Although the television screen may be the primary focal point, it is the quality of sound which truly elevates a home theater experience. There are countless choices available for individuals seeking to purchase a home theater sound system, ranging from sophisticated AV receivers paired with multispeaker setups to the more streamlined yet still robust soundbars. Nevertheless, we will assist you in selecting the ideal choice.
Soundbars provide high performance despite being compact and cost less compared to speaker systems when it comes to installation. Some soundbars are even equipped with advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi streaming. Certain soundbars also have the option to upgrade with additional subwoofers and rear speakers, but if you prefer a fully customizable speaker setup, an AV receiver may be a better choice for you.
In contrast to soundbars, receivers provide a plethora of HDMI inputs to support diverse sources and come with many features in the box. You can begin with only two stereo speakers, and I recently did without surround sound speakers for nearly five years, yet did not perceive any inadequacy. Nevertheless, considering that you can purchase an entire 5.1.4 Klipsch system for less than $500, you need not wait any longer.
No matter which option you select, either soundbars or AV systems, you will find something here that can enhance your experience of home entertainment. These are the most outstanding home theater systems that you can currently purchase. We will continually revise this list as we assess new products.
The Roku Streambar home theater system is the ultimate choice for those seeking the best value for their money. With a dialogue-enhancing soundbar and a built-in 4K streamer, this speaker is a complete package. In addition, the system can be upgraded to include more bass or surround speakers, if desired. Get it in 2023!
Check out the review of Roku Streambar.
$130 on Roku’s website.
$130 on Amazon.
$137 on Walmart.
Check out our review of the Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System.
You can get it for $419 on Amazon and we’ll keep you posted with price alerts.
The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2s reviewed by Sarah Tew/CNET are the best stereo speakers priced under $500. At a cost of $279, they deliver exceptional performance for both movies and music playback, featuring a distinct level of clarity that is unmatched at this price point. While the Q Acoustic 3030is have a more balanced sound and superior bass response, they are priced at $550.
$279 on Amazon
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Vizio M512a
The Vizio M512a is an excellent Dolby Atmos soundbar system that offers the best value for money compared to other systems from the same company. Although the Vizio Elevate has rotating speakers, the M512a includes a subwoofer and rear-channel speakers, essentially making it a combination of a receiver-based system and a soundbar. This Dolby Atmos soundbar also features 4K Dolby Vision and delivers exceptional sound quality for both music and movies.
$372 on Amazon,$400 at Best Buy, and $379 on B&H Photo-Video.
Ty Pendlebury from CNET recommends the Onkyo TX-NR6100 as the ideal choice for an 8K receiver, even though there is currently very little 8K video content available. Although the Yamaha RX-V6a is the top pick for its impressive performance and striking appearance, it is currently back-ordered in most places. However, if you require an 8K receiver immediately, the TX-NR6100 is a great alternative, with a superior streaming platform featuring Chromecast built-in and user-friendly functionality.
$799 on Crutchfield, $600 on Best Buy, $799 on B&H Photo-Video.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sennheiser Ambeo
Best Soundbar Regardless of Cost
For those in pursuit of the top Dolby Atmos experience from a single soundbar, the Sennheiser Ambeo audio system is unparalleled. While it may not be affordable or compact, it’s the ultimate choice for exceptional sound quality.
Check out our review of the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar. It is available for $2,500 at Walmart, Crutchfield, and Best Buy.
For further audio recommendations, here are our top picks for the best AV receiver, speakers, and soundbar for 2023. Additionally, learn more about the Spatial Audio Format, Dolby Atmos.
