Best Home Theater Systems in 2022

Last update: January 17, 2023

Do soundbars replace surround sound?

A soundbar is a long, thin speaker that sits in front of your TV, either on a shelf or mounted to the wall. A soundbar can improve your TV's audio quality and give you the feeling of being in a movie theater. But do soundbars replace surround sound? Surround sound is created by multiple speakers placed around the room, so you get sound coming at you from different directions. This can create a more immersive experience, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action. Soundbars can create a similar effect by using virtual surround sound, which

Does 5.1 sound better than stereo?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the type of music you are listening to, the quality of the equipment, and your personal preferences. That said, many people believe that 5.1 surround sound systems provide a more immersive and realistic listening experience than traditional stereo systems.

How big of a room do you need for 5.1 surround sound?

If you want to have a truly immersive experience with your 5.1 surround sound system, you'll need a room that's large enough to accommodate all of the speakers. The size of the room will also dictate how far away from the speakers you can be and still enjoy the full effect of the surround sound. In general, you'll need a room that's at least 16 feet wide and 13 feet deep in order to get the most out of your 5.1 system.

How many speakers do you need for surround sound?

There's no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the size of your room, how far away you'll be sitting from the speakers, and your personal preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, you'll need at least five speakers for surround sound: two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. If you have a large room or want a more immersive experience, you can add additional speakers to create a 7.1 or 9.1 surround sound system.


Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System/Bluetooth/USB+8" Subwoofer Review:


This sound system was purchased for two purposes. The first reason is because most TVs don't have a front center speaker, and we became tired of not being able to hear the dialogue in new movies (Marvel movies are infamously poor). The second reason I wanted it was to play console games with better audio quality.First of all, the dialogue problem was a major letdown. When we first connected the system, the bass was booming and rocking the room, but far away conversations sounded like tin cans. While we could adjust the front speakers and the bass level using the remote, we were still missing that mid-range sound. We were able to acquire audio from the TV and the surround sound at the same time after fiddling with the settings on the TV's sound options, and that has given us a fairly decent universal sound quality. However, I still frequently find myself changing the volume based on the video or game we are playing or the music we are listening to.It's great for gaming. While gaming, the weak mid-level noises don't seem to be as noticeable, and the back speakers and bass make a significant impact in the audio experience.There may be speakers who are better, in my opinion. The selling feature of this system is the subwoofer, although the other speakers seem to be quite subpar and have a small soundstage. Having said that, the cost of them is incredibly low considering what you get. These will work well for you if you have a limited budget and are prepared to experiment with the settings frequently. Keep looking if you're willing to spend more.



Yamaha Yht-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System with Bluetooth Review:


I just bought this kit to swap out a broken LG BH9431PW. However, the LG refused to decode the new encoding from the Roku, Amazon, or Netflix channels even though it claimed to support Dolby Digital Plus. The Amazon and Netflix DD output is handled flawlessly by the Yamaha receiver included in this package.In case there are any lingering questions, the AV Receiver in this kit is the RX-V385.Several advantages so far over the prior LG BH9431PW include:* Complete support for Dolby Digital Plus!Woohoo! The output from my Amazon and Netflix channels is now Dolby 5.1. The main justification for buying this device was this.* Direct navigation to any of the inputs is possible with the receiver:All of our gadgets are mapped with a Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote, and the LG made it cycle through the inputs. This required the remote to cycle through the other inputs, such as the optical, tuner, USB, and Bluetooth, before returning to HDMI1 in order to switch from our ROKU on HDMI2 to the DVR on HDMI1. This required a lot of patience while the remote was pointing at the device, and it was also more likely to fail if the bluetooth scanning took too long. With the new Yamaha receiver, the remote can rapidly and flawlessly switch between HDMI2 and HDMI3.* The wire connectors on the speakers are typical.The LG featured an odd, proprietary connection socket and wiring setup, making it difficult to just use the previous speakers with a different receiver (which is what forced me into buying a complete home theater system vs just upgrading the receiver).* The automatic speaker configuration worked well.The device includes a microphone that you can connect to help balance the speakers for your specific viewing setup. In addition to checking the speakers' operation and wiring, the setup application will determine how close each speaker is to the viewing area and balance the volume of each speaker based on that information.* Trimming of the volume between inputs.The device also has the option to slightly lower or raise the volume between inputs, which is related to speaker balancing. This is a helpful feature because the tuner would blow us out of the room because our DVR level tended to be a little softer than our ROKU. The relative volume between the inputs is now somewhat closer together.Powerful subwooferCompared to my prior setup, the subwoofer seems to have a little more punch.What could be improved:* Wireless surround connectivityThe primary unit of my previous LG surround speaker system was connected to a satellite surround base unit wirelessly. I had to run lengthy speaker wires to the room's rear because of the new Yamaha. A pain, but at least I'm not running power back there anymore.



Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater in a Box System with Bluetooth Review:


Excellent system in the mid-range of costs. I've always been thrilled with the quality of the Yamaha HS8 studio monitor system that I use to mix songs. So when it was time to replace my 5.1 system, I knew I could count on Yamaha to provide great sound at a great price, and they did!The sound does the job more than adequately despite not being as balanced and smooth as a higher end system. Coming from the center speaker, the midrange frequency can occasionally sound a little harsh and distorted. Crisp highs with minimal distortion and ear strain are present. The sub is more than able to shake the room, and because it has a built-in amplifier, it is simple to modify. To achieve a good balance, the cutoff frequency needed to be changed. It was tuned to 60 Hz, which eliminated a significant amount of the low end; 60 Hz and below will be felt rather than heard. Cutoff occurs at 200 hz. I chose 160 hz because it produces a wonderful balance. I have more than enough power for my medium-sized den.The sound can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Each speaker's level and EQ can be changed independently. The EQ has six or seven (I can't remember) fixed bands with a respectable gain range. To achieve exactly what I wanted, it took several hours of tinkering, and if you're not familiar with audio, the options might be a little perplexing, but not too much so.I connect all of my devices to my TV, and then I use an optical cable to send audio to my receiver. I might tweak this so that the receiver is used first because I believe there is a very, very, very minor "lip sync" problem.Some of the DSP "programs" on the amplifier are excellent since they can push more or less audio via a certain channel and offer a variety of listening possibilities. However, the majority of "programs" are not really helpful.The settings on this low-cost receiver continue to astound me. It's incredibly simple to find a sound that YOU like and change it for the space. Overall, I believe this system offers amazing sound quality for the price. The speakers are passable. No regrets whatsoever. Five stars for what Yamaha's could accomplish for this cost. I'm hoping this method will be around for a while.



VIZIO SB46514-F6 46-Inch 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer Plus Rear Surround Speakers Review:


About two hours ago, I opened and installed this system. At first glance, wow. I wanted that specifically when I spent this much money on a sound system! The style is really sleek and contemporary. The satellites are well-designed and contain a respectable amount of weight. The subwoofer with the sound bar is the biggest and heaviest I've ever seen. The sub appears to be a good match for any hardwired real 5.1 or 5.2 system. As expected, setup was simple. The overall sound quality was excellent right away. The audio's lows, mids, and highs were all evenly distributed. The smart cast app and remote could be used to control the extremely powerful sub. Seriously, the first time I played, this system impressed me. Significantly superior to the NAKAMICHI 7.2 DTS-X system. The subs were buzzy with particular substance, and the nakamichi lacked significantly in the mid range. With the vizio, this has not been the case thus far.My Xbox One and the Dolby ATMOS have so far operated without any problems. Since it's difficult to convey atmosphere in words, I advise you to learn more about it on your own. The system's height speakers are VERY obvious and add a really unique touch. I cherish them.The drawbacks include the system's poor user-friendliness. It can be challenging to navigate the remote. The app makes everything simpler, but the sound bar's only display is a grid of confusing LED dots that are difficult to understand without the user manual. There isn't a reliable way to determine what format, such as atmos, dts, or DD, you are currently in. I don't think such characteristics are a deal-breaker. Later on, it might be upgraded to include an on-screen menu for vizio TVs.This sound bar doesn't support DTS-X. Nowhere in the user manual, package, or website is there a mention of support. I'm not sure who to believe, though, because the vizio account on Facebook said in response to a remark on one of the images of this system that the sound bar DOES support DTSX. With any luck, a firmware upgrade could enable DTSX support in the future.This review will be updated as I proceed. Five stars thus far!Edited on 12/2/2018: I've gone back and checked my Facebook conversations with the vizio team. They didn't actually confirm the use of DTS-X. Real DTS and DTS virtual X were mentioned. Additionally, I can confirm that it wouldn't play in DTS X on the system.Aside from that, the system's audio quality has remained great. The system has cut off abruptly a couple times in my experience. I'd have to manually switch it back on because of this. All of the prior settings are restored and everything returns to normal as soon as the system is turned on. I haven't spoken with vizio support yet because I'm waiting for a firmware upgrade or, whichever comes first, for the machine to shut down more frequently.1/10/19 UPDATE: The system is still working well when I use my Xbox One as the audio source. The technological problems I previously stated have persisted for me. They haven't increased in frequency or decreased. I estimate that I will encounter the problem 1 in every 15-20 times the system is powered on via the TV's CEC control. The picture may unexpectedly reappear and the sound may resume after the screen goes blank and the sound is cut. About twice now, the CEC communication between the TV and the system has failed, and both times I've had to unplug the bar and replug it in order for it to reconnect.The frequency of these problems prevents me from losing interest in the system. I keep being satisfied by the sound's variety of material. Overall, the system continues to play powerful and clear with only a few minor hitches. It is the most practical, reasonably priced, and stunning surround soundbar I have ever encountered.



