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Good surround sound systems


Best surround sound system 2022: for your home theater

(Image credit: Sony)

If you've invested in a great TV but still feel like something is missing. Whether you spend Friday nights watching action films or listening to your favorite tunes, the best surround sound system can unlock a whole new experience with boosted bass, room-filled sound, and more. But, as any film buff or avid gamer will tell you, the image is only half of the picture.

So if you're looking to perfect your home cinema experience – especially when the local multiplex isn't a go-to option and more and more of the latest movies are streaming at home- you'll need a great sound system, too.

Surround sound gear has come a long way in recent years. The mess of cables, speakers, and stands that used to dot around our living rooms has given way to much tidier single-unit soundbars that sit underneath our TVs and beef up what the slim flat panels can't produce.

And yes, there's still a lot to love about having speakers dotted around your room. Still, now they're usually wireless in form and often offer upwards-firing Dolby Atmos sound, too, for an audio track that lives and breathes all around you – including from above.

If you want to make a surround sound upgrade, we've assembled some of the best options below. Of course, if you're not so sure you need multiple speakers, you can check out our guide to the best soundbars.

Black Friday surround sound system deals

The Black Friday sales period is almost upon us, with offers on the best surround sound systems already appearing across the web. The day itself happens on 25 November, but you can expect the bargains to ramp up from now until the end of the month. Head over to our Black Friday home deals page, or bookmark our Black Friday hub for the most up-to-date deals from now until Cyber Monday and beyond.

Sony HT-A9 Home Theater Speaker System | $2,000 $1798 (save $202)

Just in time for Black Friday, Amazon has slashed the price of the brilliant Sony HT-A9 home theater speaker system by more than $200. It's still pricey, but a good chance to get your hands on our top surround sound system pick for less.

LG S95QR Surround Soundbar | $1,800 $1497 (save $303)

A new entry on our best surround sound system list, Amazon currently has the LG S95QR soundbar on sale for more than $300 less for Black Friday. That brings the price down to less than $1,500, which is a great price for a four-speaker set like this.

JBL Bar 5.1 | $800 $499.95 (save $300 on Amazon)

Amazon has cut the price of the JBL Bar 5.1 down by 38%, meaning you can grab this soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speaker set for less than $500. The detachable ends are completely battery-powered for greater convenience and offer up to 10 hours of playback time. More than enough for that Sunday afternoon binge-watch.

The best Black Friday surround sound system deals

Reduced Price

Samsung HW-Q950T

£828.26

£799

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Sony HTA9 Home Theater System

£1,799

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LG S95QR

£1,699.99

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Reduced Price

JBL Bar 9.1

£999. 99

£599

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Reduced Price

Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack

£576.06

£493.94

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The best surround sound systems in 2022: tried and tested by us

Why you can trust Livingetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

(Image credit: Sony)

1. Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System

Best wireless surround sound system

Specifications

Components: 4 x speakers; 1 x receiver

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect

Dimensions (speakers): h22. 3 x W6.2 x D5.7in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Wireless connectivity between speakers and control box

+

Works with Google Assistant and Alexa

+

Adaptive audio technology

+

Dolby Atmos support

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Only one HDMI input

-

Optional subwoofer sold separately

Made up of just four wireless speakers and a control unit, the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System is ideal for those who don't want to 'settle' for a soundbar but don't have the luxury of installing a vast wired surround sound system in their living room. So whether you're dealing with a small space, an awkwardly shaped space, or just crave simplicity, this could be the answer.

The downside of the HT-A9 is the lack of a subwoofer included, but this can be purchased additionally if you want added oomph. However, the speakers are great on their own, with 360 spatial sound mapping for adaptive audio in your space, built-in Chromecast, and compatibility with an existing Alexa or Google Assistant.

Really, despite being on the more expensive side, the HTA9 system is designed to get you started, and you can add more to the set-up with multiroom listening. While this particular product only works with specific models, you can look at our guide to the best subwoofers to complete your home theater.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - read our full review of the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System

(Image credit: Monoprice)

2. Monoprice SB-600

Best 5.1 home theater system

Specifications

Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer; 2 x speakers

Connectivity: Bluetooth

Dimensions (soundbar): 40.6 x 4.3 x 3in

Dimensions (subwoofer): 0.4 x 9.4 x 16.5in

Dimensions (speakers): 2. 8 x 2.8 x 5.9in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Dolby Atmos support

+

Good price

+

Subwoofer included

Reasons to avoid

-

No smart home compatibility

-

Rear speakers need to be wired together

Made up of a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers, the Monoprice SB-600 is the first soundbar-based surround sound system on this list, but it won't be the last. This is because this type of home theater system is simple and easy to install, tends to be less of a financial investment, and - with the help of technology like Dolby Atmos - can have a similar impact as older, bulky systems.

