If you’ve got a 100-inch TV and a 5.1 surround sound system, chances are you’re already enjoying a pretty awesome setup. But if you’re looking for that next-level experience, there are a few simple upgrades that can make a big difference.

Let’s walk through three impactful ways to take your home entertainment to the next level.

1. Add Another Subwoofer

Most 5.1 systems come with one subwoofer, but adding a second can dramatically improve how bass feels across the room. With two subwoofers, you get better balance and low-end coverage from front to back.

You’ll feel more impact during action scenes and more depth in music and dialogue. We often place subs in opposite corners of the room for smoother bass response across multiple seating areas.

2. Install Dolby Atmos Speakers

Standard 5.1 setups provide sound from around you, but everything is still on one horizontal level. That means effects like helicopters, thunder, or birds flying overhead can sound flat.

By adding two or four in-ceiling Dolby Atmos speakers, you unlock a new vertical layer of sound that makes everything more realistic. With Atmos, you can hear planes fly above, rain fall from above, or leaves rustling around you in ways a 5.1 setup just can’t match.

3. Upgrade Your AVR

If your current audio video receiver (AVR) can only handle 5.1 or basic Dolby Digital, you’ll need a more capable unit to support extra channels and Dolby Atmos. A great example is the Denon X3800H.

It’s a 9-channel AVR with built-in amplification and support for up to four Atmos speakers and multiple subwoofers. That means you could upgrade to a 5.4.4 or even a 7.4.2 system, depending on your room size and seating arrangement.

This kind of upgrade allows you to build a home theater that sounds as big as it looks. And if you’re adding multiple subwoofers or considering more advanced speaker configurations, a powerful AVR is a must.

What to Expect With These Upgrades

When you combine better bass, overhead sound, and a more advanced receiver, you get an entirely new level of realism. Explosions feel deeper, voices sound clearer, and sound effects move naturally around and above you.

These changes are what turn a regular movie night into a full-blown theater experience.

Need Help with Setup?

If you’re ready to upgrade your system but not sure where to start, our team at Dreamedia is here to help. We work with thousands of custom rooms every year and can help you build the perfect system for your needs and budget.

Whether you’re looking to improve home audio or go all-in on surround sound, we’ve got you covered.

Book a free consultation today and let us help you create the ultimate home theater setup.