The 6 Best Surround Sound Systems For Sim Racing

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If you want to have a truly immersive sim racing experience, you don’t just want the best wheel and pedal setup. The sound system you use is a vital component, and while headphones are a popular choice, there is nothing better than a good surround sound system for sim racing.

The 6 best surround sound systems for sim racing are:

  1. Logitech Z906
  2. JBL Home Cinema 510
  3. Sony HT-G700 Soundbar
  4. Klipsch Premiere 5.1 Home Theater System
  5. Yamaha YHT 5.1 Home Theater System
  6. Acoustic Audio AA5102 5.1 Surround Sound System

In this article, we will go through some of the best surround sound systems for sim racing on the market and discuss the pros and cons of each. Then, we will discuss how to properly set up your surround sound system to ensure you get the most immersive sim racing experience possible.

The Best Overall
    • • Incredibly powerful setup
    • • Great value for money
    • • Easy to control
The Best Soundbar
Our Budget Pick
The Best Overall
  • • Incredibly powerful setup
  • • Great value for money
  • • Easy to control
The Best Soundbar
  • • Immersive sound quality
  • • Decent subwoofer
  • • Simple setup
Our Budget Pick
  • • Very reasonably priced
  • • Decent sound quality
  • • Easy to set up

What Is Surround Sound?

Cinema Sound Quality

Surround sound systems are a popular choice for those that want to experience the sound quality of a cinema, without having to actually go to the cinema. Often referred to as home theatre setups, surround sound systems are designed to emulate the high-quality sound you would expect from a cinema, helping to make whatever you are watching or playing more realistic.

Surround sound is nothing new, having its roots in 1930s cinema. The systems have been implemented in homes across the world for decades, but the technology available now means that they can offer some truly incredible results. There are various brands, systems and configurations on the market, and it can be quite daunting if you have never dabbled with surround sound before.

The Numbers

The first thing you will notice when looking at surround sound systems is the numbered notation. You will probably have seen 5.1 surround sound support quoted on the back of a racing game or heard of Dolby and its 5.1.2 Atmos setup. These numbers have a fairly intuitive meaning.

The first number (5) denotes how many supporting speakers there are to the one subwoofer (.1), with the subwoofer being the speaker that provides the low frequency sounds, such as car engines and explosions. The five other speakers are known as full bandwidth, meaning they put out sounds of all frequencies.

In the case of a 5.1 system, this usually means there are three ‘front’ speakers and two ‘rear’ speakers, alongside one subwoofer. You may also see 7.1 or 9.1, which means there are more full bandwidth speakers in these setups.

Hi-Tech

Some surround sound systems have a third number, such as the Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 setup mentioned above. In this case, the .2 at the end denotes the fact that there are two speakers that project sound upwards, which helps to create the feeling of 3D sound. This is a high-end setup, but it can produce some unbelievable sounds.

The 4 Main Components Of A Surround Sound System

1. The Device

Now, before we get onto our list of the top surround sound systems for sim racing, lets take a look at the main components of a surround sound system. First of all, you have your device. This could be your PC or games console, or even a music player or Blu-ray player. For us, this will be whatever we are playing our sim racing games on.

2. AV Receiver

Next up, we have the AV receiver. AV stands for Audio Visual, and this receiver is what communicates with your device of choice and the speakers that will produce the sound. You might not need one of these depending on the setup, but this is usually where all of the cables lead, and so you will need to ensure you have one that will be compatible with your device and your speakers.

The AV receiver is what handles multiple channels of audio and video and is the reason you are able to experience such high-quality surround sound. Your system may be able to use HDMI ARC, which stands for Audio Return Channel, but you may need to use some extra cables, described below.

AV receivers contain decoders, which basically transform all of the information sent through the cables into sound that can be played out of the speakers. This is a big simplification, but what you need to know is that this is another reason you need to check for compatibility. Older speakers and devices may not be compatible with newer AV receivers and vice versa.

3. The Speakers

Next, we have the speakers themselves. These are obviously what produce the sound, and so you need to consider how many you want. Usually surround sound systems have 5, 7 or 9 speakers, alongside the subwoofer as described in the first section. If you aren’t sure where to start, a 5.1 surround sound setup is the most common and you won’t go far wrong with one of these.

We will go through some things to look out for in the ideal surround sound system for sim racing in the next section, but just think about how much space you have, your budget and whether or not you want to go for wall mountable speakers.

4. The Cables

Finally, the last components are the cables to put everything together. HDMI cables are the standard for HD and 4K video setups, which you might use to connect your device to the AV receiver. You may have HDMI ARC too, which will remove the need for some of the other cables that you might have to use.

