Q I'd like to know if wireless speakers are a good option for a surround-sound system. I suspect that the technology still isn't there yet, based on articles I've read. Having the living room hard-wired seems likely to cost more than I want to spend, but for proper home-theater sound, you seem to need speakers in five locations. We have a four-speaker system with two speakers "stacked" on either side of the entertainment system, but obviously this isn't ideal.
ANDY SPAFFORD, FREMONT, CALIF.
A You are right on two counts: Wireless isn't there yet, and your system is not ideal.
But what if you could get great surround effects from a single speaker mounted right by the TV? You can do so with a surround bar speaker and a surround receiver.
A surround bar incorporates all five channels into the single bar, but uses extra drivers and special circuitry to create surround effects in a manner similar to the way noise-canceling headphones remove extraneous noise. Surround bars are a great choice for those who cannot wire surround speakers throughout the room.
I just finished testing a Polk Audio Surround Bar ($599, including a color-coded connecting wire and mounting bracket). Not only was it easy to set up, but it also provided great sound and convincing surround effects. Just set the receiver's surround output 3 to 4 decibels higher than the front and center settings, and it will be perfectly tuned.
It was not quite as convincing as five speakers, but it was a lot less headache, and bound to satisfy its intended users. You must use a subwoofer with it, and you cannot use it in a cabinet because the reflections spoil the surround effects. Other than that, it is a breeze to use and sounds great. You can see it at www.polkaudio.com.
Definitive Technology has a bigger version called the Mythos SSA-50 that is extremely impressive, although more costly at $1,099.
