Summary
Home Theater Starter .. It is possible to locate beginner alternatives that won’t put a burden on your finances, despite the fact that home theater kits may be very expensive. When it comes to boosting the audio quality of your television when you are viewing programs and movies or streaming music, there are a lot of options available that are affordable. These options include a classic system that consists of speakers and a receiver, as well as a more contemporary soundbar.
For the purpose of assisting you in selecting the home theater starting kit that is most suitable for your budget and available space, we have compiled a list of our top selections.
Best Soundbar
Bose Smart Soundbar 300
Throughout the years, Bose has been one of the most well-known and reliable brands in the home audio industry, and their Smart Soundbar 300 is among the very finest products that money can buy. With its four speaker drivers, it can produce sound that fills the whole space. You are able to link it to other Bose home audio systems by using Simple Sync or the Bose Music App. This allows you to play your preferred music or audio from programs and movies across your whole home. The application also allows you to establish several user accounts, which means that if you have people who are passionate about movies, audiophiles, and television all living under the same roof, they can all construct an audio system that is tailored to their preferences.
For hands-free voice commands and improved integration into your smart home theater or home network, the Smart Soundbar 300 is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant since it works with both of these digital assistants. It is also compatible with Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, allowing you to play music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of whether or not you have an internet connection.
A wireless audio configuration may be achieved with the use of Bluetooth in addition to a hardwired HDMI connection. When combined with the soundbar’s low profile, it is ideal for home theaters and living spaces that may be on the smaller side. There is a plug-and-play configuration for the soundbar, which means that you can connect it to your television, plug it into the wall, and instantly begin to experience increased audio. In addition to that, it has a bass boost option that allows you to get those deep, rich low tones that contribute to the feeling of intensity in movies like action or horror.
The number of channels is 3.0, Bluetooth is enabled, the physical connection is either HDMI or optical, digital assistants include Alexa and Google Assistant, and the device is not waterproof.
Pros
- Bluetooth
- Voice controls
- Plug-and-play
Cons
- Only one HDMI connection
- No HomeKit support
- No 4K passthrough
Most Compact
LG CM4590 XBOOM
You should consider purchasing the LG XBOOM if your living room is on the smaller side or if you want to avoid having large, cumbersome speakers that take up a lot of space in your living room. Two speakers and a subwoofer are included in this sound system, and their dimensions are 12.4 inches by 8.1 inches by 11.2 inches. This makes them compact enough to be placed on a shelf, mantel, or dedicated table in order to free up floor space.
Through the use of Bluetooth and Sound Sync, you are able to establish a wireless connection between the system and your television or mobile devices, therefore reducing the amount of clutter in your home theater. Not only does this system consist of speakers, but it also allows you to play CDs, listen to your preferred radio stations, and integrate a USB drive in order to stream personalized playlists. During the auto DJ mode, the silence that occurs between songs is automatically removed, resulting in continuous music. This mode is ideal for using at parties or for casual listening.
Your songs will sound their finest regardless of whether you are listening to Beethoven or beach rock from the 1960s since there are five preset equalizers that are designed specifically for pop, rock, and classical music. However, the fact that this system is more compact does not imply that LG has compromised on energy efficiency. Considering that this system has an outstanding 700W output, it is possible to hear movies and music above the cacophony of partygoers conversing and other background noise. On the other hand, if you live in close proximity to neighbors who do not like your music, you can find yourself subject to complaints of civil noise.
Channels: 2.1; Bluetooth: Yes; Physical Connection: USB and 3.5mm audio; Digital Assistant: No; Waterproof: No; Channels: 2.1; Bluetooth support: Yes;
Pros
- Easily fits on a shelf or mantle
- 700W output
- Bluetooth
Cons
- No voice controls
- Limited equalizer controls
- Can’t connect satellite speakers
Best for Larger Rooms
Yamaha YHT-4950U Home Theater System
For living rooms and home theaters that are on the bigger side, the Yamaha YHT-4950U home theater system is an excellent choice for your living room or home theater. Due to the fact that this system comes with a receiver, five speakers, and a subwoofer, you are able to create a different configuration without having to purchase extra speakers.
