For me this system is awesome especially for the price. Our living room is 23 x 15 and I had a hard time hearing the TV, so we thought we'd give this system a try due to the great price. We got it on sell for $20 but it's worth the regular price of $39. We set the amplifier up next to the TV and placed two of the speakers next to my chair on an end table and what a difference--the cords connected to the speakers were long enough to go along the walls to the side of my chair. You may have to work with the cords depending on your room size and configuration. You have to make sure you select the 5.1 button on the front of the amplifier for all five speakers to work and be able to adjust the volume. We actually had to disconnect three of the speakers because the two speakers next to my chair worked GREAT for both of us--although we reconnect the speakers when watching a movie for the surround sound effects. We have turned the TV sound down and only use the sound from the two speakers. You have the option of turning the TV sound up if the station you are watching has low volume or turn up the sound on the amplifier. Either way it works great. I have nothing but good things to say about this system. It was easy to set up, but remember to select the correct buttons on the front of the amplifier. We were about to pay $150 for a different sound system and are glad we tried this one first--we saved $130. I say try it for yourself, you can always return the item if it doesn't work for you. I also like how small the speakers and amplifier are. Again nothing but good things to say about this system.