Table of Contents
Best Surround Sound Systems
Speaker Images | Speakers | Features | Rating | Price |
 | Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro |
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 | Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V |
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 | Logitech Z906 |
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 | Yamaha YAS-207BL |
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 | Acoustic Audio AA5170 |
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 | Logitech Z606 |
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 | Acoustic Audio AA5400 |
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 | Edifier R1850DB |
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 | LG SPK8-S |
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 | Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System |
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1. Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro.
This powerful speaker package comes in a minimalist design with a bit of flair in white, gray, and black with an angled soundbar.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro is a 7.1 channel system that has True 360-degree Dolby Atmos technology built-in. This system is going to make your living room sound like a fully-equipped theater experience.
Spatial Surround Elevation Technology gives the Shockwafe Pro three high-end audio processing engines that work together to enhance the audio, unlike any system before it.
Along with the advanced technology inside, you get two 2-way rear speakers that add an extra element to the surround sounds quality. You also get a powerful 8-inch subwoofer with a down-firing position for full bass effects.
You will be able to hook the Shockwafe Pro up to just about anything, as it has HDMI ARC, HDMI, optical, and coaxial inputs.
These four speakers make up the best surround sound option on the market in our opinion.
PROS
- Build quality is amazing
- Imaging from left to right is good
- Excellent connectivity options
- Easy installation
- Good wireless connection between main bar and subs
CONS
- Occasionally, the sound cuts out when changing the volume or channel
- Keys are very small
2. Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V.
Bose is known for its high-quality audio systems, and the Acoustimass 10 not only sounds good, but it will also look great in any living room with a glossy black finish.
This powerful 5.1 channel sound system comes with the best quality speakers Bose has ever put in one of their systems. They have a redesigned version of the Direct/Reflecting Series II speakers that have to be heard to really appreciate them.
As Bose is known for small systems that produce huge sound, this system is certainly no different. The speakers measure 3.3 x 3.3 x 7.5-inches and weigh a minuscule 2.2-pounds. This tiny system is going to impress the moment it is turned on.
With all the connections you need and a 20-foot input cable included, the Acoustimass 10 is going to install easily and quickly.
PROS
- Great sound, especially for movies
- Deep bass
- Sharp treble
- Compact design
- Wall mounting gives professional look
CONS
- Wiring is messy
- Lacks warmth
3. Logitech Z906.
Logitech has become a very well known electronics brand in the last decade, at its aesthetic designs always have a common look with the typical black color scheme.
The Z906 from Logitech is a 5.1 channel digital sound system that is capable of both Dolby Digital and DTS audio technology. With a peak of 1000 Watts and the capability to produce a consistent 500 Watts of power, this system will blow you away. The Dolby Digital surround sound system gives you crystal clear audio and it’s one of the best home theater systems on the market.
The speakers of this system are THX certified and produce gorgeous sound quality despite being extra small. With several dedicated speakers it makes for a perfect music system and the Dolby Atmos system makes it amazing for films.
A subwoofer with a 3-inch driver and front-firing port is going to ensure that you are going to not only hear your audio, but you are also going to feel it too.
PROS
- Easy to set up
- Sound quality is amazing
- Uses regular speaker wire, so you can control the length and gauge
- Volume control is nice
CONS
- The remote’s battery door is prone to falling off
- Flimsy wiring
4. Yamaha YAS-207BL.
The Yamaha YAS-207BL comes in a very minimalist style design with a slim soundbar and subwoofer in black with gray accents.
This is the first soundbar system that has DTS technology inside, which changes the game entirely. The X Virtual 3D surround sound is going to make this tiny system sound like any of the larger ones.
It comes with a separate subwoofer that has a 6.25-inch cone and a front-firing position to really make you feel the bass properly.
You are going to have multiple connection options with the Yamaha YAS-207B. Not only can you do inputs with HDMI ARC, HDMI, optical, and analog, it has Bluetooth technology built-in. This means you can quickly and easily stream music from any of your smart devices with just the touch of a button.
The subwoofer on this looks like a floor standing speaker, it’s perfect to combine with a Blu ray player, Dolby true HD and then the Dolby Atmos speakers. Having two wireless subwoofers might also add to the overall sound but it won’t make too much of a difference.
PROS
- Rich sound in 3D Surround mode
- Straightforward setup
- Slim design is space-saving
- Supports the latest tech
- Decent bass
CONS
- Design isn’t very aesthetic
- No support for Wi-Fi playback
5. Acoustic Audio AA5170.
This sound system from Acoustic Audio comes with a little bit of pep in its step as it has a black base color with orange surrounding the middle of the speakers.
The AA5170 is a 5.1 channel system that has peak power of 700 Watts to give you major audio sound and performance.
Its speakers are magnetically shielded with a computerized enclosure that is going to ensure they stay very well protected.
This system also comes with built-in Bluetooth technology. You are going to be able to use your smartphone to quickly and easily stream music from your AA5170.
Along with that you also get a flash drive port, SD card port, FM tuner, and five different input/output ports for all of your connectivity needs.
It also comes with 3.5mm AUX to RCA wire in the box so you can quickly get it playing right away.
PROS
- Good clean bass
- Nice design not overly extravagant
- Bluetooth is excellent
- Each speaker has its own volume control
CONS
- No HDMI port
6. Logitech Z606.
Logitech has gone for its standard design with the Z606 system as it has the base coat of black with some gloss in strategic places.