Additionally, it is equipped with a microphone that is able to detect and respond to background noise, therefore automatically adjusting the system to provide the ideal surround sound experience. Despite the fact that the subwoofers and speakers are tethered to the receiver, you have the option of using Bluetooth to connect the system to your television or mobile devices in a wireless manner. Alternatively, you may use one of the HDMI ports to establish a hardwired connection or to pass over 4K content.
When you have up to 400W of output power, you will be able to experience rich music that fills the room or the whole home. Additionally, the support for Dolby audio will provide a sound that is clean and clear for high tones and speaking.
The number of channels is 5.1, Bluetooth is connected, there are four HDMI connections, there is no digital assistant, and the device is not waterproof.
Pros
- Bluetooth
- Automatic calibration
- Four HDMI inputs
Cons
- Not wireless
- No voice controls
In a Home Theater Starter Kit, What Qualities Should You Look for?
The Difference Between Wireless and Wired
Bluetooth connection is included in a few of the most recent home theater starter kits. Because of this, you are able to wirelessly link the receiver, speakers, or soundbar to your television, as well as set up satellite speakers, which makes them ideal for rooms that are either smaller or have an unusual design. Wired systems provide more robust connections between the receiver and speakers or the receiver and your television, but they are not suitable for smaller areas since cables might generate clutter or trip hazards. Wired systems need a wired connection.
Connectivity Based on Bluetooth
Through the use of Bluetooth connectivity, you are able to establish a wireless connection to your television and stream music from your mobile device, tablet, or laptop without the need for traditional cable connections. There are also soundbars and systems that come equipped with a tap-to-stream capability, which allows you to instantaneously share music by touching your smartphone to the soundbar or receiver.
Dimensions of the Speakers
When it comes to speakers, larger could be preferable in certain situations. Large speakers are fantastic for use in larger spaces or as statement pieces in your design; however, the audio output of these speakers may sometimes be less strong than that of smaller speakers. Small speakers are ideal for concealing on a shelf or mantle for a more subdued appearance; but, they have the potential to produce a tinny and weak sound. You will want to couple the speaker size that you want for your area with a receiver or soundbar that has a respectable output wattage. Something in the region of 150–200W is ideal for the majority of rooms.
Is it more beneficial to purchase a soundbar or a home theater system?
What you want the system to perform is the determining factor in this. Due to the fact that they combine numerous drivers into a single device, the majority of soundbars available today remove the need for additional satellite speakers. They are excellent for improving the audio and music of television and movies, but they might be improved in terms of producing real surround sound. Traditional systems consisting of a receiver and speakers provide you the ability to personalize your setup and eliminate the irritating echoes that might occur in areas with high ceilings or tight passageways. However, these systems demand a much larger amount of space to be set up.
Would you need a soundbar in addition to a subwoofer?
This is not always the case! In certain versions, the subwoofers are built in, while others make use of bass reflex ports to replicate the functions of a subwoofer. There are more high-end versions that come packed with specialized subwoofers that provide an improved bass boost or employ downward-firing drivers to produce bass that can be felt and heard. While you are listening to your preferred Spotify playlists, you will have to make a decision on whether you want a cinematic experience with deep, bone-rumbling bass or richer low tones.
The question is, how do you choose a nice soundbar?
When searching for a new soundbar, there are a lot of various aspects to take into consideration, the most important of which is the size of the room you have available. You should look for a soundbar that can be simply put on the wall or hidden behind your television.
Additionally, you should check the number of speaker drivers that it has in order to get the greatest possible audio in your living room.
The more drivers it has, the more nuanced the sound will be. In addition, you should think about connection since cables may be a source of trip hazards and an eyesore in living rooms and home theaters that are on the smaller side.
