Home Theater Speakers

Home theater speaker basics

While pleasing the eyes with a first-rate picture is a critical part of creating a good home theater setup, it could all be for naught if the sound can't keep up. While it's true that today's televisions are vastly improved over their predecessors when it comes to audio quality, even the best can't come close to delivering a true theatrical experience.

Creating a proper surround-sound field requires a minimum of five speakers placed in specific locations at recommended heights relative to your seating position. In addition, a subwoofer is recommended to reproduce the rumbling ultra-low bass that's a big part of Hollywood action films. If you are interested in reading more about speaker placement, About.com has an excellent primer (see our Best Research section below for the link).

By contrast, a television's integrated sound system typically consists of two speakers. Most deliver stereo sound and many use signal processing to create a "virtual" surround-sound effect. But while virtual surround sound sometimes does a satisfactory job of creating a surround field, the effect varies greatly with the program material and can't compete with a surround field created with a proper home theater speaker setup. Also, while TVs have improved dramatically in their ability to deliver bass frequencies, sometimes using signal processing techniques or even modest built-in subwoofers to flesh out the low end, they pale next to floorboard-rattling low frequencies pumped out by a subwoofer.

You'll see surround-sound systems labeled as 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1. That designation refers to the number of sound channels. For example, a 5.1 system will have five speakers -- right front, center front, left front, right rear surround and left rear surround -- plus a subwoofer. Surround-sound systems designated as 6.1 or 7.1 add one or two rear-center surround channels to the mix.

Your home theater receiver or amplifier can go a long way toward determining what type of home theater speakers you'll need. Every surround-sound receiver or amp includes some type of Dolby surround-sound processing, and many support multiple formats. Dolby Digital is the most popular surround-sound format, and is used in HDTV programming and most DVDs. It contains 5.1 channels of sound information. Dolby Digital EX adds an additional rear-center surround channel to create an even more realistic surround-sound field. It can be implemented with either a single center rear surround speaker (6.1 channels) or twin center rear surround speakers (7.1 channels). Some surround-sound receivers and amps also support some type of DTS surround sound. DTS is a 5.1-channel surround system, while DTS-ES outputs 6.1 channels of sound. For more information, see the ConsumerSearch report on home theater receivers ; you'll need a receiver as the heart of your home theater system.

Home theater speaker systems are marketed in two ways. Some are sold as complete systems, consisting of four to six satellite speakers, a center channel speaker and a subwoofer. Others, particularly higher-end surround-sound systems, are sold as individual components from within a line. The latter option lets users configure the system to meet their particular needs, yet be assured that the components are well matched sonically to produce a balanced and realistic surround-sound field.

Budget home theater speakers

Although many audiophiles insist that skimping on speakers is a sure path to disappointment, the fact remains that many sub-$400 home theater speakers can deliver astoundingly good audio quality, especially if they will be used primarily for watching TV shows.

Though most surround-sound systems use a powered subwoofer to deliver bass, the Fluance AV-HTB (*est. $200) instead relies on its large, full-range front-channel speakers to take care of the low end. The build quality of these speakers is much higher than their price suggests, reports say. The Fluance speakers feature solid wood construction and are magnetically shielded so they can be placed close to a television.

The Fluance AV-HTB's right and left channel speakers in particular are a far cry from what's normally seen in budget -- and even mid-priced – home theater speaker systems. Each is 33 inches tall and weighs 27 pounds. Their 6.5-inch woofers and tuned bass port deliver pleasing bass, but the low end is clearly not as powerful as it would be with a powered sub. Still, reports say it is sufficient for smaller rooms, and that the system otherwise delivers sound that reviewers have called "shockingly good."

Like many high-end home theater speaker systems, the Fluance AV-HTB can grow with you. Additional satellite speakers are available (*est. $40) if you want to expand the system for a 6.1- or 7.1-channel setup. You can also add a powered subwoofer.

The Infinity Total Solutions TSS-450 (*est. $175) is another great choice in this price range. Unlike the Fluance AV-HTB, the Infinity TSS-450 is a complete 5.1-speaker package with a powered subwoofer. Reports say that despite its low price, sound reproduction is very accurate and the surround-sound system is capable of delivering pleasing bass as long as you respect its limitations.

