The best home cinema system

Video and audio equipment began to enter the everyday life of most people quite a long time ago, and today such devices have firmly established themselves in it. If just twenty years ago, a battery-powered tape recorder and VCR were something of science fiction, today one can hardly surprise anyone with a home theater. It allows you to fully enjoy the most clear picture and surround sound.

On the shelves of household appliances stores today there are a large number of similar products, which can differ greatly from each other in terms of the functional component and many other parameters. To make it easier for you to choose this product, we decided to rank the best home theaters in 2022. Before proceeding to a direct review of specific models and their performance, let's figure out what the home theater itself is and what points should be taken into account when choosing this product.

Rating summary: (hide/show)

What is the most important thing when buying a home theater in 2022?

In principle, a home theater is a whole set of functional equipment that will display an image on a TV, monitor or on a wall through a projector, as well as a speaker system, amplifiers, and so on. With the help of this equipment, it is possible to achieve not only the most clear picture and high sound quality, but also to get the effect of presence even in a small room. Due to the home theater, you can organize a full-fledged entertainment area that is suitable for all family members - watching movies, video games, listening to concert recordings with or without video broadcasting.

When choosing such a unit, be sure to check whether everything you need is included in the kit. The key element of the set is a player that can work with discs of various formats, including the most modern - Blu-Ray. As most users note, one of the most important points in terms of the player is the presence of a USB connector, since the format of many films needs a large amount of physical memory, which no disk can provide. Thanks to the latest generation player, it will be possible to listen to music in the highest quality that the .flac format provides, view videos regardless of their extension, and also view photos.

The best option when choosing a player is to be able to transmit multi-channel sound to the receiver, which can greatly enhance the sound quality by dividing it into several channels. Most devices have standard settings, so you don’t have to spend extra time trying to figure out the functionality of the equipment.

Many people think that the centerpiece of a home theater is the receiver, capable of delivering movie theater sound quality or better. This device allows you to achieve the correct operation of all elements of the set and ensure their correct interaction with each other. It is desirable that the amplifier supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Surround Ex. The greatest demand today is for products that have two front, two rear channels, one center and a subwoofer, which allows you to clearly highlight low frequencies. The frequency value itself is also very important, since this factor is responsible for how fully the digital signal will be converted into an electrical one. The higher this value, the cleaner the sound will be - it is usually in the range of 192-256 kHz.

A speaker system is connected directly to the amplifier, which will reproduce all sound channels, and the separation occurs as follows: the center channel is responsible for playing the sound track, the front channel provides selection of musical and other effects, the rear channel allows you to achieve the most surround sound, low frequencies are reproduced by the subwoofer. When choosing a product, you should definitely check the ratio of the power of the acoustics and the receiver, the latter should be a little weaker, otherwise, the speakers will quickly fail.

You should immediately consider where the speakers will be located. If you plan to put them in close proximity to the TV, then they must be provided with magnetic protection, otherwise this will lead to a significant distortion of the picture. For complete immersion, you should purchase a TV with a diagonal of at least 32 inches, but it is best to buy products with a larger diagonal. The unit itself must be plasma or liquid crystal.

When choosing models for our review of the best home theaters of the year, we followed all the above rules, and also paid attention to value for money. In addition, we took into account user reviews, so we tried to include in the rating only acceptable devices that will be within the means of most of our readers. Now is the time to start analyzing product performance.

Highest budget product

3. LG LHB655 NK

This product is equipped with the most technologically advanced receiver, which is equipped with an optical drive that supports the Blu-Ray format. With it, you can play not only traditional video, but also movies and videos with support for 3D technology. Picture resolution can reach UHD 4K, there is a technology of increased depth color. The audio stream that accompanies the film is processed using the latest technology, for this, the most modern codecs are used. The cinema is equipped with the Smart Share function, thanks to which the device can be synchronized not only with an ordinary TV, but also with various other devices, such as smartphones, tablets, personal computers. This allows you to wirelessly exchange various data. The theater comes with a speaker system with a total power of 1000 watts.

With this audio system, both low rumbles and medium frequencies can be transmitted. Support for high frequency notes is also at a high quality level. The layout is just superbly thought out - no resonances were noticed by users, the same can be said about squeaks, wheezing or dips even when turning the volume to maximum. There is a karaoke function, and a variety of effects can be added to it, for example, fanfare, accompaniment, and so on. This home theater works both with optical and laser discs, as well as with various kinds of USB media - flash drives, external hard drives, a Wi-Fi module and an Ethernet connector are provided.

