Some of Our Sources:
- CNET
- Sound & Vision Magazine
- Home Theater
- The Perfect Vision
- Amazon.com
- Audioholics.com
Kit vs. Separate Components
CARL LARON, Senior Editor, Electronics
Sound quality is as important as picture quality when it comes to creating an enjoyable home-theater experience. In selecting a sound system, buyers can opt for a pre-assembled kit called "home theater in a box" (HTIB) or separately buy a home-theater receiver and speakers. Both approaches have pluses and minuses. Buying the receiver and speakers separately gives you more control, but can be more expensive and requires making more decisions.
Our Reviews
Advantages
- Includes receiver, speakers, cables
- Simple installation
- Better sound than from a TV alone
Disadvantages
- Less flexibility than separate components
- Expansion/upgrades may be limited
Advantages
- Better, more cinematic sound than a TV
- More style and performance choices
Disadvantages
- Can get expensive
- Speaker setup gets tricky
- Must be paired with a separate home-theater receiver
Advantages
- Better, louder sound than a TV
- Multi-channel surround sound for movies
- Flexible, expandable
Disadvantages
- Can get expensive
- Tricky setup
- Must be paired with a separate speaker system