Do you ever watch a movie and feel like the action is happening all around you? That amazing feeling comes from a great sound system. But when you build that system, the surround back speakers often cause the most confusion. Which ones should you pick? Where do you even put them?
Choosing the right surround back speakers feels tricky because you want truly immersive sound, not just noise. Getting the wrong speakers means missing out on the best audio experience your home theater can offer. You want sound that places you right in the middle of the action, but the sheer variety of sizes and types can make your head spin.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what surround back speakers do and show you exactly what features matter most for your setup. By the end, you will know how to choose the perfect pair to complete your amazing home theater.
Top Surround Back Speakers Recommendations
- TAKE YOUR MOVIES AND MUSIC TO NEW HEIGHTS Immersive sound comes alive from all directions (including overhead ) with these Dolby Atmos enabled speakers. Add them to any monitor or tower speaker or use as surround speakers for a hemisphere of rich, detailed sound.
- 90º x 90º TRACTRIX HORN Our exclusive Tractrix horn technology delivers the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience with the cleanest, most natural sound possible.
- LINEAR TRAVEL SUSPENSION (LTS) ALUMINUM TWEETER WITH KAPTON SUSPENSION The exclusive Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) minimizes distortion for enhanced, detailed performances. Kapton is an extremely light and rigid material used in the tweeter suspension to provide high efficiency and improve resolution and detail. LTS tweeters are a hallmark of Klipsch speakers, making it a core component of some of the best speakers in the world.
- SPUN COPPER IMG WOOFER Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer cones are exceptionally light while being extremely rigid – providing remarkable low frequency response, with minimal cone breakup and distortion. When paired with the Tractrix Horn-loaded LTS tweeter, it provides speaker efficiency highest in its class.
- SLEEK, CONTEMPORARY APPEARANCE Exposed fasteners and low profile magnetic grilles give the speakers a polished, modern appearance.
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with deep bass, even at low volumes
- Use these wall-mountable bookshelf speakers as front, left-right, or rear for a surround sound system in your home theater setup and enjoy clear vocals and immersive sound—perfect for anyone starting their home audio journey
- Start your home theater journey with these Polk audio speakers then expand to a full 5.1 setup by adding T50 towers, T30 center channel, and subwoofer when ready
- QUICK & EASY SETUP – Just connect the speaker wire to your AV receiver, and you're ready to enjoy rich, high-quality sound—no complicated setup needed
- Over the past 50 years Polk has become one of the most trusted names in home audio speakers and entertainment. Our unwavering commitment to innovation allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy music
- Amplifier or Receiver Required: To use these passive speakers, you will need an amplifier or receiver to power them. Simply connect the speakers to your preferred amplifier or receiver, and you're good to go. The on-wall speaker features a unique down-firing bass port system, allowing for flexible room placement, even against a wall. Please note that speaker wires are not included, so you'll need to acquire those separately.
- 2-Way Home Speaker System: The Saiyin On-Wall speakers deliver stereo sound to any room in your home or office. A solution for a total surround-sound system when space is limited and performance is key. The compact proportions make installation a breeze to bring huge dimensionality with a speaker that makes itself heard but without cluttering floor space
- Wall Mount Design: With the customized wall mounting kit, these speakers can be easily installed on any flat surface in your home or office. This design not only provides a clean and sleek look but also ensures wide-range sound performance without compromising on quality. The speaker bracket spacing is specifically designed to be only 3mm, allowing for a tight attachment to the wall using matching screws. This maximizes your limited space while delivering an unparalleled audio experience
- Silk Square Horn Tweeters and 3.5” Bass Drivers: The wall speakers utilize the 3.5 inch horn tweeters producing crystal clear high frequencies & taking response up to 20,000 Hz for life-like high frequencies. For bass, the speakers use 3.5-inch drivers delivering smooth and rich low-frequencies. Each speaker also has a reflex port that enhances the performance of the woofer
- Specification: Easy to drive 4-Ohm nominal impedance - Compatible with most home theater receivers, stereos or home theater processors. Frequency Response: 60Hz-20kHz; Impedance: 4 Ohms;Enclosure Type:Bottom Firing Ports; Rated Power:5-30 Watts (Each); Dimensions: 13" (H) x 2.9" (W) x 7.9"(L) (Each)
- 【40Wx4 Bookshelf Speakers and 75w Center Speaker】: The surround sound system features four high-power and full-range speakers, including one 3-inch passive center speakers and two pair of 3-inch passive bookshelf speakers(four speakers are identical), allowing you to experience stunning surround sound from all angles.
- 【Enhanced Dialogue Clarity】: Saiyin 5.0 home theater system comes with a professional center channel speaker that improves the clarity and accuracy of dialogue. Every line of dialogue in movies or TV shows will be crystal clear, ensuring that no important lines are missed.
