Theater surround system
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.
$266 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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Klipsch Reference Theater Pack review: Teeny tiny speakers will blow your house down
Any number of sound bar systems can significantly improve your TV's audio, but if you really want to take advantage of rear-channel surround sound effects, your best bet is still a separate AV receiver and 5.
1 speaker system. Even though that means a room full of speakers, they don't have to be huge to create impressive sound.
The $999 Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is a perfect example. Each of its four satellite speakers is tiny, yet together they can fill a small or medium-sized room with a surround sound field that no sound bar or stereo system can match. Especially since Klipsch includes a hefty wireless subwoofer.
At a grand, though, the Klipsch is a little expensive for what it does. It's also sonically eclipsed by larger systems, so it's really best for people who demand the smallest of satellites. If that's you, the well-matched Klipsch is worth a listen.
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is available for $999, with Australian and UK pricing and availability to be confirmed. Expect somewhere in the realm of £999 and AU$2,200, though.
The Klipsch look
Sarah Tew/CNETWhile competitors are falling over themselves to produce Atmos-compatible surround sets, Klipsch is keeping it simple with a 5.
1-only setup. The Pack appears to be an update on the older HD 500 with some important tweaks.
The system consists of four identical satellites which feature those iconic, brassy IMG drivers in a 3.5-inch size combined with a 0.75-inch horn-loaded tweeter. The black, plastic cabinets are small, just 7.75 inches high, 4.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches deep. Like the more expensive Focal satellites we saw recently, the Klipsch features a set of spring clips, so don't expect to use 12 gauge or thicker wire unless you install pin plugs on the ends.
The satellites are paired with a center channel which loads a second 3.5-inch driver into a larger cabinet. Lastly, the package includes an 8-inch wireless sub set in a box roughly a foot square. The kit comes with a wireless transceiver for the subwoofer which you connect to the power and the LFE channel on your AV receiver.
The wireless Klipsch subwoofer features an 8-inch driver.
Sarah Tew/CNETSetup
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack satellites are really tiny, so the speakers don't make much bass -- they're 3 decibels down at 110 Hertz, if you're keeping track.
That means it's crucial your AV receiver's bass management/subwoofer adjustments are correctly set to at least 100 Hz for all the speakers. What's more, the speakers' sound is fairly directional, so we recommend aiming each of the five speakers toward the main listening position for best sound quality.
We used a Sony STR-DN1080 AV receiver and an Oppo UDP 205 Blu-ray player for all of our listening tests. Even with the sub just a few feet from our listening position we had no trouble achieving a smooth blend between the sub and the sats.
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack includes grilles for a more discrete look.
Sarah Tew/CNETPerformance
We were pleased by the way the five satellites together created a coherent, room-filling sound. Considering the sats' ultra compact size, dynamic range was also impressive, even when we pushed the volume fairly loud with the battle scenes in "The Revenant." Clarity was also solid, and dialogue intelligibility in the midst of combat never sagged.
When the frontiersmen made their way over a waterfall, the sub delivered the thunderous roar of the moving water without sounding like it was working very hard. The hushed quiet of the forest scenes, with buzzing insects and birds, had excellent resolution of fine detail. With the room lights turned down the Theater Pack sats disappeared as sound sources.
Then we brought out the $1,300 Focal Sib Evo system for a round of comparisons. The Sib sats may not be very big, but they are considerably larger than the wee Klipsch sats, and the difference was audible. The Sibs sound was fleshed out a little more, they sounded more "alive", and when we returned to the Klipsch the sound flattened out. The Sib Evo's sats sound is less directional, so as we moved around the room, the sound balance was more consistent with the Sib Evo system.
We preferred the Sib Evo sound, but buyers looking for the smallest possible, but high-quality satellite speakers, should consider the Performance Pack.
We next played Kraftwerk's "3-D" Blu-ray, and the Klipsch delivered the band's trademark synth-pop with surprising gusto. Basslines bounced, the synth textures and steep transients belied the sats size. We played the music loud and heard no strain or increasing distortion, this little system's sound can loom large. This Blu-ray's surround mix is one of the best we've heard from a music program in a long time, and the Klipsch Performance Pack only made us appreciate it more.
Should you buy it?
Don't for a second underestimate the pint-size Klipsch Reference Theater Pack's capabilities; this system can deliver a heavy punch in a small room. Still, if you have a large room or crave chest thumping bass, you need to step up to a larger system. For less money, a combination of the ELAC Debut B5 ($230/pair), Debut C5 ($180), Debut B4 ($130/pair) speakers, and a Hsu Research VTF-1 Mk3 subwoofer ($399), and that system would soundly trounce the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack.
