What Do I Need to add for a modest 5.1? Home Theater if I already have a TV and a Wiim Ultra Streamer.

[OldNewbie]

I assume (but please confirm) that I need at least the following:
1. A Sound Processor to create the 5.1 channels to send to amps. A Receiver? Any other options?
2. 5 or 6 amps do drive the speakers. This is probably the same Receiver right?
3. Speakers: I have plenty of Left Rights for front, a Center (should upgrade) and an already wired Rear Surround Pair (prob needs upgrade). I also have an Older Powered SW.
Questions:
1. Would a Sound Bar suffice? Can it be integrated? Is it redundant? Can a Sound Bar alone with no Processor or 5.1 be a good intermediate step? No receiver needed?
2. Do any Soundbars offer Home Theater Signal processing to 5.1? Do they offer power for additional surround channels? etc.

Should I ask this somewhere else? Thanks for your help on this basic stuff.

 

[voodooless]

I assume (but please confirm) that I need at least the following:
1. A Sound Processor to create the 5.1 channels to send to amps. A Receiver? Any other options?

There are 2 options:
1. An AV receiver, this includes amplifiers for a bunch of channels (usually 5 or more).
2 An AV processor. This excludes the amps.

Option 2 is paradoxically a much more expensive option. Some AV receivers also let you use external amps, so usually that is the better deal.

2. 5 or 6 amps do drive the speakers. This is probably the same Receiver right?

See above: an AV receiver includes the amps

Questions:
1. Would a Sound Bar suffice? Can it be integrated? Is it redundant? Can a Sound Bar alone with no Processor or 5.1 be a good intermediate step? No receiver needed?

A soundbar is an integrated device that has processing speakers and amps all build into a single enclosure. So you don’t need an AV receiver or processor for this. It is however a compromise in terms of sound quality vs real speakers

2. Do any Soundbars offer Home Theater Signal processing to 5.1? Do they offer power for additional surround channels? etc.

Yes, they offer processing. Some even offer (wireless) surround speaker, others will virtually create them from the soundbar with varying levels of success.

 

[DVDdoug]

A few years ago I bought a basic 5.1 channel AVR (Audio Video Receiver = Home Theater Receiver) for around $300. I'm very satisfied with it. It was an upgrade from my 1st AVR which didn't have HDMI (only optical and coax S/PDIF). I needed HDMI when I got a Blu-Ray player.

I LOVE the surround sound and I don't really desire more channels/speakers. The one thing I might like to have "room correction" (automatic equalization). But I'm happy with the sound so it's not a big deal for me.

I wouldn't want a soundbar without the real rear speakers, except any soundbar would be better than the speakers in my TV.

You (usually) need a subwoofer or you lose the "point one" LFE channel and you only get the regular bass from the other channels. The subwoofer output on an AVR is line-level so most subwoofers are powered, or you need a separate power amp. AVRs also have 'bass management" which is an optional crossover to route the bass from the other channels to the sub, in case your other speakers are "small" and can't reproduce bass.

I also have mixed-and-matched speakers, which is not ideal. (The BIG main stereo speakers and a pair of BIG subwoofers are DIY).

 

[staticV3]

Setting Up a WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System

TABLE OF CONTENTS Learn More about WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround System 1. Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer 2. Center 3. Surround Left and Surround Right Device Requirements and Typical Configurations Before You Begin Steps to Set Up a...

faq.wiimhome.com

 

[Timcognito]

There are surround sound-bar configurations. Not advocating for them just FYI if it is a option.

The 6 Best Soundbars of 2026

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the best soundbar we've tested. This premium 11.1.4 setup is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990D with a redesigned subwoofer.

www.rtings.com

 

[voodooless]

Setting Up a WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System

TABLE OF CONTENTS Learn More about WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround System 1. Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer 2. Center 3. Surround Left and Surround Right Device Requirements and Typical Configurations Before You Begin Steps to Set Up a...

faq.wiimhome.com

Cool! Didn’t throw that was possible. One worry though, is the audio delay of 70ms minimum.

