The Best Home Theater Speakers Perfect for Watching Movies, Listening to Music, and Streaming Online Media
The Best Home Theater Speakers
It doesn’t matter how large your television screen is, or how impressive the resolution. If you don’t have great sound, then you’re only getting half the experience. Some TVs have built-in speakers that can pack a decent punch, but anybody serious about their entertainment should be looking at a home theater system. The market has a good range of options, ranging from 5.1's to 7.1 monsters with a serious presence in your room of choice. No matter what your budget, below you’ll find a great home theater system to fit your price range.
If you’re serious about getting the very best movie or TV experience in the comfort of your living room, you need a home theater system. The good news is we’re taking the work out of hunting down the speakers, the receiver, the cables and putting it all together in one convenient list. Home theater starter kits, also known as home theaters in a box (HTIB), offer everything you need for the best audio experience on your own. Surround sound? Check. Receiver? Check. Let’s take a look at some of the best options you can grab today.
As with many 7.1 speaker packages, the receiver thrown in here is actually a 7.2 channel affair, allowing for expansion later on (a second subwoofer? You know you want to). Plus, there is almost no home theater system feature not included in the Denon AVR-X2400 receiver: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3D, HEOS multi-room wireless tech are all present and correct. This leads us to our lone caveat here, which is that the system can be daunting for newbies. It's a minor point, though: if you’re prepared to spend a bit of time getting to know the system, though, you’ll be laughing. And for our money, the way these two systems play together easily guarantees their place. You have to hear them to believe it.
The HT-S7700 offers you a superb audio experience with a full 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos experience thanks to one A/V receiver, five satellite speakers, one subwoofer, color-coded and pre-cut speaker cables and one subwoofer cable. With seven HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, the system supports both TV and video projection without the need to swap cables. You’ll find WiFi, Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity all standard and Onkyo’s free mobile app allows you to control the entire system from your phone or tablet.
Want to stream music from your computer? You’re covered thanks to the home network features. For those looking at future proofing, the Onkyo supports multidimensional sound for the latest 4K/60Hz games and movies, as well as HDCP 2.2 for future premium 4K releases from Hollywood, satellite broadcasters and Internet video streaming services. In other words, even if you don’t have a 4K-ready TV today, but your Onkyo system will be ready when you do.
Setting up the S7700 is a breeze, with all pre-cut wires matching the color on the receiver’s rear panel and even the color of the cables themselves. Once you’re set up, you’ll want to pop in a movie, kick up your feet and enjoy the full capabilities of the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience. For the first time home-theater buyer, there’s no question the Onkyo will provide a fantastic and rich experience.
3. SONY 5.1 CHANNEL BLU-RAY HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH BLUETOOTH | $349
4. Yamaha YHT-4910UBL | $449
Samsung’s home theater system provides digital surround sound for many shows, movies and music.You get especially strong clarity and richness from Dolby Digital audio. You’ll get more from music with enhanced bass and you’ll enjoy crisp dialog from movies and television shows as you would in a theater. You can stream content from many different platforms as well as play your DVDs and Blu-Ray discs while enjoying HD quality. The package comes with two front speakers, one center speaker, two satellite speakers, one subwoofer, a Blu-ray player and remote. This advanced home theater system lets you enjoy studio quality sound from the comfort of your home.
6. Monitor Audio Mass | $1,246
These speakers may come from a slightly less well-known brand, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling it’s worth including here - and in the top five, no less. Being less of a household name than Klipsch or Onkyo doesn’t stop us from loving what Monitor Audio's 5.1 Mass setup can do, and with good reason. Although this system doesn’t come with a dedicated receiver (something we love to see the company have a crack at one day) we can unhesitatingly recommend a good Pioneer receiver, such as the VSX-1131, which is known for working well with this particular marque.
The biggest attraction of the system, beyond its good sound quality, is its size. The MASS 10 satellite speakers are compact – we go so far as to call cute, and will easily blend into the background of a room while still offering great audio quality. Special bonus points are reserved for the Bronze series W10 subwoofer, which really impressed us, especially considering its (only) 10” driver size. Although they got a way to go before they truly crack the top spot, and they may be a little bit difficult to find inside the continental US, the Mass setup is still a real winner, and one which we enjoyed immensely.