Of course, the big difference is that the Klipsch speakers virtually disappear into a room when you put those grilles on, and the bigger Elacs don't. If you're looking for a full surround system that's even more compact than the Evo, the Klipsch is definitely worth a listen.
L-Acoustics in the Main Hall of the National Theater (UK)
L-Acoustics in the Main Hall of the National Theater (UK)
The installation of a modern acoustic system based on innovative technologies has significantly improved the acoustics in the main hall of the National Theater (UK)
The Royal National Theatre, located in the South Bank area of London on the south bank of the Thames, is a complex that includes three stages: the largest of them is the Olivier Theater with 1160 seats; The Littleton Theater has a seating capacity of 890 spectators, and instead of the Kattesloe Theater closed for reconstruction (it will meet visitors under the new name of the Dorfman Theater), a temporary stage for 225 seats called Shed is functioning.
The Olivier Theatre, named after the first director of the National Theater Laurence Olivier, is one of the most prestigious theaters in the world.
The theater space is organized according to the Greek amphitheater principle; the seats are fan-shaped, at an angle of 120 degrees to the stage, so that the actor from any point can see the entire auditorium at once. Two central rows of seats descend to the stage, two side rows are slightly raised above the floor level. Despite its impressive size, the Olivier Theater seems to be quite intimate, because all the places are in the area of action of the actors. nine0003
In the center of the stage is an ingenious creation of engineering geniuses: a drum turntable five stories high. The design with several lifts allows you to do amazing things with the scenery: raise towers or ships to the surface of the stage, instantly hide various elements of the scenery from view.
Sound: what was and what will be
The acoustic system of the theater was assembled for a long time and painstakingly: individual elements were bought at the expense of state funding and income from performances. Naturally, this approach is not without costs: the outdated elements of the system simply could not cope with the requirements of modern theatrical art. The main problem of the "combined" system was the inability to give a high level of sound pressure necessary to create certain dramatic effects: musical, sound or voice. In addition, the system did not provide an even distribution of sound throughout the hall. nine0003
In 2011, we were talking about upgrading the loudspeakers, and a number of requirements were put forward: a powerful, flexible system with high sound quality, which will not only allow any guest sound engineer to realize the most daring ideas, but will also be easy to change the configuration depending on the requirements of a particular staging.
Sound manager Ed Ferguson explains how new equipment appeared in the theater: “Everything happened as if by itself. A new sound engineer came in and asked for "something to plug a hole in the sound." We bought another column - and for ten years it worked. nine0003
But still, we began to ask the price of a new acoustic solution. Our good old analog console just died for a long time - we had to replace it with a digital one. God Himself ordered to think about a new system. After all, we are not only a production center - we are a full-fledged theater, we constantly have two or three performances in the repertoire, which means that we need to change the scenery in just a few hours. So we needed a very flexible system.”
So, the theater management decided to update the entire loudspeaker system and sound control system in two stages: at the first stage - vocal and orchestral elements (main system), at the second - the surround sound system and stage cabinets. nine0003
Key Challenges
In the fall of 2011, three trusted audio equipment manufacturers were asked to design and test a theater system.
Linear arrays and point sound sources were considered. The system was required to be as flexible as possible, able to meet the specific needs of the theatre.
Specific tasks were set: to reproduce musical material in stereo mode and special sound effects, as well as to reproduce voice material with and without musical accompaniment. A number of mandatory requirements were put forward: intelligibility, high sound pressure level and good voice coverage, excellent dynamic range and stereo, uniform frequency response when accompanied by musicals and conventional productions, adequate bass and the ability to quickly change the configuration. nine0003
In addition, the theater management expected that companies interested in long-term cooperation would also take part in financing the installation. After all, the new system will work for a long time, which means that it must function flawlessly. “It is important that the new system not only meets all our requirements, but continues to meet them even after 10 to 15 years,” Ferguson emphasizes.
Acoustic design
It was decided to install a central cluster for vocal reproduction. One central point source provides high sound intelligibility. The ARCS II constant-beam line array was the ideal solution to achieve a fan-shaped auditorium with uniform coverage from the first bottom rows to the last top rows, while still maintaining a high sound pressure level.
The ARCS II Central Cluster consists of 6 ARCS II cabinets deployed horizontally. Thus the array gives a horizontal coverage of 135° (6 x 22.5°) and 60°. The suspension is placed 4.5m above the proscenium, providing seamless coverage and uniform sound pressure throughout the auditorium, reducing the distance factor between the front and back of the auditorium. nine0003
In addition, several additional pouring cabinets were needed. Explains L-Acoustics Engineer Chris Wass: “Both in the SOUNDVISION model and then in real-world testing of the system, we noticed that there were imperfections in the horizontal coverage where the rows were raised – an undesirable occurrence for any presentation.
