Home theatre systems: Buy online at best prices (+Selection tips)

With the growing OTT culture, most people now prefer watching movies in the comfort of their homes. A cinema hall definitely lacks this luxury. Moreover, with the busy lifestyle that people have today, it isn’t possible to go to the cinemas very often. That said, is it possible to have the same big screen experience at home? Definitely yes! A home theatre system is the most plausible solution to this issue. Home theatre systems come in all price segments for you to choose from. Brands like Sony, JBL, and Bose are known for their home theatre systems, which mostly come with amplified speakers and subwoofers.

These devices can take your movie experience at home to the level of theatres. It’s a blessing for those who don’t have time and energy to visit theatres but love watching movies. So, we have provided you with ways to select one that suits your house. Also, we have listed our top 15 home theatre buying recommendations for you to refer to. 

Top 15 home theatre systems

Bose Lifestyle 600 Bluetooth Home Theatre

If you are willing to buy a premium home theatre, you can go for the Bose Lifestyle 600. The Bose Lifestyle 600 Home Theatre System delivers thunderous bass performances for both movies and music. In addition to supporting 4K video, it also offers HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless music streaming. It also supports Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo Dot.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 SSE 1000W Soundbar System

This product provided by Nakamichi also comes under the premium category. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair your compatible smart device with this soundbar system and stream music wirelessly. It comes with two cordless down-firing subwoofers, which are designed to deliver bass effects that are near to natural. Also, it supports Dolby atmos as well.

JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround Home Theatre

Ameliorate your viewing and audio experiences with the JBL Bar 9.1 home theatre, which comes with four up-firing speakers to give you a 3D sound experience. This JBL home theatre comes with two detachable speakers that can be placed anywhere in the room. So, to experience surround sound, you can place them around the viewing wall. In its price range, it is a respectable product. With the brand value of JBL, this home theatre won’t disappoint you.

Sony Ht-Z9f Soundbar

Sony is known to be at the top of the list for making home theatre systems. This home theatre from Sony comes with a 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos sound system to make your hearing experience amazing. It comes with a vertical surround engine for you to experience top-notch surround sound. Along with 4K video capabilities, it also provides HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless audio streaming.

Sony Ht-S4OR Soundbar

The HT-S40R  by Sony is another top home theatre choice. The best thing about this system is that it comes with 5.1 channels of real surround sound. This Sony home theatre, which is priced in the midrange, supports Dolby Digital Sound and also comes with speakers and a subwoofer included. For a Sony Bravia television, this home theatre system is an ideal match.

Denon DHT-S316 Home Theatre 

This product from Denon is a masterpiece for music as it comes with virtual surround sound, which means it doesn’t need a surround sound setup. Support for Dolby Digital Sound in this price segment is a unique deal as it’s a flagship feature. You can call this soundbar a flagship killer.

Samsung 560 Watts 5.1 Channel Soundbar

This soundbar comes with a voice enhancement mode to optimize your comprehensive listening experience. Another thing that makes this product special is that it comes with a dedicated central speaker to balance the sound from both ends. So, the price you pay for this home theatre is definitely worth it.

Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar 

Yamaha’s audio products are well-known around the world. With this True Wireless Sound Bar, you can continuously listen to flawless music. Additionally, it makes use of Bluetooth’s benefit to establish wireless connections with other gadgets. The device’s voice control integration with Alexa is its most impressive feature.

Sony HT-S500RF

The HT-S500RF is a home theatre with clear loudspeakers in the mid-price segment from Sony. This home theatre by Sony comes with real surround sound and also consists of an external subwoofer to deliver impressive bass. Dolby Digital Sound is also supported by this device. It has a total power output of 1000 watts, and you can connect compatible televisions with a single wire using HDMI ARC.

JBL Cinema SB170 2.1ch Home Theatre

With a massive 220W of sound, the JBL Cinema 2.1-channel home theatre system provides the most realistic audio experience. This JBL home theatre has a 220-watt sound range thanks to its amazing subwoofers and speakers. Also, it comes with Dolby Digital sound, which elevates your viewing and listening experience.

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Zeb-Juke Bar 9800DWS Pro

Zebronics has created the first soundbar in India featuring Dolby Atmos for you. A wireless subwoofer, four front-firing speakers, and two top-firing speakers are included with this home theatre system. A total output of 450 watts is enough for you to enjoy your favourite movie.

