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Which surround sound system should i buy


Best surround sound system 2022: for your home theater

(Image credit: Sony)

Investing in a great TV is just the first step in creating the perfect home cinema set-up. If you feel like something is missing, then the best surround sound systems are an excellent way of punching up the audio soundtrack to everything from action movies and sports to your favorite tunes and podcasts.

Surround sound can unlock a whole new experience with boosted bass, room-filling sound, and more delights. 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.

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

+

Great surround sound with Dolby Atmos

+

Good sound presets

+

Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Reasons to avoid

-

Soundbar and speakers on the larger side

-

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)

4. 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)

Today's best 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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Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack

£534.33

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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.

How to Choose a Home Theater System: Buying Guide

Your new home theater just may be the smartest purchase you ever make. And we're here to help you get it right.

Nothing brings a family together like a great movie, TV show, or playoff game in a cozy home theater. Suddenly, your house is the cool house, and a rainy Saturday night at home is everyone’s first choice.

The good news? There are countless variations – from high-end home theaters worthy of an A-list Hollywood film director to very affordable variations that can fit in a spare bedroom but still knock your socks off. Add all the connectivity options (how home theaters so easily stream content and/or turn every room into a music room), and your home theater becomes an investment in happiness. And WAY more so than a boat or pool.

In this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of home theaters. And if you still have questions at the end of it, we're here to help. So without further ado, let's dig in.

Jump to: — Buying Guide Cheat Sheet — What is a Home Theater System? — Building Your Home Theater System — Types of Home Theater Systems — Power Protection, Cables and Remote Controls — Home Theater Furniture — Home Theater FAQs

Home Theater Systems Buying Guide Cheat Sheet

If you read anything, read this.

Only here for the essentials? We made it easy for you. Here are the key things to consider when choosing a home theater system:

So, what is a home theater system?

Obviously, a good TV or projector and screen are principal to the experience. But if you think of a home theater system like a Broadway play, then the TV = the stage, and the sound = everything else, from story and actors to music and pageantry. The real magic behind home theater systems is audio, and audio is what you need to get right to create a real home theater system at your house. 

Typically, a home theater system includes the following components:

Now, let's take a closer look at all the different pieces that make up a home theater system, while lending some advice and giving you pros and cons to each.

Building your home theater system.

Putting the pieces together.

The TV or projector and screen.

A beautiful picture is key to great home theater, and we can’t say it enough: bigger is better. Bottom line: We strongly recommend going with a 4K HDR TV, and if you can afford OLED, even better. (Our TV Buying Guide explains all.)

If you’re dedicating a particular room to a home theater alone, that’s not only really exciting, it means you can go really big with a projector and screen that measures 8 feet or more across for true theater-like imagery. Today’s best 4K projectors are razor sharp and whisper quiet. Typically, the projector is installed in the ceiling at the rear of the room, and the screen remains stationary or is made to hide away like a motorized window shade. (Sometimes we add automated movie curtains to the mix.)

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Your favorite shows and movies can come from any number of devices in addition to your set-top box. Blu-ray players and 4K media players give you a gorgeous viewing experience and extremely rich home theater sound, and the same is true with devices like Apple TV and Roku, which connect to the Internet and stream content from an ever-growing list of providers (e.g., Netflix, HBO GO, Hulu). Also, unlike some older TVs, devices like Apple TV and Roku automatically update themselves whenever new apps, games, and/or shows become available.

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Now on to audio…

Home theater speakers.

When it comes to audio, it makes sense to choose your speakers first, because your speaker choice helps determine your receiver choice. Big speakers need big power, little speakers need less power, that sort of thing. Also, more speakers means you'll need more channels on your receiver. And for the most immersive sound possible, you may want to consider adding the latest in home theater technology: Dolby Atmos. (We’ll get into Dolby Atmos in a moment, but we mention it here because a Dolby Atmos system requires a few more speakers.)

How many speakers will you need?


That depends. Again, more is always better when it comes to sound, and there are literally dozens of speaker combinations that can create true home theater sound. The traditional home theater includes 5 speakers: a center speaker, a left and a right speaker, two rear left and right speakers, and, of course, a subwoofer. A typical setup looks like this:

The center speaker, which is where most dialog comes from, should be centered just below the TV. (Though some in-wall center speakers live above the TV.) The left speaker goes to the left, and the right to the right. The two rear speakers are placed or installed at the rear of the room, behind the viewing audience. Typically, the left and right forward speakers are bigger than the left and right rear speakers.

What do the channels mean?