The SB-600's components can communicate with each other wirelessly, so you can place the rear speakers somewhere conveniently behind where you usually sit to watch TV. We will note that the two speakers need to be wired together, so bear this in mind.

The soundbar is the best-looking part of the system, which, as it's the thing that will be most on show, is good. Controls are simple and easy to use, and the sound performance is also effective. It's a slightly more budget-friendly option, so it might not blow hardened audiophiles away but will serve those who want surround sound without the complications well. 

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars - read our full review of the Monoprice SB-600 Soundbar System

(Image credit: LG)

3. LG S95QR Surround Soundbar

Best LG home theater system

Specifications

Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer, 2 x rear speakers

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dimensions (soundbar): h3.5 x W47.2 x D5.3in

Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.9 x W7.9 x D15.9in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

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Great surround sound with Dolby Atmos

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Good sound presets

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Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Reasons to avoid

-

Soundbar and speakers on the larger side

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Expensive

The LG S95QR is a soundbar system offering rear speakers as part of the package, giving you more than just audio from the front, but also to the side and above you with Dolby Atmos surround sound and from behind with the dual rear speakers. In addition, the wireless subwoofer adds booming bass to the mix.

There are plenty of other surprises, too. 4K and Dolby Vision pass-through make it an ideal match for any high-end TV that supports HDR. Even Google Assistant and Alexa support is built-in for controlling smart home gadgetry. On test, our reviewer was impressed by how much the system improved not just action-packed movies and music but also dialogue-heavy shows.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars | read our full review of the LG S95QR Surround Soundbar

The best surround sound systems: more top picks

(Image credit: Sonos)

3. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) System

Best Sonos surround sound bundle

Specifications

Components (depending on retailer): 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer; 2 x speakers

Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Dimensions (soundbar): h3.7 x W25.6 x D3.9in

Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.3 x W15.8 x D6.2in

Dimensions (speakers): H9. 7 x W6.9 x D6.9in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Alexa and Google Assistant built-in

+

Speech enhancement mode

+

Adaptive sound (requires iOS device)

Reasons to avoid

-

No Bluetooth

-

Only one HDMI input

Sonos doesn't offer a surround sound system as a single product but has a lot of bundles that allow you to use its products in tandem to create the same effect. This Sonos Beam package also includes the newest Sub Mini and two Sonos One SL speakers that can be used as rear units.

This set-up lets you make the most of Sonos' tech, including adaptive sound (which can only be used if you have an iPhone or iOS device), speech enhancement, and more. The Beam (Gen 2) includes Alexa and Google Assistant, and the One SLs can be placed in different areas of the home for multi-room listening.

Read our full review of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to find out more.

(Image credit: Samsung)

5. Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System

Best 9.1 surround sound system (runner up)

Specifications

Components: 1 x soundbar; 1 x subwoofer, 1 x speakers

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Dimensions (soundbar): h3.7 x W48 x D5.4in

Dimensions (subwoofer): h25.9 x W8.3 x D15.9in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Dolby Atmos

+

Adaptive audio

+

Energy Star certified

+

Alexa built-in (works with SmartThings)

+

Subwoofer included

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

One of our favorite multi-speaker set-ups for your home theater system and choice for the best surround soundbar system, the Samsung HW-Q950T is a modest and compact soundbar system that nevertheless provides a brilliant surround soundscape without taking up too much space around your living room.

Consisting of a soundbar equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, two upfiring rear speakers for overhead audio, and a wireless subwoofer, it's a winner when it comes to audio power. In addition, the tech allows it to tailor the sound to what you're watching in Adaptive Mode and Game Pro mode, depending on what you happen to be enjoying.

There's a bonus for Samsung devotees, too, as the soundbar is compatible with the Q-Symphony features of the brand's QLED TVs. To top things off, the HW-Q950T is the only entry on this list that's Energy Star certified, meaning that it consumes less energy overall.

