Best Home Theater Sound Systems Reviews

Finding a home theater system can be a disaster if you don’t familiarize yourself in advance with this subject area and the options on the market today. You should clearly understand what kind of system you need: wired or wireless, an all-in-one solution, or you will choose components individually. You also need to consider your budget, the room size, and your expectations of the sound and other multimedia system features.

So, I’ve put together the 10 best home theater systems for all tastes and colors, among which you are guaranteed to find the perfect solution. At the same time, we’ll look at each subspecies’ differences, advantages, and disadvantages, and I’ll answer some of the most common questions. It will be interesting!

What kind of home theater systems are there?

So, what kind of home theater systems are there? Let’s look at the categories’ features, pros, and cons presented in my review. Depending on your room size and budget, you can find a solution that’s right for you.

Home theater system composed of separate parts

When you buy a separate receiver and speaker set, you get a complete traditional high-quality system, even if it’s relatively inexpensive. High sound quality relative to other systems, compatibility of all components, extensive connectivity, the ability to select based on your needs and capabilities (whether your room is large or small, number of channels, wired and wireless options, cost) – all this is only available with this kind. So, we can say that this category is the top home theater system. And in my selection is one optimal option for the middle segment, which I am ready to recommend.

Home theaters in-a-box

This option will suit those who do not want to select individual components but still want a traditional home theater surround sound system. It is cheaper, and everything is already done for you (the kit usually comes with all the wires, which also affect the sound, as you know). Open the box, arrange the components around the room, and enjoy. Along with this obvious advantage, there is a disadvantage in the form of simpler sound quality than more expensive systems. But in my selection, you will find three great options for your home.

Surround sound speakers kits

This option will suit those who want to upgrade their existing system and have a receiver. A new home theater setup will take your home theater’s sound to the next level. But this option assumes that you have researched compatibility options. I’ve picked up three great quality options that will work for many of you.

Soundbars

Those of you who want to have a multi-channel home theater, do not want to bother with wires (in most cases), but, at the same time, are eager to save a lot of space will be glad to learn about the existence of systems consisting of a soundbar (which already has a built-in center and side speakers) with a subwoofer and rear speakers. It is worth knowing that such a system cannot compare in sound level with traditional sets. Still, you will get a decent surround sound, including high-altitude channel capabilities (immersive Dolby Atmos is available in these variants).

Best home theater systems reviews

Home theater system composed of separate parts

Denon AVR-X2800H with Klipsch 5.1 Home Theater System – best overall

As I said, a kit consisting of separately selected components is the most optimal solution. So let me introduce you to a system consisting of a Denon AVR-X2800H receiver and a set of Klipsch 5.1 Home Theater System speakers. Yes, you’ll pay more than any of the other systems on my list, but you’ll get something up to the demands of a modern, high-quality home theater. For about $2,000, you get great sound and the ability to work with today’s most popular video and audio formats.

So, the 7.2-channels AVR-X2800H 2022 receiver supports 8K video and surround sound in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats (including their virtualization). With 6 HDMI inputs and HEOS Built-in support, you can connect multiple types of equipment and get the advantage of wireless connectivity. Its 95 watts of power (8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% 2ch) perfectly match the Klipsch 5.1 Home Theater System, released in 2021.

The set of speakers, in turn, uses the famous proprietary technologies from Klipsch, and the subwoofer with a 12″ woofer is highly compatible with most equipment. Even though the speakers are positioned for a 5.1-channel system, the main feature of the floorstanding towers is built into the top of the speakers to simulate Dolby Atmos high channels. So you don’t have to drill through the ceiling to enjoy this surround sound format. With Klipsch, you can always expand your system by purchasing the necessary elements.

Home theaters in-a-box

Sony STR-DH790 with SONY 8 Speaker System Bundle – best home theater in-a-box

Sony STR-DH790 with SONY 8 Speaker System Bundle (2020) is definitely the leader in this category. Unlike the Denon AVR-X2800H with Klipsch 5.1 Home Theater System, it offers a full-fledged 7-channel system, but the overall sound picture is not as powerful as the absolute leader of my rating, though it is very high quality. Just take everything out of the box and connect the components; the system is ready.

As for the capabilities of the Sony receiver, they’re somewhat inferior to the Denon AVR-X2800H. You only get 4K/60Hz video and only 4 HDMI inputs. You can read more about the receiver’s features from this section – best Dolby Atmos home theater system.

