Imagine this: you’re watching your favorite action movie, and suddenly, a car speeds past you from behind. Or maybe you’re playing a video game, and you hear the faint rustle of leaves just over your shoulder. That’s the magic of surround sound, and the rear speakers are a huge part of making it happen!
But let’s be honest, picking out the perfect surround rear speakers can feel like navigating a maze. You see so many different types, and you wonder, “Which ones will actually make my room feel like a movie theater?” It’s easy to get confused by all the technical words and wonder if you’re making the right choice for your setup and your budget. You want that immersive experience, but you don’t want to waste money on something that won’t deliver.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about surround rear speakers. We’ll explain what makes them special and how they work. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the best rear speakers to complete your home theater and truly bring your movies, games, and music to life. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Surround Rear Speakers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Surround Rear Speakers Detailed Reviews
1. Polk Audio T15 Home Theater and Stereo Bookshelf Speakers – Deep Bass Response
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for amazing sound with the Polk Audio T15 Home Theater and Stereo Bookshelf Speakers. These speakers bring your movies and music to life. They are perfect for anyone looking to start their home theater adventure or just upgrade their stereo sound. The black finish looks great in any room.
What We Like:
- Rich, Immersive Audio: The 0.75″ tweeter and 5.25″ driver create clear, balanced sound with deep bass. You hear everything, even at low volumes.
- Versatile Setup: Use them as front, left-right, or rear speakers for surround sound. They are also wall-mountable, saving you space.
- Easy to Start: Setting them up is quick and simple. Just connect the speaker wire to your receiver.
- Expandable System: You can start with these and add more Polk speakers later to build a full 5.1 surround sound system.
- Trusted Brand: Polk Audio has 50 years of experience making quality speakers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Passive Speakers: These are passive speakers, meaning they need an AV receiver or amplifier to power them.
- Not Wireless: They require speaker wire for connection, so you’ll need to manage those cables.
The Polk Audio T15 speakers offer a fantastic way to enjoy better sound. They are a great starting point for an impressive home audio experience.
2. Klipsch R-41SA Powerful Detailed Home Speaker Set of 2 Black
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to experience your movies and music like never before with the Klipsch R-41SA Powerful Detailed Home Speaker Set of 2 in Black. These speakers are designed to bring sound to life, making every scene and every song more immersive. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their home audio and feel like they’re right in the middle of the action.
What We Like:
- These speakers are Dolby Atmos enabled, so sound comes from all directions, including overhead, for a truly immersive experience.
- They combine perfectly with other Klipsch speakers to create a fantastic home theater system.
- The 90º x 90º Tractrix Horn technology delivers incredibly clear and natural sound, just like live music.
- The Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeter with Kapton suspension reduces distortion for detailed sound.
- The spun copper IMG woofers are light but strong, providing deep bass without distortion.
- They look great with a sleek, modern design and a scratch-resistant wood grain finish.
- The strong MDF cabinet reduces vibrations, leading to more accurate sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, they are designed to be part of a larger system, so they might not be enough as standalone speakers for a huge room.
- The power handling (50W/100W) is good for their size, but for extremely loud listening sessions, you might need more powerful options.
These Klipsch R-41SA speakers are an excellent choice for anyone seeking rich, detailed sound and a more engaging home entertainment experience. They offer impressive audio quality and a stylish look to match.
3. Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Satellite Speaker (Single
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your home entertainment with the Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Satellite Speaker. This compact speaker packs a punch, delivering sound quality that rivals much larger systems. Its sleek, hi-gloss black finish looks great in any room, and it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your existing or new home theater setup.
What We Like:
- It creates a soundstage like a big system.
- A 2.5″ driver and a 0.5″ silk dome tweeter give you realistic audio.
- The special rear port helps boost the bass, especially when placed near a wall.
- Its curved shape uses “Time Lens Technology” to line up the sound perfectly, making you feel like you’re in the movie.
- You can build your own surround sound system by adding more TL1 speakers and a subwoofer.
- It’s easy to connect and works with most receivers.
- You get Polk’s great quality at a good price.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a single speaker, so you’ll need to buy more to create a full system.
- While compact, it still requires some space for optimal placement.
This Polk Audio TL1 satellite speaker offers impressive sound for its size and price. It’s an excellent starting point for building a fantastic home theater experience.
4. Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair) OPEN BOX
Rating: 9.1/10
Snag these amazing Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speakers in an open box deal! These speakers are super versatile. They work great as your main front speakers (left, center, right) or as surround sound speakers. You’ll be impressed by how much sound they pack for their size.
What We Like:
- They perform beautifully in any speaker position (left, center, right, surround).
- The rear-firing port is perfectly tuned to the cabinet and drivers for awesome sound.
- They fill small to medium rooms with powerful, lifelike performances.
- This open box deal offers fantastic value for Klipsch quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- As an open box item, availability is limited.
- The compact size might not be ideal for extremely large spaces.
If you’re looking for impressive sound without breaking the bank, these Klipsch R-15M speakers are a fantastic choice. Grab them before they’re gone!
5. Rockville RockSlim Pair Black 5.25″ 240W Home Theater Speakers
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rockville RockSlim Pair Black 5.25″ 240W Home Theater Speakers are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio. These speakers boast a super-slim design, perfect for saving space. They deliver clear, powerful sound that will make your movies and music come alive. Plus, they’re built tough to last. Home theater enthusiasts will love these.
What We Like:
- The slim wall-mount design is a real space-saver. It’s only 1.38 inches thick!
- They sound really good. The 5.25″ woofer and 0.5″ tweeter produce clear highs and natural mids.