Sony STR-DN1080 Surround Sound Receiver: 7.2 Channel Dolby Atmos Home Theater AV Receiver with Bluetooth and Wifi Review:


Please take note that the observations below are based on real-world testing. There are some differences in technical specifications between the product page and Sony's website because this is a new pre-release model. That is typical. If anything in the following needs explanation after the product becomes widely available in May 2017, it will be updated.This analysis is lengthy. It is designed for the buyer who is debating investing in a top-tier receiver for a home entertainment system. In the final paragraph, I tried to condense my opinions on whether it is worthwhile.When the STR-DN1050 originally debuted in 2014, I bought my first Sony receiver. The past three years are regarded as a millennium in the high-tech audio/video industry. Prior to that purchase, I had thought of Sony as being more of a general brand, while my own preferences were more closely aligned with those of the upper end audiophile brands (not that Sony isn't in that market; they are). However, with home entertainment systems increasingly focusing on both video and music reproduction, it made sense that Sony would be well-established in both industries and have a wealth of knowledge about both film and video.My overall pleasure with the DN1050 has been quite high in terms of watching multi-channel movies and listening to music on a daily basis; it offers good convenience features and a user-friendly interface that is above average. The amp occasionally shuts off to cool when operating at high volume for a few hours due to built-in thermal protection, which isn't ideal while we're watching a movie. But since my receiver is in an open cabinet with a shelf above it, which traps the heat, I'm primarily to fault. To assist direct the heat away from the device, I purchased a component fan exhaust accessory for my new 1080 receiver, the AC Infinity AIRCOM T8 Quiet Cooling Blower Fan System.Why do I make this a comparison to the STN-DN1050? Since it was the initial model in this series (the STN-DN1040 was sufficiently distinct to merit exclusion), a model-by-model comparison is in need. Some 1050 (and 1060



Logitech Z506 Surround Sound Home Theater Speaker System Review:


These little speakers surprised me in a good way. For my computer, I'm utilizing them as a 5.1 setup. When I adjusted the distance, level, and EQ on my soundcard software, they sounded wonderful even though they were fine right out of the box. To fine-tune the parameters, I utilized a Dolby Digital test CD and a sound level meter. The best method to use these speakers, in my opinion, is to use them in close proximity, which I do by keeping all speakers no more than 4 feet from me. The assertion that they may be utilized in a larger room is dubious in my opinion, unless you want them to sound overdriven or very little and distorted.The subwoofer and rear speakers are the only drawbacks that come to mind. The sound on the subwoofer first substantially decreases below 50 Hz before going out at about 35 Hz. This would be awful in a full-sized audio system, but since it only has a 5" driver and is housed in a ported box, the overall sound quality is respectable. The bass response shouldn't be an issue if all you're doing is playing computer games or viewing YouTube videos. I had to purchase a speaker pedestal for each speaker because the back speakers lack keyholes for wall mounting.