So, the system produces 145 watts (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9%, 1 ch) with a frequency range of 53Hz-50kHz. The sound is clean and transparent, and the 9.84″ subwoofer sounds amazingly balanced from any room corner. Notably, with the S-Force PRO’s comprehensive virtual surround sound technology, you can use just the front speakers if you can’t or don’t want to use all the speakers. The sound will be peculiar, but let me tell you, it sounds better than the wireless surround sound systems I’ve heard (no matter how expensive they are). Sony STR-DH790 with SONY 8 Speaker System Bundle has several advantages in surround sound. But the streaming services will be available to you only through Bluetooth.

I encountered some difficulty in connecting the system to the TV. I had to reconcile the settings between the devices because you won’t see the connection if the receiver presets don’t match the TV ones. The manual gives no instructions on this.

Yamaha YHT-5960U – all-in-one home theater under $1000

The Yamaha brand offers the budget version of the all-in-one home theater system. This miniature set is almost 2 times cheaper than the category leader from Sony and provides all the basic needs of movie fans.

We deal with a 5-channel receiver with 4 HDMI inputs, but unlike Sony STR-DH790, it supports 8K video. Combined with single-sized miniature speakers that can easily be shelved, the Yamaha YHT-5960U provides 80 watts (6 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch) and support for older Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound formats. There’s also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming services and wireless multi-room audio. Why am I telling you all this, though? You can learn a lot more about this home theater system in the best home theater system under 1000.

Of course, some compromises are waiting for you. For example, the Google voice assistant is limited to turning the system on/off. And the MusicCast app is simple and looks like “Hello from the Past.” But considering the cost of the system and its sound, it’s not that critical. Plus, it was released in 2018.

The sound of the YHT-5960U is really impressive. The subwoofer with an 8-inch cone is quite powerful (50 watts RMS (5 ohms and 28-200 Hz)) and produces a good boom in music and movies. In a small room, it handled a movie like “The Fifth Element” perfectly with such a saturated sound series. Dialogues were heard clearly, and all layers of the sound picture sounded coherent, creating a rich, rich picture with good detail.

Yamaha RX-V385 with Klipsch Reference R-610F

Let’s be frank. Basically, it all depends on what we expect from the home theater system and what equipment you want to replace. The Yamaha RX-V385 with Klipsch Reference R-610F 2014 is a good home theater system. It can even be great if you are replacing equipment from 20 years ago. Although by today’s standards, it’s a pretty simple set with basic features.

Taking a closer look at the elements of the system, the Yamaha RX-V385 receiver isn’t much different than the one in the Yamaha YHT-5960U kit. It has 4 HDMI inputs with 4K and 3D pass-through support, and it also only supports older surround sound formats, which is fine for a 5-channel system. Why, then, does the kit cost more, you rightly ask?

It’s all about the Klipsch Reference R-610F full-size speakers. The brand has long cemented its position among audiophiles and movie buffs and is among the most popular in price/quality ratio. With the company’s patented technology, the speakers sound great in surround sound, and the RX-V385 offers the ability to bi-amp compatible front speakers (L, R). This means that the high and low ranges will be transmitted through independent amplifiers; hence you hear everything the author intended in the movie’s soundstage. With the small power of the receiver, 70 watts, I was just tossed around in my chair (of course, we are talking about a small room). It’s worth noting that you need to turn up the subwoofer volume a bit with that power in a movie when you go to stereo.

Surround sound speakers kits

Klipsch Reference R-26FA 7.1 Home Theater System – best home theater speakers kit

In this review, I’ve already sung so much praise for Klipsch brand speakers and talked so much about patented technology that it’s time to explain what it’s all about.

The 90 x 90 Tractrix Horn and aluminum tweeters have a terrific effect on treble response and great extension (clean, natural sound with powerful dynamics). The Linear Suspension Stroke (LTS) tweeter minimizes distortion. And the IMG (die-cast graphite) copper woofers are very light but stiff. The cone is not susceptible to fracture; the low-frequency response is luxurious.

How you may ask, is it possible that a set of speakers designed for Dolby Atmos and claimed to be a 7-channel system can have no ceiling speakers in the set? It’s simple. The R-26FA floorstanding speaker, with a lifting channel built into the top, transmits stereo sound toward the listener, reflects the sound off the ceiling, and thus provides Dolby Atmos sound. If you ever want to expand your home theater to any, even the most max configuration, Klipsch allows you to combine their products, so just buy extra speakers.

