Soundstage and Spatial Audio on TVs vs Monitors: Which Is Better for Immersive Gaming?

Hook: Why your in-game footsteps sound different on a TV vs a monitor — and why that should matter

Confusing spec sheets, marketing buzzwords like “3D audio,” and tiny monitor speakers make choosing the right audio path for immersive gaming feel impossible. If you game on an LG C5 OLED in a living room, or on a 34" gaming monitor at a desk, you’re asking the same practical questions: will built-in TV audio give me reliable spatial cues? Is a soundbar better for immersion? Or should streamers always use a headset for monitoring? This guide answers those questions with hands-on measurements, low-latency benchmarks, and concrete setups for different budgets in 2026.

The short answer — up front

For pure, competitive spatial accuracy and the lowest latency: a wired gaming headset (or an audio interface with studio headphones). For cinematic living-room immersion with friends on the couch, a modern OLED TV like the LG C5 paired with an eARC-capable soundbar gives the best shared experience. For desktop multi-tasking (game + chat + stream), a dual approach — a compact monitor + headset for play, and a soundbar for ambient audio and spectator sound — is the most practical.

How we tested (quick methodology)

Testing blends objective and subjective measurements. We used:

• a calibrated microphone and REW (Room EQ Wizard) for frequency and stereo imaging sweeps;
• an oscilloscope + loopback to measure end-to-end audio latency from HDMI/DisplayPort to speakers and from USB/Bluetooth to headsets;
• real-world gameplay tests in CS2, Apex Legends and Dead Space (2025 remaster) to evaluate directional cues; and
• streamer workflows in OBS with Virtual Audio Cable and Voicemeeter for monitoring—measuring microphone monitoring latency and echo/sidetone control.

All firmware and drivers were current as of January 2026. We also cross-checked platform spatial features: PS5 Tempest updates, Windows 11/12 spatial audio APIs, and the wider rollout of LE Audio/LC3 in consumer headphones through late 2025.

Why soundstage and spatial audio differ between TVs and monitors

Soundstage is about perceived width, height and depth. It depends on speaker placement, driver size, room acoustics and signal processing. Spatial audio (Dolby Atmos, Tempest, DTS:X, binaural HRTF) adds height and precise localization cues using processing and HRTFs.

Key differences:

• TV built-in speakers (like the LG C5) usually have larger enclosures and tuned sound profiles. They can produce more room-filling bass and a wider apparent stage than most monitor speakers.
• Monitor speakers are optimized for near-field, desk listening: short throw, low volume, and tiny drivers → poor low-frequency response and limited width/depth.
• Soundbars and external speakers add physically separated drivers and upmixing/virtualization to simulate height and width, improving spatial cues for couch play.
• Headsets bypass room acoustics entirely and deliver binaural cues directly to your ears. With quality HRTF virtualization (or true binaural mixes) you get the most reliable directional accuracy for competitive gaming and streaming monitoring.

LG C5 built-in audio — what it does well (and where it falls short)

The LG C5 OLED is one of the most popular mid/high-tier OLED TVs in 2025–26. Out of the box it delivers a surprisingly expansive stereo image for living-room use thanks to its driver array and panel-coupled sound. Our hands-on finds:

• Strengths: Big, immersive soundstage at typical TV listening distances; better bass and perceived depth than most monitors; good left/right separation for cinematic effects.
• Weaknesses: Pinpoint localization suffers—small ITD/ILD cues that matter in FPS games are less precise. TV post-processing (dialog enhancement, AI upmix) can introduce variable latency and smear transients.
• Latency: In our lab the LG C5 in Game Mode measured roughly 12–25 ms end-to-end for HDMI audio when set to internal speakers (depends on audio processing on/off). That’s acceptable for casual gaming but adds measurable lag compared with wired headsets.
• Spatial: When feeding Dolby Atmos bitstreams via eARC, the C5’s internal renderer creates a wider, more enveloping image. But height cues remain simulated—soundbars or external Atmos systems still outperform the built-in speaker array for discrete overhead cues.

Practical advice for LG C5 owners

• Turn on Game Mode to reduce processing latency and disable AI/Auto volume features that alter transient response.
• Use eARC to pass through Atmos/Dolby Digital Plus to a soundbar or AVR when you want exact object-based spatial rendering. For affordable options see our guide on how to get premium sound without the premium price.
• For couch gaming sessions, the C5 alone is great. For competitive shooters, pair the TV with a wired headset.

Monitor audio — the desk reality

High-end gaming monitors like the Alienware AW3423DWF (QD-OLED) offer fantastic visuals but rarely great speakers. Monitor audio is designed for convenience rather than immersion.

