Best Home Theater Systems
- Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
- Audio and Visual Experience
- Versatile Entertainment Options
- Socializing and Bonding
- 1. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
- 2. Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V Home Theater Speaker System
- 3. Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater System
- 4. Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package
- 5. Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
- 6. Enclave Audio CineHome HD
- 7. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package
- 8. Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System
- 9. Damson S Series Wireless Home Theater System
- 10. Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System
- Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
Lights dimmed popcorn in hand, and the anticipation of an immersive cinematic journey. That’s the magic a home theater system can bring into your living room. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a music lover, or a gamer seeking the ultimate audio-visual experience, finding the perfect home theater system can be a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of home theater systems and reveal the best options available to transform your home into a private entertainment haven.
Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget; we have a few suggestions that won’t cost a fortune but still provide excellent sound. You can find a system that meets your needs among our selection of small, medium, and large living room home theater systems.
View our guide on acoustic treatment to help you work out the best placement for your home theater
Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
The Reference Theater Pack produces an unexpectedly loud sound for its size, and the subwoofer provides more than enough bass to match!
The Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System, which costs a little over $200 but excludes a receiver, is the least expensive home theater system we feature in this article. The Onkyo HT-S3900, which costs just under $250, is the most affordable receiver option.
Large and compact are the two options available here. The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack has the best sound quality for small rooms, while the Onkyo HT-S9700THX wins out for larger rooms. The cheaper, wireless Enclave Audio CineHome HD has a marginally better sound quality than this.
The Damson S Series easily prevails in terms of installation and setup simplicity. This is a fantastic option for small spaces, but the Enclave Audio CineHome HD is preferable for larger spaces. It’s also very simple to install, set up, and use. Both of these systems are wireless, which contributes to the fact that installation takes so little time.
What Is a Home Theater System?
Imagine having the atmosphere of a movie theater right in the comfort of your own home. A home theater system is a carefully curated setup of audio and video components that aims to replicate the thrilling experience of a cinema. It consists of a combination of speakers, a display or projector, an audio/video receiver, and various other accessories that work together to create a captivating and immersive audio-visual environment.
How Does a Home Theater System Work?
The heart of any home theater system is the audio/video receiver (AVR). This central component acts as a hub, connecting all your devices and managing the distribution of audio and video signals. The receiver receives signals from your media sources, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or streaming devices, and then amplifies and distributes them to the speakers and display.
To achieve a truly immersive experience, a surround sound setup is essential. This involves placing multiple speakers strategically around the room to create a three-dimensional audio environment. The most common surround sound configurations are 5.1 and 7.1, where the numbers refer to the number of speakers and subwoofers. These systems ensure that sound comes from different directions, adding depth and realism to your audio experience.
Where Can You Set Up a Home Theater System?
A home theater system can be installed in various areas of your home, depending on your available space and preferences. The most popular locations include the living room, dedicated home theater rooms, and even basements. It’s important to consider factors such as room size, acoustics, and furniture arrangement when selecting the ideal spot for your setup.
Dedicated home theater rooms offer the advantage of complete control over lighting and sound insulation, providing an optimal environment for cinematic experiences. On the other hand, if you prefer a more multipurpose space, the living room can be transformed into a home theater with clever design and speaker placement. No matter where you choose to set up your home theater system, the key is to create an immersive environment that enhances your entertainment experience.
Why Should You Invest in a Home Theater System?
Audio and Visual Experience
With a home theater system, you can enjoy breathtaking visuals and rich, detailed sound that surpasses what traditional TV speakers can deliver. The surround sound setup envelops you in a blanket of audio, ensuring every whisper, explosion, and musical note is crystal clear and immersive. Combine this with a large-screen display or projector, and you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Versatile Entertainment Options
A home theater system opens up a world of entertainment possibilities. From streaming your favourite movies and TV shows to playing video games with a heightened level of realism, the options are endless. Many systems also support wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet effortlessly.
Socializing and Bonding
Hosting movie nights, game tournaments, or even karaoke sessions with friends and family becomes an unforgettable experience with a home theater system. It creates an environment where everyone can come together, share laughter, and create lasting memories.
Our Selection of the Best Home Speaker Systems
1. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 110Hz – 23kHz (satellites) 38Hz – 120Hz (sub-woofer) |
| Sensitivity: | 91dB (satellites) 94dB (center) 108dB (sub-woofer) |
| Power Handling: | 50W / 200W peak (satellites) 75W / 300W peak (center) 50W / 150W peak (subwoofer) |
Klipsch is the brand for you if you’re a shopper who appreciates high quality. When it comes to home audio equipment, Klipsch is a market leader. They use high-quality components in their products, which sound fantastic and have excellent after-sales service and support.
The smallest home theater system Klipsch offers is the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack. Customers who wanted premium audio quality but had smaller TV rooms were the target market for the system.
Four identical satellite speakers (left, right, rear left & right), a center speaker, a subwoofer, and a 5.1 surround sound system make up the Reference Theater Pack. Standard speaker cable is used to connect the satellites and center speakers, while there are wireless or RCA connections available for the subwoofer, which I’ll go over in a moment.
