The 10 Best Home Music System, Tested And Researched

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer

Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer is a must-have for music and movies. This system features powerful, yet efficient drivers and a powerful subwoofer that delivers premium acoustics, high quality construction, easy setup and stunning theater experience at home. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System

The Rockville HTS56 is a 5.1 channel home theater system with everything you need to enjoy your favorite music and movies in crystal clear quality. The built-in FM receiver allows for great reception, the preset equalizer enables you to adjust the sound for your perfect listening experience and the Bluetooth adds an extra dimension of convenience. Read Review

3. Best Compact: Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 700W

Create your own home theater experience with Acoustic Audio's AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 700W. You'll be able to play iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services right from your phone. It also has a built-in SD card reader for your digital media files, an FM tuner and a USB port for thumb drives and flash drives. Read Review

4. Best Economical: Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System

The Klipsch Black Reference theater pack is a wireless surround sound system that promises to deliver the cleanest, most natural sound possible. The Klipsch Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum tweeters deliver the clearest and clearest sound possible; while the down-firing wireless subwoofer delivers room-filling low frequencies without too much floor space. Read Review

You don’t need expensive or even fancy equipment to enjoy great music at home. In fact, many of the best-sounding home systems can be found for much less than you might expect. With affordable components and a little know-how, you can build a high-end listening space without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to experience your favorite tracks is with a quality sound system. Whether you want to listen to music as an individual listener or set up surround sound visuals in your living room, investing in a good setup will make all the difference. Here are the best home music system and recommendations that will help you build the perfect audio system at home.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 13 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best home music system, we believe the Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer is worth buying thanks to an immersive multi-room setup with 7.1, 9.1, or more channels. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.