- 【Flexible Installation and Placement】: Compact and lightweight home theater speakers can be flexibly mounted on shelves, stands or walls to meet different installation requirements. In addition, the position and number of speakers can be easily customised according to the size and layout of your room, ensuring optimal sound positioning for an unparalleled audio experience.
- 【Classic Rretro Wooden Enclosure】: Each home audio speaker enclosure is handcrafted with unique wood textures and colors to reduce sound resonance while still blending well with any space and decor. The exquisite details and vintage charm of each enclosure bring a touch of nostalgia to your home entertainment area.
- 【Please note】: These five passive speakers require speaker wires and AV receiver or amplifier, the speaker wires and receiver are not included in our package.
- HORN ANATOMY: Klipsch Reference Premiere series speakers feature a compressed molded silicon face that is matted to the 90° x 90° Tractrix horn to reduces horn resonance for smoother frequency response. Klipsch computer modeled phase plugs act as a mechanical filter to further ensure a smooth, flat frequency response while protecting the tweeter from damage.
- VENTED TWEETER: A vented tweeter design reduces standing waves behind the tweeter diaphragm for a smoother high frequency reproduction. The titanium tweeter diaphragm's light weight yet rigid composition exceeds the performance of aluminum, polymer or silk tweeters. Klipsch award-winning Linear Travel Suspension technology leverages a piston motion of the titanium diaphragm that lowers distortion and delivers real-to-life sound. A ceramic magnet housing provides premium performance, Klipsch Reference Premiere tweeters set the standard in acoustic reproduction.
- WOOFER ANATOMY: Klipsch Cerametallic cones are matted to a dual-layer, copper-wound voice coil for exceptional conductivity. Reference Premiere woofers are housed in a non-resonating, stamped-steel basket that’s secured to a large magnet motor for exceptional efficiency and low distortion, and matched to our horn-loaded tweeters for optimal acoustic execution.
- FINISHED TO PERFECTION: The Reference Premiere ebony and walnut finishes boast satin painted baffles with a scratch resistant design for an elegant audio solution to your home theater system. Strong, flexible, magnetic grilles provide protection and a sleek aesthetic to compliment your home's decor.
- WIDE DISPERSION SURROUND TECHNOLOGY: As the cornerstone of every Klipsch surround speaker, proprietary Wide Dispersion Surround Technology (WDST) provides astounding sonic detail – for lifelike, cinematic sound in any room, even with less-than-ideal placement configurations.
- ❗❗❗Please Note before Purchasing：Wired connection required – the passive speakers(must be powered by receiver or amplifier) is not wireless and speaker wires are not included. No Bluetooth function
- 【Compact Design with Bold Performance】The surround sound speakers boast a compact design, measuring just 5.1" in length, 4.1" in width and 5.3" in height, while delivering an impressive peak power of 22.5W for bold sound performance. With a 6-ohm impedance, the passive speakers strike the perfect balance for natural sound, making them ideal as rear speakers. The premium surface is durable and stylish, adding a decorative touch to your home theater
- 【Ideal Choice for Rear Sound】The rear surround speakers are equipped with a dome tweeter designed for midrange and high-frequency sources, which delivers a more natural and clear audio experience. Surround speakers exhibit low power while maintaining high sensitivity, delivering rich sound quality in the midrange and high-frequency ranges. Wall-mounted passive speakers are perfect as rear surround speakers in home theater systems, enhancing the immersive sound experience
- 【Adjustable Wall Mount Passive Speakers】The passive speakers(must be powered by receiver or amplifier) come with a wall mounting bracket kit for indoor easy installation. The bracket rotates 120° both vertically and horizontally for an enhanced sound experience. These wall mount speakers not only enhance your audio experience but also serve as an elegant decoration for your living room
- 【Immersive Surround Sound Ambiance】Wall mount passive speakers(must be powered by receiver or amplifier) create an immersive experience during movie nights with friends, capturing every whisper and explosion. Designed to elevate your home theater experience, our rear surround sound speakers provide an immersive ambiance
- Reproduce movie theater sound with immersive bipolar surrounds
- Bipolar radiation pattern for optimum surround imaging
- Premium components ensure serious performance, natural sound and seamless timbre to match with the Fluance SX Series and other high quality systems
- Expertly crafted engineered MDF wood cabinetry to reduce cabinet resonance, with a black ash wood finish
- Full lifetime parts and labor manufacturer's direct warranty with lifetime customer support
- COMPACT BOOKSHELF SPEAKER PAIR - Enjoy lifelike sound in movies, games, & music with Polk speakers. Polk Monitor XT15 features a 1" Tweeter & a 5.25" Dynamically Balanced Woofer for clear audio, open mid-range & punchy bass in an immersive soundstage
- PREMIUM BUILD QUALITY AND MODERN DESIGN - An upgrade to the critically acclaimed Monitor series, the Polk Monitor XT series features latest innovations in affordable but great sounding speakers. Polk audio speakers design blends with any home décor
- HIGH RESOLUTION SOUND FROM ALL INPUTS - Monitor XT15's 4- & 8-Ohm compatibility delivers Dolby Atmos & DTS:X surround sound from your favorite sources, including online streaming via Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Spotify & more
- VERSATILE PLACEMENT OPTIONS - Delivering maximum performance in a compact size, the speakers can be placed on a bookshelf or speaker stand (sold separately). Use the MXT15 as front, surround system or rear speakers for a great home theater experience
- AFFORDABLE HOME THEATER SETUP - Using quality, timbre matched Polk components ensures seamless speaker blending for home theater speakers. Create a unified surround system with MXT60 tower pair, MXT30 center channel, MXT90 height module & a MXT12 sub
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Surround Back Speakers
Surround back speakers complete your home theater. They bring amazing sound from behind you. This makes movies and games feel real. Choosing the right ones can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
Good surround speakers have important features. These features control how well they sound.