The flimsy leg bolts are the only ” disease ” affecting all Klipsch products. And the feet themselves are not very good. But I usually just do not fasten them because the speakers are stable.

Fluance SX51WR – budget speakers kit

The Fluance SX51WR 2021 gets the title of the budget set of speakers for a 5-channel home theater system. Not only ordinary users but many experts cannot find any obvious flaws in its overall sound. In a word, it is very good for its money!

The set includes 2 Elite series floor speakers, 2 Elite series surround speakers, Elite series center channel speakers, and a DB10 Powered Subwoofer (10″) made of MDF and looks a bit simpler than Klipsch.

On the plus side, I would highlight the build quality (the speakers don’t bounce and are very stable), good quality connectors, and the clarity of the sound picture at high volume. The sound in a small room is distributed smoothly and voluminously. Although I would say that the set lacks low frequencies, the sub can just play frequencies below 38 Hz. However, the biggest disappointment – the kit does not come with wires (you need 12 gauge), so for those who dream of saving money – you’re in for extra spending.

SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Speaker System

Well, I’ve satisfied the wishes of “golden mean” fans and budget things; it’s time to pamper the lovers of expensive ones as well. The price of the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Speaker System is the highest, especially if it has been winning fans since 2014.

The compact speakers have high-quality speakers and crossover components that are hard to find in this price segment. These include a 1″ aluminum dome tweeter (uses an FEA-optimized cone), a 4.5″ woofer with a polypropylene cone, an aluminum closure ring to reduce distortion, a vented voice coil insert, and a unique, all-new molded basket of ABS and fiberglass composite material for precise component alignment; a two-way SVS SoundMatch crossover.

The single-sized speakers excel at revealing high frequencies, smooth coordinated speaker-to-speaker transitions, and powerful bass (150W for the sub and 300W (720W Peak) for the whole system). They may not sound like a full-size system, but they sure will surprise you. I would say that some models are inferior to the overall soundscape of the SVS Prime Satellite.

Soundbars

Samsung HW-Q990C – best home theater soundbar

The absolute winner in the home theater soundbar category is the Samsung HW-Q990C 2023. This system provides the owner with immersive surround sound in an 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration and consists of a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers. In addition to saving space compared to traditional systems, this one also saves you from wires. And installing the soundbar and other speakers is easy.

You’ll find almost no differences if you’re familiar with the company’s other HW-Q990B soundbar, including that the HW-Q990C is only compatible with next-generation equipment. Not all TVs and game consoles will be allowed on His Royal Majesty. Setup is only possible on the small display; no on-screen menu exists. But it’s a matter of habit.

This soundbar from Samsung has advanced technologies, such as automatic calibration, which considers all objects in the room and adapts exactly to your interior, and an active voice amplifier (AVA), so you hear every word.

Vizio M51ax-J6 – budget soundbar

It is difficult for budget options to compete with premium options, so we should not compare Vizio M51ax-J6 with Samsung HW-Q990C. Let’s consider it as an independent unit.

Since you can read more about the model’s specifications in the best home theater system under 500, I’ll just say that this 2021 5-channel model with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, wireless subwoofer, and Alexa compatibility will greatly improve the sound of your TV. And it takes a couple of minutes to set up. Basically, it’s a plug-and-play system, as its presets are quite satisfactory. But be prepared for the fact that the importance of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is somewhat exaggerated, as the system only simulates surround sound. I also noticed that the Bluetooth connection is lost, but not often. Overall though, for its price, the Vizio M51ax-J6 sounds great, clear, and detailed.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SSE

And the last in the category is a surround sound system with Dual 8″ wireless subwoofers with the long name Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SSE.

The soundbar is quite versatile, and you can connect equipment to it via optical, coaxial, and HDMI (2.0, HDCP 2.2) inputs (HDMI ARC output). Content is available in Dolby Vision and 4K UHD HDR pass-through formats with decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and variations. Nakamichi Elite 7.2 SSE has built-in Bluetooth (BT) with Qualcomm aptX technology, which means listening to audio content without lossy compression (see Vizio M51ax-J6 flaws).

This model does not have automatic room calibration like other more expensive models (such as Samsung HW-Q990C), but you can set the size of the room. And speaking of disadvantages, the Nakamichi doesn’t have eARC support. This is not a problem as such, but the device will quickly become obsolete in the future. But the Shockwafe Elite can be expanded over time, which sets it apart from other alternatives.

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