7. LG ELECTRONICS LHB655 HOME THEATER SYSTEM | $459
This LG home theater system provides easy access to thousands of apps, shows, movies and videos without needing a computer. Features include 1000W total output, Blu-ray 3D, Bluetooth, 5.1 channel immersive sound and compatability with Smart Hi-Fi speakers. If you have a 3D televsion you’ll be able to enjoy theater quality special effects right from home. Bluetooth compatability lets you stream music from your smartphone or other device. You can also enjoy your favourite music from CDs or by playing AM/FM stations. Tall speakers give you spectacular sound from all different angles.
9. Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 | $1199
The Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 wireless audio home theater system is also a fantastic system. Like the other “wireless” entries on this list, there’s no true wireless solution, just less centralized clutter of wires behind the TV. The Enclave set includes one center speaker/receiver, two front speakers, two smaller rear speakers and a subwoofer. The setup is a snap. Just connect the center speaker to the TV via HDMI, plug each satellite speaker into a wall outlet and, thanks to instant pairing connection, you’re ready to go. Did you notice the catch? You still have to plug each satellite speaker into the wall outlet thereby eliminating the Enclave as yet another truly wireless solution. Aside from that, each wall connector for the satellite is 2x3 inches which can cause some headaches if you have anything else plugged into an outlet.
One other niggle is the delayed startup time from the moment you hit the power button. The price won’t get you the very best in audiophile quality, but this system rivals the Onkyo for overall sound reproduction. You can add extra speakers for 7.1 for down the line, something not available from most of the competitors on this list. And, music fans will be happy to know that wireless audio is simple with any phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
The Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074 includes a 5.1-channel A/V receiver, five compact speakers and a subwoofer. The receiver is the star of the show, as it includes four HDMI inputs and Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4) pass-through with HDCP 2.2. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can stream music or other audio types from your phone or laptop.
Customers said the system was “an awesome product for the money” and said this was great for connecting TVs and game systems, so you get to experience great sound no matter what media you’re taking in.
Perfect for Watching Movies, Listening to Music, and Streaming Online Media
Home theater systems can give you many hours of entertainment in a variety of forms. You can stream movies and TV shows from many different platforms and listen to your favorite music. Today’s systems provide the best quality audio and visuals, allowing you to get the most out of everything. The following are ten of the best values in home theater systems currently available.
It doesn’t matter how large your television screen is, or how impressive the resolution. If you don’t have great sound, then you’re only getting half the experience. Some TVs have built-in speakers that can pack a decent punch, but anybody serious about their entertainment should be looking at a home theater system. The market has a good range of options, ranging from 5.1's to 7.1 monsters with a serious presence in your room of choice. No matter what your budget, below you’ll find a great home theater system to fit your price range.
1. Klipsch Gallery G-16 | $2,444
The G-16 is arguably one of the best systems money can buy, improving on the already fantastic Klipsch flagship, the RF-42. The speaker package comes from Klipsch’s truly magnificent G range, which is known for its lifelike representation of audio, as well as its depth. The company is an unquestioned market leader, and although this particular package uses a Denon receiver, it’s still a great representation of just how good this 7.1 setup can be - good enough to sneak past the other contenders into our top spot. The sound is phenomenal; at this price range, you’d expect it to be, and Klipsch offers a 7.1 channel format to experience its full glory.
As with many 7.1 speaker packages, the receiver thrown in here is actually a 7.2 channel affair, allowing for expansion later on (a second subwoofer? You know you want to). Plus, there is almost no home theater system feature not included in the Denon AVR-X2400 receiver: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3D, HEOS multi-room wireless tech are all present and correct. This leads us to our lone caveat here, which is that the system can be daunting for newbies. It's a minor point, though: if you’re prepared to spend a bit of time getting to know the system, though, you’ll be laughing. And for our money, the way these two systems play together easily guarantees their place. You have to hear them to believe it.