(Image credit: JBL)

6. JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System

Most versatile surround sound system

Specifications

Components: 1 x soundbar; 2 x speakers; 1 x subwoofer

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Dimensions (soundbar): h3.4 x W34.8 x D4.7in

Dimensions (subwoofer): h27.3 x W12 x D12in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Works with Google Assistant and Siri

+

Subwoofer included

+

Dolby Atmos

Reasons to avoid

-

Only one HDMI input

-

Soundbar system rather than true surround sound

The JBL Bar 9. 1 is perhaps the most interesting option on this list, or at least the more creative. What at first looks like a standard soundbar hides a secret - its ends snap off, revealing themselves to be battery-powered, fully-featured wireless rear speakers!

It's an ingenious trick, and the central unit acts as the center, left, right, and overhead sound channels and as a charging dock for the rear speakers. The detachable elements are intelligent enough to sense where they've been placed, matching the rear and rear-height ambient sound to any given scene. There's also a separate subwoofer to complete the package.

But of course, there's a catch. Though the JBL Bar 9.1 is an ingenious design and is worthy of a place in your living room for that reason alone, it does have some slight faults. For example, its front channels feel a bit narrow and don't always give a clear sense of audio information flowing in from the left and right.

And yet, it's hard not to find yourself enamored by its clever design, even if it's not quite up there with what the top bar on this list offers.

(Image credit: Klipsch)

7. Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack Surround Sound System

Best budget home theater system

Specifications

Components: 1 x center unit; 4 x speakers 1 x subwoofer

Connectivity: N/A

Dimensions (center unit): h5.3 x W10.7 x D5.3in

Dimensions (subwoofer): h23.2 x W11.7 x D11.7in

Dimensions (speakers): H7.7 x W4.3 x D5.3in

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Good price

+

True surround sound system

+

Subwoofer included

Reasons to avoid

-

No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or smart home compatibility

True surround sound systems are fantastic for boosting your home theater experience, but building one can be expensive over time. If you want something that will deliver results straight away without needing to add rear speakers and more later, this offering from Klipsch is one to consider.

It comprises six speakers in total - one center channel and four speakers to place around your space in addition to the wireless subwoofer - it's more customizable than some other surround sound systems simply because you have control over where you put them. In addition, the system contains an aluminum tweeter and high-excursion aluminum woofer cones for high-quality sound.

Of course, the trade-off for the price is that the Klipsch HT50 doesn't include Bluetooth connectivity or compatibility with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Alexa. But if this doesn't matter to you, it's a good starter pack for the less tech-savvy who don't want to miss out on excellent audio.

(Image credit: Future)

How we test the best surround sound systems

All recommendations that we give to our readers on products like the surround sound systems on this list are based on a combination of hands-on experience and industry knowledge. We endeavor to test and review everything that we include in our buying guides, but this is not always possible. The content will clearly mark where we have had this real-world experience with links to in-depth reviews. For more, head over to our article on how we create our buying guides.

The best surround sound systems are tested and ranked based on their ease of use, expense, versatility, and sound quality. Products are trialed in the writers' own homes rather than a lab environment to ensure that promises made by the manufacturers translate to the average home environment.

Smart Home Editor

Caroline is the smart home editor for Livingetc, having written about technology for a living for the past ten years. Her passion for film, TV and music means that she takes her home audio very seriously, and loves digging into the granular details when testing products like the best surround sound systems. All of the recommendations in this guide are based on at-home testing by her or experienced freelancers, as well as industry knowledge.

How to choose the best surround sound system for your home

(Image credit: Sonos)

When picking the best surround sound system for your needs, there are several things to consider. Chief among those is placement – do you have much room beneath your TV? And how about behind your sofa – is there room to set up the rear sound channels and plug sockets to power them from? 

If so, great – any of the picks above will suit your needs. If not, you might want to focus on the single-bar solutions up top, which virtualize the surround sound elements by bouncing audio off your viewing room's walls. Of course, mileage will vary depending on the uniformity of the space (a lovely square room usually works best). Still, all the systems above have intelligent ways of tricking your ears into thinking sound is coming from all around you.

Perhaps worth equal consideration is the broader feature set. If you're planning on playing lots of music through the soundbar, a built-in voice assistant, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, might be helpful, letting you speak to the speaker to command it to play your favorite tunes at a whim.

