The 10 Best Hifi Sound System, Tested And Researched

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

The Rundown

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

Take home theater to a whole new level with the Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System. Featuring 15 speakers and a powered subwoofer, this unit provides for massive sound from every angle. The Polk Audio technology includes proprietary Dynamic Balance technology to ensure that sound is not just accurate and balanced, but powerful and dynamic as well. This system is compatible with most home theater receivers and comes with a 3-year warranty. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver, 5.2 channel, Home Theater System

Experience a new level of entertainment with this Denon AVR-S540BT home theater system. With five channels and two subwoofers, this receiver delivers you everything you need to enjoy your favorite music. The easy on-screen setup assistant guides you through the installation process as you simply follow the on-screen prompts, while convenient front panel buttons allow quick access to AM/FM radio presets and input selection. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System

Klipsch delivers the ultimate in reference home theater. Designed for minimal footprint, 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 Klipsch 5.1 surround sound speaker system is a great way to upgrade your listening experience at a fraction of the cost of competitors. Read Review

4. Best Style: Fluance Signature HiFi Surround Sound Speakers Home Theater System

Allow your living room to become the ultimate listening destination with Fluance Signature HiFi Surround Sound Speakers. Designed for both home theater and music enthusiasts, these speakers produce high fidelity sound that transports you into a concert. They come equipped with high-end Neodymium tweeters to produce captivating clarity and ultra-high-end neodymium woofers that produce true surround sound. Read Review

Do you love listening to music? If yes, then you must have heard about the importance of a good sound system. Additionally, a quality sound system can play the perfect song at the right volume for an evening of relaxation. In other words, a good sound system can make your favorite songs come alive and bring out their best HiFi sound.

Whether you like classical music or rock music, everyone has their preference when it comes to listening to music. Your choice of music will be further impacted by the type of hifi system that you have. So if you’re in the market for buying your first high-end home audio system with great built-in speakers, here are some useful tips that can help you find what fits your needs and budget:

We think Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver, 5.2 channel, Home Theater System as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver, 5.2 channel, Home Theater System
Our Score:
9.5
Denon
  • FOUR QUICK SELECT BUTTONS ON THE FRONT PANEL help you store your preferred audio settings for television, Blu-Ray, and more, and allows you to switch between them quickly
  • MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 4K UHD TV – At 140W per channel, the Denon AVR-S540BT receiver delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, and supports HLG, HDR, BT.2020, Wide Color Gamut and 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling for realistic display and immersive sound
  • OUR EASY ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings and helps you optimize your surround sound
  • CONVENIENT CONTROL - Connect the AVR with your Smart TV Remote and access all your speaker sources and surround mode selections using just one remote, or download the Denon 500 Series Remote App for iOS and Android and control the AVR through your phone
  • With its 100-year legacy and Japanese precision technology, Denon AV Receiver S540BT DELIVERS MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SURROUND SOUND with 5.2 channel compatibility and SUPPORTS 4K ULTRA HD PICTURE QUALITY, perfect for your home theater and entertainment system
  • YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - With built-in Bluetooth, play music from eight different devices, and create an integrated multi-room audio system with Denon HEOS LINK. Allows wireless music streaming from Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora and more
  • To complement the easy placement of the wireless subwoofer, each satellite speaker has a keyhole mount and a threaded insert for maximum mounting flexibility
  • The Klipsch reference theater pack delivers a superior acoustic performance while keeping an incredibly minimal footprint
  • The reference theater pack brings the Klipsch cinematic sound into your home with 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
  • Midrange pointed dome allows sound waves to travel directly from the center of the woven glass fiber cone for an enhanced soundstage
  • Acoustically inert, the cabinets are precision crafted with engineered wood to create a warm, distortion-free sound
  • Mastering precision and sonic accuracy, the Signature Series uses only premium components that ensure high fidelity sound transporting the concert into your living room (External Amplifier Required)
  • Ultra high-end Neodymium tweeters produce high frequencies with captivating clarity and truly immersive surround sound
  • Industry leading full lifetime parts and labor manufacturer's direct warranty with lifetime customer support
  • Sound sync wireless - a convenient alternative to hardwired external speakers, This CK43 Supports a Bluetooth wireless Audio Connection to add bigger sound to the Television.
  • Ez file search - with EZ file search, use the dials and the clear readout on the LED panel to quickly search folders or tracks.
  • Bluetooth - wirelessly stream music directly from your smartphone or other compatible device for a seamless listening experience.
  • Multiple inputs - This speaker system comes equipped with a standard analog stereo auxiliary input as well as a USB port, ready to accept an external drive to conveniently play digital music.
  • Powerful Cinematic Experience - With a 10-inch Powered Subwoofer pumping out room shaking bass for a truly immersive experience bringing your movies and music to new depths
  • 3-Way Floorstanding Towers - High frequency tweeters, dynamic midrange, and subwoofer come together in a precision crafted enclosure to suppress distortion and provide an accurate response
  • Dynamic Rear Surrounds - Remarkable reproduction of the finest details, the Elite Surrounds are a highly accurate and intensely musical system with broad frequency response and low distortion
  • 5.1 Speaker System - Expertly timbre matched 5 speaker system with a powerful 10" subwoofer that will surround you with every brilliant nuance the way the artist intended
  • Precision Crafted Cabinets - Boasting a classic woodgrain finish, the engineered MDF wood cabinet ensures a natural, distortion-free sound offering a pure listening experience
  • Built-In Subwoofers
  • 1000 Watts 4.2 Channel Home Theater
  • Premium Content-Enabled
  • Blu-ray 3D DVD Player
  • Smart Hi-Fi Compatible. Power Consumption : 135W
  • Optimized Crossover Component: The crossover network in the SS-CS8 is intended to assure minimal signal loss for an energetic vocal response with even the most delicate nuances. It is mounted directly to the cabinet for vibration isolation
  • Mica-Reinforced Drivers: The SS-CS8 utilizes foamed, dual-layer mica woofer diaphragms - the upper surface is fashioned to deliver supple and faithful sound quality, while the bottom layer is designed to leverage low weight with strength for a powerful bass response
  • Bundle Includes: Sony SSCS8 2-Way 3-Driver Center Channel Speaker (Black), Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Black) and Sony 10-Inch Active Subwoofer (Black)
  • 145W Peak Power: Equipped with two 4-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter, the Sony SS-CS8 2-Way 3-Driver Center Channel Speaker handles 145W of peak power
  • Reduced Vibration: Four rubber foot pads are included to isolate the speakers from your shelf, so as to reduce shelf vibration
  • The Cub Evo subwoofer recalls the same design codes as our Hi-Fi subwoofers in a ‘‘lifestyle” product
  • quipped with an 8’’ speaker driver and a 200W Class D amplifier it’s characterised by its MDF structure and its Matt Black finish
  • The Dolby Atmos loudspeaker is equipped with an additional 4? full-range Polyflex speaker driver on top dedicated to the Atmos effects
  • Sib Evo is composed of a 5? Polyflex speaker driver and a ¾? silk dome tweeter integrated into a sizeable enclosure in order to give it extended frequency response
  • Compact Home Theater System - Full range sound from the powerful midrange drivers and the ultra-high-end Neodymium tweeters, delivering captivating surround sound throughout your entire room
  • 5.0 Speaker System - Perfectly timbre matched bookshelf fronts, center channel and rear surrounds designed to encapsulate you with every sound effect the way the artist intended
  • Precision Crafted Cabinets - Acoustically inert, engineered with MDF wood to create a warm, distortion-free sound
  • Detailed Center Channel - Perfecting the vocals and dialogue of your favorite music and movies ensuring you are in the center of the action for a life-like home audio experience
  • 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers - Enveloping surround sound providing outstanding precision and clarity, allowing you to soak up all the dramatic impact your movies and music can deliver
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best hifi sound system?

The best hifi sound system is a product type that many customers feel hesitant to select because of the challenges in evaluating its features. It comes to trust! When studying a significant purchase, many factors must be considered. Our best hifi sound system knowledge will help you make an ideal decision.

Our article here will highlight some outstanding items and provide solutions to FAQs and guides to buying. You should keep in mind some main criteria of best hifi sound system below:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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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.