That's why we decided to install potting cabinets: 12x12XTi solved the problem. At the same time, they covered the extreme places in the hall - those from which the viewer sees the stage almost from the side. Thanks to the 12XTi, we didn't miss out on the top spots either. In addition, we added 8XTi delay cabinets to the system to provide coverage over the ARCS II gimbal.” nine0003
| ARCS II Constant Beam Line Array | |
| Unlike traditional trapezoidal cabinets that interfere with each other and giving comb filtering, which degrades the sound quality off the axis of the array, ARCS II constant curvature line array provides optimum acoustic coupling. |
The loudspeaker design from L-Acoustics included a variable beam line array in an L/R configuration. Thanks to the KARA modular line array, the stereo effect was maximized, tonal balance and uniform high sound pressure were achieved. The main principle of the modular linear sound source is that a full-range active system is enclosed in a compact, lightweight cabinet and complemented by a subwoofer. nine0003
Combining L-Acoustics modular line sources (KIVA or KARA) providing high/mid range sound and equipped with subwoofers (SB15m or SB18 respectively) gives an effect comparable to the operation of a large system, while maintaining the ability to quickly and easily change the physical configuration of the speakers (due to the top cabinets and the corresponding subwoofers). As a standard, subwoofers are located in suspensions in close proximity to the KARA elements, but they can also be placed in a floor installation. nine0003
At the Olivier Theatre, left and right KARA clusters are suspended from the sides of the proscenium at a height of 7.
2 m. Each cluster consists of 9 cabinets, low-frequency amplification is achieved by 3 SB18 subwoofers in a floor-standing installation, which allows the range to be extended to 32 Hz. The 110° horizontal orientation of the KARA elements expands the field overlap zone between the left and right clusters.
This means that sound engineers get stereo sound even from external sources, and the audience enjoys to the fullest the impressive surround sound - both in music and in effects. nine0003
System Demonstration
So the day was set for L-Acoustics to demonstrate to the theater engineers the design, package, calibration, configurations, and capabilities of the system. The theater staff had to be taught the basics of working with the acoustic system and given an idea of how it would function. Chris Wass introduced the engineers to projects in SOUNDVISION and connectivity options in LA NETWORK MANAGER. The system was set up in the same way. It only remained to slightly correct the response time of the sources and provide for several network filters, if they were suddenly needed.
With the direct participation of specialists from the National Theatre, Wass took about 8-10 measurements to confirm the results of listening. Within 20 - 30 minutes, the acoustic system was fully prepared for work and made available to the theater specialists. nine0003
After testing, the theater's sound engineering team issued an official statement declaring L-Acoustics to be the ideal choice for the Olivier's vocal and music reproduction system. The theater hosts a variety of live productions, employs world-class sound engineers who make difficult demands, and it is the L-Acoustics system that is the most flexible system that has an answer for any surprise and that reliably handles several different productions per week. nine0003
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What do the numbers mean for surround sound?
The numbers in surround sound terminology refer to the number of speakers used. Examples of surround sound numbers: 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 5.0, 5.1, 7.0 and 7.1 . When 5.1 is used, this means 5 main speakers plus 1 subwoofer.
First number: 7.x.x = This number indicates the number of main speakers at ear level.
Second number: x.1.x = This number indicates the number of subwoofers.
Third number: x.x.4 = This number indicates the number of speakers above ear level that add a 3D effect. (with Dolby Atmos Home Theater Receiver)
EXAMPLE: 9.1.4 surround sound
9 = Nine traditional speakers
1 = Floor standing subwoofers
4 = Four 3D updraft or ceiling speakers
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In the images below, the location of some speakers may not be accurate. The images show the number of speakers, not the exact location.
Loudspeakers must be placed according to the layout and size of the room. All surround sound patterns may vary.
Explanation of surround sound numbers:
2.0 : 2 main speakers - 1 left and 1 right channel without subwoofer.
(Original signal has 2 main channels and no bass channel low frequency effects)
2.1 : 2 main speakers - 1 left and 1 right channel with 1 subwoofer.
(The original signal has 2 main channels and 1 LFE bass channel)
3.0 : 3 main speakers - 1 left and 1 right channel with 1 center channel and no subwoofer.
(The original signal has 3 main channels and no bass channel low frequency effects)
3.1 : 3 main speakers - 1 left and 1 right channel, 1 center channel and 1 subwoofer. nine0068 (The original signal has 3 main channels and 1 LFE bass channel)
5.0 : 5 main speakers - 1 left, 1 right, 1 center, 1 surround right, 1 surround left and no subwoofer.
(The original signal has 5 main channels and no bass channel low-frequency effects)
5.1 : 5 main speakers - 1 left, 1 right, 1 center, 1 surround right, 1 surround left, 1 subwoofer. nine0068 (The original signal has 5 main channels and 1 LFE bass channel)
5.2 : 5 main speakers - 1 left, 1 right, 1 center, 1 surround right, 1 surround left, 2 subwoofers.