The satellite speakers are just 3 lbs each and measure 7.75″ high by 4.38″ wide. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that this system is small! A 3.5″ low-frequency driver and a 3″ tweeter make up each satellite. At 8 ohms, each speaker has an output of 50W with a 200W peak. The center speaker has two 3.5″ drivers and a single 3/4″ tweeter that can produce 75W of power with a 200W peak at 8 ohms.
The center and satellite speakers can both be mounted or put on a shelf. Either a keyhole or a 1/4″ threaded insert can be used for mounting. While the center has two mounting points for both options, each satellite only has a single position for keyhole or threaded insert installation.
The subwoofer has a footprint that is about a foot square and provides a powerful low end. You can also connect using a standard RCA connection from your receiver or wirelessly using the included Klipsch transmitter. The 2.4GHz high-quality digital audio connectivity used by the transmitter is pre-programmed, making it ready for plug-and-play.
The subwoofer has an 8″ woofer that fires downward and a bass port. Bass ports are typically found on the back of subwoofers. To help amplify the bass frequencies, the speaker should be placed about 4 inches from the wall.
Similar to the up-firing, the down-firing utilizes Klipsch’s down-firing bass port and subwoofer for optimum performance. You can put the subwoofer anywhere you want thanks to wireless connectivity (obviously you still need power from an outlet).
Sound
The Reference Theater Pack has outstanding sound quality, as one would expect from Klipsch. The system is made from the same premium materials as the more expensive, larger Klipsch speakers, but it is smaller in size. As a result, any viewing experience is crystal clear and sonically thrilling thanks to excellent detail in the mids and highs. Particularly in small and medium-sized living rooms, the subwoofer is very effective.
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack will work well for all types of media, including movies, news, and even video games. The Reference Theater Pack produces an unexpectedly loud sound for its size, and the subwoofer provides more than enough bass to match.
You won’t have any trouble installing the Reference Theater Pack in medium to large rooms, despite the fact that this system is intended for medium-sized living areas. In fact, a budget home theater system twice the size will struggle to compete with the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack’s performance!
Connection
Only speakers are included in the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack. If you don’t already have a receiver and cables, you will need to buy them.
The Denon AVR-S530BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver comes highly recommended. With 140W per channel, this premium but reasonably priced receiver will effectively drive the four satellite speakers and the center speaker by dispensing just enough power to maximize the performance of this home theater system.
The receiver has 5 HDMI inputs that are capable of 4K Ultra HD. Additionally equipped with Bluetooth, the AVR-S530BT allows you to stream audio from your mobile devices.
As an alternative, ensure that your receiver generates at least 50W per channel at 8 ohms. Aim for a receiver that can handle between 100 and 200 W per channel at 8 ohms to get the most out of this system.
Klipsch advises using a speaker cable that is between 14 and 18 gauge to connect your speakers. Use the 18 for brief runs up to 30 feet, and the 14 for longer runs.
Conclusion
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is a great option if you’re looking for a small-scale home theater system. You can position the speaker in the ideal location without worrying about RCA cables thanks to the wireless subwoofer. Because of their extreme lightness, the speakers are simple to mount on almost any wall or surface.
Make sure to buy a high-quality receiver to match the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack’s power handling if you decide to buy it. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a premium system like this only to have subpar amplification. Follow the above advice and the user manual.
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack will perform best in small spaces, but it will also function properly in medium-sized and larger spaces. This home theater system produces excellent sound for TV, movies, games, and music.
What You Will Receive
- Included with the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack:
- 4 x Klipsch satellite speakers plus removable speaker grilles
- Klipsch center speaker plus removable speaker grilles
- Subwoofer
- Wireless transmitter for subwoofer
- Power cable for subwoofer
2. Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V Home Theater Speaker System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | Unspecified |
| Sensitivity: | Unspecified |
| Power Handling: | 270W (system total) |
One of the more well-known home theater systems from Bose, another reputable consumer audio company, is the Acoustimass Series. The “larger” Acoustimass Series 6 is the Bose Acoustimass Series 10 V. Larger is a relative term because the Series 10 system is still regarded as ultra-compact despite the Series 10 speakers being twice as big as the Series 6 speakers.
The Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V is a 5.1 home theater speaker system that includes a large powered Acoustimass module/subwoofer and 4 Series II cube satellite speakers as well as a center speaker.
As a processor between the receiver and speakers, the Acoustimass module is used. The Acoustimass module, which the receiver connects to, then disperses the audio to each speaker. To get the most from each speaker, the Acoustimass module makes sure the proper audio signal and processing are delivered.
The satellite or Series II cube speakers are only 2.2 lbs in weight and measure 7.4′′ high by 3.2′′ wide. The center speaker has the same width and height as the cubes but is exactly the same size and weight.