The Infinity TSS-450 home theater speaker system is frequently complimented for its ability to deliver a lot of sound from its diminutive front and rear channel satellites, which measure just 5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches. That size can be a particular benefit in a smaller room that might not be able to comfortably accommodate the clutter of a full-sized speaker system. The Infinity TSS-450 is available in black (charcoal) or silver (platinum) cabinets. The 100-watt RMS powered sub won't keep up with some more expensive subwoofers, but it can still deliver enough oomph to shake a

small- to medium-sized room according to comments we've read. Other audio, and especially dialogue, is frequently described as crisp and clear.

Given the dominance of flat-panel TVs, it's not surprising that manufacturers have been cranking out some shallow-depth surround-sound speakers to match. Unfortunately, many produce sound that's just as shallow. One exception is the 6.1-channel Onkyo SKS-HT240 (*est. $350) . The satellites and center channel speakers measure just 3.5 inches deep and are set up for easy wall mounting or can be used with their included metal stands. The curved, brushed metal cabinets with black cloth grilles mate well with many plasma or LCD TVs, and give the speakers a sophisticated look.

The 150-watt subwoofer is more powerful than those typically found in budget systems, and reviews say that the Onkyo SKS-HT240 surround-sound system can fill a space of up to 400 square feet with plenty of distortion-free sound. CNet.com's Steve Guttenberg is "happily taken aback by the SKS-HT240's poise under pressure." He adds that "headbangers" might not be satisfied, but that the speakers do an excellent job otherwise with all types of audio material. In addition, user reviews we've seen for the Onkyo SKS-HT240 home theater speakers are overwhelmingly positive.

Mid-priced ($400 to $1,000) surround-sound speakers

One of the biggest issues that surround-sound systems face is that fashionable, tiny satellite speakers often have trouble producing enough bass to blend well with the subwoofer, leaving a gap in frequency response that impacts both dialogue and music. According to the reviews we found, that shortcoming is illustrated in the Infinity TSS-800 system discussed above.

HSU Research has come up with an innovative solution to the issue. Because low-frequency bass is less directional than high or even mid-range frequencies, the company's Ventriloquist technology sends some of the higher bass frequencies to a somewhat larger center channel speaker. The result, reviews say, is remarkably successful, with Sound & Vision magazine saying that it fills in the "warmth and weight for the left and right channels that would otherwise be missing or heard mostly as boom from the subwoofer." While HSU Research sells lots of different custom combinations, its Ventriloquist VT-12/STF-1 configuration, which it sells direct as the Performance 1 package (*est. $500), has earned praise both for its value and sound quality.

Home Theater & Sound is among the professional reviewers heaping praise on the Ventriloquist VT-12/STF-1. In Jeff Van Dyne's testing, he marveled at the 6.1-channel system's ability to accurately place sounds like a buzzing mosquito in a three-dimensional space, and deliver everything from explosions to the gentle sound of ocean waves with equal realism. He adds that music comes across nearly as well as with full-sized speakers, though there "seemed to be about half an octave of information missing from the top end." Though clearly that's not ideal, he adds that it is "far preferable to the mostly harsh and overly bright tweeters" often seen in speakers in this price range.

The reviewers at Sound & Vision are also impressed with the Ventriloquist VT-12/STF-1 home theater speaker system, but some issues with speaker placement are noted. In particular, a little too much mid-bass is noted coming from the center channel, though reviewer Daniel Kumin was able to minimize that to a large extent by placing the center channel speaker on a shelf above the TV. Also, the system's "sweet spot" -- the point where the surround-sound effect is most realistic -- is smaller than with many other surround systems, though still large enough for "three across seating."

With a subwoofer that cranks out 150 watts, HSU Research recommends the Ventriloquist VT-12/STF-1 for smaller rooms up to 1,500 cubic feet. For larger spaces (up to 3,000 cubic feet) HSU packages the Ventriloquist VT-12 speakers with the more powerful STF-2 subwoofer (200 watts) and sells that combination direct as the Performance 2 (*est. $550). HSU speakers are only available through the manufacturer, a strategy the company says helps keep prices low.