2. Onkyo HT-S7700 | $899
Want to stream music from your computer? You’re covered thanks to the home network features. For those looking at future proofing, the Onkyo supports multidimensional sound for the latest 4K/60Hz games and movies, as well as HDCP 2.2 for future premium 4K releases from Hollywood, satellite broadcasters and Internet video streaming services. In other words, even if you don’t have a 4K-ready TV today, but your Onkyo system will be ready when you do.
Setting up the S7700 is a breeze, with all pre-cut wires matching the color on the receiver’s rear panel and even the color of the cables themselves. Once you’re set up, you’ll want to pop in a movie, kick up your feet and enjoy the full capabilities of the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience. For the first time home-theater buyer, there’s no question the Onkyo will provide a fantastic and rich experience.
Sony’s 1000W 5.1 Channel Home Theater System is a convenient accompaniment to a 3D television. It provides HDMI 1.4 output that delivers the best quality audio and high definition video using only one cable. Surround sound gives you an immersive experience to absorb the music and sound effects of your favorite movies. You also get access to the vast Sony Entertainment Network, which has over 100 streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube and many others. DLNA compatibility allows you to play content from any compatible Android device, such as a PC, smartphone or tablet, on your TV.
4. Yamaha YHT-4910UBL | $449
Yamaha is a reputable brand that uses advanced technique and quality parts to make functional products. Apart from its quality guitars and dirt bikes, for instance, it has top-grade home theater systems as well. If you spend hours watching movies, for instance, Yamaha YHT-4910UBL is a good device to use. It is a durable 5-channel home theater that supports 4K ultra-HD pass-through. Expect clear, rich, and lifelike pictures as a result.
In addition to its quality pictures, you get superior sound as well for two main reasons. The virtual cinema fronts it comes with, for instance, produce powerful room-filling sound. It also has an advanced auto room calibration system (YPAO) that improves its performance further. By eliminating echo and other interference, for instance, you get clear and immersive sound all the time.
Yamaha YHT-4910UBL can read CDs, DVD, and Blu-ray disks well. It also has a high-speed USB port and a CEC HDMI port (with an audio return channel) that works with most televisions.
In addition to its quality pictures, you get superior sound as well for two main reasons. The virtual cinema fronts it comes with, for instance, produce powerful room-filling sound. It also has an advanced auto room calibration system (YPAO) that improves its performance further. By eliminating echo and other interference, for instance, you get clear and immersive sound all the time.
Yamaha YHT-4910UBL can read CDs, DVD, and Blu-ray disks well. It also has a high-speed USB port and a CEC HDMI port (with an audio return channel) that works with most televisions.
5. SAMSUNG HT-J4100 5.1 CHANNEL 1000-WATT BLU-RAY HOME THEATER SYSTEM | $299
Samsung’s home theater system provides digital surround sound for many shows, movies and music.You get especially strong clarity and richness from Dolby Digital audio. You’ll get more from music with enhanced bass and you’ll enjoy crisp dialog from movies and television shows as you would in a theater. You can stream content from many different platforms as well as play your DVDs and Blu-Ray discs while enjoying HD quality. The package comes with two front speakers, one center speaker, two satellite speakers, one subwoofer, a Blu-ray player and remote. This advanced home theater system lets you enjoy studio quality sound from the comfort of your home.
These speakers may come from a slightly less well-known brand, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling it’s worth including here - and in the top five, no less. Being less of a household name than Klipsch or Onkyo doesn’t stop us from loving what Monitor Audio's 5.1 Mass setup can do, and with good reason. Although this system doesn’t come with a dedicated receiver (something we love to see the company have a crack at one day) we can unhesitatingly recommend a good Pioneer receiver, such as the VSX-1131, which is known for working well with this particular marque.
The biggest attraction of the system, beyond its good sound quality, is its size. The MASS 10 satellite speakers are compact – we go so far as to call cute, and will easily blend into the background of a room while still offering great audio quality. Special bonus points are reserved for the Bronze series W10 subwoofer, which really impressed us, especially considering its (only) 10” driver size. Although they got a way to go before they truly crack the top spot, and they may be a little bit difficult to find inside the continental US, the Mass setup is still a real winner, and one which we enjoyed immensely.
