Recently, a Reddit user posed an intriguing question: can one achieve a surround sound experience using multiple budget-friendly speakers scattered around a room? Specifically, they referenced the JBL Go 2. As the post gained traction, the responses varied widely, showcasing a mix of optimism, skepticism, and expert advice from the audiophile community.
Summary
- Many users believe you can create a surround sound experience with cheap speakers, but quality may suffer.
- Optimal sound experience requires a good setup, often necessitating additional equipment.
- Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Go 2 may struggle with surround sound processing.
- Some members advocate for investing in better-quality used speakers for an improved experience.
The Optimism and Realities of Surround Sound
In a world where everyone strives for cinematic soundscapes, the optimism surrounding the idea of achieving surround sound with affordable equipment is palpable. A user known as kevinkareddit noted that while creating a surround sound experience is indeed possible with cheap speakers, you will likely be compromising on quality and volume. This sentiment echoes throughout the responses, as many members advocate for the potential of cheap speakers—but with a caveat. While the budget-friendly route is alluring, a setup that can successfully deliver multi-channel audio often requires more than just speakers; it demands an appropriate audio processor or amplifier. (He mentions), “You just need enough speakers for all surround channels.”
The JBL Go 2 Conundrum
The JBL Go 2, despite its portability and convenience, seems to be the Achilles’ heel in this surround sound quest. Several users pointed out that while you might string together multiple JBL speakers, achieving authentic surround sound likely won’t happen without additional equipment. mattband succinctly chimed in, “You can create an experience but not a good experience.” And this sentiment is echoed by tucsondog, who states simply, “Possible? Yes. Sound good? No.” It appears that while the idea is entertaining, the technical restrictions of the JBL Go 2 and other similar Bluetooth speakers limit their effectiveness in establishing a surround sound setting.
Investment Versus Reward
Navigating the audiophile space often leads to the inevitable question of investment versus reward. Users like No_Ambition_522 suggested that investing in decent surround speakers rather than cobbling together a system of cheaper models might be the more prudent route. Their recommendation? RBH surrounds at a value price. A solid set of balanced speakers can dramatically improve the listening experience, especially when naturally textured audio comes into play. As they shared, “Is it really less expensive if it sounds so bad you never use it?” This provocative question dives into the heart of many audiophiles’ dilemmas, weighing cost against audio integrity.
The Community’s Wisdom
As the conversation unfurled, the wisdom of the community emerged. Many members had experimented with more effective setups. A user known as zcawfree shared their experience, stating they had successfully implemented a mix of brands in a surround sound environment years prior. “Not perfectly balanced but it had the surround sound effect and the kids loved it,” they said of their diverse speaker setup featuring mini Bose and unknown center speakers. This anecdote exemplifies that though perfection in audio might be unattainable with budget gear, enjoyment and functionality can come from creative applications and configurations.
Moreover, it was refreshing to see some personal touches shared, such as nostalgic references to old setups and unique experimentation with various configurations. It reminds us that the journey around sound can be as enjoyable as the final result, and sometimes, the sheer experience of trying out various setups can lead to memorable moments, even if the sound quality isn’t pristine.
In a last ditch effort to offer hope, a user exploring innovative options mentioned open-source software to create a surround sound system with cheaper components, lighting up discussions about the ever-evolving tech landscape. The possibilities of tech resources, combined with DIY ingenuity, hint that even a budget-conscious audiophile can find ways to adapt and create their desired sound environment.