Advantages:

• Pretty broad functionality;
• Excellent sound quality;
• Built-in FM tuner with many fine tunings;
• Attractive and stylish appearance;
• Several wireless technologies;
• Ability to work with various media.

Faults:

• Not very suitable for compact spaces - best used in larger rooms.

LG LHB655 NK

2. Sony BDV-E3100

Despite the fairly reasonable cost of the equipment, it can be used to get the highest quality sound in 5. 1-channel surround sound, picture resolution corresponds to Full HD. If desired, you can listen to music directly from your mobile phone or tablet. The acoustic system is represented by four satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer. It has been designed with the latest features such as Bass Boot to deliver the clarity and power of a room-filling sound. The total power of the speakers is 1000 watts. The device has support for wireless data transfer Bluetooth and NFC, in addition, it is possible to transfer music files directly from a personal computer or smartphone.

However, these features do not limit the functionality of this cinema. It has a Wi-Fi module through which you can play movies and other content directly from the Internet. The model is produced in the Sense of Quatrz design, which imitates the facets of rock crystal. This gives the product an excellent style, allows you to achieve sophistication and sophistication. Support for 3D video files is provided, the detail is excellent, all movements are clear and smooth, regardless of whether the video is played from physical media or shown online. Color rendition is at a very high level, all colors are saturated, juicy and bright. There is another interesting possibility - you can use your smartphone with a downloaded special application as a remote control.

Advantages:

• Very nice looking product;
• High sound quality;
• Includes USB port and optical media drive;
• Large variety of settings.

Disadvantages:

• The speaker wires are a little short - it is impossible to spread them around the perimeter of a large room.

Sony BDV-E3100

1. Samsung HT-J5530K

This is a multi-format and functional product, which is characterized by quite reasonable price. This cinema works with almost all known formats, including support for 3D movies and commercials. The manufacturer thought out the possibility of connecting a variety of external devices - there is an optical drive, a connector for connecting flash drives and hard drives, the maximum volume of which can reach 1 TB. In addition, you can even use the FM tuner. As with the models discussed above, quite powerful receiving and transmitting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are provided here. A distinctive feature of this product is the DLNA option, with which you can organize a single digital network that includes all gadgets at home.

To perform your favorite songs, the device comes with a microphone, and the cinema itself has a karaoke mix function. If desired, the speakers can be hung on the wall - for this there are special connectors on the rear surface of the case. The wires are quite long: their length is quite enough to comfortably place the equipment in a room of about 12 square meters. m. Installing and connecting everything is quite simple. The remote control is very easy to use - all the keys are signed, there are quite a lot of settings, including subtle ones. When watching some movies, you may find a slight graininess in the image, but this problem is easily solved by downloading movies of higher quality.

Advantages:

• Absolute presence effect;
• High image quality;
• Long speaker wires;
• Connect to a wide range of devices wirelessly.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Samsung HT-J5530K

5.1 cinemas in 2022

4. Samsung HT-J4550K

. This cinema is able to fully satisfy even the most sophisticated cinephile. In terms of sound, everything is at the highest level, all frequencies are excellent, but the high frequencies may not reach a little. However, for watching movies this will be enough. The total power of the speaker system is 500 W - enough for a medium-sized room, in a small room you will even feel excessive sound. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module is provided, although today it is almost impossible to surprise anyone with this.

Externally, the product looks very interesting and beautiful: rear and floor speakers are mounted on vertical stands. This allows you to completely get rid of the resonance coming from the floor or walls. There are more than enough sockets for connecting external media, and there is also an optical drive with DVD and Blu-Ray support. Video files are played in high definition formats - HD, Full HD, it is possible to watch movies in 3D. If necessary, two microphones can be connected to the device at once, so that you can sing a duet in karaoke, the Power Bass mode is provided.

Benefits:

• Stand mounted speakers for maximum clarity;
• Extended equipment functionality;
• Attractive and even luxurious appearance.

Disadvantages:

• The menu is not very clear - it takes a long time to figure it out.

Samsung HT-J4550K

3. Onkyo HT-S5805

The products of this company are deservedly considered one of the best in the Hi-Fi industry. In fact, this home theater includes a full-fledged receiver, an active subwoofer and speakers, the body of which is made of natural wood, which positively affects the final sound quality. During the development, it was decided to include in the device the most modern technologies that can only be found in products related to the premium class. The speaker system supports Dolby Atmos Enabled System, thanks to which it works with the object-oriented sound format. She found her implementation not only at the software level, but also in terms of the physical connection of the speakers to the amplifier. In particular, each of the front speakers is connected immediately to two pairs of terminals located on the receiver. From one of them, the signal will be transmitted to the front channels, and from the second it will go directly to the speaker, which is located at the top of each speaker. This sound will bounce off the ceiling surface and reach the user's ears for maximum presence.