Other cables include coaxial or optical cables which will run from your device to your receiver. Coaxial cables are the traditional method and are fairly cheap. However, optical cables offer more lossless transmission of data as they use light rather than electrical signals, but they come at a higher cost.

RCA cables are the type that will run from your speakers to the receiver, and these are what are used to split up the sound into different channels. You will have several left channels, right ones and center channel, and these are what help to give the system the 3D sound effect. You will then also have power cables running to each component.

6 Things To Look For In Surround Sound Systems For Sim Racing

1. Number Of Speakers

Now that you know what a surround sound system is and what the main components are, it’s time to consider what makes a surround sound system a good one. The first thing to think about is the number of speakers. If you want the very best sound experience, you will probably want to go for a 7.1 or 5.1.2 system, as these offer the most realistic sound experiences.

However, you need to consider whether or not you have the budget or the space for that many speakers. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you should first try and establish a rough layout in your room to find out what style will work best for you. A5.1 setup, like the ones below, can be made into a 7.1 and so on by adding additional speakers as an upgrade.

2. Game Compatibility

But before you choose your perfect speaker setup, check whether or not the games you are playing support the surround sound system you are looking for. Games like Project Cars 2 and iRacing support surround sound, but there may be issues between brands, as there are known issues with iRacing and Dolby for example. Other games, such as rFactor 2, don’t officially support surround sound.

With that said, some games that don’t officially support it can still sound excellent, even if the system isn’t being used to its full potential. For this reason, you should think about whether or not you will use the surround sound system for just sim racing, or perhaps you will use it for watching movies and listening to music as well, making it a multi-purpose system.

3. Cable & Device Compatibility

You need to look for a surround sound system that is compatible with your existing setup. Pay attention to things like the receiver and which sound card your device is using. Cables are also important as we said in the previous section, so make sure you have the necessary ports to connect everything up.

4. Brand & Price

Brand and price are also important to consider, as some are better known for their speakers and some for their receivers. Do your research and try to find the balance between cost and quality. Don’t settle for anything too cheap, and check out the options below, as we have a few of the very high-end options, along with more budget-friendly surround sound systems.

Note: If you want to see our cheapest choice, check out the Acoustic Audio surround sound system

5. Sound Quality

You obviously want good sound quality too. Look for things like the wattage, which is the power of the speakers. You will sometimes find these numbers quoted per channel or in total, and the bigger your room is the more power you will want. Something like 50W per channel suits small rooms, while large rooms might require more than 100W per channel.

6. Speakers Or Soundbar?

Finally, you might want to consider whether you want a multi-speaker setup or a soundbar. Soundbars can’t fully emulate a good surround sound setup, but they are getting very close with modern technology. They can be ideal for temporary sim racing setups, or those that want to minimize cabling with an aspect of portability.

The 6 Best Surround Sound Systems For Sim Racing

1. Logitech Z906

Channels: 5.1 | Wattage: 500W total / 165W Subwoofer + 5 x 67W surround speakers

These are some mighty speakers that will set you back not too much, and with THX, Dolby Digital and DTS approval, you can be sure these will provide you with some truly immersive racing sounds. Not only that, but it is primarily designed for PC use, which will be music to the ears of many sim racers.

The Best Overall
Logitech Z906
This is the best surround sound system for sim racing thanks to its excellent price to performance ratio. You get a powerful speaker system that's easy to setup and highly customizable.
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Made For PC

You can also enjoy some decent customization with this setup, with the included AV receiver being fairly easy to set up and compatible with various cable types (sadly not including HDMI). You can use it with a remote control which offers such settings as a 3D sound effect. This is ideal for gaming when you want to be able to change the system setup for different games on the fly.

With 500W of total power, and 1000W of peak power, these are some remarkable speakers that will surely be powerful enough for any sim racer. Plus, at their fairly low price they are ideal for those that are new to the market of surround sound and don’t know where to start. The Logitech Z906 surround sound speakers are definitely worth a shot if you fit into this category.

PROS:

  • Made for PC
  • Massive amount of power
  • Very reasonable price

CONS:

  • No HDMI connection

2. JBL Home Cinema 510

Channels: 5.1 | Wattage: 60W Subwoofer

Our next entry is from JBL, and they offer a brilliant surround sound solution for those without much space in their sim racing room. This is a common theme, as sim racing equipment can take up a notorious amount of room on its own, so a small surround sound system is ideal. With this, you can enjoy the power of a subwoofer and 5 satellite speakers with a tiny overall footprint.

JBL Home Cinema 510

This is a great surround sound system for sim racers that want a sleek, simple setup. It doesn't take up too much space, and it's very reasonably priced.

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Great Value For Money

Although once again you will need to buy your own receiver, these are still excellent for the price. They are no longer being made unfortunately, but some third-party sellers are still offering them for under $500 depending on where you live. This is unfortunate, but a real bargain if you are able to find them.