Each of the Series II cube’s and center’s dual 2.5″ Twiddler™ speakers. Given the relatively limited information available, I can only assume that this is a unique full-range driver that Bose created specifically for this home theater system.
Although none of the five speakers’ power handling capabilities are specified by Bose, it is advised that the system be powered by a receiver or amplifier that has 10-200W per channel at 4-8 ohms. It’s crucial to remember that the speakers can only be connected to a receiver or amplifier via the Acoustimass module, not the other way around. For these connections, there are all the necessary cables, which are all clearly labeled.
It is possible to mount or place the Series II cubes and center speakers. The mounting brackets for the Bose UB-20 Series II are available separately.
The Acoustimass module, which has two 5.25′′ downward-facing drivers, also serves as the subwoofer. Beware, this 35 lb. monster of a module is heavy! The housing for a subwoofer, subwoofer amplifier, and speaker processing module accounts for the additional weight.
Sound
The Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V produces a sound that is exceptionally clear and detailed. The Series II cubes are excellent at providing clear intelligibility, which enhances the enjoyment of watching movies or even television. The subwoofer produces more than enough bass, which enhances the enjoyment of movies, video games, and music.
Although the Acoustimass 10 Series V is a compact system and will therefore perform best in smaller spaces, you will still enjoy excellent audio in larger living areas.
Connection
The Acoustimass 10 Series V is an amplifier-free speaker-only system that only uses the Acoustimass as a processor. If you don’t already have a receiver and cables, you will need to buy them.
The Sony STR-DH590 5.2 Receiver is something we advise. The STR-DH590 produces 145W per channel with 4K HDR picture quality and has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. Additionally, Bluetooth devices can be paired with the receiver.
As an alternative, ensure that your receiver generates at least 10W per channel at 8 ohms. Aim for a receiver that can handle between 100W and 200W per channel at 8 ohms to get the most out of this system.
The system includes all of the necessary cablings for the Acoustimass 10 Series V, including the cable that connects the receiver to the Acoustimass module.
Conclusion
The Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V home theater system is excellent, but it does have a significant drawback. how many cables there are. You will have cables running from the receiver to the module and then to each speaker with this home theater system. Of course, these cables can be hidden, but it’s still important to remember.
Why Bose didn’t simply add an amplifier to the Acoustimass module, which could have been connected to your TV with a single HDMI or optical cable, is a mystery to me. Even though this is a problem, I don’t believe it should deter you from buying the Acoustimass home theater system. Because of their small size and excellent sound quality, your speakers don’t take up much space.
The Acoustimass 10 Series V is excellent for music, movies, games, and general TV.
What You Will Receive
- 4 x Bose Series II cube speakers
- Center speaker
- Acoustimass 10 Series module/subwoofer + power cable
- System input cable – 20 ft (receiver to Acoustimass module)
- 2 x rear speaker cables – 50 ft
- 3 x front speaker cables – 20 ft
- Rubber feet for the front center speaker
3. Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 6 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 50Hz–25kHz (satellites) 70Hz–25kHz (center) 30Hz–200Hz (sub-woofer) |
| Sensitivity: | 83dB (satellites) 84dB (center) |
| Power Handling: | 30W / 100W peak (satellites) 30W / 100W peak (center) 50W / 100W peak (sub-woofer) |
It’s called a home theater system in a box when referring to the Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel. Therefore, you essentially have everything you require, including speakers and a receiver. You can spend a little more money to get the YHT-4930UBL with cables.
The advantage of buying a home theater system in a box, especially from a company like Yamaha, is that you can choose the receiver that will work best with your speakers without having to do any research. To maximize the performance of your home theater system and produce the best sound, Yamaha paired a Yamaha receiver with Yamaha speakers that were calibrated for each other. This YHT-4930UBL home theater system might be ideal for you if you consider yourself to be “technically challenged.”
The lightweight Yamaha NS-B40 satellite speakers are small and portable, measuring just 6⅞” high by 4⅜” wide. The center speaker, a Yamaha NS-C40, is only 4⅜” tall, 10⅞” wide, and 1.61 lbs heavier than the satellites. The NS-B40 and NS-C40 both have 2¾” drivers with a nominal power output of 30W and a peak output of 100W at 6 ohms. The speakers can either be mounted or placed. There are screw mounts on the back of each speaker, so no additional brackets are needed.
The system includes a powered subwoofer with a 6½” driver that can produce up to 100W of power. The subwoofer has a single RCA input and a rotary fader for volume control, making it simple to install and use. The user manual includes additional instructions on how to achieve your desired bass sound.
Sound
The Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer is included with the 5.1-Channel Yamaha YHT-4930UBL home theater system (YPAO). When everything is ready and the speakers are where you want them, you put the YPAO in the middle of the space, and it will automatically calibrate your system. To ensure that your speakers produce the best audio quality possible, the YPAO will configure all the delays and processing inside the YHT-4930UBL.
The YPAO calibration produced an exceptional result. The system sounds tighter and more clear simply because all the speakers are in sync with one another. The satellites and center speakers produce crystal-clear vocal clarity with good midrange and high-range intelligibility. With sufficient weight and power in the low frequencies, the subwoofer is clearly defined.