There’s 5.1, and 7.1, and 11.2, and 5.1.2 and so on. What’s that all about? If you think of channels as speakers, the first number (the 7 in a 7.1 system for example) = the number of speakers, or seven speakers in this example. The .1 refers to whether the system has a subwoofer or not, so the .1 in a 7.1 system = one subwoofer. The last number, for example the .2 in a 5.1.2 system = how many Dolby Atmos speakers are in the set-up. So a 5.1.2 home theater means 5 speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 Dolby Atmos speakers.

Like we said above: think of channels as speakers. And though most music formats only require two channels (left and right), the sky’s the limit for true home theater surround sound. In a nutshell: The more channels you have, the more more speakers you can add. And the more speakers you add, the better and more immersive the sound.

At a very minimum, you’re going to want 5 channels… but we highly, highly (that’s two highlys) recommend getting at least 7. With 7 channels, you will experience – at home – the same thing you do in today’s state-of-the-art digital cinemas: big, thrilling, hang-on-tight, theater sound.

Let’s break down benefits by channels:

 • A good old stereo system is now referred to as 2.0 (Two channels, two speakers).

 •  Add a subwoofer for impactful bass, and now you have 2.1. The "2" refers to the two front speakers, and the subwoofer is the ".1".

 • Add a center channel speaker, so the dialog always seems to come from the center of the screen (especially important if you sit a little to the side) and we have "3.1".

 •  Add two more speakers near the back of the room for wrap-around surround sound, and we’re at "5.1". (5.1 was the surround sound standard up until a few years ago, when things started getting crazy good. ) Looking for some inspiration? We've curated some of our best surround sound systems and speakers here.

 •  Larger rooms, especially where your sofa is a distance from the back wall, may call for side and rear surround speakers, which takes us to "7.1".

 • The coup de grâce, and the latest thing: Dolby Atmos, where we place 2 or more speakers in the ceiling. Now we’re talking actual 3D sound, where any sound can hover at any point in space. To recap: a "7.2.1" system has three speakers in front, two on the sides, two in the rear of the room, and a pair in the ceiling. Plus the subwoofer, which is typically in the back, but can go anywhere.

Big speakers or little speakers?


Ten to 20 years ago, most of our home theater customers were buying smaller speakers. These days, it’s all about audio quality – big, authentic cinema sound by way of big floorstanding speakers, as opposed to bookshelf or in-wall speakers. Typically we say bigger is better, but either way, it’s all about your personal preferences and room decor.

Caveat: The two front left and right speakers are the most important. They provide the bulk of the "punch" that comes from music and sound effects. Also, it's important, but not crucial, that all of the speakers match tonally. Going with the same manufacturer and series usually covers this.

The most basic speaker setup.

It all starts with a pair of speakers: a left and a right, on either side of the TV. This is a 2.0 system, or a 2-channel setup; what we all call "stereo". This is the music-listening standard for years. These can be bookshelf speakers, floorstanders, or in-wall and in-ceiling speakers depending on the space available and the level of effort you want to put into the installation.

To be clear: A 2.0 system with two half-decent speakers is still a massive improvement over the speaker that came with your TV. (Today’s extremely thin TVs have extremely thin speakers inside, and thin speakers are tinny and distort easily. ) But a 2.0 system is not, technically, home theater. For true home theater sound, you need a minimum of 3 speakers (left, right, and center). For true surround sound, a minimum of five (left, right, center, and two rear.)

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Add a center channel speaker.


When you add a center channel speaker, you get a 3.0 set-up. Center speakers go between the left and right speakers, ideally just below or above the TV, and the addition of a center speaker means you’re on your way to a home theater setup. What’s more, dialog is much easier to hear and understand when you add a center channel speaker.

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Where do sound bars fit in?


If you’re really tight for space, a sound bar is a super easy way to upgrade your home theater audio with very little effort. It comes with the left, right, and center speaker already inside, providing a neat, easy-to-fit 3.0 solution. And depending on your budget and room size, you can always add surround speakers from there. (Check out our Top Sound Bars of 2022 buying guide for our favorites.)

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The subwoofer, part 1: goosebumps.


The subwoofer is the middle linebacker in a home theater… and it's how you feel — as in literally feel — the action. How heavy is that rumbling boulder in "Indiana Jones"? Turn the subwoofer on and you won’t just hear it coming, you’ll feel it coming via the shaking in your chest. (Or the vibrating coffee table, the dog diving for cover, etc.) And no — two subs or more is not overkill! (See Part 2.)

A good subwoofer not only does the lion’s share of rounding out bass, it clarifies and amplifies low-end frequencies — and some so low, we humans can’t hear them. But we can feel them, and that’s where goosebumps come from.

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The subwoofer, part 2: Giving your goosebumps, goosebumps.


We’re seeing it more and more: home theater lovers going with two or more subwoofers instead of one.  All rooms have an area where the bass drops off rapidly, and a second subwoofer helps correct this issue. (Some of our store home theaters — and Bob’s home — include five subwoofers. If you can fit them in, do it.) 