This LG home theater system provides easy access to thousands of apps, shows, movies and videos without needing a computer. Features include 1000W total output, Blu-ray 3D, Bluetooth, 5.1 channel immersive sound and compatability with Smart Hi-Fi speakers. If you have a 3D televsion you’ll be able to enjoy theater quality special effects right from home. Bluetooth compatability lets you stream music from your smartphone or other device. You can also enjoy your favourite music from CDs or by playing AM/FM stations. Tall speakers give you spectacular sound from all different angles.
8. Denon DHT-1513BA | $429
With Denon DHT-1513BA, you get a 650-watt home theater system with a novel 5.1-channel design. Stylish, for instance, it blends well in homes. Picture and sound quality are impressive, while its premium parts offer value for cash. The unique Boston Acoustic speakers it comes with, for instance, are powerful. The quality plastic use to manufacture them is stylish and designed to resist dents and scratches. You also get an eye-catching CD/DVD player made of premium parts.
Unlike some under-performing home theater systems, Denon DHT-1513BA has discrete amplifiers (built-in) that improve its performance. Integrated with its five channels, the amplifiers improve sound projection. They also improve bass output to improve the experience of people. Whenever you are watching a movie or listening to music, this one-of-a-kind home theater system will never let you down.
Denon DHT-1513BA has diverse connectivity options. In addition to its DVD players and USB port, you get five front-mounted HDMI ports with quick connect technologies. The also has a 3D pass-through that isolates highs from lows to improve sound quality. This home theater system is affordable. It also has an intuitive graphite interface that blends well in homes.
With Denon DHT-1513BA, you get a 650-watt home theater system with a novel 5.1-channel design. Stylish, for instance, it blends well in homes. Picture and sound quality are impressive, while its premium parts offer value for cash. The unique Boston Acoustic speakers it comes with, for instance, are powerful. The quality plastic use to manufacture them is stylish and designed to resist dents and scratches. You also get an eye-catching CD/DVD player made of premium parts.
Unlike some under-performing home theater systems, Denon DHT-1513BA has discrete amplifiers (built-in) that improve its performance. Integrated with its five channels, the amplifiers improve sound projection. They also improve bass output to improve the experience of people. Whenever you are watching a movie or listening to music, this one-of-a-kind home theater system will never let you down.
Denon DHT-1513BA has diverse connectivity options. In addition to its DVD players and USB port, you get five front-mounted HDMI ports with quick connect technologies. The also has a 3D pass-through that isolates highs from lows to improve sound quality. This home theater system is affordable. It also has an intuitive graphite interface that blends well in homes.
The Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 wireless audio home theater system is also a fantastic system. Like the other “wireless” entries on this list, there’s no true wireless solution, just less centralized clutter of wires behind the TV. The Enclave set includes one center speaker/receiver, two front speakers, two smaller rear speakers and a subwoofer. The setup is a snap. Just connect the center speaker to the TV via HDMI, plug each satellite speaker into a wall outlet and, thanks to instant pairing connection, you’re ready to go. Did you notice the catch? You still have to plug each satellite speaker into the wall outlet thereby eliminating the Enclave as yet another truly wireless solution. Aside from that, each wall connector for the satellite is 2x3 inches which can cause some headaches if you have anything else plugged into an outlet.
One other niggle is the delayed startup time from the moment you hit the power button. The price won’t get you the very best in audiophile quality, but this system rivals the Onkyo for overall sound reproduction. You can add extra speakers for 7.1 for down the line, something not available from most of the competitors on this list. And, music fans will be happy to know that wireless audio is simple with any phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
10. Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074 |$300
If you’re trying to set up a home theater on a budget, you’ll want a modern receiver that can connect to all your favorite devices, plus a set of speakers and a subwoofer that can get loud while still maintaining good sound quality. Look no further than the Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074, which includes all of that at a very fair price.
The Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074 includes a 5.1-channel A/V receiver, five compact speakers and a subwoofer. The receiver is the star of the show, as it includes four HDMI inputs and Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4) pass-through with HDCP 2.2. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can stream music or other audio types from your phone or laptop.
Customers said the system was “an awesome product for the money” and said this was great for connecting TVs and game systems, so you get to experience great sound no matter what media you’re taking in.
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