 

[OldNewbie]

Setting Up a WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System

TABLE OF CONTENTS Learn More about WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround System 1. Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer 2. Center 3. Surround Left and Surround Right Device Requirements and Typical Configurations Before You Begin Steps to Set Up a...

faq.wiimhome.com

In Starting to Love Static!

 

[OldNewbie]

Also, in watching some Sound Bar Buying Guides, it sounds like the processing is already done by the TV, or streamed recording. Through an HDMI ARC cable from newer TV to a Sound Bar NO further Processing is needed. All of the channels info or where to send each channel is somehow already known. Different from the days of a Stereo signal needing a processor to decipher from stereo where to get the center, left right surround sound channels.

 

[Holmz]

The questions should be:

1. Why do you want it?
2. What do you want to accomplish?

I assume (but please confirm) that I need at least the following:
1. A Sound Processor to create the 5.1 channels to send to amps. A Receiver? Any other options?

Yeah AVR or AVP.

2. 5 or 6 amps do drive the speakers. This is probably the same Receiver right?

Yeah it is within and AVR, and the amps would be required for an AVP.

3. Speakers: I have plenty of Left Rights for front, a Center (should upgrade) and an already wired Rear Surround Pair (prob needs upgrade). I also have an Older Powered SW.
Questions:
1. Would a Sound Bar suffice? Can it be integrated? Is it redundant? Can a Sound Bar alone with no Processor or 5.1 be a good intermediate step? No receiver needed?

For many “yes it would suffice”.
I was considering AVRs and AVPs. The Mrs said, “Let’s look at a sound bar”.
She literally took a step back when it was powered on in a showroom.
(It was pretty shrill.)

2. Do any Soundbars offer Home Theater Signal processing to 5.1? Do they offer power for additional surround channels? etc.

Dunno - but it can be sort of difficult to get a lot of sound out of small drivers.
And a soundbar with a bunch of drivers, as well as a center channel with a bunch of divers like an MTM, can often cause lobing that is not really throwing a wide pattern.

Should I ask this somewhere else? Thanks for your help on this basic stuff.

Back to my #1 and #2.
If it 1 or 2 people, then the center channel is not really much of a benfit.
It can actually be worse if the LH and RH main speakers are good.
You’ll basically need it when you have people listening that are way off axis (to the sides).
If it is 1 or 2 person/people on a sofa, then a 4.x is pretty good.

The Mrs said to make it all sound good.
We have an AVP. And added a center channel and surrounds.

 

[OldNewbie]

The questions should be:

1. Why do you want it?
2. What do you want to accomplish?

Yeah AVR or AVP.


Yeah it is within and AVR, and the amps would be required for an AVP.


For many “yes it would suffice”.
I was considering AVRs and AVPs. The Mrs said, “Let’s look at a sound bar”.
She literally took a step back when it was powered on in a showroom.
(It was pretty shrill.)


Dunno - but it can be sort of difficult to get a lot of sound out of small drivers.
And a soundbar with a bunch of drivers, as well as a center channel with a bunch of divers like an MTM, can often cause lobing that is not really throwing a wide pattern.


Back to my #1 and #2.
If it 1 or 2 people, then the center channel is not really much of a benfit.
It can actually be worse if the LH and RH main speakers are good.
You’ll basically need it when you have people listening that are way off axis (to the sides).
If it is 1 or 2 person/people on a sofa, then a 4.x is pretty good.

The Mrs said to make it all sound good.
We have an AVP. And added a center channel and surrounds.

Thank You Holmz, Homie!. I've done some research and feel a little more informed, thanks to you (and people like you). I am, at this point thinking...

1. A Sound Bar is considered a compromise to a full featured X.1.n AV Receiver/Processor and Separate Dedicated Speakers system (a traditional full build HT system).
2. The Traditional Full Build HT System while able to give phenomenal results does takes know-how, planning, investment, and patience to pull off successfully. "Who has that"....I shouldn't say that. I at least I fall short in several areas.
3. Some Sound Bars can very much outperform and very much out-cost a traditional full build system (especially if corners are cut). And we know there are literally many corners where costs can be cut on a traditional full build HT system. e.g. The Processor, the Amps, the Speakers, Speaker Placement, Fine Tuning, the physical connections. i.e. many failure points.
4. This last point speaks to and argues for a moderately priced Sound Bar Solution (in my case).
5. If simplicity and instant gratification is wanted a moderate to more expensive sound bar solution is the ticket.
6. There are lower cost Sound Bars that would probably only marginally improve the TV's speakers that should probably be avoided.
7. Then there is probably every level of incremental improvement in sound bars also on the market. Which could be fun to shop for.

