The 8 Best Home Theater Starter Kits For Under $500 In 2021

What should you look for when purchasing a wireless sound bar and Speakers

There are many aspects to think about when searching for the perfect wireless sound bar or sound system for you. We've collected a few the most important ones below.

Connectivityfirst, find out what your TV supports and think about other devices you'll want to connect, like gaming consoles. The ports are essential and that's where having multiple inputs can come in handy. While it is nice to have, there can be a big distinction in sound quality based on the device you connect.

Optical and HDMI are the two most commonly used, but HDMI Arc is capable of transmitting audio in either direction which means you'll be able to connect devices to your TV while having the audio come out through your audio system.

Audio Format: It's also crucial to make sure all your devices support identical audio formats prior to you install a plugin. Dolby Atmos, and DTSX are the two most commonly used high-res formats currently. Although HDMI Arc can't transmit high-res signals similar to Dolby Atmos and DTSX (yet) but there's a new format that's being introduced that has the potential to do so. It's known as "eArc," and it's getting more and more popular on newer sets. Depending on your system and sound bar they can be able to read the information encoded in films and games, allowing you to immerse yourself in authentic surround sound even with just an audio bar.

WiFi is a great way to reduce the number of cables, the majority of systems have wireless options such as Bluetooth and WiFi (or both). It's not just about eliminating messy wires or having to drill holes into your walls to install speakers. Connectivity to WiFi can also be used to sync up with apps like voice control, Airplay, Chromecast, and of the course, adding additional speakers. Syncing up with the rest of your smart home is also possible, as some systems effortlessly connect with Amazon Alexa.

The extras are nice, but it's important for you to focus your attention, and your ears, focused at the goal: audio quality. We've picked these five different sets to give all an opportunity to improve their sound.

1. JBL Bar 5.1 4K Ultra HD Sound Bar

The JBL Bar 5. 1 has been around since 2016, and while it's not equipped with the latest features, it offers good value at just 200 dollars. The Bar 5.1 comes with four full-range drivers, which will cover any room size and an additional subwoofer for added bass. There's no extravagant extras however if you're looking for something that is simple, this might do the job.

2. Nakamichi 9.2.4 Channel Sound Bar

This beast of a set-up comprises 9.2.4 channels, which include Sound bar with four surrounds, as well as not just one but two subwoofers that are 10 inches in diameter.

The bar itself measures 45 inches long, with eight speaker drivers (including the two side-firing tweeters) and is able to receive Dolby Atmos and DTSX when streaming through apps like Netflix. The three advanced audio processing engines enhance the surround effect and allow you to see the unique details in any audio mix.

This is a total house shaker of an appliance that allows you to connect six devices, and has a 52-button, wireless remote for full control of almost everything.

Amazon Buy Nakamichi 9.2.4 Channel Sound Bar for $1,399.99

3. Sony the HT G700 Sound Bar

At 38.6 inches, the Sony is compact enough to fit into even smaller configurations. The bar can handle the mids and highs, and the subwoofer that comes with it provides an impressive full bass.

Sony's "Vertical Sound Engine" surround sound system is integrated and does an excellent job of simulating sound from all directions, making it sound more powerful as it splits from the channels better than a singular sound bar normally would.

The remote's capabilities go beyond the basics, but also offer the ability to choose different sound settings based on what you're watching, for example, news, sports, or cinema. Also, there's the Night mode, which compresses the range and dynamic of the Dolby digital signal to provide higher quality sound at lower volumes.

Amazon Purchase: Sony HT-G700 Sound Bar at $598.00

4. Snos Beam Sound Bar Smart TV

Sonos has been producing great sound bars for years and their new model isn't an exception. The Beam is designed to work with any TV that has built-in sound bars. It is wirelessly connected and includes four speakers that are connected to the front of the television. There's also an integrated subwoofer. You can adjust volume levels independently using the remote, and then the entire system will automatically sync with your Sonos speakers.

The Beam is compatible alongside Sonos its own streaming service for music, providing access to more than 50 million music tracks.

Installation is as simple simply as connecting it to your TV and then the app's instructions take care of the rest. It's light enough to move around the room and mount it to the wall.