Although this system sounds fantastic, larger rooms might feel a little bit underpowered. In small to medium-sized living spaces, the YHT-4930UBL home theater system will operate at its best.
Connection
As was mentioned in the introduction, this system includes the Yamaha YHT-4930UBL, which eliminates the need to guess which receiver will work best. With many HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, the YHT-4930UBL offers 4K Ultra HD picture quality.
The receiver has numerous audio inputs and outputs, but its 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output are its most significant features. Additionally, there are Bluetooth, coaxial, and optical inputs, and 1 digital and 2 analog AV inputs. Additionally, there is an integrated AM/FM tuner with antenna connections on the back.
Each of the five Yamaha speakers has a 100W @ 8-ohm speaker output, and the subwoofer has an RCA pre-out.
A remote control is included with the YHT-4930UBL to control the setup and make all the standard home theater adjustments.
Conclusion
The YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel home theater system is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality system that’s simple to set up. Remember that this is a small system and may not be adequate for spaces with a lot of people living in them.
Yamaha’s YPAO system calibration, which ensures your home theater system is configured properly, is one of the most impressive features. This complete home theater package includes a feature that is typically only found in high-end systems and adds a significant amount of value.
What You Will Receive
- 4 x satellite speakers (NS-B40)
- Center speaker (NS-C40)
- Powered subwoofer (NS-SW40)
- YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel receiver
- Remote control with 2 x AAA batteries
- YPAO system calibration
- AM and FM antennas
4. Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 7 x full-range 7.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 50Hz–45kHz (satellites) 20Hz–100Hz (sub-woofer) |
| Sensitivity: | 81dB (satellites) 83dB (center) |
| Power Handling: | 130W peak (satellites) 130W peak (center) 125W peak (sub-woofer) |
The Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package offers big sound and value if 5.1 doesn’t meet your surround sound needs. There are a total of seven Onkyo speakers in the system: one subwoofer, front left/right, center, rear surround left/right, and middle surround left/right. The Onkyo HT-S9700THX receiver is also included. This home theater system’s speakers are fairly large and are best suited for rooms with a medium to large living space.
You have two Onkyo SKF-980 speakers for the front left and right, each with two 5″ drivers and a 1″ tweeter. The SKF-980 are by no means thought of as compact, measuring 6.25 inches wide by 17 inches high, and weighing 11.7 pounds each. The center speaker is horizontally long rather than tall, but it is the same weight and size. 130W can be generated by the left/right and center simultaneously.
The Onkyo SKR-980 and SKB-980 are used as the middle and rear surrounds. Both speakers are identical and each has a single 5.13″ driver and a 1″ tweeter. The surround speakers can produce an impressive 130W, just like the front speakers. The front speakers are slightly larger than the surrounds, measuring 10.81″ and weighing 7.7 lbs.
The response of the front and surround speakers range from 50Hz to 45kHz.
The 12″ powered subwoofer, which produces a powerful 125W, is the most impressive of the bunch. Its height is 17 inches, the same as the front left and right speakers, and it weighs 34.2 pounds. No matter the size of the room, this subwoofer will cause the floor to shake!
Sound
With the Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package, you’ll undoubtedly get some serious volume. The front speakers are more potent than the majority of small home theater systems on their own. The system produces a respectable amount of bass even without the subwoofer. With the Onkyo system, you can hear and feel the bass, whereas most subwoofers only provide a respectable amount of bass.
The front speakers’ audio quality, especially in terms of clarity and detail, is very impressive. Having both middle and rear surround when watching movies and TV in 7.1 surround sound gives you an engaging cinematic experience. Whatever you are watching will completely engross you.
From watching the news to playing games, the Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package is fantastic. Because the system can articulate both regular commentary and all sound effects microphones, watching sports is especially exciting.
Connection
With a total of 7 HDMI inputs (6 rear, 1 front), the Onkyo HT-S9700THX is an impressive receiver. It also has 2 HDMI outputs. Additionally, there are a number of analog RCA inputs with digital coaxial and optical inputs. Additionally included are component video input and output. The rear of the HT-S9700THX houses antenna inputs for the built-in AM/FM tuner.
The HT amplifier S9700THX has a 95W output at 8 ohms for each of the seven speakers. Two more channels are available for a second zone or room. Therefore, you have two additional channels available if you wanted to run speakers into your bar or outside onto a patio. The RCA zone 2 output can also be used to connect audio to an additional receiver or sound system.
Both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity are available on the HT-S9700THX. You can stream your preferred internet radio stations like SiriusXM, Pandora, and Spotify using WiFi.
The system comes with a 22 gauge speaker cable, but you might want to spend money on additional cables because the ones that come with the system might not be long enough for some medium-sized and larger rooms. When using this system, I would advise using 18 or 16-gauge cables for longer cable runs.