Did I get that right?

 

[OldNewbie]

The questions should be:

1. Why do you want it?
2. What do you want to accomplish?

Excellent place to start (or go back to).
1. I want it (or think I need it) to enhance the listening experience of watching our TV. Why? To accomplish what? :

1. We'd like/need more clarity in the dialog (center channel?). We often can't clearly hear the dialog over the other scene 'tracks' going on.
2. I'd like an Enhanced Soundtrack Experience. More Bombs, Bullets and screeching tires.
3. More spatial cues. Bullets and cars racing from Left to right! Lions roaring behind me, Earthquakes shaking the ground at my feet. All while hearing the birds fly and squawk away above. etc.

Can I really have this?

 

[Power Pop 23]

There are surround sound-bar configurations. Not advocating for them just FYI if it is a option.

The 6 Best Soundbars of 2026

The Samsung HW-Q990F is the best soundbar we've tested. This premium 11.1.4 setup is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990D with a redesigned subwoofer.

www.rtings.com

Agreed, an option....

Amazon's Woot! dot com (USA) is currently selling the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar system (top-rated by Rtings dot com) for $997.99 with a 12-month Samsung warranty and 30-day return window:

https://electronics.woot.com/offers/new-samsung-hw-q990f-11-1-4ch-dolby-atmos-soundbar-w-subwoofer?

 

[Holmz]

Excellent place to start (or go back to).
1. I want it (or think I need it) to enhance the listening experience of watching our TV. Why? To accomplish what? :

1. We'd like/need more clarity in the dialog (center channel?). We often can't clearly hear the dialog over the other scene 'tracks' going on.

Sounds familiar.

1. I'd like an Enhanced Soundtrack Experience. More Bombs, Bullets and screeching tires.

That is either surround or sub channels.

1. More spatial cues. Bullets and cars racing from Left to right! Lions roaring behind me, Earthquakes shaking the ground at my feet. All while hearing the birds fly and squawk away above. etc.

The surround and atmos channels.

Can I really have this?

Yeah - What are all the speakers you have?
If the extra will ork for the surrounds, and you have a sub… then the focus is on an AVP or AVR.

 

[Holmz]

Thank You Holmz, Homie!. I've done some research and feel a little more informed, thanks to you (and people like you). I am, at this point thinking...

Yep - I am your Homie.

1. A Sound Bar is considered a compromise to a full featured X.1.n AV Receiver/Processor and Separate Dedicated Speakers system (a traditional full build HT system).

A sound bar is convenient.

1. The Traditional Full Build HT System while able to give phenomenal results does takes know-how, planning, investment, and patience to pull off successfully. "Who has that"....I shouldn't say that. I at least I fall short in several areas.

Some do an auto tune…

1. Some Sound Bars can very much outperform and very much out-cost a traditional full build system (especially if corners are cut). And we know there are literally many corners where costs can be cut on a traditional full build HT system. e.g. The Processor, the Amps, the Speakers, Speaker Placement, Fine Tuning, the physical connections. i.e. many failure points.

I am still using some $70 amps on the surrounds… The rest is good stuff.

1. This last point speaks to and argues for a moderately priced Sound Bar Solution (in my case).
2. If simplicity and instant gratification is wanted a moderate to more expensive sound bar solution is the ticket.
3. There are lower cost Sound Bars that would probably only marginally improve the TV's speakers that should probably be avoided.

Usually they are more sharp and bright, but not really better.

1. Then there is probably every level of incremental improvement in sound bars also on the market. Which could be fun to shop for.

Did I get that right?

Yeah…
Maybe just turn on the subtitles and get a subwoofer…