The best surround sound system delivers the immersive, enveloping audio that makes movies and video games feel like they’re happening all around you. But there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a surround sound system, from the number of speakers to the specific configuration of those speakers. And the technical terms that make up a surround sound system’s specifications sheet can be daunting for someone unfamiliar with them.

For example, there are 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems. The difference is that a 5.1 system has three speakers in front of you and two behind, while a 7.1 surround sound setup has an extra rear speaker to deliver even more realistic and immersive audio.

A surround sound system uses digital audio signals to send sound to speakers located all around you. The purpose is to create a more immersive experience than stereo sound, which sends the same audio to your left and right ears in two channel stereo. Surround sound mimics how sounds travel in real life, with different sounds coming from all around you.

In fact, the first surround sound system was developed in 1978. This technology was introduced in theaters with the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound format for movies like Superman and Apocalypse Now. And it wasn’t long before home systems started incorporating surround sound, too.

While a surround sound system isn’t necessary for watching TV or playing video games, it can make these experiences more enjoyable and realistic by making you feel as though the action is happening all around you. This is particularly true for movies and video games that involve a lot of fast-paced action.

For instance, a surround sound system can play the sounds of explosions and gunfire all around you so you feel as though you are in the middle of an actual scene on-screen. It can also play the sounds of traffic and bird chirps in your surroundings to help you immerse yourself in the sonic environment of the story on-screen.

Another benefit of a surround sound system is that it can produce more precise audio clarity than stereo sound. This can be especially beneficial for listening to music, where individual instruments maintain more of their identities than when played through a stereo system.

Lastly, surround sound systems can also help with the acoustics of your room by shouldering some of the bass work. This frees up the other speakers to focus on midrange and high-frequency sound waves.

So if you’re looking to take your movie and video game viewing or listening to music to the next level, a surround sound system is definitely worth considering. The best surround sound system is the one that works well in your room and fits your budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. And remember, you can always add more speakers to your system in the future if you decide you want a better-sounding setup. Just make sure the new speakers are compatible with your existing receiver and that they can access the same audio channels.