Conclusion
A 7.1 home theater system is unquestionably the best option if your living space is large. Large, potent speakers that produce a lot of sound with excellent clarity are included in the Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package. The 12″ subwoofer is a true beast that amplifies the excitement of any video.
The Onkyo HT-S9700THX package will be especially thrilling for gamers. The surround sound system will make playing games with lots of effects a truly engaging experience.
The Onkyo HT-S9700THX 7.1-Channel Home Theater Package will make your viewing of general TV, music, and, most importantly, movies much more pleasurable.
What You Will Receive
- 2 x front left/right speakers (Onkyo SKF-980)
- 1 x center speaker (Onkyo SKC-980) + rubber feet
- 4 x surrounds (Onkyo SKR-980/SKB-980)
- 1 x powered subwoofer (Onkyo SKW-98) plus power cable & RCA single cable
- 7 x lengths of speaker cable
- 1 x Onkyo HT-S9700THX receiver
- Remote control with batteries
- AM & FM antennas
5. Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | N/A |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 35Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity: | 110dB |
| Power Handling: | 500W RMS total with a 100W peak 67W (satellites) 165W (sub-woofer) |
Logitech is regarded as one of the industry leaders in PC audio. The Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System connects ultra-compact home theater systems and personal computers. This 5.1 system has a central speaker, a subwoofer, and four identical satellite speakers.
The satellite speakers are only 2 lbs. in weight and stand 6.5″ tall. The center speaker weighs the same as the satellites and is only 3.9″ tall. The center speaker is essentially a horizontal rendition of the satellites. A 3″ full-range driver producing 67W RMS is used in each of the five speakers. These speakers are incredibly small, making it simple to install them in a small living space or, as is best, on the desk next to your computer.
The powered 8″ subwoofer completes the low end of this home theater system with an impressive 165W of power. Considering how tiny the satellites are, you definitely need the extra bass.
The four satellite speakers and the center speaker are powered by the subwoofer, which also serves as a receiver with an audio input panel and an amplifier with speaker output terminals. There is a stereo RCA input, two optical inputs, and one coaxial input. There is also a 3-channel PC input that uses a cable provided by Logitech because the system is designed to work with PCs.
The subwoofer is connected to a different controller (receiver/processor) by a DB-15-pin cable. Given that the subwoofer is on the ground and that you need to control items on your desk or in front of the TV, this makes sense. The controller can be adjusted from the couch thanks to the remote.
The controller is simple to use, but it also gives you access to and control over some sophisticated features of the home theater setup. Each speaker’s volume can be independently chosen and changed. Depending on what you’re playing or watching on the TV or PC, you can also switch from 2.1 to 4.1 or full 5.1 surround sound.
Although the receiver lacks Bluetooth, you can still play music from a phone or MP3 player by plugging it into the AUX input on the side of the controller.
There are five pieces of 18-gauge speaker cable included with the system. Three 15-foot lengths for the left/right and center speakers, and two 25-foot lengths for the rear surrounds. Make sure to get an 18-gauge cable if you need additional cabling for your surrounds because anything thicker won’t fit in the terminals.
Sound
The Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System is surprisingly loud and potent considering its small size. The satellite speakers perform well in the mids and lower treble, but because they don’t have dedicated tweeters, they fall short in the highs. As a result, the vocals sound a little flat. However, clarity is still present.
The sound might get a little lost if this system were installed in a medium to large room. The Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System works best on your office PC or in compact spaces.
Conclusion
For the use it was intended for, the Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System delivers excellent results. a home theater system for your personal computer at home. The Z906 will work well in a small living room apartment as well. Beyond that size, you might find yourself straining the speakers to their maximum capacity.
Having said that, the Logitech Z906 is a powerful surround sound system with a loudspeaker volume. Your neighbors will definitely hear your system if you live in an apartment! The Z906 will take your listening experience to a new level if you like playing video games or watching movies.
What You Will Receive
- 4 x Satellite speakers
- Center speaker
- Subwoofer
- Controller
- Remote control plus 3 x AAA batteries
- 5 x Lengths of standard 18-gauge speaker wire
- 6-channel direct input cable for PC
6. Enclave Audio CineHome HD
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | N/A – all speakers are powered |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | Unspecified |
| Sensitivity: | Unspecified |
| Power Handling: | Unspecified |
The Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 home theater system is ideal for those who detest cables. This (almost) fully wireless home theater system uses dynamic frequency switching in the 5.2-5.8GHz band to connect each speaker. The system can deliver high-quality, uncompressed, crystal-clear audio by operating within this range when combined with advanced wireless technology from Enclave Audio.
There are two left/right speakers, one center, two surround speakers, and one subwoofer in the CineHome HD 5.1 system. By serving as both the center speaker and receiver, you can use less equipment and keep your TV space cleaner. All of the other speakers wirelessly connect to the center speaker to receive their audio signal. Since each speaker has a built-in amplifier, you must plug each speaker into a socket. As a result, almost the entire system is wireless.
