True audiophiles know that a soundbar, while great for amplifying the television's in-built speakers, leaves something to be desired. The singular unit may be sleek, wireless and easy to set up, but its sound doesn’t envelop quite like in a surround sound system. You have plenty of options, if you’re looking to bring the cinema home.
Some prefer the traditional arrangement, decking out the living room with multiple speakers and a subwoofer, all hooked to an AV (audio/video) receiver. Then, there’s the minimalistic soundbar system that features rear speakers and a subwoofer, best suited for smaller TV rooms and studios. Both deliver a wraparound audio bubble, but a receiver-based system is always pricier, for bringing the audience a clearer, bigger and richer performance.
You might also notice a price hike with speakers that include Dolby Atmos technology. This feature gives one the impression of a movie playing in all directions, especially overhead. If you want a true 3D immersion, consider the height dimension that an Atmos system adds.
Discover the best home theatre setup for you below, and shop as a Prime member to get free delivery on some of these units.
1. Best Overall: Sony 4K AV Receiver with Complete 5.2 Surround Sound System
Pros
- AV receiver with four HDMI inputs and two outputs
- 5.2 channel support
- Turn on the unit remotely via Bluetooth
- Includes five speakers and one subwoofer
- Switches to 2.1 system for smaller rooms
Cons
- Expensive
Sony’s complete 5.2 surround sound system comes with an AV receiver – perfect for those starting from scratch. A 5.2-channel receiver means you can have up to five speakers and two subwoofers in your home theatre system. Our pick is a set that includes two bookshelf speakers, two floor-standing speakers, a central speaker and a 10-inch subwoofer. Expect stellar 4k video support with Dolby Vision through the receiver that has four HDMI ports for your TV, gaming console, DVD player and more. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity. Turn on the unit straight from your paired smartphone or tablet, and then stream your favourite playlists from music apps. If you’re just catching the news on TV, switch the receiver to a 2.1 format (two speakers and subwoofer) for a less overwhelming virtual surround sound.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh590.56 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh426 and two years for Dh605.
2. Best for Smart TVs: Samsung 5.1.2Ch Wireless Soundbar
Pros
- Best compatibility with Samsung smart TVs
- Modern setup for a clean look
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Integrated with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Cons
- Doesn’t come with rear speakers
Own a Samsung smart TV? Pair it with this comprehensive home theatre system by the electronics brand. It keeps your setup neat with two up-firing speakers built into the soundbar for a surround sound experience. There's the subwoofer, too, for delivering bass. Its Q-Symphony feature syncs with your Samsung TV speakers to give you seamless acoustics. The connection is completely wireless, so all you have to do is link the 5.2.1-channel system to your television via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If you have gamers at home, they'll love the automatic switch to Game Mode sound for a curated audio bubble. Moreover, the setup is powered by DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. Even though it lacks rear speakers, reviewers say the soundbar makes up for it with the up-firing channels. They describe the bass as deep and heavy, and call it a superb piece of kit for a Samsung TV.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh158.62 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh114 and two years for Dh162.
3. Best Value Speaker Set: Pioneer Home Theater Speaker 5.0
Pros
- Value for money
- Pairs with any amplifier or AV receiver of your choice
- Tower speakers have built-in woofers
Cons
- Misses subwoofer
If you already own a trusted AV receiver, then opt for this home theatre speaker package. At this price point, you’re getting two tall front speakers integrated with twin woofers, a centre speaker and two small surround speakers. Granted, since it’s a 5.0-channel format, there’s no separate subwoofer in the unit. Five-star reviews can’t stop marvelling about how good the system sounds right out of the box, even without calibration. For a more streamlined setup, add an Atmos-enabled Pioneer AV receiver here.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh184.88 for 12 months with select banks.
4. Best Soundbar System: JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround
Pros
- Four upward-firing speakers with Atmos support
- Detachable speakers can be taken to any room
- Excellent bass from subwoofer
Cons
- Only has one HDMI input port
Here’s a soundbar home cinema system, complete with Dolby Atmos, for smaller spaces. The JBL Bar 9.1 setup is backed by two detachable surround speakers, a subwoofer and the main soundbar that carries the stereo and centre channels in one. But how does a flat bar deliver height channels as promised by Atmos? It’s the way the speakers are angled in the soundbar. Four up-firing speakers bounce sound to the ceiling and back down to create a three-dimensional experience. In other words, you’ll be listening to the rainfall overhead as it pours on TV. Place the detachable wireless units behind you, and the audio bubble gets even better. The unit pairs with your TV, tablet and smartphone via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or an HDMI cable (included). Check out individual soundbars for smaller setups here.
Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh240.58 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh171 and two years for Dh242.
5. Best Budget: Sony SA-D20 Home Theatre Satellite Speakers
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Plenty of connectivity options
- NFC compatible
Cons
- Bass is not as powerful as expected, reviewers say
If you’d like to boost your sound experience without breaking the bank, consider Sony’s SA-D20 satellite speakers that are made to connect seamlessly with TVs, PCs and music players. It’s a space-saving system that features wireless connection via Bluetooth, along with both USB and audio inputs. You can even connect through near-field communication (NFC) right from your phone. At a great price, you’re getting a large subwoofer with a wide reach, along with two 2.1 channel multimedia speakers. Reviewers love the value for money they receive on this product, backed by Sony’s extensive experience and customer support.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh23 and two years for Dh33.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
