Choosing Best External Speakers For TV [Nov 2022]

By Robert Jones · 2020-12-02

Your TV's built-in speakers are usually rubbish, plain and simple. After two decades testing kit, I'm here to tell you why external speakers are a must for proper sound from your telly.

It's a familiar story, isn't it? You've just dropped a grand, maybe two, on a spanking new TV. Big screen, 4K, HDR, the lot. You get it home, plug it in, stick on a film, and… it sounds like a couple of tin cans tied to a string. Don't get me wrong, modern TVs are miracles of engineering, but what they can do with a picture, they certainly can't do with the sound. The speakers they cram into those wafer-thin bezels are usually about as good as a chocolate teapot. I've been in this game for over two decades, testing kit, ripping apart speakers, and generally making a racket in my workshop down in Bristol. And one thing's stayed consistent: if you want proper sound from your telly, you need external speakers. It's not just about volume; it's about clarity, depth, and actually hearing what people are saying without cranking the volume to eleven and rattling the windows. **Quick Verdict:** Ditch the built-ins; proper external speakers make all the difference for TV sound. ![Choosing Best External Speakers For TV [Nov 2022]](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-External-Speakers-For-TV.jpg) *Choosing Best External Speakers For TV [Nov 2022] — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Your TV's Speakers Are Rubbish (and what to do about it) Let's be frank. Your TV manufacturers spend all their R&D budget on making the picture incredible and the set as thin as possible. Sound quality? An afterthought, usually. They've got no room for decent drivers, no proper enclosures, and no real amplification. So you get that thin, reedy, distant sound. Explosions sound like a wet fart, dialogue is muffled, and music? Forget about it. That's where external speakers come in. We're talking about everything from a simple soundbar to a full-blown 5.1 home cinema setup. The idea is to bypass those pathetic built-in cones and let something designed for sound do its job. It's a bit like buying a Ferrari and then complaining it doesn't carry enough flat-pack furniture – you're using the wrong tool for the job. ### What Kind of External Speakers Are We Talking About? There's a fair bit of choice out there, and what's right for you depends on your room, your budget, and how much faff you're willing to put up with. I've seen it all, from blokes trying to plug their dad's old hi-fi separates into a modern smart TV (usually with limited success) to folks dropping thousands on a dedicated cinema room. For most of us, it's somewhere in the middle. * **Soundbars:** These are probably the most popular option these days. A single, long unit that sits under your TV. Simple to set up, usually one cable, and a definite upgrade over built-in speakers. Some even come with a wireless subwoofer. Good for smaller rooms, or if you want minimal clutter. * **2.0 or 2.1 Stereo Speakers:** Two traditional bookshelf speakers, sometimes with a separate subwoofer (that's the .1 part). This is where you start getting proper stereo separation and a wider soundstage. Great for music as well as TV. You'll need an amplifier or an active speaker set here. * **Home Cinema (5.1 or greater):** This is the full monty. A centre speaker for dialogue, front left and right, surround left and right, and a subwoofer. Requires a bit more wiring, an AV receiver, and more space. But for immersing yourself in films, nothing beats it. I've had countless soundbars and speaker sets pass through my workshop over the years. Some are brilliant, some are utterly dreadful. It's not always about the price tag either; sometimes a £300 soundbar punches well above its weight, and a £1000 system can leave you cold. ## Soundbars: The Easy Win For a lot of people, a soundbar is the perfect compromise. You get much better sound than your TV can manage, and it's usually a doddle to set up. Most connect via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which means your TV remote can often control the volume. Nice and tidy. ### Who it's for: * Anyone who wants a significant upgrade in TV sound without a lot of fuss or wires. * Smaller living rooms or flats where space is at a premium. * People who mainly watch TV shows, news, and casual movies. ### Who should skip it: * Music