Engadget's new guide walks Xbox Series X/S owners through connecting a 5.1 surround sound system, noting that the process is straightforward on recent TVs but requires a workaround on older displays. For modern setups, the recommended path is to plug the console into a TV's eARC/ARC HDMI port, connect a sound bar or receiver to that same port, and then select 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed audio in the Xbox's settings. Owners of Dolby Atmos systems can instead install the Dolby Access app and choose Atmos for home theater.
For older TVs without HDMI audio passthrough, the guide recommends an HDMI audio extractor, which splits audio and video so the sound goes to a receiver or sound bar over optical cable. Engadget cautions that the extractor must support at least 60Hz (or 120Hz for high-refresh displays) to avoid capping performance. The alternative is connecting the console directly to an AV receiver, but older receivers typically lack HDMI 2.1, which would block 4K/120Hz and VRR features.
The guide also compares 5.1 and 7.1 setups. Engadget says 7.1 has a higher immersion ceiling but that a well-calibrated 5.1 system is often the better choice, especially in smaller rooms where extra rear speakers are impractical. It notes that many first-party Xbox titles, including Gears 5, Halo Infinite, and Forza Horizon 6, support Dolby Atmos.