Helping You Make The Right Decisions When Buying New Home Theater Systems

Home Theater Systems Buying Guide

How do you decide on the best home theater system for you? Well, things like amplifier power ratings (the more watts the better) and broad disc compatibility are always good indicators, while other considerations are more subjective.

First, you need to decide which features are necessary for you, and which ones can be waived. There is no point in paying for a function or capability that you'll never...
Read More View All Home Theater Systems How do you decide on the best home theater system for you? Well, things like amplifier power ratings (the more watts the better) and broad disc compatibility are always good indicators, while other considerations are more subjective.

First, you need to decide which features are necessary for you, and which ones can be waived. There is no point in paying for a function or capability that you'll never need or use. Some packaged home theater systems feature a disc changer that holds three discs or more, while the smaller systems use single-disc players in an effort to save space. Consider how important the convenience of a changer is to you.

Home theater systems come with five (and in come cases six or more) speakers, and most include the subwoofer necessary for true multi-channel surround sound. Decoders are integrated, so these systems can handle Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, and DTS playback, in a variety of combinations. Make sure the one you're looking at can handle the format you prefer.

High-end home theater systems take 5.1 a few steps further, by providing amplifiers, speakers and processing for 6.1 or 7.1 formats, such as Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES. Most home theater systems come plastered with logos that indicate their functionality, so take some time and study these carefully and ask questions, as the logos can be confusing and don't always fairly represent what a system can and can't do. Keep in mind that home theater systems advertise a DVD player instead of a CD player, but every DVD player can also play CD.

Many home theater systems include digital signal processing (sometimes it is given a trade name) in an effort to make the systems sound better. There are reverb programs that enhance the sound with names like concert hall, disco and stadium; most of these gimmicky programs really just mask the inadequacy of the speakers. However, equalization controls like bass boost and treble adjustments help you customize your sound. Preset equalization patterns are often labeled according to the style of music they should enhance, but use them however you prefer.

Home-theater-in-a-box systems generally start at MSRPs of about $300, and even low-end systems are sufficient for an office or den. They might use a single full-range driver in the satellite speakers, instead of a two-way design with a tweeter to provide a cleaner high-end. Another problem with the speakers included in some low-cost systems is a problem of physics. The small subwoofers just can't recreate the truly earthshaking sound that some movie-watchers demand.

Another problem is a bit more complicated. The small drivers used in the satellite speakers are limited by the amount of low-end they can produce. Similarly, the subwoofer is limited in the amount of high-end it can produce, and you really don't want the subwoofer to produce much high-end. So, there can be a gap between the lowest frequencies produced by the satellite and the highest produced by the subwoofer. On movies, this is less noticeable -- the dialogue is clearly produced (and usually mixed mainly to the center channel) and the booming explosions are there. However, if you mainly listen to music, you'll notice that gap in the upper bass to lower midrange.

For a little more money, will get you a better system, but still with relatively small speakers and low wattage amplification. Upgrade again, and you can get higher-end systems with equalization, sound processing, two-way speakers, and a subwoofer. This price range is better for a dorm room, where louder is typically better. You'll find CD or DVD changers that hold three or even five discs, more detailed EQ packages, more powerful amplifiers, and better sounding speakers.

Other high-end systems take 5.1 a few steps further, by providing amplifiers, speakers and processing for 6.1 or 7.1 formats, such as Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES. The extra speakers are for extra rear channels. More expensive systems can even provide playback of DVD-Audio and SACD discs, for high-resolution audio like you've never heard. Both of these formats use higher sampling rates than CD, and are usually presented in surround sound. More and more titles are being released in these formats, and classic recordings are being remixed, to bring a new level of entertainment to your home. These days, features such as satellite radio capability and USB connectivity are becoming more popular.

If this home theater system is going to be a mainstay entertainment system in your living room that will occupy you for many hours each week, it may be worth it to invest more of your hard-earned money. The easiest, most affordable and usually most convenient way to bring all the excitement of Hollywood's latest blockbusters to your home is an all-in-one home theater system.
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