Enclave Audio offers a few specifications for the CineHome HD, so I’ll do the best I can with the information I have to describe the system. A single 3/4″ tweeter and dual 3.1″ drivers with a frequency response of 100Hz–20kHz are used in each of the left and right speakers. Each speaker has a height of 12.4″. Similar specifications apply to the center speaker, but it is only 5″ high and 12.4″ wide. Although the speakers’ power output is not stated, these front speakers produce a lot of power. So there are no volume issues in medium-sized or even larger living spaces.
All of the inputs and processing are located in the center speaker. There is one HDMI output and three HDMI inputs. A 1/8 inch AUX input, digital optical input, and Bluetooth are additional audio inputs. The rear input panel is conveniently connected and has a clean layout. The remote control or the control panel on top of the center speaker can be used to control the system. It’s convenient that the button layouts on the center console and remote are identical, making it easy to locate the correct control.
Dual 2″ full-range drivers in a bipole configuration are used in the rear surrounds. The speaker drivers are positioned and activated on opposite sides of the speaker cabinet in a bipole configuration. This is excellent for home theater systems’ rear speakers because it makes the sound seem to come from 180 degrees behind you rather than just one speaker.
The 8″ subwoofer, which is the last component of the CineHome HD 5.1 system and stands 17.4″ high, produces sub-frequencies between 28Hz and 100Hz.
Sound
The WiSA standard was taken into consideration during the design and production of the Enclave Audio CineHome HD. WiSA sends out a wireless digital signal in 24 bits at 48 kHz/96 kHz. This is explained by the fact that a CD only generates 16 bits at 44.1kHz. Additionally, WiSA products have virtually no latency (CineHome HD latency is 5ms, one-tenth Bluetooth latency), so lip-sync problems are not an issue.
The CineHome HD is able to compete with many high-end wired home theater systems in the same price range thanks to its exceptional sound quality. When watching TV and movies with a lot of dialogs, the CineHome HD produces exceptional vocal clarity and intelligibility. The subwoofer delivers a reliable bass frequency response that is crisp and well-defined. fantastic for movies, music, and games.
Conclusion
The Enclave Audio CineHome HD is the way to go if you want a wireless system that is simple to set up and install, is inexpensive and has good sound quality. Installing the CineHome HD in larger living spaces shouldn’t be a problem because the system produces a lot of sounds that are clearly audible.
There aren’t many wired or wireless systems that can compete with the CineHome HD for less than $1,000. The system excels in terms of audio quality, set up, and uses simplicity, and most importantly, fewer cables and pieces of equipment.
All applications, including general TV, movies, gaming, and music, will work well with the CineHome HD.
What You Will Receive
- Smart center speaker/receiver
- 2 x Front speakers (left/right)
- 2 x Rear surrounds (left/right)
- Subwoofer
- 6 x AC power supplies with cords for all speakers
- HDMI cable
- Remote control
7. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 6 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 28Hz – 20kHz system total |
| Sensitivity: | 83dB |
| Power Handling: | 50W peak (satellites) 100W peak (sub-woofer) |
The junior version of the Onkyo HT-S9700THX we also feature in this article is the Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package. Five satellite speakers and a subwoofer are included with the HT-S3900. The system is a low-cost home theater setup in a box that costs less than $300 and comes with everything you need. Even though this is a low-cost home theater system, you can be sure that it is high-quality because Onkyo is a reputable brand.
Each 3″ full-range driver in the front left/right, center, and surround speakers can generate 50W of power. The center speaker weighs 1.5 lbs, while the left and right speakers each weigh 1.3 lbs, making these speakers simple to mount or place anywhere. You will need to install a small floating shelf or stand to mount these speakers because there are no mounting points.
The subwoofer, like the satellite speakers, is passive and receives signal and power from the receiver’s speaker outputs. The 6.4″ subwoofer has a height of 16.5″ and a power output of 100W.
Sound
Although the Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package sounds fantastic, it lacks a little intelligibility. The system also produces crisp vocals with good midrange sound quality. A nice, round bass response from the subwoofer is enough for movies and video games.
This home theater system is excellent for small rooms but lacks the power for larger rooms. The performance of the Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package is good for watching movies, regular TV, and even playing video games. Definitely superior in terms of sound to most soundbars.
It doesn’t have the same power or sound quality as the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack or the Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V for a compact home theater system, but it costs only a quarter as much!
Connection
The HT-S3900 is one of Onkyo’s more affordable receivers, but it performs better than many rivals in the same price range. The HT-value S3900 is increased by the receiver’s compatibility with the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Each HDMI input and output on the HT-S3900 is clearly labeled for quick setup and use. An RCA audio input and two analog RCA video inputs are also provided. Digital inputs via coaxial and optical are also provided. The rear input panel also houses the AM and FM antenna inputs.
There is no guesswork involved in deciding which speaker output to connect because the speaker outputs are clearly labeled with colored wires. The package comes with every cable needed for each speaker.
Conclusion
The Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package is a great option if you’re looking for a cheap home theater system that is small and still produces good sound. I’d always go with this system if I had to choose between a soundbar and a small home theater system. True surround sound is an advantage, and the audio quality is better.