Also, think about the TV you're pairing it with – not just in terms of whether it'll obscure the screen, but also what connection you'll need. True audiophiles will be looking out for HDMI connections with an eARC feature – that lets your cables deliver uncompressed multi-channel audio, giving you pristine sound from all directions.

How much does a surround sound system cost?

We have intentionally included surround sound systems across various price points on this list, as different households will have different needs and budgets. The most expensive is the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System, which will set you back around $2000 at the time of writing. This isn't small change, but you are paying for the convenience of the system's wireless set-up.

On the other end of things is the Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System, which, in contrast, costs just over $350. Remember that the Klipsch offering won't work with any smart home devices.

(Image credit: JBL)

Do you need a receiver for a surround sound system?

If you're new to sound systems, whether your shiny new speaker set-up needs a receiver may crop up quite early. Older surround sound systems always needed a receiver for the best performance, and while they're still an option, many systems now operate without needing one.

Soundbar systems (those with a bar, subwoofer, and 2+ rear speakers), which are becoming more popular, won't require a receiver at all.

However, multi-speaker systems will depend on how traditional you want to get. A/V receivers are the glue that holds the rest of the components together, and so one may be needed for home theater systems. Before investing in one of these set-ups, ensure you have everything you need to start.

What is the best surround sound system?

Speaker systems come in all shapes and sizes for all different types of rooms. Suppose you’re feeling particularly flush with cash and have the space to indulge your cinematic delights to the nth degree. In that case, you could consider something like the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System , but the mess of cables, space required, and sheer expense means that it's not suitable for everyone.

Instead, you can get great, cinema-like results with a great soundbar and wireless speaker combo like some of the sets listed above. We love the Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System or the JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System if you want something even more soundbar-like. 

Caroline is the smart homes ecommerce editor for Livingetc, covering everything tech for the home, from smart speakers to air purifiers and everything in between. She is passionate about the role that technology and smart devices can play in daily life, enhancing the home without sacrificing personal style and carefully chosen interiors. In her spare time, she can be found tinkering with bulbs, soundbars, and video doorbells in an effort to automate every part of her small home. Previously, she lent her expertise to the likes of Expert Reviews, IT Pro, Coach, The Week, and more.

Best Home Theater Systems of 2023

When it comes to setting up a home theater, the TV may come first, but equally important is sound quality. There are plenty of options when it comes to buying a home theater sound system: from AV receivers and multispeaker setups to simpler yet still powerful soundbars, but we've got you covered.

Soundbars offer a lot of performance in a compact package and cost much less to get up and running than a speaker system. You can even choose one with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi streaming. Some soundbars offer an upgrade path including optional subwoofers and rear speakers, though if you want to truly mix and match speakers, an AV receiver is for you. 

Receivers offer a lot in the box and, unlike soundbars, they have plenty of HDMI inputs to accommodate different sources. You can start with just a couple of stereo speakers -- until recently, I had lived without surround-sound speakers for about five years and didn't feel I was missing out.

Whichever route you choose -- soundbars or AV systems -- there should be something here that will improve your home entertainment experience. These are the best home theater systems available right now, and most are on sale for Black Friday. We'll update this list periodically as we review new products.

Roku Streambar

Best budget soundbar

When it comes to bang for buck, it doesn't get much better than the Roku Streambar home theater system. This speaker offers both a dialogue-enhancing soundbar and a built-in 4K streamer in one package. If you want more bass or surround speakers, the system is also upgradable. The Streambar is currently on sale for Black Friday at $80 (save $50).

Read the Roku Streambar review..

 

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Klipsch Reference Theater Pack

Best surround-sound speaker package under $500

Originally retailing for $1,200, the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is currently on sale for a quarter of that. This set features big sound from a compact 5.1-channel surround-sound system, and it is a perfect home theater option for apartments or games rooms. This speaker system is excellent for movies and not bad for music, either. Just add a receiver.

Read our Klipsch Reference Theater Pack review.

 

$285 at Amazon

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Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2

Best stereo speakers under $500

If there's one area where we're spoiled for choice, it's affordable stereo speakers, and at $399 the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2s offer excellent playback of both movies and music. They offer a transparency that's unlike anything else near the price. While the Q Acoustic 3030is are more even-handed and have better bass response, they're also $550. For Black Friday the Elacs are on sale for $240.

