Crafting the Perfect Sound System for TV Nights In
There’s something romantic about movie night at home (especially during the summer when stepping outside into the humidity is not the first thing on your mind). The lights dim, snacks in hand, and your screen comes to life. Except the sound is… just okay. Dialogue gets lost in background noise, the bass never really hits, and somehow your TV speakers leave everything feeling flat. If you’ve ever thought, “This could sound better,” you're right. We’ve put together some of our favourite must-haves to make movie nights just that much better.
Designing a proper sound system isn’t just for audiophiles or tech junkies. It’s for anyone who wants to hear their favourite actors whisper without subtitles. Or feel the intensity of a score in their chest. The right sound system can transform your entire living room.
Let’s start with the soundbar.
A soundbar is your first step toward better sound. It’s slim, discreet, and sits neatly beneath your TV, but what it delivers is anything but small.
Sonos Arc is a favourite for a reason. With Dolby Atmos support, voice control, and an immersive 3D soundstage, it makes dialogue sharper and action scenes feel larger than life. It also plays nicely with other Sonos speakers if you want to build out your system later.
If you’re looking for something that also makes a visual statement, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Theatre is a showstopper. It merges soundbar, subwoofer, and centre speaker into one design-led piece of furniture that looks sculptural but sounds thunderous. Think cinematic sound with Danish minimalism.
Now for surround sound that doesn’t overwhelm.
You don’t need wires running through your walls to get surround sound anymore. Brands like KEF and Bowers & Wilkins offer compact wireless speakers that deliver crisp highs and room-filling audio. Paired with your soundbar, they’ll create a full soundscape that moves with the scene.
Sonos Era 100 speakers are a great place to start. They’re compact, easy to sync, and double as smart speakers. You can place them behind your sofa or on side tables, and they’ll seamlessly blend into your space (visually and sonically).
The subwoofer helps you feel the sound
If you want to feel that low rumble during an explosion or the deep bass in a movie soundtrack, you’ll want a subwoofer. It’s the muscle of your system.
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) delivers rich, nuanced bass without distortion, even at high volumes. If you're going the Bang & Olufsen route, their Beolab 19 is not only powerful but also uniquely designed, like a geometric piece of art for your living room floor.
Bonus: don’t forget the streamer
If you want to get the most out of your system, make sure your streaming source is up to par. Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra can support high-res audio formats that your basic TV speakers just can’t. And if you’re pulling content from Blu-ray, look for players that support DTS:X or Dolby Atmos to fully unlock your setup’s potential.
Building the perfect sound system doesn’t have to be complicated or ugly. Whether you’re taking baby steps with a single soundbar or going full cinema with surround speakers and a sub, the goal is simple: make your screen sound as good as it looks. And with brands like Sonos, Bang & Olufsen, and Dubai Audio’s curated selection, you’ll find that balance of power, clarity, and aesthetic appeal that turns TV night into a full-on experience.
