The Best Affordable Home Sound System In 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System

This home theater system boasts a powerful 7.1 surround sound system and can be expanded to include an additional matching speaker for the front of your room, making it an ideal choice for sound-seeking audiophiles. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Acoustic Audio HT-65 in Wall in Ceiling Home Theater 5 Speaker System

The Acoustic Audio HT-65 in Wall in Ceiling Home Theater 5 Speaker System is perfect for those who want a home theater system that provides full, rich sound. This home theater system features five speakers and a powerful subwoofer. Read Review

3. Best Sleek Design: Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System

Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System is loaded with features and high performance. It features LED light effects, top quality MDF wood cabinets with plastic front panels, a built-in FM receiver with amazing reception. Read Review

4. Best Audio Performance: Yamaha YHT-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System

With the new Yamaha YHT-4950U, you can experience home theater like never before. This system features a 4K Ultra HD 5.1-channel setup with Bluetooth and AirPlay wireless connectivity. The HDMI inputs support 4K video up to 60p, which means all your favorite movies will look stunning on the big screen in full detail. Read Review

Listening to music or watching a movie while at home is a great way to relax. This is why investing in a home sound system that meets your needs and budget is important. If you are on a budget and are looking for an affordable home sound system that is easy to set up and use, we have some great news for you. There are many affordable home sound systems available in the market today. However, not all of them are worth your money. To help you cut through the noise and select the best affordable home sound system for your needs, we’ve curated this helpful article. Keep reading to know more!

We think Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Acoustic Audio HT-65 in Wall in Ceiling Home Theater 5 Speaker System as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