Our Top Picks

  • Polk speakers are COMPATIBLE WITH MOST HOME THEATER AV RECEIVERS giving you many setup options. Use this 5.1 channel system as is or upgrade to an immersive multi-room setup with 7.1, 9.1 or more channels
  • MASSIVE SOUND FROM 15 SPEAKERS – Each bookshelf features a 5.25” driver & a 0.75” tweeter, center has (2) 5.25” driver & a 1” tweeter, and each tower has a 6.5” driver, 1” tweeter & (2) 6.5” Bass Radiators that produce a well-balanced, room-filling sound
  • A POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH (up to 100 watts) - A 10-inch subwoofer with a uniquely configured directed port provides accurate bass with added depth that brings your music and movies alive. A perfect solution for your small-to-mid size room
  • POLK'S UNMATCHED QUALITY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. With these value-priced speakers, you can now enjoy premium acoustics, high quality construction, easy setup and a spectacular theater experience right at home
  • All speakers, including the sub, are equipped with POLK’S PROPRIETARY DYNAMIC BALANCE TECHNOLOGY with wider dispersion & minimal distortions so every listener in the room hears UNSURPASSED THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURROUND SOUND WITH HEART-THUMPING BASS
TOP Choice #2 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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%)
TOP Choice #3 Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 700W
Our Score:
9.4
Acoustic Audio by Goldwood
  • Plug and Play Connections, 3.5MM Aux to RCA Wire Included
  • Magnetically Shielded Speakers with Computerized Enclosure Design
  • 5 Discrete Independent Channel Input/output for true surround sound
  • Bluetooth Connectivity, SD Card, Flash Drive MP3 Player and FM Tuner
  • Power Rating: 700 Watts System Power Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
  • The Klipsch reference theater pack delivers a superior acoustic performance while keeping an incredibly minimal footprint
  • To complement the easy placement of the wireless subwoofer, each satellite speaker has a keyhole mount and a threaded insert for maximum mounting flexibility
  • 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
  • The reference theater pack brings the Klipsch cinematic sound into your home with an incredibly minimal footprint
  • FEATURES: Analog class A/B power amplifiers with dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices at once, a 24bit DAC, and Bluetooth aptX HD. The A5+ system features true stereo sound in hand-finished wood cabinets, 5" custom aramid fiber woofers and 0.75" silk dome tweeters. Control volume using the aluminum remote control or the front mounted knob, and save power when not in use with an auto-sensing sleep mode.
  • WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in Austin, TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the power of music and our passion is to inspire you to listen every day.
  • PREMIUM POWERED BLUETOOTH BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS: Audioengine has brought traditional high-quality audio equipment into the digital age. Their range of Award-Winning products have been praised by What Hi-Fi, CNet, and Wired to name just a few of the publications who have tested their products since 2005.
  • 150 WATTS OF POWER: Experience room filling sound from a small footprint with 150W of combined peak output. Easily connect the Audioengine S8 or other subwoofer via the RCA variable output. And at 10.75”H x 7”W x 9”D ea, the A5+ Wireless speakers sound much bigger than they are.
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: Pair of Audioengine A5+ Wireless Powered Speakers, Bluetooth antenna, 12ft gold-plated banana plug speaker wire, 6ft AC power cord, 6.5ft mini-jack audio cable, 6.5ft RCA audio cable, solid aluminum remote control, microfiber speaker and cable bags, setup guide
  • Full range bass reflex speaker system & 7.1-Inch subwoofer
  • Full HD 1080p: Upscale standard DVDs to near HD quality
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: Stream Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora & more
  • Full range bass reflex speaker system & 7.1-Inch subwoofer
  • Wirelessly stream music from Bluetooth devices with just one-touch
  • Power Output : 1000W Total (RMS): Center 250W, Surround 125W, Subwoofer 250W, Front 125W
  • Wirelessly stream music from Bluetooth devices with just one-touch
  • Full HD 1080p: Upscale standard DVDs to near HD quality, Input and Output Terminals:ANALOG AUDIO INPUT: PIN JACK (1), ETHERNET CONNECTION (1), HDMI IN/OUT (0/1), OPTICAL AUDIO INPUT (1), USB INPUT (1 Front), USB Keyboard
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: Stream Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora & more
  • Power Output : 1000W Total (RMS): Center 250W, Surround 125W, Subwoofer 250W, Front 125W
7 Acoustic Audio by Goldwood 5.1 Speaker System 5.1-Channel
Our Score:
8.7
Acoustic Audio by Goldwood
  • BLUETOOTH 5.1 HOME THEATER SPEAKER SYSTEM - Stream music from your phone to the built in Bluetooth receiver, integrated power amp with 600 watts system power, Pro Surround function converts stereo to 5.1 sound, LED illuminated sub with multi color and pattern flashing light display
  • SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Standard US 110V grounded wall plug, any audio device with a standard 3.5mm headphone or RCA stereo or RCA 6 channel surround audio outputs. Use for TV or home entertainment, laptop or PC, DVD or MP3 player, gaming
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Acoustic Audio by Goldwood AA5210 powered subwoofer speaker, 5 passive wired satellite speakers, full function remote, 3.5mm to RCA cable, 2 RCA to RCA jack cables, instruction manual
  • EASY PLUG AND PLAY CONNECTIONS - Standard RCA inputs connect to most audio sources, 6 independent RCA inputs for true surround, stereo RCA AUX inputs, illuminated display with front panel controls, USB drive input and SD card input, full function remote
  • HIGHEST QUALITY - Powered subwoofer speaker is 11" x 6.25" x 12.5", 20Hz-20 kHz, 5 wired satellite speakers are 6.875" x 4.125" x 4" each, 2 fronts and center satellite speakers have a 6 foot single RCA cable, 2 rear speakers have 12 foot single RCA cables
  • Power Source Type: Corded Electric
  • A MODERN SPACE-SAVING SYSTEM – This compact 5.1 channel home theater gives you a 3-dimensional surround sound experience with clean, rich audio. Includes 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel & a 250 watt Powered Subwoofer for DEEPER, ROOM-FILLING BASS
  • EXCELLENT VOICE CLARITY RIGHT FROM THE CENTER – The high-performance center channel is EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST ADVANCED DRIVERS - a 1" Tweeter, (2) 3.25" Mid/Woofer BDSS Drivers & (2) 3.25" Bass Radiators for precise and surprising sound reproduction
  • SURPRISINGLY BIG SOUND FROM SURROUNDS – You'll feel you're in the middle of the action with the (4) satellite speakers that sing. Each satellite has a 1" Tweeter, a 3.25" BDSS woofer and a bass radiator of the same size
  • SOPHISTICATED SOUND AT AN UNBEATABLE PRICE – Definitive Technology continues to innovate and produces premium range of speakers and home entertainment systems with timeless, purposeful and rational designs, now made at an affordable price
  • Polk 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)
  • Polk 2-Way Center Channel Speaker
  • Polk 2-Way Floor-Standing Speakers (Pair)
  • Onkyo 5.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K Network A/V Wi-Fi Home Theater Receiver
  • Polk 10-Inch Active Subwoofer
  • Highest Quality - powered Sub speaker is 11. 75" X 6. 75" X 13", 20hz-20 kHz, 5 wired satellite speakers are 6. 7" X 4. 13" X 4. 09" Each, 2 fronts and center satellite speakers have a 6 foot RCA cable, 2 rear speakers have 24 foot RCA cables, 2 RCA 25 foot Extension cables
  • What's in the box - Acoustic Audio by Goldwood AA5240 powered subwoofer speaker, 5 passive wired satellite speakers, full function remote, 3. 5mm to RCA cable, 2 RCA to RCA jack cables, instruction manual, 2 RCA 25 foot Extension cables
  • Bluetooth 5. 1 Home theater speaker system - stream music from your phone to the built in Bluetooth receiver, integrated power amp with 300 watts system power, Pro surround function automatically converts stereo to 5. 1 Sound
  • Easy plug and play connections - standard RCA inputs connect to most Audio sources, 6 independent RCA inputs for True surround, stereo RCA aux inputs, illuminated display with front panel controls, USB drive input and SD card input, full function remote
  • System requirements - standard US 110V grounded wall plug, any Audio device with a standard 3. 5mm headphone or RCA stereo or RCA 6 Channel surround audio outputs. Use for TV or home entertainment, laptop or PC, DVD or MP3 player, gaming
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best home music system?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Smart Features

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

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

We decide facts since we are product consulting professionals with extensive expertise. Even so, we maintain and update the list of best home music system so the information is correct and up to date.

After reading this article, you should discover that selecting a best home music system that is both handy and economical to you is not difficult. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require assistance.


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.