This is a true 5.1 channel surround sound choice that produces 80 Watts RMS, with a peak of 160 Watts, that will turn any room into the place to be.
It comes with speakers for left, right, and center, as well as two rear speakers and a separate subwoofer. The subwoofer has a 5.25-inch driver inside so you are always going to get that deep bass feeling you are looking for.
The Logitech Z606 is primed for connection with Bluetooth 4.2 technology. This is going to give you the ability to stream music and movies from just about any source you want.
PROS
- Subwoofer is styled nice and has several inputs
- Remote is very compact and has a simple design
- Satellite Speakers are lightweight
- Clear and crisp sound
- Bluetooth connection works well
CONS
- Subwoofer has no grill
- Satellite speakers feel cheaply made
7. Acoustic Audio AA5400.
This is a very modern-looking sound system from Acoustic Audio that has unique lines, is black with gray accenting, and the subwoofer uses LED lighting to stand out on its own.
The AA5400 is a 5.1 channel sound system that comes with five different speakers for the left, right, center, and rear. These speakers produce amazing sound quality and only measure 4.5 x 4 x 7-inches for extreme functionality.
Acoustic Audio has included a 7.5 x 10.5 x 11.75-inch subwoofer with various LED lighting colors that can be programmed by the user.
The AA5400 is Bluetooth capable which means you can get your audio source from any compatible device. Turn your tablet or smartphone into the conductor for the orchestra in your living room with the AA5400 from Acoustic Audio.
PROS
- Amazing sound quality for home entertainment
- LED Illuminated patterns
- Powerful sound
CONS
- Build quality doesn’t feel the best
- No Bluetooth
8. Edifier R1850DB.
These surround speakers from Edifier comes in a very modern look with a glossy back finish throughout.
The R1850DB surround sound speakers is a 2 channel setup with the ability to add a subwoofer via an easy connection. The included bookshelf-style speakers are going to give you a rich sound in even the smallest space.
It includes connections for RCA/AUX and optical/coaxial to ensure a seamless listening experience every single time.
With Bluetooth 4.0 built-in, you are going to be able to easily stream any of the audio you want from your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Edifier has also included a very function remote control, treble and bass controls on the rear of the speaker, and a respectable two-year manufacturer’s warranty as well.
PROS
- Nice cord lengths
- Includes a remote
- Very nice looking set
- Sound quality is good
- Bass and treble are adjustable
CONS
- Sound frequencies feel uneven
- No standby mode
9. LG SPK8-S.
The LG SPK8-S comes in a very unique design that gives both a modern and minimalistic feel in dark gray and black.
This is a 2 channel home theater system that has the ability to turn a smaller room into its own private theater.
LG has made the SPK8-S completely wireless for convenience and minimalism. You also have the option to add a soundbar and extra rear speakers to make this true home theater audio system.
Along with these speakers being wireless, they are also able to be mounted on the wall. This gives you a lot of versatility with how you set up your sound system, and this is crucial for smaller or oddly shaped rooms.
If you are looking for a quality home theater system at an affordable price, starting with the SPK8-S is going to be a great choice.
PROS
- Dolby Atmos
- Wireless connection
- Speakers are wall mountable
- Great for home entertainment
CONS
- Relatively expensive
- Design is sleek but lackluster
10. Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System
The Monoprice sound speakers comes looking very clean in a dark gray on all the speakers and subwoofer.
This is a 5.1 channel wireless speaker system that is capable of handling upwards of 125 Watts to give you wonderful audio quality and volume.
With this purchase, you get four satellite-style speakers for the sides and rear, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. The subwoofer itself has a downward-firing 8-inch cone that will have you feeling every little bass note that hits.
For your convenience, the Monoprice system has four brackets included in the box. This is going to make it much easier to set your speakers in the perfect places for optimal audio performance.
Also included is a small pair of rubber feet for the center speaker, these will ensure that it always rests in the proper position.
PROS
- Great performance for the price
- Good dynamic range
- Subwoofer is well-balanced
- Satellites deliver good low-range notes
CONS
- The quick connect posts on the back of the satellites are slightly difficult to install
- Relatively plain design
- Slightly bulky
What are some alternatives available on the market?
- Klipsch reference theater pack
- Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar system
- Sonos speakers
- JBL Bar
- Q Acoustics
What features should you look for before getting true surround sound systems?
- Cinematic sound
- High quality sound
- AV receiver
- All in one system and can it be wall mounted
- Booming bass
- Good for music listening
- Is it true HD for an immersive experience
- Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision
- Definitive technology
- HDMI output and number of HDMI ports
- Dedicated center channel
- Bluetooth connectivity
How many speakers should you get for home theater systems?
For typical home theater systems you will want a subwoofer, soundbar and a few satellite speakers. The best surround sound systems incorporate a variety of wireless speakers and have multiple speakers located behind the seating location to give a fully immersive experience. Wireless subwoofers can be used to provide deep bass, although only one wireless subwoofer is required.
What is better 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound?
7.1 surround sound has 2 extra channels which provides slightly better audio quality. A 7.1 surround sound system isn’t that much more expensive than 5.1 speaker systems. Bookshelf speakers can be arranged together to provide a full system, or you can get a ready made system. Home theater speakers provide the best quality for movies, we recommend you get wired speakers, or go wireless for TV speakers.