If desired, the user can additionally purchase special in-ceiling speakers that will be connected via a second pair of terminals. The system operates at the sharpest 4K resolution. All automatic on/off functions for various components work correctly, regardless of the complexity of the transmitted audio. One of the most original moments is the special microphone included in the kit, which allows you to calibrate the sound depending on the acoustic characteristics of a particular room. All wires are quite long, so the system can be placed in a room with an area of ​​up to 26 square meters. m. The subwoofer is connected to the receiver via an RCA cable, there is only one HDMI connector. The receiver has an informational liquid crystal display, under which there are physical control keys.

Advantages:

• For such a wide range of functions, a very reasonable price;
• All acoustics carefully thought out;
• 4K resolution support.

Disadvantages:

• No connector

Onkyo HT-S5805

there were no complaints. When playing low frequencies, not a single element starts to rattle. In principle, you can find a similar model with a wooden case, but it will cost much more. In total, this equipment has five speakers and one subwoofer.

The device can also work with optical media - there is only one drive, but it is universal: it can read CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray, which gives the cinema an additional versatility. The player has a large number of inputs and outputs of a very different plan, so if you wish, you can connect additional speakers. The total power of the speakers is 1000 watts, and the sound is deep and very clear. Bass can be felt even through the floor. The speakers perfectly reproduce absolutely the entire sound range. Software setting, has many modes. There is a remote control.

Advantages:

• Optimum ratio of price and product quality;
• Manufactured from the highest quality materials;
• Large variety of connectors.

Disadvantages:

• Not too clear settings - we recommend that you first read the instructions for the product.

Sony BDV-E6100

1. Onkyo HT-S7805

This home theater package includes a state-of-the-art receiver and a complete set of speakers that supports object-based playback formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The manufacturer managed to achieve this effect not only by installing certain decoders in the amplifier, but also by developing special built-in sections in the main pair of speakers responsible for stereo playback. The satellites and subwoofer are of quite acceptable overall dimensions, so they can be easily placed in an ordinary living room or in a more compact room. The configuration here is improved 5. 1.2, with its help it is possible to achieve a three-dimensional sound space, which will be optimally perceived in the central part of the room. The receiver has 8 HDMI inputs at once, and there are two more with support for playback in 4K and HDCP 2.2 format - this will be enough for most fans to watch movies in high definition.

The set of analog inputs and outputs is quite familiar, of course, there is a socket for connecting a USB drive, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless modules are provided. Music can be played not only through networks, but also by connecting to streaming services. The speakers of the central stereo pair have a two-way configuration with phase inverters. There is also a full-range speaker, which is directed upwards.

Advantages:

• Powerful receiver;
• Support for modern sound formats;
• A wide variety of media can be connected;
• It is possible to work with streaming services.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively high cost.

Onkyo HT-S7805

Cinemas with 7.1-9.1 system

3. Onkyo HT-S3800

Another Japanese-made product with excellent workmanship. It has advanced functionality, and this applies not only to the hardware, but also to the network part of the equipment. Using this device, you can organize a full-fledged home theater with support for the Dolby Atmos sound format, and the second zone can be sounded through linear or acoustic outputs. The receiver that comes with the theater is capable of developing an output power of 100 watts at a maximum impedance of 6 ohms. There are 6 HDMI inputs, one of which is located on the front panel of the device, and there are also two outputs with similar connectors. Switching can work with 4K and HDCP 2.2 formats. It comes with five standard speakers that can be wall-mounted, floor-mounted or suspended from the ceiling, and a subwoofer for low frequencies. However, you can purchase additional speakers - two or four - to achieve optimal sound.

The surround system is set up using a dedicated AccuEQ calibration microphone, which operates in automatic mode. There are all the necessary wireless modules, however, it will be possible to play high-quality audio formats such as .flac or .wav only with a cable connection. Acoustics is equipped with a front stereo pair, which is equipped with additional speakers for clearer work with high-frequency sounds. The subwoofer has a speaker directed to the floor.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• Well thought out design;
• There are a large number of different inputs;
• Attractive appearance.

Disadvantages:

• High cost.

Onkyo HT-S3800

2. Sony BDV-N9200W

Available in two colors - white and black, so the user can easily choose the design that will best fit into the interior of the room. Supported system 9.1 means that 9 speakers and 1 subwoofer are included with the cinema at once, however, there are also two more elements - a control unit, as well as a unit that provides wireless connection of acoustics. In general, we can say about the control unit that it is very convenient, so it is quite comfortable to use it even separately from the TV. At the same time, the block for connecting speakers is distinguished by very massive overall dimensions, and besides, it is very problematic to hide it. If you don’t want to suffer with it, you can always connect speakers using the classic method - through wires.