Obviously, you’ll need the space to fit more subwoofers (and the budget to buy it), but the net result with two or more = a better bass response and a much bigger sweet spot for optimal surround sound effect. (If you go for extra subwoofers, feel free to send us a few photos of your room, and our experts we’ll give you their best-case scenario recommendation on where each should go.)

3.1 Home theater systems.


Some folks stop at just three speakers (center, right, and left) and a subwoofer. That’s known as a 3.1 speaker setup, and it’s the same configuration found in today’s sound bars. (The ".1" = the subwoofer.) A 3.1 system gives your TV a bit of a home theater effect, though it falls short of real home theater surround sound. But if you don’t have the room for a full home theater, a 3. 1 system is the next best thing. 

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5.1 Home theater systems.


The basic, traditional home theater setup is a 5.1 home theater system with 5 or more speakers: a center speaker, a left and a right speaker, a rear left and right speaker, and, of course, a subwoofer. A typical setup looks like the image below.

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5.1.2 and up? Now you're talking.


For years, a 5.1 home theater system was considered the crème de la crème. Not anymore. A slew of recent technology breakthroughs now take home theater to a level equal to (and in some cases, even better than) the world's finest cinemas. And one of the biggest breakthroughs came by way of Dolby Laboratories. 

A few years back, the sound gurus at Dolby figured out a way to make what some call “3D surround sound" via a new technology called Dolby Atmos ("Atmos" as in Atmosphere.) What Dolby Atmos really does is create a layer of sound that not only hovers above the audience, it hovers in different areas above the audience. And it does it so well, you can actually pinpoint specific sounds in specific places in the air. 

How to describe it? A great example of everything working together in a home theater with Dolby Atmos might be the 2017 movie, “Dunkirk”. (In this example, the home theater = 5.1.2, where the ".2" = two upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers.)

You're part of a quiet conversation between a small group of worried soldiers on the beach (center speaker). On your left, in the background (left speaker), you hear other soldiers drilling. On the opposite side (right speaker), the steady roar of waves rolling up the beach whlie gulls circle above (Dolby Atmos) and dive for fish. In the distance, behind the beach (left and right rear speakers), the steady pounding of German 88s is getting closer. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an explosion only 50 yards away and so loud (subwoofer + every speaker), your knees buckle. And then – before you even see them, you hear them – the sounds of a half dozen Messerschmitt 109s coming in low, passing directly overhead (Dolby Atmos) with a deafening roar, as thousands of 30mm shells whistle by before hitting the sand. (Everything, but especially Dolby Atmos.)

We’ve seen folks turn their heads and/or duck when reacting to sounds above by way of Dolby Atmos – it really is that good. To make it happen, you’ll need a Dolby Atmos-enabled receiver and a minimum of two Dolby Atmos enabled speakers (in addition to your other home theater speakers). Dolby Atmos speakers include in-ceiling variations (flush to the ceiling with the bulk hidden behind drywall), on-wall, or toppers that rest on top of your rear speakers. (Today's better movie theaters are Dolby Atmos-equipped, and most new amplifiers come with Dolby Atmos already onboard.)

Home theater receivers.

The Audio/Visual (AV) receiver not only powers the whole system, it’s the brains behind the whole system. The receiver’s job is to receive, interpret, and then process the TV audio signal (via the cable or dish box) coming into the house before sending it along to its ultimate destination: your TV and speakers. You will need a home theater AV receiver with no less than five channels and one subwoofer output to operate your home theater. We highly recommend getting an AV receiver with Dolby Atmos onboard and seven channels at a minimum, but only if your room can support it and you plan to keep your audio system for a while. Not only will this allow you to future-proof your system, you'll also guarantee a theater-like audio experience at home.

A good home theater AV receiver can perform many functions, such as:

Though less expensive receivers may have all the features and functions you want, they typically don't have the muscle required to do things well. Think scooters vs. motorcycles. Though both have two wheels and an engine, and both will get you across town, only one does it in breathtaking, exhilarating, hold-on-tight style. 

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Another option? Go with a preamp and amp.


If you have the budget and really want to get serious, go with separate processing components. With both an amp and a preamp, you’re not relying on one unit (the AV receiver) to do both signal distribution and amplification. Instead, you have a unit (the preamp) that is designed to do distribution and a unit (the amp) that is designed to amplify. 

 Want something better? Add more dedicated amps! Simply said, the more power they have, the less they have to work to make it sound really good.

Information overload?  Time out. Stop.

