Traditional 5.1 AVR vs JBL 1300 Soundbar vs Sonos ARC Setup: Best Audio Upgrade After Getting Your TV Mounted

When you’ve just had your TV professionally mounted, the next question becomes: how do you make it sound as good as it looks? Below we compare three popular home audio upgrade paths — a traditional 5.1 AVR surround system, the JBL BAR 1300 soundbar, and the Sonos ARC + Sub + Pair of P1 surrounds — so you know what to expect when selecting the perfect TV mounting and home audio setup.

Traditional 5.1 AVR Surround System

Overview: Uses a dedicated AV Receiver paired with five wired speakers and one subwoofer placed around the room.

Pros: Superior channel separation, highly immersive surround experience, customizable speaker placement, expandable system.

Cons: Bulkier equipment, requires wiring through walls or conduits, more expensive installation and calibration.

Best if you: Want cinematic performance and don’t mind the components or wiring behind your wall-mounted TV.

JBL BAR 1300 Soundbar

Overview: 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with detachable wireless rear speakers and subwoofer — designed as a compact, single-brand solution.

Pros: Simplified installation, excellent bass response, smart detachable rears mean no permanent wiring, sleek design under your mounted TV.

Cons: Less customizable, soundstage not as wide as a true AVR system.

Best if you: Want plug-and-play surround sound with minimal visible hardware on your wall-mounted display.

Sonos ARC + Sub + P1 Surrounds

Overview: A Wi-Fi–based modular sound system combining ARC soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two Sonos P1 surrounds for adaptive Dolby Atmos.

Pros: Clean wireless look, expands room-to-room, OTA updates, high-end design pairs beautifully with premium TV mounting.

Cons: Highest cost, dependent on Wi-Fi stability, limited to Sonos ecosystem.

Best if you: Love premium aesthetics and want seamless smart-home integration across your entertainment system.