The sound system allows you to immerse yourself in viewing even more than in a classic cinema. The system has advanced options in terms of setting the sound parameters, and it will be possible to achieve their optimal performance quite quickly - most users say that they managed to deal with this issue within about 20 minutes. The bass notes here are simply excellent: they are literally felt by the whole body. The total power of the speakers is 1200 W, there is an FM receiver, you can watch movies both from an external hard drive and from a floppy disk, there is even a separate headphone input.

Benefits:

• Excellent sound clarity;
• The system uses the latest developments in terms of acoustics;
• Easy to use;
• Speakers can be connected to the cinema even without wires.

Faults:

• The system sometimes freezes slightly.

Sony BDV-N9200W

1. Onkyo HT-S9800THX

No wonder this model took first place in its section of our ranking of the best home theaters - the fact is that it allows you to take home entertainment to a whole new level. It provides everything you need to organize a full-fledged home theater with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X speaker systems. The receiver has a built-in two-way Wi-Fi module, which is characterized by FlareConnect support: this function provides multi-room entertainment. A number of additional units contribute to the instant transfer of music wirelessly to the speakers. The power is high, the control is precise, and this applies to both settings and volume. The power level margin is decent, this figure contributes to the dynamics of sound in stereo or multi-channel performance.

Two-way loudspeakers equipped with heavy-duty MDF cabinets and A-OMF woofers that include reinforced weave and polyethylene naphthalate. Bass notes can be highlighted and made as noticeable as possible. Streaming music playback is provided. Dual-band Wi-Fi connects to both the Internet and your local home network at the same time, and you can even listen to radio stations online with it.

Benefits:

• Supports all modern formats;
• Can be connected to almost all gadgets;
• Audio and video streaming function is provided.

Disadvantages:

• Except for the high cost has not been identified.

Onkyo HT-S9800THX

Useful video in conclusion

Well, here is our review of the best home theaters of the year nearing its end. At the end of the article, I would like to express the hope that we have collected enough information so that you can choose the best products for yourself in 2022. If any points or characteristics of these models remain unclear to you, ask us a question in the comments, we will try to clarify as soon as possible.

Here is the TOP of home theaters . Do you want to improve the experience of watching your favorite series or the new blockbuster? Feel the effect of immersion in games? Then it's time to choose the best home theater for yourself.

Home theater is a set of speakers with a player or receiver. Columns can be 5, 6, 7 or more depending on the system.

If you want to buy a home theater inexpensively, you can look at options without a player / receiver. And if you need maximum freedom and comfort - you need a wireless home theater. In any case, our rating of home theaters will help you with your choice.

📺 Choosing a home theater - which one is better to buy?

To choose a home theater, you need to figure out why you need it. Well, a little dive into the characteristics. Little bit. 😉

• Do you need a player/receiver? Most modern TVs have smart functions, can play various files from external media, and support many modern decoders. That is, a separate player is not particularly needed. In this case, you can look at not the latest models. Their players do not support modern formats and so on. But, if you take only speakers from the system, it will be cheaper than more modern home theaters with a similar sound. And let the player stand in the corner. 😉
• Determine the required functionality . If you need a playback function from discs, then you can’t do without a player. Then you need to support most formats. Is it for movies or for music too? More on this below.
• Interfaces . Switching between elements of the system is usually not a problem. It is important to understand how the home theater will connect to the TV. The greatest functionality and format support is provided by HDMI in its latest variation HDMI eARC. A wireless home theater (where the satellites are connected via Wi-Fi) is a great idea, but they cost more.
• Additional functionality . Work in the music center mode - streaming online music and so on. Is it necessary? Such models are more expensive.
• Home theater features . You should not rely on the total power of home theaters from manufacturers of household appliances declared in the characteristics. These "Chinese watts" have little to do with reality. There are either peak measurements, or just some kind of own calculation system. But 1000 watts in a home theater cannot be. 😈
• Format . 5.1, 7.1, 7.2 and so on. Home cinema 5.1 is already a good surround sound. But if you want the full Dolby Atmos effect, then this is a 7.1.2 system with in-ceiling speakers. About home theaters with a soundbar - separately below.
• Price . From $100 to $3000+. In every price segment you can find worthy models.
• Listening . It is best to listen to the model of interest before buying. Even if you order online, it’s worth going to a physical store and listening, and not buying “out of the box”. Of course, everything will sound different in your room, but you can get an impression of the overall quality.