  • The reference theater pack brings the Klipsch cinematic sound into your home with an incredibly minimal footprint
  • The Klipsch reference theater pack delivers a superior acoustic performance while keeping an incredibly minimal footprint
  • Klipsch's exclusive Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum Tweeters deliver the cleanest, most natural sound possible. The down-firing wireless subwoofer is designed to deliver room-filling low frequencies without requiring too much floor space
  • To complement the easy placement of the wireless subwoofer, each satellite speaker has a keyhole mount and a threaded insert for maximum mounting flexibility
TOP Choice #2 Acoustic Audio HT-65 in Wall in Ceiling Home Theater 5 Speaker System
Our Score:
9.6
Acoustic Audio by Goldwood
  • Frequency response is 35hz-22 kHz, crossover frequency is 2200Hz, efficiency is 97dB, 2-way design, 6. 5" Woofers with high rigidity polypropylene cones and extended Throw drive Assemblies
  • Butyl rubber Surrounds, 12mm soft dome tweeters, tweeters pivot on MT6 speakers, paintable frames and grills, low profile housings, integrated wall-lock mounting system, Designed in the USA
  • Use for in wall or in ceiling home entertainment, surround sound, home theater, multiple room systems, Industrial sound, This Listing and price is for 1 complete 5 speaker set
  • Acoustic Audio by Goldwood HT-65 in wall and in ceiling 2-way 5 speaker set, 3 pieces of MT6 in wall speakers, 2 pieces of HTI6c in ceiling speakers, recommended power is 20-250 watts per speaker, 8ohm
  • Cut-out templates included, Rectangular cut out is 7. 385" X 10. 75", overall is 7. 875" X 12. 25", depth is 3", round cut out is 7. 875", overall is 9", depth is 3. 25", full instructions included
TOP Choice #3 Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System
Our Score:
9.5
Rockville
  • Optical input to connect to your TV. FM Antenna Input. Full Function Remote. The Subwoofer unit has 4 LED lighting modes: (blink to the beat, solid on, spectrum EQ analyzer, off) and selectable with 7 colors or multi-color mode.
  • You can independently control the volume of each speaker and the subwoofer. Bluetooth v2.1. USB Input (max file size 16Gb). SD Input (max file size 16Gb). 2 ¼” MIC Inputs with Echo function for karaoke. 5 RCA Audio Outputs. 6 RCA DVD Audio Inputs. 2 RCA AUX Inputs.
  • Zero distortion can be heard even with volume and bass settings all the way up! The sound on this system is better than anything even that cost twice the price!. Cable Length: Front L/F: 12Ft, Rear L/R: 30Ft, Center: 10Ft. Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz. Certification: CE and RoHS Compliant. Signal to noise ratio: ≥70dB (Maximum output with THD+N < 1%)
  • 2x 3” Full Range Front Channel Speakers. 2x 3” Full Range Rear Channel Speakers. Top Quality MDF Wood Cabinets with Plastic Front Panels. Built-In FM Receiver with Amazing Reception. Built-In Optical input to connect to your Television. Digital Display. Selectable preset equalizer curves.
  • HTS56 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with LED Light Effects. Plug and play system with everything you need right out of the box. 1000-Watts Peak Power. 500-Watts Program Power. 250-Watts Continuous RMS Power. 8” Subwoofer with Built-In Receiver. 1x 3” Center Channel Speaker.
  • Technical specs: HDMI – 4 | Standby Power Consumption – ≤ 0.2 W | Frequency Response – 28Hz/25kHz
  • Bluetooth for streaming all your favorite music and podcasts. No wireless functionality
  • Your purchase includes: 1 AV receiver, 5 speakers, 1 Sub-Woofer and Speaker wire
  • Dimensions: AV Receiver – 17” W x 6” H x 12” D | Four Speakers (each) – 4” W x 6” H x 4” D | Center speaker – 10” W x 4” H x 4” D | Subwoofer – 11” W x 11” H x 13” D
  • Easy setup with Yamaha YPAO room optimization and flexible speaker placement options, including virtual cinema front
5 Polk Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.2
Polk Audio
  • Includes powerful PLUG-AND-PLAY WIRELESS SUBWOOFER that is instantly recognized by the sound bar the moment you power it on. An 8" DOWNWARD FIRING DRIVER fills your living room, bedroom, or media room with high-impact multi-dimensional surround sound
  • Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust Technology even lets you INDEPENDENTLY CONTROL VOICE LEVELS maximizing sound clarity and minimizing voice delays and muzzled sounds. Equipped with INDEPENDENT MODES FOR MOVIES, MUSIC, AND SPORTS, it delivers balanced sound clarity so that you hear every word, making your movie, sports and music experience exquisite
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC with GOOGLE CHROMECAST from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible Android devices for a multi-room system. You can now cast your favorite music tracks to your sound bar and enjoy unlimited playback using services like Pandora, Spotify and others. Connect to a host of smart devices, TV, speakers and enjoy high-quality sound instantly