Amazon Purchase: Sonos Beam Smart TV Sound Bar for $469.99

5. Samsung HW-T650 Sound Bar

For one of the most immersive sound bar experiences Samsung's sound bar utilizes Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X to turn your living room into a stage. Powerful 3D surround sound and a central channel for high-quality dialogue make you feel as if you're in the scene.

Connect to your TV via Bluetooth to go completely wireless, and with multi-connection, it's easy to switch between different devices. We are awestruck by the intelligent sound on this system and, whether you're watching a loud sports event or a quiet drama, it will automatically adjust the sound settings. Gamers will also be pleased with the directional, optimized sound that comes from the specially-designed "Game Mode".

This 38.6-inch speaker will give you all the bass you want thanks to its wireless subwoofer. with no HDMI cables are required.

Amazon Purchase: Samsung HW-T650 Sound Bar at $279.00

Tabulation If you are tired of all the cable televisions lying randomly all over your house and you are searching for a hassle-free surround stereo for your house theater, the very best thing you can do is to go cordless. Our short article on 18 finest wireless surround sound systems in 2021 is designed to assist you comprehend all the important things you need to understand about cordless surround sound systems and make the best possible option based on your requirements and your budget.

17 Best Home Theater Systems For Everyone [2021 Reviews]

We have actually attempted to list all the benefits and disadvantages of these surround stereos and make your search much simpler. Surround sound systems have been popular for rather some time (best wireless surround sound system 2021). Individuals merely enjoy the benefit of having cinema-like experience without going to the real movie theater. The very first surround sound systems appeared throughout the 1980s however they really became popular in the 2000s.

Wireless Home Theater Systems: An Honest Review

Today, lots of homes in the US are geared up with some kind house theater system (television or projector, DVD or Blu-Ray gamer, AV receiver + set of surround sound speakers). The experience could not be much better, right? Well, there is still one hassle. Don't you dislike all those cable televisions going under your carpet, or even worse, lying on the flooring or dangling from your walls? Unless your home or your home entertainment center is pre-wired, you will have to invest a lot of time circuitry your house theater system, linking all the speakers to the receiver, and attempting to make all those cables" unnoticeable".

Well, given that you are here, you probably want something more powerful than a pair of little integrated television speakers. Surround noise is not the only alternative if you just want something louder than your TV - best wireless home theater system reddit. If that's your only desire, you can examine our short articles on finest wireless speakers for television and finest soundbars in 2021.

Top 10 Best Home Theater Systems + Buying Guide [2021]

Different types of Wireless Surround Sound Systems

Systems for surround-sound wireless can be classified into two major types based on how they get data: Bluetooth and WiFi.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless surround sound speakers were the very first in their class to be introduced onto the market. However, because Bluetooth has to compress audio data prior to transmitting it, this technology's quality is limited.

While they aren't the best in terms of quality, Bluetooth systems are easier to install, less expensive, and more ubiquitous and allow the wireless surround-sound systems be used with nearly any electronic device.

WiFi

WiFi surround sound systems wireless are a bit newer than Bluetooth technology, so you may run into issues when you want to connect to a device that does not have WiFi compatibility. However, the majority of Bluetooth-capable devices have their own app that users can access via WiFi. It's a more difficult way to pair your device, however the advantages of WiFi might make it worth it.

WiFi wireless surround sound systems are more expensive than Bluetooth, but they're better in many ways. Sound quality can be unquestionably superior with WiFi since the information does not require being compressed before transmission and WiFi connections are more stable than Bluetooth. WiFi surround sound systems wireless also offer a better performance than Bluetooth systems, which makes them ideal for large spaces.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound for wireless surround sound systems is based on a variety of technical specifications, including frequency response as well as rated output power RMS, signal-to noise ratio, along with Total Harmonic Distortion that make up a distinctive sound experience. If you don't spend long hours studying the field of audio, a lot of these specifications will be difficult to understand or even meaningless.

To make it easier for you to comprehend, the sound quality can be neatly split between Bluetooth as well as WiFi.