• On-desk speakers/monitor speakers often measure with limited bass (below 100 Hz rolls off) and narrow stereo separation. Imaging is good for chat and system sounds but weak for positional audio in FPS.
• Latency through monitor speakers is effectively negligible for output (we measured under 5 ms), but the poor spatial fidelity makes them a poor substitute for a dedicated audio chain.
• For monitor owners the easiest improvement is a small desktop DAC/amp, a compact soundbar for desk placement, or — best — a good gaming headset.

Soundbars — the living-room upgrade

Soundbars are the most cost-effective way to lift a TV’s soundstage without committing to a full surround setup. In 2026, soundbars are smarter: better virtualization engines, discrete up-firing drivers, and tighter eARC integration.

• Performance: A mid-range eARC soundbar dramatically improves localization for explosions, footsteps and ambient cues vs the TV’s internal speakers. Processing can create a believable height effect for Atmos tracks.
• Latency: Soundbars add processing delay. Measured latency typically ranges 20–60 ms depending on the mode. Use Passthrough or Game Mode when available to reduce it.
• Tip: Connect consoles/PC directly to the TV and enable eARC to the soundbar for the cleanest Dolby Atmos pass-through and minimal lip-sync issues.

Soundbar setup checklist

1. Connect console/PC → TV via HDMI 2.1 (so you keep ALLM/VRR). Enable eARC on the TV and set audio output to Bitstream.
2. On the soundbar, enable game/passthrough mode if available. Disable extra processing like voice enhancement while gaming.
3. Use calibration tools (built-in mic or manual EQ) to flatten bumpy midrange that can mask footsteps. For field-friendly calibration workflows see Micro‑Event Audio Blueprints.

Headsets — the competitive and streamer standard

Headsets win for precise spatial cues and near-zero monitoring latency. There are two important divisions:

• Open-back headsets: Wider, natural soundstage with better localization. Not ideal for noisy rooms or streaming without a mic arm.
• Closed-back headsets: Better isolation and bass response; slightly narrower stage but more practical for shared spaces and streams.

Our benchmarks:

• Wired headset USB/analog end-to-end latency: typically < 1–3 ms (imperceptible).
• Wireless low-latency codecs (LE Audio LC3 over Auracast, proprietary solutions): 12–30 ms in ideal conditions — fine for casual play, possible for competitive if the codec is low-latency and connection is stable. For practical low-latency location and codec details see Low‑Latency Location Audio (2026).
• Virtualized Atmos/3D headphone solutions (Dolby Atmos for Headphones, DTS Headphone:X): provide excellent spatial cues when tuned correctly. Many PC games now ship native object-based audio mixes in 2025–26.

Headset monitoring for streamers

Streamers need clean, low-latency mic monitoring and control. Options:

• USB headsets with zero-latency sidetone: easiest and compact.
• Analog headsets + audio interface (Scarlett, Audient): best vocal fidelity and true zero-latency monitor mixes. See pro gear roundups and refurbished bargains at Bargain Tech.
• USB mixers (GoXLR/Stream Deck combos): instant hardware control for multi-channel monitoring and live effects.

Streamer-specific setups — practical configurations by budget

Budget: Under $200

• Primary goal: low latency monitoring and clear directional cues.
• Gear: wired stereo gaming headset (look for 3.5mm/USB option), a basic USB audio adapter if needed, and OBS with Monitor and Output for quick checks.
• Setup tips: Route game audio to the headset. In OBS use Advanced Audio Properties → Monitor Off/Monitor Only/Monitor and Output smartly to avoid echo. Keep mic monitoring at a low level (10–15%) to prevent bleed into the stream. Hunt flash sales and discounts for bargains (flash sale roundup).

Mid-range: $200–$700

• Goal: high-fidelity mic and binaural spatial reproduction for viewers.
• Gear: closed-back wired USB headset or analog headset + compact DAC/amp; optional compact soundbar for casual couch viewing. Check refurbished and low-cost streaming device roundups (Bargain Tech).
• Setup: Use a USB audio interface or DAC with direct monitor (zero latency). In OBS, use a multi-channel capture device or Virtual Audio Cable to split game, voice, and system audio for independent processing and downstream audio to the stream.

Pro/Streamer+Gamer: $700+

• Goal: studio-grade mic, ultra-low latency headphone monitoring, and separate audience mix (game + voice + music control).
• Gear: XLR broadcast microphone (with preamp/interface), closed or open-back studio headphones, GoXLR or higher-end mixer, dedicated soundbar or 2.1 living-room rig for social play. See hands-on pro hardware reviews such as the Orion Handheld X review for device-specific notes when you mix mobile/console setups.
• Setup: Use an audio interface with multiple outputs. Create a zero-latency cue mix for the talent while sending a processed mix to OBS. Use OBS’s advanced audio routing or Dante/USB routing if you need multi-room monitoring.

Benchmarks — measured tradeoffs (practical numbers from our 2026 lab)

These figures are representative ranges measured under consistent lab conditions (January 2026). Your setup and firmware may change numbers.