  • BIGGER, MORE DYNAMIC SOUND - Packed inside this slim and sleek sound bar 7 powerful drivers and tweeters produce exceptionally clear sound, more superior than any traditional sound bar
  • EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND WITH POLK's PATENTED SDA AUDIO TECHNOLOGY and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoding that creates an expansive surroundstage and detailed stereo image delivering an incredible room-filling listening experience, which is comparable to what you would experience in a concert or theater
  • ENDLESS CONNECTION OPTIONS - 3 HDMI Inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant), 1 HDMI-ARC output for connecting your smart TV and other devices, an Optical port for Blu-Ray players and set-top box, and an Auxiliary Analog input for connecting any non-digital device with a 3.5 mm pin. In addition, you can connect a multitude of devices using Bluetooth, USB and Internet
  • QUICKLY AND EASILY SETUP THE SOUNDBAR SYSTEM IN MINUTES using the Google Home app on your Android or iOS devices
  • Powerful 5" Wireless Subwoofer and Bluetooth Music Streaming
  • Low-Profile Design and Brilliant Clarity with 6 Full-range Speakers
  • Complete Immersion with Discreet Volume Adjustable Surround Speakers
  • Optimized for 4K TVs with Dolby Audio 5.1 and HDMI (Cable Included)
  • Control with TV Remote using HDMI, Audio Cables Included for Easy Setup
7 Acoustic Audio by Goldwood Bluetooth 5.1 Surround Sound System
Our Score:
8.9
Acoustic Audio by Goldwood
  • GREAT FOR AT HOME ENTERTAINMENT: Use our sound equipment for binge-watching your favorite TV shows, for movie nights at home with the family, or for gaming on your computer, or for listening to music on your MP3 player
  • LED ILLUMINATED SURROUND SOUND: Each system features an integrated power amp with 300 watts of power while the LED illuminated subs display multi colored flashing lights in a variety of different patterns
  • THE ULTIMATE HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE: Our 5.1 speaker system includes 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer; Delivers powerful surround sound while watching TV, gaming, or streaming music from your phone to the built in Bluetooth receiver
  • SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Our system is compatible with any standard 3.5 millimeter headphones, RCA stereo, or RCA 6 Channel surround audio outputs, and features a standard US 110V grounded wall plug
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Acoustic Audio by Goldwood AA5400 powered subwoofer speaker, 5 passive wired satellite speakers, full function remote, 3.5 millimeter to RCA cable, 3 RCA to RCA jack cables, and an instruction manual
  • As main components, your purchase include: One Console, 4 OnmiJewel side speakers, One Omni Jewel center speaker, One Acoustimass wireless bass module, universal remote control, 2 wireless receivers, One ADAPTiQ headset and Owner’s guide
  • Supported Audio formats - Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Multichannel PCM. Video Source compatibility - Support for six 4K/60 video sources (HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2)
  • Dimensions (”): Console – 15.98 W x 2.56 H x 10.16 D | Omni Jewel Side speakers (each) – 1.84 W x 5.77 H x 1.84 D | Omni Jewel Center speaker – 21.34 W x 1.9 H x 1.84 D | Bass module – 11.61 W x 12.8 H x 11.61 D | Wireless receivers – 6.54 W x 1.6 H x 3 D
  • Front and center speakers have a wired connection, while the 2-rear speakers connect to a wireless receiver and AC power mains. The rear speakers and bass module connect to the front module wirelessly
  • Wires length: 6-foot IR emitter, 5-foot optical cable, 6-foot HDMI cable, 5-foot power cord, 20-foot center speaker cable, 20-foot wireless surround speaker cable, and 20-foot front speaker cables
  • Accurate, non-fatiguing sound provides hours of listening pleasure
  • Highly efficient design produces more output using less energy
  • System includes: (1) B-200 Bookshelf Speaker Pair, (1) C-200 Center Channel, (2) B-100 bookshelf speakers, and (1) Sub-100 subwoofer
  • Components come with power cords - stereo wire sold separately
  • Subwoofer features a spun copper front-firing Cerametallic woofer and an all-digital amplifier for high-efficiency and true-to-source sound accuracy
  • Immersive Sound: The immersive, upward-firing driver adds a new dimension to movie soundtracks, making the sound come alive from all directions and creating a 3D space.
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What to Look For in a best affordable home sound system?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best affordable home sound system will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best affordable home sound system you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best affordable home sound system issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best affordable home sound system in 2024:

Apps And Connectivity

You want your receiver to have the ability to use apps such as Spotify, Google Cast or Apple Airplay. Many options are available with this feature, as well as many that will connect to Internet radio stations to stream your radio.
You can also control the receivers via compatible apps. This allows you to adjust settings and switch between different content from your smartphone.

Smart Features

You should consider receivers that have voice control. Receivers that support Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are available.

Channels

The number and type of speakers that you want to connect will determine the channel count. The size of your space may also play a role in this decision.
Home theatre systems that are receiver-based can be purchased in many channels. These channels include 5.1, 7.1.1, and 9.1. This number indicates the total number of speakers and subwoofers in the system.

Power

The watts denotes the total power output of an amplifier. It is essential that the receiver you choose is strong enough to provide enough power for your speakers. For optimal performance, an A/V receiver should deliver at least 100 W to each channel. Impedance is another term that describes the speaker's performance and amplifier. Speakers are usually rated between 6 and 8 Ohms. Home theatre systems require that the speakers and amplifier be properly paired by their manufacturer.

Number And Type Of Connections

What number of HDMI-connected devices can you connect? Multiple HDMI and optical connections are available on many receivers so that you can connect your television to streaming boxes, gaming consoles, cable boxes or other HDMI-connected devices. Your receiver can be used to switch between different applications. Make sure it can support all your devices. A receiver can have 4 to 10 HDMI connections.

Wireless Vs. Wired

It is often easy to decide whether you want cords or cables. The main concern will be whether it is easy to hide or place the cables connecting to your home theater.
Wireless speaker systems are popular because they're easy to install. Wireless systems can be moved around easily and used in different locations. You can also use the wireless speakers outdoors, such as on your patio.

Surround Sound Technology

You can select a receiver that has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X built-in. A dedicated Phono input is another important feature that you may want to include on your receiver. The input provides better sound quality than integrated circuits or computer chips and can be used to improve dynamics, sound depth, and detail. It's an excellent feature for electronics, even if your receiver doesn't come with a phonograph.

FAQs

How Many Watts Home Theater Do I Need?

Your theater will sound better if you have more power under your hood. Strangely, but true, high-power theaters sound louder when they are at lower volume levels. 125 watts per channel would be the best power level to maintain without worrying about running out.

How Many Speakers Do I Need?

You will need five or more speakers to create a surround sound system. Dolby Atmos enabled setups should include at least five speakers. A good system should have at least five, seven or nine principal speakers. Your space limitations and your budget will determine the amount of speakers you select. You should ensure that your home theater receiver has sufficient input and output options for the speakers you have chosen.

How Do You Make Your Rear Speakers Wireless?

Although you can add wired speakers to your rear using a wireless adapter, it is still not ideal. Some manufacturers offer wireless surround speaker systems that can be used wirelessly if necessary.

What Wattage Should I Get For My Home Theater System?

Performance is just like performance in cars. The more horsepower you have, the bigger and better your theater will sound. It will sound even louder if you crank it up. It is strange but true that a louder theater can actually produce more goosebumps at lower volume levels.
You should ensure that you use the recommended minimum power for the speakers. A doubling in power is required to hear volume changes up to three decibels. This means that you have 70 watts of power per channel and you desire a significantly higher sound level. You'd need 140 Watts to do this.

How Big A Screen Should I Get?

For many, this may be the most important question. For a true cinema experience, a large screen is essential. It all depends on how you want to seat and what size the space is. In medium-sized theatres, 120 inches is the most common screen size. A minimum distance for a screen that large is around 10 feet. For every foot of screen size, the average seating distance is between 10 and 12 inches. Some people prefer to be closer in order to get the best experience. Others don't like being as close. This can be achieved in multi-row seating arrangements - maybe the children will prefer the front row.

What Is The Best Speaker Setup?

A surround sound system consists of two speakers at the front and two speakers in the center. Two surround speakers are located behind your viewer. One subwoofer is included. Two speakers can be added to either side of the viewer in a seven-speaker setup. For larger rooms there are nine-speaker systems. These have two speakers next to the viewer on either side. There are also additional speakers at 70 degrees from your viewers. These traditional layouts can be enhanced by Dolby Atmos overhead speakers, which create an immersive, more real-life experience.

Can I Use A Flat-screen TV For The Display?

It is possible, it may be suitable for small spaces. If you decide to go this route, an OLED set of high quality from LG is a great choice. OLED panels are perfect for film because they have excellent color reproduction and great black levels. OLED panels are larger than other projectors and measure 88 inches in height. You should also consider that black bars can reduce screen real estate when you view 21:9 wide format film, which is a popular format used for theatrical releases.

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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.