SVS, another speaker manufacturer that sells direct on the Internet, has built a nearly bulletproof reputation for creating some of the best subwoofers available, period. The company has now branched out to offer other speakers and complete speaker systems such as the SBS-01 (*est. $1,000). The SBS-01 system can be configured by the user and is available in three cabinet colors, with either a 10-inch or 12-inch powered subwoofer and in 5.1- and 7.1-channel versions. While most of the systems discussed thus far might struggle a little in larger spaces, the SVS SB-01 surround-sound system has no such issues, especially if you opt for the 12-inch subwoofer. "If you can find a back strong enough to lift it, the sub will hammer out all the bass you'll need," notes Sound & Vision's Ken C. Pohlmann. The satellites are also big and beefy, and the center channel speaker even more so -- so this system is best for a custom home-screening room or other dedicated viewing space.

Everyone agrees that the SBS-01 is a great performer for movies, though some say music performance is only average. They also agree that the system is a relative value, with Pohlmann saying "If you're after a system that takes a commanding position between low-cost and silly-expensive, the SBS-01 hits a sweet spot."

Big and imposing might be fine for some, but not all rooms can accommodate a 60-pound subwoofer and heavy satellite speakers. The Mirage Nanosat home theater speakers (*est. $800) feature tiny satellites that easily disappear even in a small room, yet are powerful enough to fill a fair-sized room with sound. Even the 75-watt powered subwoofer is diminutive compared to the competition (but it's also less powerful).

Reviews say that the Nanosat is a great choice if you are looking to set up a surround-sound system in a room that doubles as a living room or family room where you don't want home theater speakers to "take over." Traditional speakers are highly directional, and the sweet spot where the surround-sound field is most effective can be fairly small. The Omnipolar technology used in the Nanosat, on the other hand, radiates some sound in all directions and takes advantage of reflections in the room to create a more expansive sound field. Critics are quick to note
that while you won't necessarily be able to pinpoint the precise location of every sound the way you would with highly directional speakers, dialogue and effects are clear and easy to hear. In addition, all note the spaciousness of the sound field, with some commenting that audio at times appears to be coming from points beyond the speakers' locations.

Sound quality is very good. Steve Guttenberg at CNet.com is particularly impressed with how well these small speakers handle special-effects-laden DVDs. "When the bass was at its most intense, we could actually feel gusts of air blowing out from the sub's front-mounted port, even though we were sitting about 10 feet away," he writes. One criticism we saw echoed was that the Nanosat speakers can sound "light" with certain material, not a surprise given their size. Unlike many surround-sound systems, the center channel speaker is identical to the satellites. Additional satellites can be purchased separately if you want to expand the system to 6.1 or 7.1 channels.

Best high-end home theater speakers

Some experts suggest spending nearly as much on your home theater speakers as you do on your TV. While that might be overkill for many, if your home theater will also double as a primary spot for serious music listening, that might not seem so unreasonable. Music demands much more from speakers, since they need to be able to handle anything from delicate string instruments to driving percussion to deep bass with aplomb, and without adding coloration or distortion.

If music and style are major considerations, reviews say the KEF KHT-3005 (*est. $1,500) is a great choice. KEF is renowned for its coaxial speaker technology, called Uni-Q, which places the tweeter in the center of the woofer. That allows for compact satellites that sound much bigger than they are. Each of the speakers in this 5.1-channel system is encased in a futuristic-looking cast aluminum housing finished in either high-gloss black or silver. The result is that the "KHT-3005 looks more expensive than what it actually costs," says CNet.com's Steve Guttenberg.

According to reports, the KEF KHT-3005 home theater speakers sound as good as they look. Home Theater Magazine's Mark Fleischmann evaluates the KHT-3005, listening to a variety of recordings in different genres ranging from jazz to classical to rock, and is blown away by the accuracy and depth the speakers delivered no matter what he threw at them. "My music library is richer than my video library, and the KEF KHT 3005 had me plundering it," he writes. "That's always the sign of a superior loudspeaker system."

CNet.com testers also like the KEF KHT-3005 home theater speakers, but have a few concerns. The biggest issue is that they needed to fiddle with their A/V receiver's subwoofer crossover frequency -- an adjustment that's not available on all A/V receivers -- for best bass transition between the satellites and subwoofer, though things sounded "stunning" once that was done. Guttenberg is equally impressed by performance with music and movies, though he says that more expensive full-sized speaker systems can deliver even more home theater impact.