(Original signal has 5 main channels and 2 low frequency bass channels)
7.0 : 7 main speakers - 1 left, 1 right, 1 center, 1 surround right,
1 left surround, 1 rear right 1 rear left, no subwoofer. nine0068 (Original signal has 7 main channels and no sub-bass channel)
7.1 : 7 main speakers - 1 left, 1 right, 1 center, 1 surround right,
1 surround left, 1 rear right, 1 rear left, 1 subwoofer.
(Original signal has 7 main channels and 1 low bass channel)
7.
2 0068 1 surround left, 1 rear right, 1 rear left, 2 subwoofers.
(The original signal has 7 main channels and 2 low frequency bass channels)
9.0 : The 9.0 setup will consist of front left and right speakers, center,
2 wide front speakers, 2 surround speakers, 2 surround back speakers sound without a subwoofer.
9.1 : 9.1 surround sound setup will consist of front left and right speakers,
center, 2 wide front speakers, 2 surround speakers, 2 surround back speakers and 1 subwoofer.
9.1.2 : 9.1.2 surround sound system consisting of front left and right speakers, center speaker,
left and right wide angle speakers, left and right surround speakers, left and right surround back speakers,
1 subwoofer and 2 in-ceiling or upward facing Dolby Atmos speakers.
9.1.4 : 9.1.4 surround sound system consisting of front left and right speakers, center speaker,
left and right wide angle speakers, left and right surround speakers, left and right surround back speakers,
1 subwoofer and 4 in-ceiling or upward facing Dolby Atmos speakers.
9.2 : The 9.2 surround sound setup will consist of front left and right speakers,
center, 2 wide front speakers, 2 surround speakers, 2 surround back speakers and 2 subwoofers. nine0003
9.2.4 : 9.2.4 surround sound system consists of front left and right speakers, center speaker,
left and right wide angle speakers, left and right surround speakers, left and right surround back speakers,
2 subwoofers and 4 in-ceiling or upward facing Dolby Atmos speakers.
Surround sound system types:
A surround sound system consists of either an audio receiver or a soundbar. A soundbar is an easier way to get different surround sound options. Fewer wires, smaller speakers and Bluetooth are the advantages of a soundbar over a receiver. However, using a receiver with high quality speakers is the best setup for a true cinema experience. nine0003
Some soundbars claim to support 9.2.4 right out of the box.
Nakamichi has a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support and the latest firmware. For the money, some soundbars are perfect for big sound. They are especially practical in small living rooms or in a small apartment. The subwoofers on most soundbars are Bluetooth enabled, which means they can be placed almost anywhere in the room and no speaker wiring is required.
Nakamichi Shockwafe Sound Bar
Surround sound systems such as soundbars or receivers have special sound processing mechanisms that process the audio channels encoded on the disc and recreate the channels for additional surround sound. Thus, the sound is transmitted to additional speakers. This is where Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Vision come into play. These special sound engines take sound and process it to create special sound effects with a specific speaker setup. nine0003
How does the 5.1 audio system work?
5.1 is a multi-channel sound technology with five sound channels in left, right, center, left and right surround positions.
The 5.1 surround sound system adds surround and surround channel effects to 2 channels.
How does the 7.1 audio system work?
7.1 positional surround sound uses standard front, center and LFE (subwoofer) speaker configuration. The 7.1 audio system separates the surround and surround channels into 4 different channels. The audio signal is processed for the left and right surround channels and 2 surround back channels. nine0003
How do Blu-ray and 4K discs work with surround sound?
Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are encoded with extra surround sound for rear or rear surround speakers. This recreates the movie theater-like sound that can be experienced with the right audio setup. Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD home video formats provide up to eight channels of Dolby TrueHD, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio or uncompressed LPCM audio.
Surround Numbers
1.x.x = The first number is the number of speakers or main audio channels at ear level.
x.1.x = The second number indicates the number of subwoofers in the sound system. Refers to the LFE (low frequency effects) channel in the surround sound track that is processed by the subwoofer.
x.x.1 = The third number refers to the number of vertical or height channels that mount to the ceiling or vertically drive speakers and add a special 3D effect. (Dolby Atmos)
Some of the advantages of the multi-channel sound system are new sound processing technologies, such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Vision can create a three-dimensional listening experience. Sounds can be accurately placed and moved in 3D space.
How do I set up a Dolby Atmos Surround Sound system?
Wondering how to set up your Dolby Atmos surround sound system? Here is a .pdf file that contains standard and hybrid setup diagrams for the most common speaker configurations and is for both over-ear and Dolby Atmos enabled speakers: 5.