enthusiasts who prioritise stereo imaging and detail. * Folks wanting a truly immersive cinema experience with discrete surround sound. * Those with a generous budget and space for a full speaker system. ### Recommended Soundbars I've Put Through Their Paces: #### Yamaha SR-B20A I've had this little beauty in for review a while back. For under £200, it's a bit of a marvel. Yamaha knows a thing or two about sound, and this one really delivers. It doesn't have a separate subwoofer, but the built-in bass is surprisingly hefty. Dialogue clarity is excellent too, which is often a bugbear with cheaper soundbars. **Pros:** * Cracking value for money. * Clear dialogue, even at lower volumes. * Decent bass for an all-in-one unit. * Simple HDMI ARC setup. **Cons:** * No true surround sound, obviously. * Lacks the refinement of more expensive bars. #### Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Right, now we're getting into the pricier end, but for good reason. The Beam is compact, stylish, and sounds fantastic for its size. The big draw with Sonos is the ecosystem – you can add other Sonos speakers later for proper surround sound, or just for multi-room music. Its "virtual" Dolby Atmos is surprisingly convincing for a soundbar, though don't expect miracles. It's a solid upgrade and very smart with its app control. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality and clarity for its size. * Brilliant Sonos ecosystem for expansion and multi-room audio. * Smart features, easy to use app. * HDMI eARC for higher quality audio. **Cons:** * Pricey, especially if you start adding extra speakers. * Virtual Atmos is good, but not as good as dedicated up-firing speakers. ## Stereo Speakers: Proper Hi-Fi for Your TV If you've got a bit more space, or you care about music as much as movies, a good pair of stereo speakers is a cracking option. You'll need an amplifier (unless they're active speakers), and you'll definitely get a wider, more spacious sound than any soundbar can manage. It's a more "grown-up" sound, if you like. ### Who it's for: * People who appreciate proper stereo separation and a wide soundstage. * Music lovers who want one system for both TV and music. * Those with a bit more space and who don't mind a few extra cables. * Anyone looking for a more future-proof and upgradeable setup. ### Who should skip it: * People who want the absolute simplest setup. * Those with very limited space. * Anyone on a really tight budget, as amps and speakers can add up. ### Recommended Stereo Speaker Systems I've Checked Out: #### Q Acoustics 3020i (with a decent stereo amp) I've always had a soft spot for Q Acoustics. They consistently churn out speakers that sound far better than their price suggests. The 3020i bookshelves are no exception. Pair these with a decent budget stereo amplifier – something like a Denon PMA-600NE or a Marantz PM5005 – and you've got a seriously good system. The sound is natural, detailed, and surprisingly weighty for their size. You'll hear things in movie soundtracks you never noticed before. **Pros:** * Superb sound quality for the money. * Excellent detail, clarity, and natural tone. * Good build quality and attractive finish. * Versatile for both music and movies. **Cons:** * Requires a separate amplifier, adding to cost and complexity. * Might benefit from a subwoofer for proper cinematic bass. #### Klipsch R-51PM (Active Speakers) Now these are interesting. Active speakers mean the amplifier is built right into one of the speakers, so you just plug your TV directly into them. No separate amp box. The Klipsch R-51PMs are a favourite of mine. They've got that classic Klipsch horn-loaded tweeter sound – dynamic, punchy, and really engaging. They've also got plenty of inputs, including a phono stage if you've got a turntable. Great for a minimal setup that still delivers proper stereo sound. **Pros:** * Built-in amplifier, so less clutter. * Fantastic dynamic and lively sound. * Plenty of inputs for various sources. * Can connect a subwoofer directly if you want more bass. **Cons:** * The horn tweeter sound isn't for everyone – can be a bit forward if you're not used to it. * More expensive than passive speakers plus a basic amp. ## Home Cinema: The Full Immersion If you're serious about movies, then a proper 5.1 (or even 7.1 or Atmos) home cinema setup is the only way to go. It's more involved – more speakers, more wires, a big AV receiver – but the