Setting up a surround sound system with the Xbox Series X or S can greatly enhance the gaming experience by providing more immersive audio and a better sense of spatial awareness. For users with modern TVs, the simplest way to achieve this is by connecting the console to a TV that has an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) or ARC (Audio Return Channel) HDMI port. This allows high-quality audio to be sent directly to a sound bar or home theater receiver, while also supporting 4K/120 fps gameplay in compatible games. To use this method, the TV must support HDMI 2.1 and the HDMI cable used must be compatible with this standard. The exact eARC-compatible port on the TV will vary by brand, so it's best to consult the TV's manual or the manufacturer's website for guidance. Once the console is connected to the sound system, users can adjust the audio settings in the Xbox menu by going to Settings > General > Volume and audio output. Here, they can choose between 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed audio formats, or Bitstream if the system doesn't have enough bandwidth for higher formats. For those with Dolby Atmos-compatible systems, installing the Dolby Access app and selecting "Dolby Atmos for home theater" can provide an even more immersive audio experience, with sound that appears to come from all directions. For users with older TVs that lack eARC ports, an HDMI audio extractor can be used to separate the audio and video signals. This allows the audio to go to the surround sound system while the video goes to the TV. These extractors should support at least 60Hz, or 120Hz if the TV is capable, to maintain smooth gameplay. Alternatively, if the AV receiver has HDMI inputs, the console can be connected directly to the receiver. However, older receivers may not support HDMI 2.1, which could limit the ability to play games at 4K/120Hz or use variable refresh rate (VRR) features. While a 7.1 surround sound system offers slightly more directional audio precision compared to a 5.1 setup, the difference is often minimal for most users, especially when the 5.1 system is well-calibrated. A 5.1 setup includes a center speaker, two front speakers, a subwoofer, and two surround speakers, while a 7.1 system adds two more surround speakers. However, 7.1 systems require more space, making 5.1 setups more practical for those with limited room. Many popular Xbox games, such as Gears 5, Halo Infinite, and Forza Horizon 6, support Dolby Atmos, enhancing the sense of immersion with realistic, three-dimensional sound effects.