They don’t produce the best sound out of the speakers on this list, but they are ideal for space-saving and cost-saving. This makes it a good setup for beginners that are working on building their first sim racing rig.

PROS:

  • Space saving solution
  • Fairly cheap

CONS:

  • No AV receiver

3. Sony HT-G700 Soundbar

Channels: 3.1 | Wattage: 400W total

Next, we have a soundbar, which is ideal for those with limited space or for anyone with a temporary racing setup that wants to bring their sound system on the go. What sets this soundbar apart though is that it also comes with a subwoofer, which helps to provide extra bass which you might not get with similar, standalone soundbars at a similar price range.

The Best Soundbar
Sony HT-G700 Soundbar

This is an excellent soundbar and subwoofer combination that offers some incredible sound quality. For a decent price, you get a powerful subwoofer and a versatile soundbar that offers immersive 3D audio.

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A Powerful Soundbar

The price of the HT-G700 is not the cheapest on the market but it is one of the best at this price. Another brilliant thing about this soundbar and subwoofer combo is the fact that both can be paired to your device via Bluetooth, which means you don’t need to worry about finding the right wires and can move them around with ease.

However, there are HDMI, HDMI eARC and optical cable connection options for you if you prefer. Even then, you will only need to worry about one cable, and this makes setup extremely easy. The sound quality won’t equal that of a full surround sound system, but the various 3D sound modes are designed to give a good all-round Dolby Atmos sound effect, which is incredible at this price and size.

PROS:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Vertical sound capabilities
  • Space and cost saving

CONS:

  • Soundbar not as immersive as full surround sound setup

4. Klipsch Premiere 5.1 Home Theater System

Channels: 5.1 | Wattage: 450W Subwoofer

Up next we have a premium option from Klipsch, with their 5.1 surround sound home theater setup. This system will set you back a fair amount of cash, but the premium sound and build quality of each of the speakers will go a long way to justifying that high price.

Klipsch Premiere 5.1 Home Theater System

This is a premium surround sound system that offers an immersive audio experience. You get a 5-speaker setup plus an incredibly powerful subwoofer for one of the best audio experiences around.

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Premium Option

In this setup, you get two Dolby Atmos front speakers, a center channel speaker, two bookshelf speakers, and a powerful 450W subwoofer. All of these work together to produce some of the best sound you’ll be able to create with your favorite sim racing games.

The system is built from walnut wood veneer and the color scheme is great, but obviously the selling point is the sound these speakers produce. The system was designed with natural sound in mind, and so it won’t sound tinny or compressed no matter how loud you crank it. Overall, if you have the cash to spare and you want a premium setup, this is the system to go for.

PROS:

  • Incredible sound quality
  • Premium build
  • Powerful subwoofer

CONS:

  • Very expensive

5. Yamaha YHT 5.1 Home Theater System

Channels: 5.1 | Wattage: 150W Subwoofer

The YHT 5.1 home theater system from Yamaha is another premium option, although it comes in at a much cheaper price point than the Klipsch setup. You get an AV receiver, 5 speakers, and a powerful subwoofer, which all combine to make for a truly immersive sim racing audio experience.

Yamaha YHT 5.1 Home Theater System

This is a great surround sound setup that offers great versatility and bluetooth connectivity. It also comes with some excellent features, such as Yamaha's Room Optimizer for a personalized audio experience.

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A Great Setup

This Bluetooth compatible setup is ideal for those that want a multifunctional surround sound system, as you can use it for your sim racing and then seamlessly shift gears to playing music on your phone. It’s designed to be easy to set up, so that you can spend more time enjoying everything that this speaker system has to offer.

Considering the power and quality of the speakers, this setup is fairly discreet. This means it’ll easily fit into any sim racing setup, and the Yamaha Room Optimizer will ensure your sound settings are right for whatever room you’re in. If you’ve got the budget and want a versatile surround sound system, this is one of the best options out there.

PROS:

  • Versatile system
  • Yamaha Room Optimizer functionality
  • Great sound quality

CONS:

  • Quite expensive
  • Subwoofer isn’t the most powerful

6. Acoustic Audio AA5102 5.1 Surround Sound System

Channels: 5.1 | Wattage: 800W total

Finally, we have a budget friendly setup from Acoustic Audio. This is a relatively cheap surround sound system that packs a real punch considering the price tag. Not only does it look great, but it’s highly functional and it outputs a whopping 800 watts of total power.

Our Budget Pick
Acoustic Audio AA5102 5.1 Surround Sound System

This surround sound system offers incredible value for money with a super powerful speaker system. The audio quality is excellent, and the system is very easy to set up too.