What You Will Receive
- Onkyo HT-S3900 receiver
- 4 x Satellite speakers
- Center speaker
- Subwoofer
- Remote control
- 2 x AAA size
- AM loop antenna
- FM wire antenna
- 4 x 10ft Speaker cables
- 2 x 26ft Speaker cables
- 20 x Non-skid pads (rubber feet for speakers)
8. Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | Unspecified |
| Sensitivity: | 89dB |
| Power Handling: | 20/100W peak (satellites) 100W peak (subwoofer) |
Polk Audio is renowned for creating high-end consumer audio products at reasonable prices. The Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System consists of a powered subwoofer, a center speaker, and four satellite speakers. There are two ways to connect to the RM705 home theater system.
Option 1 has no receiver needed because the subwoofer has a speaker output and an analog RCA input for the four satellite and center speakers.
Option 2 allows you to use the sub out to drive the subwoofer and a receiver of your choosing to drive the speakers.
Each of the four satellite speakers and the center speaker has dual 2.5″ drivers and a 1/2″ tweeter that can produce a peak power of 100W. The satellites are simple to mount or place because they are only 3 lbs. and 6.1″ tall. Each of the five speakers’ mounting brackets are included with the system.
The powered subwoofer has an 8″ downward-firing driver and can output 100W at its peak. As previously mentioned, each speaker has speaker outputs on the subwoofer, which eliminates the need for a receiver. The subwoofer can be customized to your needs using the volume control and low pass filter.
Sound
I mentioned the two ways you can connect your RM705 5.1 system in the introduction. Even though option 1 is practical and affordable, you should opt for a high-quality receiver to get better audio and true surround sound. You won’t get the benefit of surround sound with option 1. The same audio will be played on all speakers at the same volume. no extraneous effects
Satellite speakers that are connected directly to the subwoofer produce a slightly muddy and unclear sound. As previously mentioned, you also lose the surround sound effect, so using your TV speakers for watching movies or playing video games produces the same audio quality. Just louder, the sound.
The satellites become much clearer and easier to understand when connected to a high-quality receiver. Although the quality is good, it falls short of that of other compact systems from companies like Klipsch or Bose that are featured in this article. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package cannot match its power.
The subwoofer produces good bass, but it lacks Onkyo’s clarity. You still have plenty of headroom to work with and enough bass.
Connection
We suggest the Onkyo TX-SR373 if you decide to use a receiver to power the four satellites and center speaker. This high-end Onkyo receiver has two subwoofer pre-outs and five speaker outputs. The amplifier produces 80W at 8 ohms per channel. Perfect for the center speaker and satellites in the RM705. The TX-SR373 is a Bluetooth receiver with a number of additional digital and analog inputs in addition to 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.
Conclusion
All uses of the Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System, including general TV, movies, and gaming, are excellent. If you decide to buy this system, avoid powering the satellite speakers from the subwoofer. You won’t be happy with the sound quality, and since you won’t have surround sound, you might as well buy a soundbar. Choose a high-quality receiver and connect the subwoofer to the pre-sub output instead, like the reasonably priced Onkyo TX-SR373 that we’ve recommended above.
What You Will Receive
- 4 x RM7 satellite speakers
- 1 x RM7 center channel speaker
- 1 x RM7 subwoofer
- 5 x Wall mounting brackets
- 1 x Center channel cradle
9. Damson S Series Wireless Home Theater System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | N/A |
| Number of Speakers: | 3 x full-range 3.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | Unspecified |
| Sensitivity: | Unspecified |
| Power Handling: | 135W system total |
An initial crowdfunding campaign for the Damson S Series Wireless Home Theater System with Dolby Atmos led to the successful launch of the finished product. The end result is a modern, wireless home theater system that is incredibly small. A soundbar, two fully wireless satellite speakers, and a subwoofer make up the entire setup. Only the soundbar and subwoofer need electricity from a plug to operate.
One of the smallest soundbars on the market provides the left/right/center. The soundbar is a few inches longer than the average adult male’s hand, though Damson doesn’t provide exact measurements. To deliver a complete 3D sound experience, including sound from above, the soundbar is paired with a Dolby Atmos speaker that fits neatly over the soundbar!
The two satellite speakers (S-Cube) have an integrated 8-hour rechargeable battery and are entirely wireless. The rear speakers will therefore have no cables at all. The S-Cube is so small that it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Due to their small size and lack of cables, satellites can be stored when not in use. Since these speakers cannot be mounted, a stand or small floating shelf is required.
The S-Cube can be used as a Bluetooth speaker on its own or as a rear surround speaker for a home theater system. The S-Cube is a versatile speaker that can do more than just enhance your home theater system with effects thanks to its 1/8-inch AUX input.
With two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, and a 1/8-inch AUX input, the subwoofer serves as both the subwoofer and the receiver. an installation that is simple and uncomplicated. The system includes a wireless remote control with no IR. This makes it simpler to operate the system from anywhere in the room because you don’t need line-of-sight to change settings.