TOP 5: Best Home Cinema - Ranking (2022):

Model	Description
1. Onkyo HT-S7805 1260$	The best home theater in 2022;
2. Samsung HT-J5530K $250	Best Home Theater 5.1 under $250;
3. Mystery MSB-111 105$	Inexpensive home theater with HDMI connection;
4. Sony BDV-E6100 $300	Modern home cinema: acoustics 5.1;
5. LG LHB655 $200	Relatively budget wireless home theater;
Bonus. Sonos 2500$	Wireless home theater and multi-room system.

Wireless Home Cinema - relatively affordable

LG LHB655 is a wireless home cinema, relatively budget and high quality. Powerful, voluminous high-quality sound for films is available here. All speakers are quite compact, stand securely. The design is universal, without frills, but not unpleasant.

This budget 5.1 home theater pairs best with LG TVs. But with models from other manufacturers, most often there are no compatibility problems.

Modern home cinema - 5.1 acoustics

Sony BDV-E6100 is a modern home cinema with 5.1 acoustics. The player is also present, the functionality is quite large. Design for its segment is good. The player looks especially interesting. But it will not fit into every interior.

This is a powerful home cinema. The sound is bass oriented, only suitable for watching movies and games. Bass is powerful, sometimes redundant.

Inexpensive home theater - with HDMI connection

Mystery MSB-111 is an inexpensive home theater system with an HDMI connection. This cheap home theater is just a soundbar with a subwoofer. The model offers a good sound for a budget solution and outdated functionality, it makes no sense to use it as a player.

The Mystery brand is well known to lovers of budget technology. You don't expect much functionality from their devices. The main thing is that they work. 😛 When you buy a home theater inexpensively, you always make compromises.

Best Home Cinema 5.1

Samsung HT-J5530K is the best 5.1 home theater for the money. A good model from one of the leaders in the production of multimedia devices. It differs in that it sounds better than many even more expensive counterparts. A good home theater, although far from new.

The sound, of course, is designed specifically for watching movies and playing games. Powerful bass dominates, but overall the sound is quite balanced. You can listen to music, but this is not a priority for this system. 😉

Best home cinema in 2022

Onkyo HT-S7805 is the best home theater in 2022 with Dolby Atmos support. Ultimate sound for big money. The system gives a chic sense of space (especially if the content natively supports Dolby Atmos) for watching movies. But it is also suitable for music: the sound is natural (without a powerful bass boost) and very detailed.

Onkyo specializes in audio technology, so this home theater (2022) is built on a receiver, not a player. But you can connect to it almost anything.

Wireless home theater with soundbar

Sonos makes a great wireless home theater system. All items can be purchased separately or as a set. Home theater from Sonos is built on a soundbar. It connects to a TV or receiver via HDMI. Then a pair of rear speakers and a subwoofer are connected to it via Wi-Fi.

In addition to making great soundtracks for watching movies, the Sonos home theater system is great for listening to music. The sound is high quality and reliable. All settings are made in the proprietary application. And it takes a few minutes. Streaming services, online radio and more are supported.

Soundbar takes up little space - less than the front and center speakers. The rears are also compact, and the subwoofer can even be leaned against the wall, even removed under the bed - it will work in any case. The wireless connection gives you the freedom to arrange items around the room. The main thing is that there are enough power outlets. 😉

❓ Which is better - soundbar or home theater?

Two main parameters to consider: dimensions and price. How many speaker spaces are there? Should I try to save money and space?

• Soundbar . Compromise solution. Several speakers are mounted in one oblong column. Physical sound sources are obtained close to each other. Takes up little space, can be mounted on the wall under the TV. Or put on the same bedside table as the TV. The goal of budget soundbars is to simply sound better than TV speakers. More advanced and expensive models offer high-quality and powerful sound. Even with surround effects like Dolby Atmos. Surround sound is achieved by engineering solutions and virtual effects. It usually costs less than a home theater. But the sound is less voluminous and not as high quality in principle. The lower bass cannot be due to physical limitations.

• Home theater . Several columns take up quite a lot of space. You need to switch between them. For optimal sound quality, you need to carefully place the satellites around the room. Provide maximum immersion effect, as the sound sources are separated in space. The system usually costs more than a soundbar. But it also sounds better. May be the lowest bass if the system has a subwoofer. You can turn off the surround speakers to listen to music.

🔊 Home theater speakers - what do you need?

When choosing speakers for a home theater, you should first of all start from the usage scenario.

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