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A Budget Setup

In this price conscious surround sound system, you get 5 speakers plus a subwoofer with everything designed to be as easy as possible to set up. The system is compatible with plenty of input methods, including Bluetooth, so it’s a versatile choice as well.

The sound quality is excellent considering the price, but as it is a budget friendly choice, you shouldn’t expect the same kind of sound that you get from the other options on this list that cost 3-5 times as much (or more in the case of the Klipsch setup). However, for beginner sim racers that are looking to upgrade their rig’s sound system, this could be a great starting point.

PROS:

  • Very reasonably priced
  • A versatile surround sound system
  • Easy to set up

CONS:

  • Lower sound quality than the premium options

How To Install A Surround Sound System

Installing a surround sound system can be a daunting task. If you have no experience working with electronics, it might prove to be a little challenging. However, most systems will come with decent sets of instructions, so you should be in good hands. But if you are setting up your own system in a DIY style, you may need some assistance.

DIY Or Follow The Instructions

We would recommend any of the systems above as good places to start with a surround sound system, but also for anyone that already knows what they are doing when it comes to home theatres. Although you can mix and match brands and receivers and wire it all in yourself, it is sometimes more hassle than it’s worth.

Regardless of which route you decide to take, there are a few key steps to follow to set up any surround sound system the right way.

1. Set Up Your Room

You need to ensure that your room is set up in the right way to make the most out of your chosen surround sound system. There is a balance between echo and deadness, with the former being the culprit coming from a room with hard floors and not much furniture or soft surfaces in the room.

A room is said to be dead in terms of sound if there are few hard surfaces for the sound to bounce off, such as in a room with carpet flooring and lots of soft fabric furniture. Too much echo and the sound will jump around the room too much, making things sound tinny and unbalanced.

Likewise, if the room is too dead, the sound will simply absorb into all of the soft furnishings leaving little to bounce around and give you the 3D sound effect. Try to have a good mix of hard and soft surfaces in your room for the optimal sound experience.

2. Speaker Positioning

Your chosen surround sound system may come with specific instructions for setting each speaker up. In that case, simply follow the instructions for the optimal experience. However, there are some decent rules of thumb you can apply if you are unsure. The first is that the subwoofer should be on either side of the TV, and you can play around with this until it sounds good.

The center channel speaker should be as close to your ear level (when sitting where you want to be watching from) as you can get it, directly in front of your couch. This means it may need to be either above or below your TV, depending on its positioning. Next, you want your side channel speakers on the left and right of your TV, a little behind if possible.

You want them to each create an angle of around 22-30° between you and the screen, but there is a lot of room for trial and error here. Finally, your rear or surround speakers should be at a 90-110° angle. This means they should be either directly beside you, but a few feet away of course, or ever so slightly behind you.

3. Measure Distances For Wires

Next you need to measure the distances between your speakers and AV receiver, as you need to be able to actually connect them all up with wires. Your chosen speakers should come with cables to connect everything up correctly, and they will probably be long enough for most setups. However, you might find that you need an extra few foot here and there.

If you are wiring up your own setup, then this step is vital as you will need to know what length of cabling to buy. You also need to think about where the wiring is going to go. My dad had an old surround sound setup years ago where the wires were simply running along the floor, tight against the join with the wall and behind the couch, thus mostly out of sight.

4. Connecting It Up

However, you might want to have your cabling completely out of sight, and in this case, you will need to think about making cuts in your wall and running the cabling in behind it. We recommend getting in touch with an electrician to have this done professionally, but there are ways to do this yourself. Once you have this all measured out, it’s time to connect it all up.

The way you need to connect everything will obviously depend on the specific setup you have chosen. Usually, you will need to connect the AV receiver to your PC via HDMI or optical cable if possible. If not, you may need to connect your surround sound receiver to your monitor or TV on which you are playing and knowing which is right for you will depend on your specific setup.

If you are playing on a console, you will want to use either the optical cable on the console (if it has one) or the HDMI cable, or once again you may need to use HDMI ARC or multiple HDMI cables going from the console to the TV, and then from the TV to the AV receiver. You need to make sure your PC or console will support surround sound before you buy anything.

5. Test It Out

Finally, you will want to test out the sound manually or by using computer software to check it for you. This involves sitting where you want to be playing from and then adjusting the speaker positions or individual controls from the AV receiver until you have the sound experience you are looking for. It can take some time, but it is worth it in the end!

Final Thoughts

The best surround sound system for sim racing is the Logitech Z906 speaker system. It offers incredible sound quality at a decent price, but if you want the cheapest option, go for something like the Acoustic Audio surround sound system. At the other end of the scale, there are the premium speakers from Klipsch.