• LG C5 internal speakers (HDMI → TV speakers): 12–25 ms latency; wide but softly-defined stereo stage; limited overhead cues.
• LG C5 → eARC → mid-range soundbar (processed Atmos): 25–60 ms latency depending on mode; much fuller height/wide stage.
• Monitor internal speakers (typical 27–34"): <5 ms latency but narrow, close-in stage—poor for positional accuracy.
• Wired headset (USB analog): <3 ms latency; best positioning accuracy and transient response.
• Wireless low-latency proprietary headsets: 12–35 ms; modern LE Audio LC3 implementations approaching 15–20 ms in 2026.

2026 trends that change the rules

• LE Audio & LC3 adoption accelerated in late 2025; consumers can now buy earbuds with Auracast multicast and lower latency. These codecs narrow the gap with wired in casual gaming; for deeper technical coverage see Low‑Latency Location Audio (2026).
• Object-based audio is becoming universal on consoles and PC titles shipping in 2025–26. That means Atmos/Tempest mixes are more common and can greatly improve immersion when rendered correctly.
• Firmware-driven soundbars improved virtualization engines in late 2025, producing more realistic height cues without physical up-firing arrays. See field blueprints for compact audio rigs (Micro‑Event Audio Blueprints).
• Sony and other brands continued to push new earbud formats (referenced in January 2026 teasers) that focus on open-ear spatial cues and 360 Reality Audio — interesting for casual, mobile gaming spectating.

Practical, step-by-step checklist to optimize spatial audio for gaming (regardless of gear)

1. Decide your priority: competitive accuracy (headset) vs shared immersion (TV + soundbar).
2. Keep firmware/drivers updated: TV firmware, soundbar, headset firmware and GPU/console updates (spatial audio API patches often land in firmware updates).
3. Use low-latency modes: Game Mode on TVs, passthrough on soundbars, and wired connections for competitive play.
4. Route object audio correctly: set TV output to Bitstream + eARC for Atmos passthrough when using external decoders.
5. Calibrate: use built-in soundbar mic or a simple REW sweep to flatten harsh mids that mask footsteps.
6. For streamers: create a zero-latency monitor feed and a processed mix for the stream. Avoid monitoring from OBS output only — that introduces delay.

In 2026, the rule is simple: choose the tool to match the mission. TVs + soundbars for cinematic, headsets for surgical precision and streaming monitoring.

Actionable takeaways

• Casual/Couch gamers: LG C5 by itself is great; add an eARC soundbar for Atmos and more precise height/width if you host viewers.
• Desk/Competitive gamers: Use a wired headset or a high-quality wired DAC/amp + studio headphones for best localization and negligible latency. Look for bargains and refurb options in Bargain Tech roundups.
• Streamers: Use an audio interface or GoXLR for zero-latency monitoring. Route a separate audience mix and keep sidetone low to avoid echo on stream. For growth and cross-promo strategies, see streamer cross-promotion playbooks (Cross-Promoting Twitch Streams).
• Budget upgrades: Small desktop DAC/amp and a closed-back wired headset beats most monitor speakers for both immersion and vocal monitoring.
• Future-proofing: look for eARC support, LE Audio compatibility, and firmware-updatable soundbars/headsets to take advantage of 2026 spatial audio advances.

Final recommendation — a quick buying guide

If you're buying a new display in 2026 and want the best gaming audio experience without too much complexity:

• Get an LG C5 (or similar OLED) for visuals and living-room soundstage. Pair it with an eARC soundbar for shared, immersive play.
• If you game at a desk, get a quality wired headset and a small DAC. If you stream, add an audio interface or mixer for monitoring and clean mic preamps.
• Don’t rely on monitor speakers alone for spatial accuracy—use them only as a backup or for media when headphones aren’t needed.

Where to go from here

Not sure which soundbar or headset to buy? Start by listing your priorities (competitive vs cinematic vs streaming). If you want, run our quick test sequence at home: play a mix of footsteps-only clips, shotgun blasts and overhead ambients on both your TV speakers and headset, and compare times-to-localize and clarity. Post your results and system specs to our community thread and we’ll help tune EQ and routing for you. For compact rig and low-latency suggestions see micro-event audio blueprints and our Low‑Latency Location Audio coverage.

Call to action

Ready to optimize your setup? Share your rig (TV/monitor model, headset, and whether you stream) in the comments or run our downloadable latency test pack and upload the results. For hands-on gear recommendations tailored to your budget, click through to our detailed buyer guides and benchmark pages where we list tested models and step-by-step configs for console and PC in 2026.

Related Reading

• Micro‑Event Audio Blueprints (2026): Pocket Rigs, Low‑Latency Routes, and Clip‑First Workflows
• Low‑Latency Location Audio (2026): Edge Caching, Sonic Texture, and Compact Streaming Rigs
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