For the most part, the Quad system didn’t require any special set-up, other than plugging in the HDMI cable, plugging the speakers and subwoofer into power outlets and running the calibration routine.

Every surround-sound system starts with one thing: an AV receiver. The AVR (also known simply as an amplifier ... which compiles the best models we’ve tested from brands including Denon, Marantz, ...