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Vizio M512a

Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system

While the rotating speakers of the Vizio Elevate are cool, that system doesn't offer the best bang for your buck within the company's range. The Vizio M512a is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that includes 4K Dolby Vision, a subwoofer and rear-channel speakers, making it a sort of hybrid between a receiver-based system and a soundbar. It also provides incredible sound quality for music and movies for its Black Friday price of $350 (save $150).

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Onkyo TX-NR6100

Best 8K receiver

Despite the fact that there's basically no 8K video available now, you still can buy an 8K-compatible receiver. While the Yamaha RX-V6a with its striking looks and rock-solid performance is the best of the crop, it's also on back order at most places. If you need an 8K receiver right now then the TX-NR6100 is a worthy replacement. It offers a superior streaming suite -- including Chromecast built-in -- and better ease of use. It is on sale for Black Friday at $599 (save $200).

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Sennheiser Ambeo

Best soundbar with money no object

If you demand the best Dolby Atmos performance from a single soundbar, it doesn't get any better than the Sennheiser Ambeo audio system. It's not cheap, and it's not small, but if you want the best sound, this is it.

Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar review.

 

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Best Surround Sound Systems (Reviews 2021)

Planning to take sound quality to the next level? Here's our pick of the best surround sound systems for gaming right now.

Audio is hardly more captivating than surround sound. Of course, stereo is enough to give a good sense of direction and virtual surround sound. It can also effectively simulate true immersion when paired with good headphones, but nothing beats the real thing.

If you're interested in getting your own surround sound system, here's our pick of the Best Prebuilt Surround Sound Systems for Gaming in 2021. The list includes several solutions in a wide price range, so that everyone can find a good system. for your budget.

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First on our list is Monoprice's simple and affordable surround sound system. As you may have guessed, they are not a prestigious audio equipment manufacturer, but at the end of the day, we are not looking for great quality in an inexpensive product, just good value for money.

The Monoprice surround sound system really stands out in this respect. It is by far the cheapest system in this category and delivers satisfying sound quality at a low and very affordable price.

Unless you have unrealistic expectations, the Monoprice surround sound system will not disappoint you. The speakers work well, and even the subwoofer is decent, though it's not quite capable of hitting those thunderous low frequencies.

But of course we can't have a good budget product without some corner finishing, and in this case the focus on corner finishing was build quality. The exterior doesn't quite exude an aura of durability, and the durability of individual speakers is questionable as well, although the Monoprice is reported to be very quick to replace faulty speakers.

However, while Monoprice can't match the high-end products made by some of the biggest names in the industry, Monoprice has the budget-conscious casual user who can afford this affordable surround sound system.

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The following is another relatively modest solution, only it comes directly from Yamaha, a respected name in the audio world. And what can you expect from a Japanese company that has existed since 19 º century?

El The Yamaha NS-SP1800BL is a reliable and affordable surround sound system whose main strength is the subwoofer. It can operate at slightly lower frequencies than the Monoprice, as you can see from the specs. However, the speakers do not transmit this properly as they are prone to sound distortion when the volume is turned up and do not fill the room as well as some of the more expensive speakers.

After all, if you're looking for an affordable surround sound system and bass is what matters most to you, this speaker set from Yamaha is sure to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you want clean, high-quality full-range sound, we suggest you buy something a little more expensive, since the speakers that come with this set are not state-of-the-art.

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Even though they haven't been around for as long as Yamaha, Logitech is one of the leading companies turning to a variety of computer peripherals today, including speakers. Hence we have systems to sound enveloping the Z906 .

Both the subwoofer and the speakers produce a certain quality of air, that's for sure, but how good is the sound?

Well, it certainly is! The subwoofer pulls the previous two out of the water and can really hit those palpable lows. With satellites, things are no worse, although the high frequencies are not as clear and rich as the lower and middle frequencies. As a bonus, the Z906 comes with a handy console and remote control for easy audio adjustments.

Overall Z9The 06 is a great low-profile surround sound system, suitable for both PC and gaming consoles in the living room. Because the speakers are small and unobtrusive, but still powerful enough. Ultimately, while the high-end leaves a lot to be desired, the Z906 has a lot of value overall.

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may not be a household name, but the company specializes in home theater and audio equipment, so this should be a good indication of the quality you can expect.