We thought this was a good place to stop for a sec and remind you: we can make all of this way easy. We’ve been doing home theaters since home theaters first became a thing… so if you prefer: just email us a few photos of your room, give us a budget to work with, tell us anything else you think we should know (about your decor, your taste in movies, what you want in a home theater, etc. ), and we’ll show you everything you need to get the job done, beautifully. If you're local, stop by one of our showrooms to experience the magic of home theater sound in person.

What kind of home theater systems are there?

No matter your room size or budget, there’s a home theater solution that will work for you. (One of the coolest home theaters we ever installed was in a 12’ by 14’ den.) But as you consider what to get, think about the size of your room and decor. For example, say you live in a rental property or in a stone house with 12” stone walls… so you can’t leave wires exposed or go around drilling holes to hide wires. What to do? Go for a wireless system. Do you have a big room? Then get big speakers — and more of them. If it's a small room, consider a low-profile sound bar and subwoofer combo for a 3.1 speaker setup

The different types of home theater systems include:

Sound bars.


While not technically a “system,” sound bars are good alternatives — especially when budget and space are limited. They already have the center, left, and right speakers built-in, so all you have to add is a subwoofer and two rear speakers. That combination will take up less space, but still give you true home theater surround sound.

Pre-packaged home theater systems (aka: a Home-theater-in-a-box).


Pre-built home theater systems will always be the least expensive choice and the easiest to set up, though not necessarily best audio quality. Everything you need, all made by the same manufacturer, in a box. Just “add TV.” The home-theater-in-a-box comes with mounting hardware, color-coded cables, and easy-to-follow instructions. But of course, even if you don’t have the time (or the desire) to install everything yourself, consider giving the job to proven, award-winning home theater professionals. 

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Home theater systems comprised of separates.


You can spend a lot on every individual speaker, subwoofer, etc., or you can spend a little, or anything in between. The nice thing about going with separate speakers: you can better customize your home theater to your room and your taste. (Taste, aesthetically, as in, “I like how these speakers hide away so neatly.” Or taste in movies, as in, “I like Sci-Fi way more than I like Rom-Coms.”) Yes, this also requires more work to set up, but if you have a bigger room and want bigger sound, it's totally worth it.

For best all-around results, we encourage customers to explore the “separate speaker” way of making a home theater. Unless, of course, you can do a custom designed home theater installed by home-theater professionals.

Wireless home theaters.


Wireless home speakers are now available. But if you can, wired is generally more reliable and for the very serious, a necessity.

The benefits of a wireless system? No drilling holes in walls and floors, and no running wires through walls or in attics — which, in the end, also means a much easier installation. (Translated = less expensive to install. Less mess, too.) Further, with wireless you can move components anywhere you want, at any time, without having to rewire. And this is huge: wireless components mean everything's on your home network, so you can stream from pretty much anywhere (e.g., your digital library, your favorite online radio stations) to pretty much anywhere. And you can control it all with an easy-to-use app on your smartphone or tablet. 

Custom designed and installed home theaters.


Think speakers hidden behind soundproof walls, cozy theater-seating arranged cinema style, black ceilings and multiplex atmospheric touches throughout, and, of course, sound that comes at you from everywhere – sometimes even the seat itself. Even a real movie theater popcorn machine.

A custom designed and installed home theater is what you might call the “whole shootin’ match,” and they’re not just for Steven Spielberg’s house, or J.J Abrams, or Ron Howard’s house. We design and build them all year long… in suburbia, in city apartment lofts — even the occasional farm. A custom theater is indeed pricey, but no more so than the average pool. (And you’ll spend a lot more time in your home theater than you ever would a pool.) 

If you’re in the PA / NJ / DE neighborhood, you’re in luck because we live here too — and installing awesome home theaters has been our thing for a long time now. Contact us today, and we'll even do the research and pick the components. And if you're interested in an IMAX or KYD custom theater, we go anywhere in the USA. (In special cases, we've gone as far as Cambodia.)

Power protection, cables and remote controls.

The little (but still important) stuff.


Power protection. Protect your home theater investment from sudden acts of nature and/or sudden blackouts and/or power surges with line conditioners and surge protectors, right here.

Cables. Just one less-than-stellar cable can bring the whole experience down, and your new  home theater will require many cables. We carry only the best.

Remote controls. Toss all those stray remotes on the cocktail table and get one awesome, easy-to-use, universal remote control that does everything. It’s nice to be in control.

The good news about home theater furniture.

What was once clunky-looking isn’t clunky-looking anymore.

Once upon a time home theater furniture was 1970’s silly-looking. Not anymore. The newest hard and soft cover goods would be right at home in any Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, or Bloomingdales. World Wide Stereo features hundreds of choices in every style – credenzas, TV stands, power lifts, racks, wall boards, home office desks, brackets and more — so you can hide your electronics without compromising function or comfort and show off your gear in the best possible light. We can also offer customization options – our Palliser line alone has over 100 different leather choices and 25 different styles. Our furniture brands include BDI, Palliser, Salamander, American Wood, Chief, Middle Atlantic, Omnimount, and Sanus, to name a few.