The NHT Verve IV (*est. $2,000) is one of a host of home theater speaker systems built around the same set of NHT speakers -- the NHT V Large, V Small and V Woofer. This Verve IV system uses three V Large speakers as the front surround and center channel speakers, and two V Small speakers as the rear satellites. The 200-watt V Woofer subwoofer rounds out the system. At 15.5 inches tall, the V Large is larger than many front-channel satellites, but has twin 4.5-inch woofers that do a great job of delivering smooth frequency response throughout the audio spectrum.

Reviewers are unanimous in praising the Verve IV surround-sound system, though some express disappointment in some aspects. For example, though CNet.com says it's something only the pickiest of audiophiles would notice, detail in the high treble range seems lacking. The site's editors also say that when playing special effects-laden DVDs at high volume levels, the satellites seemed to strain "to keep up." Sound & Vision notes that the subwoofer seemed to lack "the bottom-octave, earth-moving ability to bring out everything that big-ticket film sound has to offer." Of course, reviewer Daniel Kumin adds that a subwoofer that would do better on low-end effects would also cost nearly as much as the entire Verve IV system. The Verve IV home theater speakers otherwise impress the editors enough to land them a spot on that magazine's list of best products.

Important Features: Home theater speakers

You should consider the following factors when shopping for a surround-sound system:

• How any audio channels do you want or need? You'll see 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channel speaker systems. The advantage of the extra rear channel(s) in 6.1 and 7.1 systems is that they can do a better job of creating a convincing surround-sound field. The disadvantage is that many listening locations can't easily accommodate proper placement of the additional speakers. Also, look to your surround-sound receiver or amplifier for guidance; there's no sense purchasing a 7.1-channel speaker system if your receiver only outputs 5.1 channels of sound.

• If you also plan to listen to music, consider spending more. Many budget and mid-range speaker systems do a good to great job with movie audio, but can be challenged by music. To do a great job with music, speakers need to be able to reproduce anything from delicate string instruments to driving percussion to deep bass with crystal clarity, and without adding coloration or distortion.

• Consider your room when choosing speakers. Six, seven or eight speakers (including a subwoofer) can overwhelm a smaller room, but small satellites can help minimize the visual impact. However, reviewers say that larger-sized speakers often do a better job of providing smooth frequency response. With small speakers, there sometimes is a gap between where they cut off and the subwoofer picks up, which can negatively affect all types of audio material.

• Let your ears be your guide. While the difference between poor and great speakers is readily apparent, subtle differences between speakers that are comparable in quality are often highly subjective. When possible, listen to speakers as much as possible before you buy. If that's not possible, buy from a vendor with a generous return policy -- at least 30 days.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	HSU Research Ventriloquist VT-12/STF-1 (Performance 1) (*est. $500)	-
2	SVS SBS-01 (*est. $800 to $1,300)	-
2	Infinity Total Solutions TSS-450 (*est. $175)	details
2	Onkyo SKS-HT240 (*est. $350)	details
2	Fluance AV-HTB (*est. $200)	details
2	KEF KHT-3005 (*est. $1,500)	details
2	NHT Verve IV (*est. $2,000)	-
2	Mirage Nanosat (*est. $800)	details
1 each:	Aperion Intimus 532 Concert , Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE/CBM-170 SE, Atlantic Technology System 1200, Atlantic Technology 920 , Boston Acoustics Bravo II , Crystal Acoustics THX-3D12, Canton Movie CD 201 , Definitive Technology ProCinema 800, Definitive Technology ProCinema 1000, JBL Cinema Sound , Klipsch RF-52, Mirage Omnisat v2 , Paradigm Cinema 110C, Paradigm Cinema 330, Paradigm Cinema 70, PSB Alpha B1/C1/SubSeries 5i

Despite the large number of home theater speakers on the market in a bewildering range of prices, we did find reviewer consensus on several surround-sound speakers, including some budget systems. HSU and SVS speakers are only sold directly through the manufacturer, so these are hard to find. Others are more widely available. Among budget setups, the Infinity Total Solutions TSS-450 has a true subwoofer while the Fluance AV-HTB does not. The Onkyo SKS-HT240 are especially recommended as wall-mountable speakers to accompany a flat-screen TV. The Mirage Nanosat's satellite speakers are tiny, yet reviews say their multidirectional technology lets them accurately fill a family room with sound. As for high-end speakers, the KEF KHT-3005 are a better value than the NHT Verve IV.

Sponsored links