YAMAHA YHT-5950U 5.1-Channel Home Theater System with MusicCast Review:


Our living room's previous Sony system was replaced by this one. initial YHT-4930 buy, not too impressed. It's a new model, so I bought it. What a change in features and sound! The RX-V485 Receiver and PS-41 Speaker Set are part of the system. It was simple to set up and linked to our wifi without any problems. I really like how hundreds of radio stations, including SiriusXM, Pandora, and more, are streamed automatically. Using the eARC HDMI setup, my Samsung UHD TV, AppleTV, and Blue-Ray player were immediately discovered and configured. If you desire it, the improved sub-woofer from the 4930 truly pounds the bass. My Harmony One Ultimate remote is perfect for this model and I use it exclusively. Additionally, this system has music cast, which enables you to add wireless music cast speakers to other rooms or the exterior of your home and control everything using the Yamaha music cast app on your phone, tablet, home kit, or Alexa. Good results!Advice: When configuring your speakers, be sure to use the YPAO microphone that is included! Place it where you want to listen, then start the process. Your speakers will now be at the appropriate volume and distance. You can always adjust parameters after setup, thus this is a must.



RCA RTB10323LW 200 Watts Home Theater System with Blu-ray Player with Wireless Steaming Media Access and 6ft HDMI Cable (Renewed) Review:


The image quality is superb. Excellent audio and bass would be perfect for apartments. It is difficult to beat for the price. primarily a Blu-ray player was purchased.



Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074 Review:


About a year ago, I began researching surround sound systems online. Buying a surround sound system is something you may want to experience in a store (yes, I said the dreaded words, my hands are sweating a little typing this, a retail store among general population) to make sure you knew what you were getting, so I was always hesitant to buy an item like this from Amazon. genuinely hear what I was purchasing.I was dissatisfied after reading a ton of reviews on a variety of surround sound systems because I couldn't find a single one that didn't have some sort of negative feedback. You should be aware of one thing about reviews of electronics. Some of these reviews come from individuals who, like an elderly relative who contacts you for tech assistance because something isn't working, actually need a little correction and most of the time performed something incorrectly that caused the gadget to break.We recently became parents, so I needed to make sure I could afford the surround sound system as well as any accessories I thought we'd need, like speaker towers and even some extra wires to go behind the sofa for that authentic surround sound effect. My budget was $400.I took the plunge and bought this system from Amazon, and I was NOT disappointed in the least. Because I'm new to surround sound and a new parent, there were a few tiny snags along the way. Perhaps I was beginning to resemble the elderly grandparents I mentioned earlier in my review. But don't worry, everything is now operational. I presently have my PS4 and the most recent Roku connected to it, and I also sync my phone to it for flawless audio streaming. How well can you stream audio from your mobile devices with this bad boy? The audio from Dirty Heads began to roar out of the surround sound system down the hallway and around the corner as I walked (or ran) all the way to the bathroom one morning, having forgotten that my phone was synced to the receiver. I had decided I wanted to listen to it to lighten the mood in the bathroom. Yes, it truly is fantastic.The sound quality, volume, and bass are simply excellent, so if you're looking for a system to start with or replace your current system, I would highly recommend getting this one! Don't call me for technical support, please.



IR Repeater System - Hidden IR Control System for Home Theater Infrared Extender System Kit, Black Review:


Because I didn't want everything stacked up in full view, I have a method where all the parts are housed in a cabinet on the opposite side of a half wall. My issue is that since I watch TV on an Xbox One and all of my surround speaker cords run to one cabinet, moving everything around and maintaining surround sound would not be possible. If you've ever tried to use an Xbox to watch television, you know how difficult it is to use the portable controller because you have to use the gaming buttons to operate everything and because the controller will go into sleep mode after a period of inactivity. Therefore, you must wake up the controller and then navigate through a few menus if you simply want to switch stations quickly to see a sports score or something else. Xbox Smart Glass allows you to use your smartphone as a remote, but that is also problematic.Instead of having to work out an IR system with my current setup or spend $400 on an RF remote that would control everything, this little guy did the trick for a tenth of the price. I needed to operate the cable box independently since I wanted to stop watching TV through the Xbox and switch to a direct connection from the cable box. I installed the brainbox inside the cabinet, positioned the IR receiver outside beside my TV, routed the connection under the carpet to it, and connected the IR eyes to each component. After the installation is complete, all I had to do was plug in the electricity, and I was immediately operational.Regarding the IR device itself, the receiver measures around 1"x1"1.5" and has a lengthy chord attached—10 feet, I think. Although it has nothing to do with true IR function, there is a little blue LED indicator on the face that blinks in response to commands; if you didn't want to see the light, you could paint or tape over it. It already has some double-sided mounting tape on the back, but I wanted to connect mine from the top, so I had to add tape there. I believe the receiver's cone of reception is quite broad because it is capable of picking up remote signal even when there is no direct line of sight.Smaller than a deck of cards, the brainbox is also portable. It has mounting flanges, and I placed mine in the cabinet concealing the cable box. Although the power cable has a transformer, it is very small, so I was able to attach it to the surge protector without cramming the ports from other devices. There is a single IR receiver input and six IR transmitter outputs, however you can utilize multi-eye connections from each of those to control a total of 18 items. Do you actually have 18 gadgets? I don't. When I push a remote control button, the brain transfers the signal really quickly; I don't feel any lag in the action of the controlled equipment.The other eye is rolled up and twisty-tied out of the way. There are two double-eye emitter cords provided to control up to four devices, but I only needed to manage three. Remove the backing off the double-sided transparent tape that is attached to each of the tiny eyes, put it to the IR window of the object you are controlling, and that's it. The 10 foot length of these cords made it easy for me to reach all of my gadgets in the cabinet.Any AV cord will work as long as the tip is 3.5mm, however in my configuration I required a longer cord to link the TV to the cabinet, so I also bought a 30' extender cord to connect the IR receiver to the brainbox. You don't need a special cord; just use the cheapest audio headphone cord you can get. Although I'm not sure how long of a cord you should use, I've seen individuals use chords that were over 100 feet long in other reviews on this site. I don't have any delays or signal interference with my 30' cord, which works perfectly.One last thing: I've tried using the "spaceship" RF remote extender in the past (I've reviewed it too), but they didn't work very well, and buying more RF transmitters would have cost more than buying this IR device. I believe I could replace this gadget reasonably fast and simply if it breaks down in the future because they appear to be quite comparable devices regardless of brand or service provider. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with it, and for less than $30, I had no reason not to get it.


How much is a good home theater system?

There's no easy answer when it comes to how much you should spend on a home theater system. It all depends on your budget and what you're looking for in terms of features and performance. If you're just looking for a basic setup, you can probably get away with spending around $500. But if you want a more immersive experience with surround sound and top-of-the-line features, you could easily spend $5,000 or more. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how much you're willing to spend on a home theater system.

Is a home Theatre worth it?

A home theatre can provide an immersive experience that can rival even a commercial cinema. If you love movies, then a home theatre might be worth the investment. However, home theatres can be expensive to set up and maintain. You will need to factor in the cost of equipment, installation, and repairs when considering a home theatre.

Is Dolby or DTS better?

There are many different ways to judge whether Dolby or DTS is better. It depends on what you are looking for and what is important to you. Some people may prefer Dolby because it is more widely used and compatible with more devices. Others may prefer DTS because it offers better sound quality. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which is better for them.

Is it better to have surround sound or stereo?

There are a few things to consider when making the decision between stereo and surround sound. The first is the size of the room. If the room is small, then stereo might be the better option because it won’t overwhelm the space. The second is what kind of equipment you have. If you have a high-end stereo system, then it might be worth sticking with that. But if you’re starting from scratch, then surround sound might be the way to go. The third is what you’ll be using the system for. If you want to be able

Is Sonos as good as Bose?

There are a lot of ways to compare Sonos and Bose. Both are great brands that offer quality products. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice over the other. Sonos is typically seen as the more affordable option, while Bose is known for its superior sound quality. Sonos also offers a more user-friendly app and easier setup process. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and preferences.

Is stereo or 5.1 surround sound better?

stereo is better for music and 5.1 is better for movies