Mirage Nanosat 5.1

The Mirage Nanosat 5.1 home theater system is an ideal solution for settings where larger speakers are aesthetically or practically undesirable. Despite their small size, these speakers can pump out enough volume for even a moderately large room, and the small subwoofer is surprisingly effective. Sound quality is good, but critics say the system sounds "light" or "thin" compared to larger options. The omni-directional technology the system uses creates a convincing surround-sound field, but it's harder to locate where specific sounds are coming from than with other speakers. If the absolute smallest speakers are not a priority, the Klipsch HD Theater 500 (*Est. $600) is a very well-regarded option, with great sound quality for both movies and music, and it is far better at creating an accurate and convincing surround-sound field.

CNET has the best review of the Mirage Nanosat 5.1 and is among the most prolific reviewers of speakers in general. HomeTheaterSound.com also weighs in with a competent report. User reviews can be read at CNET, Amazon.com and Epinions.com.