Sound
The Damson S Series is surprisingly loud for a system this size. The total system output is 135W, which is roughly three times the output of the typical soundbar. The front soundbar produces an astonishingly clear sound of the highest caliber. The rear surrounds sound good on their own and work well for effects in a cube Bluetooth speaker. Cool overhead sound effects provided by the Dolby Atmos speaker further enhance the immersive experience when watching movies that support this format.
The subwoofer is the only drawback to this system. While the design is attractive, the device lacks the power and bass response you need when watching movies or playing video games. The subwoofer’s bass performance is superior to that of a soundbar, but it is not sufficient to rival a “typical” home theater subwoofer. I believe Damson may be able to correct this in due time because they are constantly working to improve their systems.
The Damson S Series sounds excellent in small living spaces (with a little less bass, of course), but in larger rooms, the bass is completely lost and the Dolby Atmos effects are less potent.
Conclusion
The Damson S Series Wireless Home Theater System is undoubtedly one to consider if you enjoy the newest gadgets or technology. The modern minimalist design will complement the majority of contemporary interior design trends, especially in a chic bachelor pad or apartment.
Although the system does lack some bass, you will still have enough bass in a small living space for whatever you are watching to sound exciting. You’ll enjoy a fantastic 360°, 3D listening experience when combined with Dolby Atmos and surrounds.
The ability to expand your system to a larger surround sound setup with up to 16 speakers is another fantastic benefit of the Damson S Series.
What You Will Receive
- Damson soundbar plus power cable
- Dolby Atmos speaker
- 2 x S-Cube surround speakers plus charging cables
- Subwoofer/input module plus power cable
- Remote control
- 2 x AAA batteries
10. Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System
Specs & Features
| Nominal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Number of Speakers: | 5 x full-range 5.1 + 1 x sub-woofer |
| Frequency Response: | 110Hz – 20kHz (satellites) 40Hz – 150Hz (sub-woofer) |
| Sensitivity: | 88dB |
| Power Handling: | 20/100W satellites 200W sub-woofer (powered) |
The Monoprice 5.1 home theater system is neat, small, and reasonably priced. It has a simple design but surprisingly good audio quality. The system consists of a powered subwoofer, a center speaker, and four identical satellite speakers. Since its release five years ago, the Monoprice 10565 5.1 system has enjoyed strong sales for a small home theater system that costs just a little bit more than $200.
The satellite speakers have a 3″ driver and a 3/4″ tweeter that can produce up to 100W of power at an impedance of 8 ohms. Each speaker weighs just 2.9 lbs and stands 6.9″ tall. You will need to buy a speaker stand or place it on a TV cabinet because the satellites cannot be mounted.
The 3″ driver and 3/4″ tweeter in the center speaker is identical. The speaker weighs 3 pounds and is 4.3″ high and 10.2″ wide. The center speaker can produce up to 100W at 8 ohms, just like the satellites.
An impressive 200W is produced by the powered subwoofer. The subwoofer has an 8″ driver that fires downward and a large bass port on the front for clearer bass.
Sound
The Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System has an excellent sound quality for its cost. The mids and highs are well-balanced, and the satellite and center speakers deliver excellent comprehension. The 200W subwoofer produces a powerful bass sound that is distinct and clear. Additionally, the system is surprisingly loud and has no trouble filling small to medium-sized living spaces.
Connection
Since the receiver for this system is missing, we suggest the Yamaha RX-V485BL 5.1 Channel Receiver. The RX-V485BL supports 4K Ultra HD and has 1 HDMI output in addition to 4 HDMI inputs. Additional analog and digital inputs, such as Bluetooth and WiFi, are available. The RX-amplifier V485BL provides 80W of power at 8 ohms, which is ideal for the 100W speakers from Monoprice.
Alternately, you’ll need a receiver that can output 20 to 100 watts at 8 ohms. Aim for a receiver with 80W to 100W at 8-ohm speaker outputs to get the most out of your Monoprice.
For the Monoprice speakers, a 16 gauge speaker cable is advised for the best results.
Conclusion
When purchasing a home theater system on a budget from an unknown brand, you frequently anticipate a subpar audio experience. The Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System offers excellent sound at a reasonable cost. Although the audio quality is by no means exceptional, there aren’t many issues. There are no obvious audio flaws, so the sound quality is good.
What You Will Receive
- 4 x Satellite speaker
- Center speaker
- Powered subwoofer with power cable
Conclusion
Creating a captivating home theater experience is within your reach, thanks to the technological marvels of modern home theater systems. Whether you crave the bone-rattling bass of explosive action scenes or the delicate nuances of a heartfelt melody, the best home theater systems transport you to a realm where entertainment knows no bounds. Embark on your journey today, and immerse yourself in a world of audiovisual bliss like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
The Reference Theater Pack produces an unexpectedly loud sound for its size, and the subwoofer provides more than enough bass to match!