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Home theater frequently asked questions.


We rounded up some of the most common questions we’ve heard from customers and answered them right here for you. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Let us know.

How do you hook up a home theater system and how long does it take?

Allow 2 days to get your system up and running. You'll need day 1 to run all the wires and day 2 to go through your owner's manual, page by page, to customize the system for your particular components. Home theater receivers, unlike stereo receivers, have setup menus that guide you through all the possible options. The good news: today's better home theater receivers self-calibrate. (Self calibration is the process where the receiver uses an included microphone to A) measure your room acoustics and, B) set the levels and distance of each speaker to your listening location — automatically.)

Here’s what that’s important: Everything in the universe vibrates, including the place where you are going to put your home theater. (Room acoustics is the first thing our home theater professionals look for and fix when installing a full blown home theater.)  

Before you even start, consider how loud or how dead your room is. Try clapping your hands. If you hear a hint of an echo, the room is probably too loud as a result of hard walls, wood or tile floors, lots of window glass, etc. Conversely, if you hardly hear the clap, your room may be too dead (lots of soft/cushy furniture, thick carpets, angled walls, tapestries, and anything that may break up sound). Ideally, your room should be as acoustically neutral as possible. To get there, we recommend a few discreetly placed acoustic panels and/or the addition of sound-absorbing materials in the right spots. (This is our specialty. Please call with any questions.)

Having speaker wires pre-made with the connectors on them is a big help. Ask your dealer to make up cables after you've measured how long the speaker wires need to be. Don't skimp on the quality of HDMI cables. Your video quality depends on it.

How do you make your rear speakers wireless?

You can use a wireless adapter to add typically wired speakers to the rear, but it's still a patch.  If you’re looking for wireless surround speakers, some manufacturers make systems with optional wireless capability for the surround speakers... and if and when running wires to the back of hte room is difficult and/or impossible. Bose comes to mind as a champion of wireless surround speakers. Their Lifestyle system allows for wireless connection of both the rear channel speakers and the subwoofer.

What brands make the best home theater systems?

No one brand is best. If you go with separate components, you can mix and match between brands – though we recommend sticking with the same brand for all of your speakers. (More often than not, premium brands will specialize in either receivers or speakers, but not both, so you will most likely have different brands for your receiver and speakers. ) If you buy a home-theater-in-a-box system, obviously it all comes from a single brand. The speaker brands we recommend to start with are Bose, Sonos, Klipsch, SVS. With more premium brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, and Dynaudio really knocking your socks off. (Just to name a few). For components, a dream performance system will have McIntosh all the way, but Yamaha, Marantz, Denon, Arcam, NAD, and Sony kick some serious butt. And if you want to go REALLY premium, go with a world-class JBL Synthesis system.

What wattage should I get for my home theater system?

Just like cars, performance is all about horsepower — and the more you have under the hood, the better (and bigger) your theater will sound. Especially when you turn it up. And, odd but true, a high power theater actually seems louder (read: more goosebumps) at lower volumes.

Make sure you have the minimum wattage recommended for your specific speakers, at the very least. We humans can clearly hear volume changes of three decibels, which requires a doubling of power. Meaning: say you currently have 70 watts per channel, but you want a significant increase in sound level. To do it, you'd need 140 watts per channel. 

A good rule of thumb: 125 watts per channel is the ideal amount of power to have without fear of ever running out.

What about the warranty? 

When you buy from an authorized dealer, your new sound bar will come with the full manufacturer's warranty. What’s more, with an authorized dealer, you also get phone and email support from the dealer in addition to support from the manufacturer.

What do I need for a Dolby Atmos setup?

The first thing you'll need for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos home theater setup is a Dolby Atmos capable receiver. Additionally, you'll need eight speakers: a center speaker, two left and right main speakers, left and right surrounds, a pair of Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, and a subwoofer.

You'll also need to handle the visuals, whether that be from an external device like a blue-ray player, a projector, or the internal apps on your TV.  

Lastly, you'll need the proper cables. High-speed HDMI cables, enough speaker wire to connect all of the speakers, and an RCA cable long enough to connect your subwoofer to your receiver.

We know this seems like a lot, but don't worry. For receivers, you can consult our AV Receiver Buying Guide and gear guide to help you decide on the best option. If you're looking for a new TV to compliment your new Dolby Atmos system, we've got your back there, too! Check out our guide on how to choose which TV to buy to see all our suggestions on how you can pick the TV that meets your needs no matter what your budget is.

How much does a home theater cost?

