-5650-W II in-wall speaker in white, sold each, for flexible in-wall surround or zone setups.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + White grille suits light walls with minimal visual impact
- + Sold each, handy for odd counts like a single center or rear
- + Klipsch voicing matches other Reference speakers in the room
- - Buying individually costs more per speaker than a pair pack
- - In-wall speakers depend on wall cavity for bass quality
#16Focusound's 4 Pack of large 16.5" X 6.3" X 12" corner acoustic foam bass traps for home studios and theaters.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Larger 16.5 inch face covers more corner area
- + Designed with home theaters in mind as well as studios
- + Focusound branding offers consistent foam quality
- - 4 Pack only covers part of a room's corners
- - Foam traps trail fiberglass traps for deep frequencies
#17Mount-It!'s clear and silver 18 Inch High floor speaker stand pair in tempered glass and aluminum with 22 Lbs capacity.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Glass and aluminum look is modern and visually light
- + 22 Lbs capacity handles most bookshelf and surround speakers
- + One Pair covers rear surrounds in a home theater
- - 18 Inch height is low for front speakers with a seated listener
- - Glass tops need care to avoid chips and fingerprints
#18DEKIRU's 8 Pack of 12" X 7" X 7" acoustic foam corner bass trap blocks for studios and media rooms.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 8 Pack stacks up a corner for better coverage
- + Corner blocks reduce boomy bass in small rooms
- + Easy to place without special tools
- - 7 inch face is small for deep bass control
- - Noise dampening claims are about echo, not soundproofing
#19A pair of Dolby Atmos enabled upfiring speakers from Sony with 3.94 inch full-range drivers. Built to match the SS-CS5M2 and SS-CS3M2 speakers, and wall-mountable for use as height channels.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Sold as a pair of Dolby Atmos enabled upfiring modules, enough for two height channels
- + Compact cabinets that the listing describes as versatile and wall-mountable
- + Designed as a match for Sony's SS-CS5M2 and SS-CS3M2 CS series speakers
- - Uses one 3.94 inch full-range driver per speaker, with no separate tweeter mentioned in the listing
- - The listing is brief and gives no sensitivity, impedance or power handling figures to check against a receiver
#20A 16 Pack of slim 12" X 3" X 3" corner acoustic foam bass trap blocks for studio, home or theater use.
Fit for the job 5/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 16 Pack allows long continuous corner runs
- + Slim profile is less visually intrusive
- + Budget way to test corner treatment
- - 3 inch blocks are too small to absorb real bass
- - Works more as trim than as effective bass traps
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Home Theater Setup Hub curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.