Apartment-friendly surround sound

When shopping for an apartment-friendly sound system, going compact is the key. With today's technology, bigger doesn't have to equal better. Get excellent sound quality from compact speakers. Look for wall-mounted speakers to save floor space. If you do hang a speaker on a wall, try to avoid walls you share with neighbours.

You should also keep the rest of the equipment small, since you probably won't have the space for a full entertainment unit. A soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, or a compact receiver paired with a streaming stick or the apps built into your TV, does the job of the old receiver-plus-disc-player stack and fits on a small shelf. Most soundbars now offer virtual surround, and many let you add a pair of wireless rear speakers later. For late-night viewing, wireless headphones or a headphone transmitter for the TV keep the cinema experience to yourself.

Decoupling your speakers means removing the speaker from a direct surface. This means that instead of having them sit on the floor, where vibrations can be felt through the floor or wall, you put the speakers on stands or pedestals. Decoupling your speaker can greatly improve your relationship with your neighbours, as they won't have to listen to or feel your audio.

Another complaint renters have about setting up audio-visual equipment in a small space is the abundance of wires. Not only are wires unsightly, but they are a tripping hazard. There are two solutions:

A) Hide cords and wires under carpets or run them along walls if possible

B) Go wireless to remove the issue altogether

Lastly, you can do your best to organically soundproof your apartment. Rather than putting up actual soundproofing foam, you can create sound barriers using wall art, bookshelves and tapestries.

It's also a good idea to mind your volume. Just because you have a surround sound system, doesn't mean you should crank it up as loud as you can. Most cities have a noise bylaw with overnight quiet hours, and in a rental repeated noise complaints can put your tenancy at risk, so be a polite and respectful neighbour while still enjoying the cinema-like experience in your living room.

If you're looking for rental apartment or house for rent in your area, check out Gottarent.com to search listings by geographical area. See the rental prices and available amenities, plus photos of the apartment.