It really depends on what you want, the size of the room, and your budget. A home theater setup can vary from $667 to $8,000 or more. Fortunately, we have home theater bundles for every price range!

What home theater receiver do I need?

That depends on what the rest of your setup is like. We'd recommend taking a look at our AV receivers Buying Guide to find out what to look for to fit your needs! If you're still having trouble, you can always reach out to us, with over a dozen seasoned pros standing by to help you figure out precisely what you need!

What home theater system should I buy?

You should buy what fits your wants and needs, and never settle for less! For a good starting point, you can take a look at some of our recommendations here.

What home theater projector should I buy?

We'd suggest you take a look at our guide for Best Projectors. There are plenty of options there for different needs and budgets; we're confident you'll find one that fits you. If you're still feeling a little lost, you can always contact us and one of our pros will be able to give you a recommendation based on your needs.

Can I connect my home theater to my laptop or PC?

It depends on the system, but if it can be set up through a single HDMI cable or wirelessly, it can be!

Are home theater systems good for music?

Heck yeah they are! While music might not be as immersive as movies or TV shows with a good surround system, it can still certainly provide a fully immersive surround listening experience. 

Are Home Theater Systems Wireless?

Not all of them, but there are some wireless options available!

If you're still not sure what to get, let us help.

“I wish I didn’t buy that awesome home theater,” said no one, ever.

If the process of buying or putting together a home theater seems a little daunting, let us help. We’re not here to hard-sell or push any particular product – that’s not who we are, or why we’ve been so successful. We’re here to make things easy, on your terms, and if you give us a chance… we’ll prove it.  

And if you’re still not sure what components are right for you, or if you have a question we didn’t answer, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and talk to us. Seriously, we live for helping customers make great choices, whatever the budget or situation. The way we see it: when we do right by you, whether now, next year, or even years after a sale, you’re going to come back. And probably more than once. Eventually, we’re on a first name basis… and if you’re in the neighborhood, you’re even stopping by for our special events. Life is good.

Parting thought on how much is it worth? Our Founder and CEO, Bob Cole, received a letter and a bottle of wine from a mother whose husband had bought a considerable theater from him 10 years ago. She said that she didn't want it at the time, that she wanted a pool  but she gave in. That she was sure it was just a big waste of money. She did get the pool 3 years later, she explained. She goes on to say that two kids are now gone and one is in college, but they all come home to watch the movies. That growing up it was the most family thing they did and that she was so grateful — ergo the wine.

By the way, she said in closing, not a week goes by that they don't use it, and nobody uses the pool anymore. 'nuff said.

About World Wide Stereo

World Wide Stereo is a home entertainment technology store with a storied past and a loyal following. We opened during the Betamax craze in ‘79, spent the 80’s and 90’s recruiting some of the industry’s top audio/video minds (many of whom are still here) and twice led the National Dealers Association during its best years. Awards followed, (including #2 in Customer Service / USA TODAY), business boomed, our online store took off, and today blah blah blah long story short: we still love what we do – and that’s definitely the truth.

Our only rule: “no one leaves unhappy.” Learn more about World Wide Stereo here.

Home Theater Sound Systems

A guide to creating an amazing surround sound system

In a nutshell, a surround sound system consists of several main parts. In this article, you'll learn how to put them together to create a coherent home theater sound system. Here's what you need:

Want to keep things simple? Let's take a look at the process of building a home theater sound system using a pre-selected surround sound system as an example. See our top reviews of 2018.

Generally speaking, I'm a seasoned nerd flying through a variety of science fiction. Offer me a space movie or anything with dinosaurs and I'll be fascinated; and it especially pleases me if I can watch a movie on my home theater, because watching a movie in surround sound puts me right in the middle of a space battle or a tyrannosaurus rex chase. nine0005

My goal is to help you enjoy the same sense of fun and adventure with your surround sound system. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when planning your home theater.

How to choose speakers for your room?

The first thing to consider when designing a surround sound system is the room itself.

How much free space do you have? A large open living room with vaulted ceilings obviously needs different equipment than a small or medium room with 8" ceilings. nine0005

If you are planning to install the home theater system in a room where children play, then you may want the speakers to be attached to the wall so that they don't get in your way. On the other hand, if you have a separate home theater room, floorstanding speakers (or speakers on stands) are unlikely to pose a danger to pets or children.

Choose speakers that fit your room. Floor standing speakers ideal for large open spaces

Stand, wall or in-wall speakers are good for small spaces

Where will your speakers sound best?

Consider the layout and shape of your room. Where will the speakers look and sound best?

My speaker placement article provides detailed guidance on planning your sound system layout and may be helpful to you.

Compact speakers offer discreet placement options

Is your sound system going to your living room? First of all, you need to consider that here the TV and sound system should not always be in the spotlight. Compact speakers will easily fit into your interior and leave a lot of free space.

