The Sony HT-G700 is a soundbar designed to enhance your home theater audio experience, providing a significant audio boost compared to your TV’s built-in speakers. While it offers a 3.1 channel sound system that includes a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, one of the common questions that users have is whether it’s possible to add rear speakers to the setup for a more immersive surround sound experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the possibilities of connecting rear speakers to the Sony HT-G700, including supported configurations and alternative options.
Understanding the Sony HT-G700
The Sony HT-G700 is a soundbar with a 3.1 channel configuration. It consists of the following components:
- Soundbar: The primary unit that houses the front speakers and is typically placed below your TV.
- Wireless Subwoofer: This subwoofer adds depth to the audio by delivering low-frequency sounds (bass).
The 3.1 channel setup offers a left, center, and right channel along with a subwoofer, which is capable of providing a compelling audio experience for most home entertainment scenarios. However, it lacks dedicated rear speakers for a complete surround sound setup.
Adding Rear Speakers to the Sony HT-G700
The Sony HT-G700 soundbar is not designed to support additional rear speakers as part of its standard configuration. It does not have designated rear speaker outputs or built-in technology for wireless rear speaker connections.
However, there are alternative methods to achieve a pseudo-surround sound experience if you are looking to expand your audio setup:
1. Wireless Rear Speakers with Separate Amplification: You can invest in wireless rear speakers that come with their amplification or connect to a separate AV receiver. While the soundbar remains the primary audio source, these wireless speakers can provide audio from the rear, creating a simulated surround sound experience. Keep in mind that this method may involve additional cost and some setup complexity.
2. Virtual Surround Sound: The Sony HT-G700 features advanced audio processing technologies, including Vertical Surround Engine, which can simulate a more immersive surround sound experience. While not the same as having physical rear speakers, these technologies can expand the soundstage and provide a sense of spatial audio. You can activate these features through the soundbar’s settings.
3. Upgrading to a Different System: If your primary goal is to have a full surround sound system with dedicated rear speakers, you may consider upgrading to a different soundbar system or AV receiver that supports rear speakers. Sony offers other soundbar models and home theater systems that can accommodate rear speakers for a true 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio experience.
Conclusion
The Sony HT-G700 is an excellent soundbar for enhancing your TV’s audio quality, offering a 3.1 channel audio experience that is suitable for most home entertainment setups. While it does not natively support rear speakers, you can explore alternative options to create a pseudo-surround sound effect, such as investing in wireless rear speakers with separate amplification or utilizing the soundbar’s virtual surround sound features.
If having dedicated rear speakers is a top priority, you may want to consider upgrading to a different soundbar or home theater system within Sony’s product lineup that provides support for rear speakers, allowing you to achieve a more comprehensive surround sound experience.