- These speakers pack a punch. They offer 40W RMS per speaker for great sound.
- The build quality is impressive. The ABS cabinet and shielded grill mean they can handle everyday life.
- Installation is a breeze. The design makes it easy to hide wires for a clean look.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they offer clear audio, audiophiles might want even more detailed sound for critical listening.
- The peak power is listed per speaker, but it’s sometimes helpful to see the total peak power for the pair clearly stated.
Overall, the Rockville RockSlim speakers offer a great blend of style, performance, and durability for their price point. They are an excellent option for anyone wanting to enhance their home entertainment system without taking up too much room.
Your Guide to Awesome Surround Rear Speakers
Why Rear Speakers Matter
You’ve got your TV, maybe a soundbar, and front speakers. But for a truly immersive movie or gaming experience, you need rear surround speakers. These speakers add that “wow” factor, making sounds come from behind you. Imagine the roar of a dinosaur behind you or the subtle rustle of leaves. Rear speakers bring these sounds to life!
1. Key Features to Look For
Sound Quality
This is the most important thing. Good rear speakers will create a clear, distinct sound. They shouldn’t sound muffled or weak. Listen for crisp highs and well-defined mids. Some speakers are designed to be more subtle, while others can be quite powerful. Think about what kind of sound you want.
Wireless vs. Wired
Wireless: These are super convenient. No messy wires running across your room! You just need to power them. The downside? They need their own power outlet and can sometimes have connection issues, though this is rare with good brands.
Wired: These offer the most stable connection. You’ll need to run speaker wire from your receiver or soundbar to the speakers. This can be a bit more work, but the sound is usually very reliable.
Size and Design
Rear speakers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are small bookshelf speakers that sit on stands. Others are wall-mountable, saving floor space. Consider where you’ll put them. Make sure they fit your room and your style. You don’t want bulky speakers taking over your space.
Connectivity Options
If you’re going wireless, check how they connect. Many systems use a dedicated wireless hub or transmitter. For wired speakers, you’ll need to make sure they have standard speaker terminals that match your receiver.
2. Important Materials
Drivers
These are the parts that actually make the sound. Good drivers are made from quality materials like silk for tweeters (high sounds) and treated paper or advanced plastics for woofers (low sounds). Better materials mean clearer, more accurate sound.
Enclosure (The Speaker Box)
The box the drivers are in is important! A sturdy enclosure made of dense wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) helps prevent vibrations. This makes the sound cleaner and richer. Cheaper plastic boxes can make the sound hollow.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Brand Reputation
Well-known audio brands often put a lot of effort into research and development. This usually means better quality components and sound engineering. While you can find good deals on less-known brands, sticking with reputable ones can give you more peace of mind.
Driver Size and Type
Larger drivers can often produce deeper bass. Different types of drivers (like dome tweeters vs. ribbon tweeters) create different sound characteristics. Some people prefer the brightness of dome tweeters, while others like the detail of ribbon tweeters.
Build Quality
Feel the speaker. Does it feel solid and well-made? Are the connections secure? A well-built speaker will last longer and perform better. Poorly built speakers can rattle or have loose parts, affecting sound quality.
Room Acoustics
Even the best speakers can sound bad in a bad room. Hard surfaces like bare walls and floors can bounce sound around, making it echo. Soft furnishings like carpets, curtains, and sofas help absorb sound and make your rear speakers sound much better.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Movie Buffs
If you love watching movies, rear speakers are a must. They create that cinematic feel. Explosions will boom behind you, and whispers will surround you. It pulls you right into the action.
Gamers
For gamers, rear speakers add another layer of immersion. Hear footsteps creeping up behind you or the distant roar of an enemy. This can even give you a competitive edge!
Music Lovers
While less common for music, some surround sound systems can provide a more enveloping music experience, especially for live recordings or special surround mixes.
Ease of Setup
Consider how easy the speakers are to set up. Wireless systems are usually plug-and-play. Wired systems might require a bit more effort to run cables, but many people find it straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need rear surround speakers?
A: Yes, if you want the best surround sound experience. They add depth and realism that front speakers alone can’t provide.
Q: How far apart should my rear speakers be?
A: They should be placed behind and to the sides of your main listening position. Aim for them to be roughly at ear level when you’re seated.
Q: Can I use any speakers as rear speakers?
A: You can, but it’s best to use speakers that match your front speakers in brand and type. This ensures a consistent sound profile.
Q: What’s the difference between surround speakers and bookshelf speakers?
A: Surround speakers are designed to create ambient or directional sounds. Bookshelf speakers are a type of speaker that can be used as surrounds, but they can also be used as front speakers.
Q: How do I connect wireless rear speakers?
A: Most wireless systems come with a transmitter and receiver. You connect the transmitter to your audio source and the receiver to your speakers. Then, they pair wirelessly.
Q: Will wired rear speakers sound better than wireless ones?
A: In theory, wired connections offer the most stable signal. However, modern wireless technology is very good, and the difference might be unnoticeable to most people.
Q: What if my room is small?
A: Smaller, wall-mountable speakers are great for smaller rooms. You can also adjust the volume of your rear speakers to avoid overwhelming the space.
Q: Do I need a special receiver for surround speakers?
A: Yes, you need an AV receiver or a soundbar system that supports surround sound. This allows you to connect and control all your speakers.
Q: How do I know if my speakers are working correctly?
A: Most AV receivers have a test tone feature. You can play this tone through each speaker to ensure it’s producing sound.
Q: Can I mix and match brands for my surround system?
A: While you can, it’s generally recommended to use speakers from the same brand and series for the most cohesive sound experience.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.