Wall mounted speakers are the safest for your movement

Wall and ceiling mounted bookshelf speakers are great options for immersive sound without taking up much space. nine0005

Get theatrical sound with floorstanders

If space is not an issue, you can use larger speakers. Using floorstanding speakers in your surround sound system helps replicate the cinema experience. Large acoustic chambers provide powerful surround sound effects, which is especially true for movies and video games. "Towers" (columns Tower), among other things, are ideal for listening to music in stereo. nine0005

Floorstanding speakers provide a more realistic soundstage at the front of your room

What role does each speaker play in a home theater system?

The home theater sound system consists of several different types of speakers. Understanding the role of each will help you choose the best options for your room.

Here are the main components of your surround sound system:

Center channel speaker plays dialogue and more

The center channel speaker is often considered the most important speaker in a sound system. It provides playback of more than 50% of movie soundtracks, including almost all dialogue. It also provides important sound effects in the center of the stage.

The center channel speaker must be well combined with other speakers. Compact speakers require a smaller center channel driver, while floor standing speakers need a large center speaker to match their increased power. nine0005

Consider where you will place your center channel speaker. If you have a special cabinet, make sure it fits in the space provided for it on the shelf.

The home theater center speaker is responsible for most movie soundtracks. Choose the one that fits both your room and the other speakers in your sound system

Left and right front speakers create a wide soundstage

The front left and right speakers play the movie soundtrack. They also handle most of the special effects. To pull you into the story more effectively, the sound moves between the front speakers in sync with the action unfolding on the screen. Floor-standing, bookshelf and wall-mounted speakers work well as such.

Surround speakers provide realistic special effects

Surround speakers are located next to and/or behind your seats. They immerse you in the movie by creating ambient sounds such as raindrops or rustling leaves. nine0005

The surround speakers also work with your other speakers to create impressive sound directional effects. Think of a locomotive passing by or a bullet flying past you.

5.1 channel sound systems use one pair of surround speakers placed next to or behind you. Sound systems that support 7.1-channel audio use speakers located at the back and both sides of the circle with the listeners in the center. nine0005

If you have a large room or multiple seating areas, consider a 7.1 channel system. In a 5.1 system, the surround speakers are best placed to the left and right of the listening positions install on stands or attach to the wall.

Which speakers should you use for your surround channels?

Many traditional bookshelf speakers or wall-mounted speakers can be used as surround channel speakers.

You might also consider specialized bipole/dipole speakers that have multiple drivers that produce sound waves in different directions. This creates a special, so-called. diffuse, sound field, which enhances the effect of sound wrapping. nine0005

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X vertical effect speakers

Have you decided to build a Dolby Atmos® or DTS:X™ system? Then you will need a pair or two pairs of speakers to produce sound in the area above the listening position. You can use either in-ceiling speakers or vertical-firing speakers for this.

The Dolby Atmos system is used with a conventional 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, to which two or four vertical speakers (or speakers built into the ceiling) are added to create sound effects falling down on the listener

Which subwoofer size would you prefer?

Movie soundtracks are provided with a dedicated deep bass (low frequency) channel that is played through a powered subwoofer. The subwoofer is what recreates in your room the effect of exploding bombs and the roar of an airplane flying overhead.

Choose a subwoofer that fits well with your room and your speakers. As a general rule, the larger the subwoofer speaker, the deeper the bass. nine0005

Do you have a large room at your disposal? Then you should definitely upgrade to a subwoofer with a 12-inch or larger speaker.

Do you have a small room at your disposal? A compact subwoofer will sound great here. For more detailed recommendations, check out my article on choosing subwoofers for your home theater.

Most people place their subwoofers at the front of the room so they can be easily connected to a home theater receiver. If running the cable where your subwoofer sounds best is not practical, use a wireless subwoofer

Voice matching, which is optional

Each brand or series of speakers has its own tonal quality or "voice". To get an evenly balanced sound level throughout the room, I recommend using the same brand of speakers for all locations.

If you cannot match all the speakers together, try using the same brand of speakers for the front left, right and center locations. This will give you a complete front soundstage, i.e. ensure stable sound system performance. nine0005

Want hidden surround sound?

If you need a sound system with the smallest footprint, consider built-in, in-ceiling or wall-mounted speakers. Read my article on installing in-wall and ceiling speakers for more on what's involved.

Everything you need to get started

To get the best sound, you need to pair your new speaker system with a good home theater receiver. This guide will help you choose the right parts for your sound system. nine0005

Use dedicated speaker wires and subwoofer cables for connections. We also recommend that you secure the power supply to your receiver, TV, audio/video components and subwoofer.

