I do have an external receiver connected to a sound bar and speakers. The Apple TV is connected to the TV via HDMI, and I use the optical out of the TV to feed the receiver. All this time, this setup has worked out. As an interim solution, I changed the sound settings of the Apple TV to stereo. It’s good enough for now, but I have a feeling more changes are coming when and if my AV setup is complete. My current (non-HDMI) Dolby surround receiver won’t be able to handle the protected signals so will eventually need replacing.

But I have read up on HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) to see if this will fix things.

• You need Atmos compatible audio gear.
• You need the appropriate Netflix streaming plan “4 Screens + Ultra HD.” This is the top tier streaming plan Netflix offers.
• A fast Internet connection to stream the additional Atmos data
• Only certain devices support Atmos on Netflix. These are:

1. Xbox One
2. Xbox One S
3. 2017 LG OLED televisions

Hmmm, I don’t think I have all of these…

So these were a bargain on Amazon selling for only $10 so why not spring for the AUKEY EP-B4 Bluetooth Headphones in the sporty lime green color? Even if these were a bust, $10 isn’t a big investment.

First of all, these wireless headphones do in fact work and connected easily to my iPhone and Apple Watch via Bluetooth. The sound is decent – not great but not terrible either. With different ear covers and “wings,” you can customize the fit in a lot of ways, and the earpieces lock into place with a quarter turn. I’m still playing with the fit since the earpieces don’t feel completely secured in place. Really though, I think the culprit to not staying in place lies in the flat cable connecting the left and right ear pieces. Out of the box, the cable stays kinked in its folded shape and doesn’t flex easily. Because of this rigidity, the cable very often pulls on the earpieces, dislodging them. 

Battery life is kinda short (to me). After the initial charge, I used the headphones three times for about 45 minutes per session. Although I do admit that I wasn’t diligent with powering down the headphones when I was done. Powering up is kinda tricky as well, but I’ve found it best to put them on then hold the power button until you hear the AUKEY say “powered on.”

All in all, the AUKEY EP-B4 hasn’t disappointed. It hasn’t completely won me over quite yet, but I do like the appeal of less wires in my personal space.  

Here’s my philosophy about brands and stuff that I like. I’m a believer of “you get what you pay for.” Cheap things generally tend to be, well, cheap. I’m willing to pay a bit more for quality. I don’t necessarily need the best, but I don’t want the bargain basement stuff either. Quality and room for growth are deciding factors for me.

One of my favorite things is speakers from Polk Audio. I’ve had speakers from Polk for years. First and foremost, they sound great, but they also look great. They have a nice styling and aren’t too exotic looking, just a clean and classic design. Their prices are reasonable too.

While looking to redo a 5.1/7.1 surround sound system using Polk speakers, this is what I’d do. First, the beauty of a surround sound system is the audio acoustics provided by 5 to 7 speakers scattered throughout a room. Now with little people around the house, easily-tippable floor standing speakers are child hazards. I want to reduce the clutter of speakers in a room, get the speakers safely located, and yet keep the surround sound experience.

This is possible with Polk’s SurroundBar speaker system. This single, long cabinet houses seven speakers that simulates the front, center, and rear channels. You can set the SurroundBar above or below your television set and get those floor standing speakers out of the way.

While the SurroundBar does 5.1 audio, you can still use additional speakers for a better surround effect. To reduce even more speaker clutter, I’d look at in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. While in-ceiling speakers are said not to be ideally located acoustically, you can’t beat the zero floor space needed. Polk has a family of ceiling speakers, and a pair of RC60i is good enough. Low profile, aim-able tweeters, and again quality sound.

To finish up a surround system, you have to remember the .1 which is the subwoofer. The bass fills out a room and makes sounds richer. Polk makes a reasonably priced 10-in subwoofer in the PSW10. Stick this attractive box in the corner of your room, and you’re done.

Polk Audio speakers, one of my favorite things.

Buy from Amazon:

• Polk Audio SurroundBar Speaker System, Black (Single Speaker)
• Polk Audio RC60i In-Ceiling / In-Wall Speakers, White (Pair)
• Polk Audio PSW10 Monitor Series Powered Subwoofer, Black Oak

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