reward is a truly immersive experience. You'll feel explosions, hear helicopters flying overhead, and dialogue will be locked to the screen. It's a commitment, but when it's done right, it's glorious. ### Who it's for: * Serious film buffs who want a cinematic experience at home. * Those with a dedicated room or a large living space. * Anyone who wants the ultimate in surround sound and dynamics. * People who don't mind the complexity of setting up and calibrating multiple speakers. ### Who should skip it: * Anyone with limited space or a small room. * People who dislike visible wires and multiple boxes. * Those on a very tight budget, as it's the most expensive option. * If your primary use is casual TV watching. ### A Typical 5.1 Setup I'd Recommend (Budget to Mid-Range): #### Denon AVR-X2700H (Receiver) + Dali Spektor 2 5.1 Package This is a cracking combination I've often recommended. The Denon AVR-X2700H (or its current equivalent, Denon updates these yearly) is a rock-solid AV receiver. It's got all the modern bells and whistles – 4K passthrough, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, multi-room audio, and good room correction. It's powerful enough to drive most speakers with authority. Pair it with a speaker package like the Dali Spektor 2 5.1 system. Dali makes wonderfully balanced speakers, and the Spektor range is superb value. You get a pair of Spektor 2 bookshelves for fronts, a Spektor Vokal centre, a pair of Spektor 1s for surrounds, and a compact subwoofer. This setup delivers a coherent, dynamic, and genuinely thrilling surround sound experience. Dialogue is crisp, effects are impactful, and the subwoofer ties it all together beautifully. **Pros:** * True, discrete surround sound for ultimate immersion. * Powerful and versatile AV receiver with room correction. * Excellent sound quality for both movies and music. * Expandable to 7.1 or Atmos in the future. **Cons:** * Requires careful placement of multiple speakers. * Lots of cables to manage. * Significantly more expensive and complex than other options. * Takes up a fair bit of space. ## Important Bits to Consider When Buying Beyond just picking a type of speaker, there are a few technical things worth keeping in mind. I've seen too many people buy something unsuitable because they didn't think about the practicalities. ### Connectivity * **HDMI ARC/eARC:** This is your best bet for soundbars and AV receivers. One cable carries both audio and video, and your TV remote can often control the volume. eARC (enhanced ARC) is better for high-resolution audio formats like Dolby Atmos. * **Optical (TOSLINK):** A digital connection. Good quality, but usually only carries basic Dolby Digital or DTS, not the higher-res stuff. Still perfectly fine for most TV watching. * **RCA (Red/White cables):** Old school analogue. Some TVs still have it, but you'll rarely use it for external speakers these days unless it's an older hi-fi amp. * **Bluetooth:** Handy for playing music from your phone, but generally not the best for TV audio due to potential latency (lip-sync issues) and compression. ### Room Acoustics This is a big one. No matter how good your speakers are, if your room is an echo chamber or has weird reflections, it'll sound rubbish. Hard floors, bare walls, big windows – they all cause problems. Soft furnishings, carpets, curtains, and even bookshelves can help absorb sound and make a massive difference. Don't underestimate this; I've spent countless hours treating rooms for clients, and it often makes more difference than a speaker upgrade. ### Size and Placement Think about where your new speakers will go. Can the soundbar sit neatly under the TV? Will bookshelf speakers fit on your stand or do you need dedicated stands? Do you have space behind your sofa for surround speakers? Measure up! Nothing worse than buying a huge soundbar only to find it blocks your TV's IR receiver. ### Budget Be realistic. You can get a decent soundbar for £150-£200 that will be a massive upgrade. For proper stereo, you're probably looking at £400-£600 for speakers and an amp. A full home cinema system can easily run to £1000+, and that's just for a good entry-level setup. Don't blow your whole budget on speakers and forget the cables or stands. It all adds up. ## Comparison Table: A Quick Look | Feature | Soundbar (e.g., Yamaha SR-B20A) | Stereo (e.g., Q Acoustics 3020i + Amp) | Home Cinema (e.g., Dali Spektor 5.1 + AVR) | | :---------------- | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | | **Setup** | Very Easy | Moderate (amp + speakers) | Complex (multiple speakers + AVR) | | **Clutter** | Low (one unit) | Moderate (2 speakers + amp) | High (5+ speakers + AVR + subwoofer) | | **Sound Quality** | Good (big step up from TV) | Excellent (stereo imaging) | Outstanding (immersive surround) | | **Best For** | Simplicity, dialogue, smaller rooms | Music & TV, wider soundstage | Movies, gaming, ultimate immersion | | **Typical Cost** | £150 - £500 | £400 - £800 | £1000 - £3000+ | | **Upgrade Path** | Limited (some add subs/surrounds) | Good (can upgrade amp/speakers separately) | Excellent (add Atmos, better speakers) | ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Do I really need a subwoofer for TV speakers? A: For films with explosions and rumbling soundtracks, a subwoofer makes a huge difference. It handles those deep, low frequencies that smaller speakers just can't reproduce. For general TV watching or dialogue-heavy shows, it's less critical, but it always adds a layer of impact. If you're going for a soundbar or stereo setup and want that cinematic punch, adding a sub is a good shout. Many soundbars come with one, or you can add one to active stereo speakers. ### Q: What's the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC? A: Both let you send audio from your TV back to a soundbar or AV receiver using a single HDMI cable. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is good for standard Dolby Digital or DTS. eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is newer and can handle higher bandwidth, which means it supports uncompressed, high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and crucial for object-based formats like Dolby Atmos. If your TV and soundbar/receiver both have eARC, use it. If not, ARC is still a big step up from optical. ### Q: Can I use my old hi-fi speakers with my new TV? A: Potentially, yes, but you'll need an amplifier. Your TV doesn't have the power to drive passive hi-fi speakers directly. You'd connect your TV's optical or analogue audio output to an input on your amplifier, then connect your speakers to the amplifier. The challenge can be controlling the volume – you might need two remotes, one for the TV (to change channels) and one for the amp (for volume). Some smart amps can integrate better, but it's often less seamless than a modern soundbar or active speaker setup. ### Q: Where should I put the subwoofer? A: Ah, the "subwoofer crawl" – a classic audio engineer trick! Bass frequencies are pretty omnidirectional, so theoretically, a sub can go anywhere. But in reality, room boundaries and corners can either boost or cancel certain frequencies, leading to uneven bass. The best way to find the sweet spot is to place the subwoofer in your main listening position (e.g., on your sofa). Then, crawl around the room listening for where the bass sounds the most even and impactful. That's where your subwoofer should go. Seriously, try it. It works. ### Q: How do I avoid lip-sync issues? A: Lip-sync problems are a pain, where the sound doesn't quite match the picture. It's often due to processing delays in your TV or sound system. Most modern TVs and soundbars/AV receivers have an "audio delay" or "lip-sync" adjustment in their settings. You can tweak this to add a slight delay to the audio until it matches the picture. Using HDMI ARC/eARC can often help minimise these issues too, as it's designed to keep things in sync. ## Final Word Look, I've spent my life surrounded by speakers, and I've seen plenty of fads come and go. But one thing is as true now as it was twenty years ago: if you want good sound, you need dedicated speakers. Your TV is a visual masterpiece, but its audio capabilities are usually an afterthought. Don't let a stunning picture be ruined by dreadful sound. Whether it's a simple soundbar, a pair of proper stereo speakers, or a full-blown home cinema system, investing in external audio will transform your viewing experience. You'll hear dialogue clearly, feel the impact of explosions, and truly get lost in your favourite films and shows. It doesn't have to cost the earth, but a little bit of research and a sensible budget will go a long way. Go on, give your ears a treat – you won't regret it. And if you're still not sure, drop us a line at SpeakersMag, we're always happy to help a fellow sound enthusiast out.