Speaker Type
- Direct-Firing: These speakers point sound straight at you. They offer clear, sharp audio.
- Bipole/Dipole: These speakers fire sound in two directions. They spread the sound around the room. This creates a wider, more diffused effect. Many people prefer these for true surround sound.
Frequency Response
Frequency response shows the range of sounds the speaker can play. Look for a wide range. This means the speakers handle deep bass and high treble well. A good range usually starts low (around 50Hz) and goes high (up to 20,000Hz).
Sensitivity (Efficiency)
Sensitivity tells you how loud the speaker gets with a little power. Higher sensitivity means the speaker sounds louder without straining your amplifier. Aim for 88dB or higher.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in the speaker affect its sound and how long it lasts.
Driver Cones
The cones move to make sound. They should be light but stiff. Good materials include treated paper, polypropylene, or Kevlar. These materials reduce unwanted vibrations.
Cabinet Construction
The box holding the parts is the cabinet. A solid, thick cabinet is best. Heavy MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) cabinets stop vibrations. Thin plastic cabinets can sound “boxy” or cheap.
Binding Posts
These are where you connect the speaker wires. Look for sturdy, gold-plated binding posts. They ensure a strong, clean connection for the best signal transfer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a speaker sound great or just okay? It comes down to design and build quality.
Impedance Matching
Impedance is the electrical resistance. Most home theater receivers expect speakers rated at 6 or 8 ohms. Always check that your speakers match your receiver’s requirements. Mismatching can damage your equipment.
Sound Dispersion
How sound spreads matters for surround speakers. Bipole or dipole designs spread sound widely. This helps fill the room evenly. If the sound is too focused (narrow dispersion), only one person hears the effect clearly.
Crossover Quality
The crossover is an internal filter. It sends low sounds to the woofer and high sounds to the tweeter. High-quality crossovers use better components. Better components lead to smoother transitions between the sounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where and how you use these speakers changes your choice.
Placement Flexibility
Surround back speakers often go on the side walls or mounted high on the back wall. Choose speakers that fit your space. Some models offer versatile mounting brackets. Smaller bookshelf-sized speakers work well for tight spaces.
Matching Your System
For the best sound, try to match the brand and tonal quality of your front speakers. If your front speakers sound warm, choosing surround speakers that sound harsh will sound strange when the sound moves around you.
Use Cases
- Movies: Use dipole or bipole speakers for immersive sound effects like helicopters flying overhead.
- Music: For music listening, direct-firing speakers might offer more precise imaging behind you.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Surround Back Speakers
Q: Do I really need surround back speakers?
A: Yes, for a true 7.1 setup, they add realism. They improve effects coming from behind you in modern movies.
Q: Are surround back speakers different from regular bookshelf speakers?
A: Often they are designed differently. Surround speakers prioritize sound dispersion (spreading the sound) over pinpoint accuracy.
Q: Can I use old speakers as my surround backs?
A: You can, but the sound quality might not match your main speakers. Try to use speakers with similar sensitivity.
Q: What is the best place to put surround back speakers?
A: They should be slightly behind and above your main listening position, aimed toward the seating area.
Q: Should I buy a matched set or mix and match brands?
A: Matching brands is usually better for consistent sound tonality across your setup.
Q: Do surround back speakers need a lot of power?
A: Generally, no. They handle effects more than main dialogue, so they usually don’t need as much power as your front speakers.
Q: What does “7.1 setup” mean?
A: It means seven speakers and one subwoofer. The two surround back speakers make up the ‘7’ part.
Q: How important is the cabinet material for these speakers?
A: It is quite important. A solid cabinet stops rattling noises that distract from the movie experience.
Q: Are wireless surround speakers a good option?
A: They are convenient because they reduce wires. However, wired connections often provide a more stable and higher-quality audio signal.
Q: What does “dipole” mean in speaker terms?
A: Dipole means the speaker has two sets of drivers firing in opposite directions. This bounces sound off the walls for a soft, enveloping effect.