Best Universal Home Theater Systems

Over the years I have developed dozens of surround sound systems. And the systems I custom made are great. And I'll let you in on a secret: you can get theater-quality sound by purchasing a pre-matched surround sound system. Here are a couple of my favorites. nine0005

  1. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack - the best surround sound system for small rooms

Klipsch Reference Theater Pack quickly gained popularity among buyers. The system does not take up much space, but it provides the sonic depth and sonic attack that you would only expect from large speakers. This is the perfect choice for small rooms with premium space.

Fantastically clear sound, compact yet powerful. nine0008

Adjustable subwoofer allows you to move from

Dynamic explosions to subtle vibrations

- Larry, Pottsboro, Texas

  1. Definitione ProCinema 800 - the best system of volumetric sound for the medium

Definitive Technology's ProCinema 800 is a powerful, dynamic system that offers surround sound without the need for floor standing speakers. nine0005

Why does she work so well? The answer is partly due to the use of passive radiators in each speaker. These drivers do not require power, they move by coupling with powerful woofers used to boost the mids and lows. The result is clear, powerful sound for music, movies and video game soundtracks.

This loudspeaker is the biggest blow to the price of a sound system I have ever seen. nine0008

Each speaker is very solid and eye-catching

- Bree, Montgomery, TX

How to choose a surround sound system

How to choose a surround sound system in 2022? Basic selection criteria, examples of suitable solutions for any room and any budget.

Choosing a surround sound system is one of the most creative and individual challenges. Unlike the rest of your home theater like your TV or projector, acoustics requires you to consider a lot of factors. These factors include the space in which you plan to place the system, your sound preferences, interior design, and more. nine0005

So how do you choose the right acoustic package? We have outlined 4 basic steps to follow before you decide to buy a surround sound system for your home theater.

1. Evaluate the acoustics of the room

First, you need to decide on the room in which you plan to place the speakers. If it's a very small space, then a high-quality multi-component surround sound system would be overkill. Instead, you should consider buying the best soundbar for your TV. Many modern models offer surround sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos , DTS:X , IMAX Enhanced . You can also choose a soundbar with a subwoofer or a soundbar with rear speakers to widen the soundstage and get true cinematic sound.

Example: Devialet Dione multi-channel soundbar

Read: Best soundbars 20220008

Why does the size of a room matter? The point is that you need to provide enough space between the speakers to avoid sound wave interference. As a result of the collision of waves emanating from different sources, the overall sound of the system becomes muffled and less clear. Limited space and improper placement of components can cause a 7.1 channel system to end up sounding worse than a 5.1 channel system.

Example: Monitor Audio MASS 5.1

As a general rule, for rooms larger than 35 square meters, 7.1 or more channels will be the best option. For smaller rooms, a 5.1 surround sound system is worth choosing.

In specialized large-screen home theaters, users most often purchase full-size floor standing speakers. Only with them can you count on room-filling sound effects.

2. Practicality

Many users have their own concerns about loudspeakers. Are you installing a home theater in a room where small children or pets can run around? In such a case, we recommend that you choose a surround sound system with speakers out of their reach. For example, set 9 would be a good choice.0007 soundbar + subwoofer + rear speakers or pair of bookshelf speakers .

Also, if you don't like wires and cables, you can opt for wireless surround speakers. Of course, wireless speakers are inferior to wired speakers in sound quality, but the absence of wires simplifies the process of placing speakers.

Example: Denon DHT-S516H soundbar and Denon AVR-S750H receiver

Speaking of simplification, if you're not very familiar with home theater hardware, then your best bet is to look at complete turnkey solutions. These complete systems have everything you need to get the surround sound that accompanies your favorite movies. nine0005

All-in-one kits have their drawbacks. First, most often you won't be able to expand it if you want to add more channels. Secondly, it will not be able to provide the best sound quality. But it is certainly more convenient and profitable, and there will be no problems with component compatibility.

3. Focus on your budget

The last thing to consider is how much money you can spend. The simplest surround sound system will set you back several hundred dollars. True audiophiles can easily spend thousands of dollars on a single speaker, and once purchased, they are ready to spend hours reading instructions for customization. nine0005

There are a few things to remember here.

First of all, you get what you pay for, so a "budget" option will never blow you away like a Hi-Fi kit. If you're on a budget, you must consider whether or not you really need multi-channel audio. You might be better off buying a good soundbar than a home theater set with disappointing sound.

Second, if you're building your own surround sound system, you can always expand it as needed. For example, if you buy a multi-channel receiver, you can simply connect five good quality speakers to it to start with, and then gradually add more to them. This way you can split the costs into several parts and end up with a high quality home theater system. nine0005

4. Take the time to search

With the three previous points in mind, let's move on to the last step - researching the market and finding a suitable option.

Learn more