Boat Aavante Bar 4000 DA Home Theatre

Supported by Dolby Atmos 3D audio technology, this product by Boat won’t disappoint you with its performance. Its subwoofer has an output of 60W. Also, the Aavante Bar 4000DA provides connectivity options, including USB, Bluetooth, AUX, optical, and HDMI (ARC).

Harman Kardon Enchant 1300 Home Theatre

Even if you have a little knowledge regarding audio devices, then you must have heard the name Harman Kardon. This device includes a built-in Chromecast for direct streaming from devices. It also comes with an Enchant subwoofer, which works best for bass lovers. So, this home theatre is a worthy product for its price.

LG Soundbar Sp2

If you have an LG television, the best-recommended product for you is the LG Soundbar Sp2. It comes with an Alpha 9 AI processor for amazing sound performance. Also, the unique thing about this product is an inbuilt subwoofer for bass, and it also comes with proprietary sound modes that you won’t find on other soundbars.

Philips HTL1510B/94 2.1 Channel Sound Bar

If you want a home theatre with loudspeakers in the low-price segment, you can go for this device. Also, Bluetooth-enabled wireless music streaming is supported with this device. Its wireless subwoofer gives you balanced bass, and you will appreciate buying this once you use it.

Price list of home theatre systems available online – An overview

How to select the right home theatre system for your home?

Things to consider before buying a home theatre

1. The space of one’s room must be measured before buying a home theatre, as it must complement the power of your device. If your room is 26 feet long, the screen wall is 21 feet wide, and 13 feet tall, you can fit any home theatre system in your room. The second-best dimension is a room that is 10 feet tall, 16 feet wide, and 26 feet long. Most home theatres fit well in rooms of these dimensions.
2. Another thing to keep in mind is the aesthetics of your home. Try to figure out which home theatre system design can enhance the beauty of your room.
3. Your television must support 8K, 4K, or HDR to create a combination of mesmerizing visuals and audio for home theatre.
4. Always give preference to trusted brands in the market, as they are more reliable.

Must-have features in a home theatre system

1. You can find various portable home theatre systems that are way superior to the bigger ones. You barely need any space to place these portable home theatre systems.
2. Surround sound is a must for any soundbar nowadays, and every device with 5.1 surround sound can be an amazing choice.
3. Purchase a home theatre with an equalizer, which adjusts the audio to fit your surroundings.
4. Not all home theatre systems have amplified speakers in them. However, it’s necessary to have them for the best output.
5. Generally, a home theatre in the low-price section has external coverings made out of cheap plastic, but if you want your device to last longer, go for products with good plastics, or if you can spend enough on a device, go with a wooden external covering.
6. Lighting knobs are another additional feature of a good-quality home theatre. It creates a party vibe in the room when the lights are turned off. You should keep an eye on this feature while buying.
7. Many wireless soundbars nowadays are also compatible with voice assistants. Make sure you buy one of these.
8. A sound home theatre system should be able to play WMA, MP4, FLAC, etc.
9. The standard video formats, including HDR, 3D, and HDMI, should also be supported as it is a basic feature.
10. A subwoofer that mesmerizes you with its base is also a must when buying a soundbar. In addition to rounding out the bass to the greatest extent possible, a decent subwoofer also clarifies and amplifies low-end frequencies.

Selecting the right speakers for your home theatre system

Types of speakers

There are several types of speakers that you can use for your home theatre system, including:

1. Front speakers: These are the main speakers in your home theatre system, and they are typically positioned to the left and right of the screen. They are responsible for producing most of the dialogue and sound effects in the movie.
2. Center speaker: This speaker is placed in the center of the front speakers and is responsible for producing dialogue and other sounds that come from the center of the screen.
3. Surround speakers: These speakers are positioned to the sides or rear of the room and are responsible for producing ambient sounds, music, and sound effects that create a more immersive experience.
4. Subwoofer: This speaker is designed to produce deep bass sounds and is usually placed on the floor near the front speakers.
5. Dolby Atmos speakers: These speakers are designed to produce three-dimensional sound, adding height channels to the audio mix. They can be placed on the ceiling or top of the front speakers.
6. Bookshelf speakers: These speakers are compact and can be placed on shelves or stands. They are a good option if you have limited space or if you want to save money.
7. Floor-standing speakers: These speakers are larger and more powerful than bookshelf speakers and are designed to be placed on the floor. They are a good option if you want to get the most out of your home theatre system.

