Home Theater Systems Reviews: Best Home Theater Systems

Best home theater system (no DVD player)

*Est. $600 Compare Prices

Although it lacks a DVD player, reports say that this 7.1-channel (seven satellite speakers plus a subwoofer) Onkyo home theater system is a top performer. An automatic speaker setup system makes it much easier to create… a perfect surround-sound field. There are plenty of connections, including four HDMI connections, to handle additional components. Decoders for the latest audio formats -- Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA -- used by Blu-ray discs are built in for the most cinematic surround sound. While some more expensive systems are more suitable for larger rooms or for audiophiles, reviews say the Onkyo balances performance and price better than most systems.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Amazon.com: There are only a few reviews here for the Onkyo HT-S6100, but each very is well written and detailed. All owners are impressed ...

AVSForum.com: This thread discussing the pros and cons of the Onkyo HT-S6100 spans more than 20 pages at last look. Lots of hints and ...

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for 639.99

All-in-one receiver/DVD player plus speakers

Samsung HT-TZ512T

*Est. $365 Compare Prices

The Samsung HTIB includes a five-disc upscaling (to 1080p) DVD changer in the AV receiver unit, simplifying setup and cutting down on system bulk. While this system doesn't allow much flexibility for future upgrades,… critics say that it can deliver good audio for a small to midsize living room, but that it can struggle with high-action films played loudly. The Samsung home theater system includes wireless rear speakers -- a big plus that cuts down on cable clutter. The USB port lets you play back content from a PC, including videos, and an iPod dock is also included.

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CNet.com: This single-product review puts the Samsung HT-TZ512T through its paces. Reviewer Jeff Bakalar says the Samsung system is a good ...

BestBuy.com: After about as many reports as at Circuit City, user satisfaction with the Samsung HT-TZ512T appears to be identical. Best Buy ...

Amazon.com: While there are far fewer reviews here for this Samsung home theater system, user satisfaction is high. Even the reviewer who ...

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No-frills home theater in a box

Samsung HT-Z310T

*Est. $195 Compare Prices

Reports say that the Samsung HT-Z310 is a fine home theater system for those who want surround sound on a budget. The integrated DVD player upconverts to 1080p via the head unit's HDMI output. Connectivity isn't very… generous, but at least there's an optical digital audio input so you can enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound from other components, like a cable box. Like its big brother above, there's a USB port for playing a wide variety of picture, music and video files. Wireless rear-channel speakers are not included, but can be added as an option.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

BestBuy.com: Best Buy.com is another destination with lots of reader feedback on the Samsung HT-Z310T, and similar user reaction. The site ...

Amazon.com: Amazon.com shoppers don't rate the Samsung HT-Z310T quite as highly as owners at other sites, but there are far fewer reviews ...

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Discrete HTIB with tiny speakers

Sony DAV-IS10

*Est. $500 Compare Prices

While many home theater systems deliver great sound using large speakers that can present an aesthetic challenge for some rooms, this Sony system does the same with speakers so tiny that it leaves critics floored. One… caveat is that speaker placement is a little more critical than with some other systems. Another negative is that the DVD player only upscales to 1080i. A plus is a digital media port that (using optional accessories) can link to your PC via Wi-Fi or to a Bluetooth enabled device. An updated version, the Sony DAV-IS50 (*est. $765) has recently been released. It upgrades the DVD player to 1080p and adds optional wireless capabilities, but is quite a bit more expensive.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

AVReview.co.uk: The Sony DAV-IS10 is evaluated as part of a four-model test. Richard Arrowsmith names the system the winner based on good image ...

TrustedReviews.com: TrustedReviews' Danny Phillips is impressed enough with the Sony DAV-IS10 to give it one of the site's rare "Recommended" awards. ...

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision: The reviewer here is clearly impressed with the Sony DAV-IS10, calling it "outrageous," mostly in a good way. He says that some ...

Amazon.com: Users here are a tad less impressed with the Sony DAV-IS10, though in at least some cases proper speaker placement and the need ...

Epinions.com: There are fewer user reviews of the Sony DAV-IS10 here than at Amazon.com, but owners seem a tad happier. One does complain that ...

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