Bluetooth Wireless surround systems have a lower quality of sound due to the fact that Bluetooth technology requires that audio data be compressed prior to it being able to be transmitted. The compression of data reduces audio quality, so even if your speakers can produce excellent sound quality, the transmission method can reduce their performance overall.

WiFi surround sound systems with wireless technology do not have the same restraint on their transmissions, which allows the data in audio to be sent in its original format and size, while preserving its high quality.

However, with all wireless surround systems the sound quality is based on the perception of your ears.

1 and a few of them can even mimic DTS: X or Dolby Atmos audio formats. As you might assume, simulation is never as good as the real thing, however still, something is much better than absolutely nothing. Wireless surround sound systems have been introduced a few years earlier and you can't really anticipate them to be best.

If you truly desire a best cordless surround system, you will certainly have to pay a lot more than you would spend for a wired surround sound system. best home theater system 2021. If you compare two budget friendly (or cheap) systems within the same cost range, you will absolutely be happier with the sound originating from the wired one.

So, basically, the reality that some surround system is wireless does not have to mean that it's bad (specifically if you buy one of those high-end systems). There are 2 kinds of wireless surround stereos Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (some use your home Wi-Fi network, others make their own 5GHz network and do not utilize your house Wi-Fi at all).

FAQs about Wireless Sound Systems

Q. Are surround sound systems that are wireless just as good as wired systems?

Surround sound wireless systems match the sound quality of wired models and give you the flexibility to put your speakers without connecting back with the system. If you decide to purchase a cheap audio system that is wireless, there's the chance that microwaves, smartphones, and other technologies within your home can cause interference and degrade the quality of sound.

Source: bobvila.com

Q. How do Wireless Home Theater Speakers work?

Klipsch Director of Innovation and Technology Matt Spitznagle says the difference between wired and wireless devices is quite simple. "You no longer need to run wires from a receiver or amplifier to your speakers," he declares. "We installed the amplifiers into the speakers, which cut down the amount of components required to run a system.

Source: klipsch.com

Q. Can I use Bluetooth to create surround sound?

Unfortunately, this isn't possible at this time. Surround speakers are a specific aspect of a film or television show's sound, and Bluetooth does not have the bandwidth to handle the extra information. You can utilize them to boost stereo sound however, that's all they do.

Source: crutchfield.com

Q. How do connect my TV to an audio system that is wireless?

Surround sound wireless systems need to be connected to the appropriate audio outputs of your television. Many systems are able to connect using the HDMI Audio Return Channel (HDMI ARC). It is also possible to connect using either an optical TOSLINK connection or coaxial connection if it is not available. But, you can't connect your system using the audio output from analog on your television because it's not compatible with surround sound capabilities.

Source: bobvila.com

Q. Are They Worth the Price?

In our opinion, the only reason for buying an audio system that is wireless is the convenience. If you aren't sure how to wire your system and hide the longest cables, buying wireless systems is a viable alternative.

Still, you should be aware that you will need to spend more. The cheapest systems (those that cost less than $500) have decent audio quality, but they generally consist of just one sound bar as well as a wireless subwoofer. This is why they are only able to simulate surround sound. They don't really offer that immersive surround sound cinema-like experience.

The more expensive models, particularly those that come with two additional wireless surround modules will provide you with a better surround sound quality.

The quality of the cables and whether they are worth the cost or not will depend on two factors - your preparedness to handle cables as well as your budget.

So, if you don't want to invest long hours (or maybe even days) connecting your residence to the internet, and you have the money to spend $500+ There are some excellent surround sound systems that wirelessly connect (JBL Bar 5.1, Nakamichi Shockwafe, Enclave Audio, SONOS, Harman Kardon Citation, etc. ).

If that's the case then wireless surround sound systems are definitely worth the cost.

So, if your house theater remains in a big room, you will be much better with a Wi-Fi surround noise. In terms of sound quality, Wi-Fi is certainly much better than Bluetooth. Bluetooth audio has to be compressed prior to transmission which indicates that you are not getting Hi-Fi audio. best home theater systems 2020. Wi-Fi allows transmission without compression so you can expect better sound quality.