El Onkyo SKS-HT690 This is a high quality 5.1 surround sound system consisting of speakers that not only deliver great surround sound but are very well designed to boot, ensuring they last a long time. In addition to this, each of the speakers has a sleek and shiny appearance that will add elegance to any room.

But there must be disadvantages, right? Well, unfortunately, Onkyo seems to have focused more on the speakers than the subwoofer when it comes to this set, so the latter performs a little worse than usual in this price range.

In the end, the Onkyo SKS-HT690 is a highly reliable surround sound system that is fully capable of reproducing rich full-range sound thanks to the combination of midrange drivers, tweeters and a reliable, if slightly weak, subwoofer. . .

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Next up is another Onkyo surround sound system that is a slight improvement over the previous one. El SKS-HT870 This is not only a 7.1 surround sound system, but also a subwoofer that is more than twice as powerful as the one that comes with the HT690. In addition, the speakers are also mounted in matching wooden cabinets, which definitely adds to their aesthetic appeal.

It's not the most discreet setup, though, as the speakers and subwoofer have a fairly sleek, boxy design that doesn't quite reflect the sound quality you'll get from this setup.

However, for those who value performance and affordability over aesthetics, the HT870 is a great addition. It's one of the cheapest 7.1 systems available and delivers good overall sound quality, and in our book it's a winning combination.

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If you thought the old system looked good, wait until you see what else is in the Onkyo store! El Onkyo SKS-HT993THX This is a clear step forward in both quality and price, as evidenced by the fact that the system is THX certified.

However, what you're seeing here is a surround sound system that can deliver great sound throughout the range, and while the subwoofer has relatively low power output, it makes up for it in size and is totally capable of hitting it. thunderous bass.

As you may have guessed, the biggest disadvantage of this system is, of course, the price. In fact, this is the most expensive surround sound system on this list, so it may not be for everyone.

However, this is still a decent price for 7.1 systems, so if you choose this system for the sound quality and don't mind the same uninteresting design also seen on an older system, then the HT993THX would be a great choice. .

Choosing the best surround sound system for your needs

RMS - does it matter?

One of the most notable entries in the specification of any speaker is RMS. Essentially, RMS doesn't determine sound quality in any way, it just determines how loud a speaker can be and how well it will hold when the volume is turned up.

When the volume of speakers with low RMS values ​​is turned up to maximum, noticeable sound distortion is likely to occur. However, all of the speakers and subwoofers listed are powerful enough to fill all but the largest rooms, so RMS shouldn't be at the top of your checklist when shopping for home surround sound solutions.

5.1 VS 7.1

As you can see, our list includes surround sound systems that use 5.1 and 7.1 settings, which are also the most common settings for home surround sound systems.

So how are they different?

The only real difference is the number of speakers: five and seven respectively, plus a subwoofer. Of course, there are other surround sound systems that use more speakers and multiple subwoofers, but these are usually quite expensive and just over the top when it comes to surround sound systems for home use.

A 5.1 system is quite simple: the center channel is placed directly in front of the TV, two speakers are located on either side of the center channel, and two additional speakers are located on the sides of the listener.

The 7.1 system adds two additional speakers, allowing four speakers to be placed around the listener, two on each side and two at the back, as shown in the following figure. Needless to say, this can greatly improve surround sound.

So which one to choose?

First you have to consider the price: a 7.1 system will generally be more expensive than a 5.1 system, and if it isn't, a more expensive 5.1 system will necessarily include better speakers.

Another advantage of 5.1 systems is that they also take up less space and are easier to set up, plus they don't really require you to leave extra space behind your listening point, ie a chair or sofa. On the other hand, if you have the money to spare and enough space for all the speakers, the two extra speakers that come with a 7.1 system can make a huge difference in terms of immersion.

Conclusion: the best surround sound system of 2020

In the end, if we were to choose favorites, our first choice would have to be the Logitech Z906 .

Why?

Simply because we believe it is the surround sound system that offers the best overall value, especially for gaming. It's true that this isn't the best surround sound system ever made, but the fairly small speakers can fill a medium-sized room quite well, not to mention their small size also makes them ideal for small rooms and small gaming setups.

But, as always, this is only our choice. In fact, any of the surround sound systems listed here will be a good buy if you choose based on your own needs and budget.

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