The type of speakers you choose will depend on your budget, the size of your room, and your personal preferences.

Speaker functions

A home theatre system typically consists of several speakers that serve different functions to create an immersive audio experience. Here are the main functions of each speaker in a typical home theatre setup:

1. Center Channel Speaker: The center channel speaker is the most important speaker in the setup as it delivers most of the dialogue and vocal audio. It’s usually placed directly above or below the TV screen and helps to anchor the sound to the on-screen action.
2. Front Left and Right Speakers: The front left and right speakers are responsible for delivering the main audio effects, such as music, sound effects, and ambient noise. They’re usually placed on either side of the TV or projection screen and provide a wide soundstage.
3. Surround Speakers: Surround speakers are responsible for creating an immersive audio experience by delivering audio from behind or to the sides of the listener. They help to create the illusion of being in the middle of the action and can enhance the overall audio experience.
4. Subwoofer: The subwoofer is responsible for delivering low-frequency audio, such as bass and rumbling effects. It helps to create a sense of depth and power in the audio and can make explosions, crashes, and other sound effects more impactful.

By combining these different speakers, a home theatre system can create a fully immersive audio experience that enhances the on-screen action and makes the viewer feel like they’re part of the action.

Connectivity / AV receiver

Verify the quantity and kinds of connection ports accessible on your A/V receiver. The most recent versions typically include HDMI, which facilitates Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D video, and Ethernet. It is recommended to search for A/V receivers that have a minimum of three HDMI ports, allowing for connecting numerous devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and so on. In certain situations, AUX cables may be included in the system and can be used to connect your home theatre system to your TV or mobile phone.

Watch this video: Top 10 home theatre mistakes (9 mins 28 secs)

FAQs

How many speakers do I need for the home theater?

The number of speakers required for a home theatre depends on the specific home theatre setup and the desired audio experience. However, a typical home theatre setup usually involves a minimum of five speakers: a center speaker, front left and right speakers, and rare left and right speakers. These five speakers are commonly known as a “5.1 surround sound system.” For a more immersive audio experience, additional speakers can be added to the setup, such as two extra rear speakers for a 7.1 system or even more for higher-end setups. Ultimately, the number of speakers needed for a home theatre depends on the size of the room, the listener’s preferences, and the budget.

What are the 3 major components of a home theater system?

The three major components of a home theatre system are:

1. Audio/Video Receiver (AVR): An AVR is the hub of the home theatre system and is responsible for receiving and processing audio and video signals from different sources, such as cable boxes, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. The AVR then distributes the audio and video signals to the appropriate speakers and display devices.
2. Display device: A display device is used to display the video portion of the home theatre system. This could be a TV or a projector, depending on the setup and personal preference. This display device should have high-resolution capabilities and be able to display high-definition (HD) or even 4K content.
3. Speakers: Speakers are essential for delivering high-quality audio in a home theatre system. A typical home theatre system includes a center channel speaker, left and right form speakers, left and right rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This setup is known as a 5.1 surround system.

How much power does a home theater system use?

A home theater system’s power usage varies depending on factors such as component type and usage patterns. Typically, a system with a TV, A/V receiver, Blu-ray player, and 5.1 surround sound consumes 200-500 watts. Energy-saving features and adjusting settings can help reduce power consumption.

5.1 or 7.1 home theatre – Which one is better?

Whether a 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system is better depends on personal preferences and the size of the room. A 7.1 system offers more speaker channels and may provide a more immersive audio experience, but a 5.1 system is usually more than sufficient for most home theater setups.

How high should your home theater screen be?

The height of a home theater screen depends on the aspect ratio and viewing distance. Ideally, the center of the screen should be at eye level when seated, with the top of the screen no higher than 15 degrees above eye level and the bottom no lower than 15 degrees below eye level.

Conclusion

Home theatre systems will definitely make a great addition to every house. With the help of a home theatre, you’ll be able to watch your favourite movie or sports event in the best quality at home. It can be an investment you never regret.  

Information on things to consider when buying a home theatre in a specific price range has been provided above. We have compiled a list of the best home theatres from JBL, Sony, and other reliable brands. To make your selection process hassle-free and avoid common mistakes, refer to the FAQ section and get the answers to all your questions. So, now you are ready to make a well-informed decision from the above-mentioned buying options. 

*The featured image used in this article is from Crunch Reviews