Multi-Channel Home Theater & Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking to enhance your home entertainment experience, a multi-channel home theater sound system is one of the absolute highest impact things you install, or start to build. The additional channels add layers of sound that wrap you in more and more of the audio layers of your content, driving emersion and, of course, enjoyment! But we’ll also be the first to say these systems can get complicated, which is why we’re here today to explain the basics.

A multi-channel home theater sound system augments the overall home theater experience by adding layers of sound channels that drive immersion. From smaller 2.1 systems to advanced 9.2.4 systems, understanding what you need isn’t that hard after you understand the details.

But what even are those details? Strap in, because we’re going to start at the very base of the idea here, building a firm foundation of the general situation and key terms before working through specific features of the home theater sound system you need to understand. After you’ve got a handle on multi-channel home theater sound systems, we’ll move into how you can design one that fits your space, and some systems we recommend considering. Let’s get started!

Basic Terminology

Before we dig deeper into the magical world of home theater systems, you need to become familiar with some basic terms related to sound reproduction, speaker systems, and sound formats. 

Stereo Sound

Stereo sound (aka two-channel audio) is the most popular and most common type of audio. It’s still used for both music and movies. With stereo sound, you have two channels – left and right. Good two-channel audio recordings are supposed to create a 3D multidimensional audible perspective. In other words, even two-channel audio is supposed to make the impression that the sound comes from various directions, but that rarely happens. You can, at best, feel the depth and width of the soundstage, but you can’t really experience the surround effect. It rarely feels like you’re in the center of the action. That’s why we have surround sound.

Surround Sound

Surround sound (or multi-channel audio) is a technique used to enrich audio, give it depth, and make sound reproduction more lifelike by using multiple speakers (audio channels) surrounding the listener. With this kind of channel configuration, you can actually hear the sounds coming from all angles. It’s designed in a way that puts you in the center of the action. With surround sound, you are not just a passive listener – you are much more involved. You are practically a participant. 

Stereo System

A stereo system (we are referring to a speaker system) is a system that consists of two speakers – left and right. This system is designed to reproduce stereo recordings.  Most TVs also have two small speakers built inside and can reproduce sound in stereo. Stereo systems can be enhanced by adding a subwoofer (or an LFE channel) to the existing 2.0 (left/right speaker) system. That way, you can improve the reproduction of low-frequency tones and make the overall sound quality much better. 

Stereo speaker systems are great for both – music and movies. Having a stereo system for movies is definitely a better option than using your TV speakers – even affordable speaker systems (like those Edifier systems) will deliver louder, clearer, more detailed sound with a better balance and wider soundstage. 

Stereo speakers can be active or passive. Active speakers are those with internal amplification – they don’t require any additional equipment for power supply. You just connect them to your TV (or some other audio source), plug them in, and you’re ready to go. 

Passive speakers require at least one additional piece of equipment. Because they don’t have built-in amplification and don’t have any analog or digital connections (only speaker wire), you need at least an integrated amplifier. All the audio sources (TV, Blu-Ray player, DVD player, etc.) connect to the integrated amplifier. Integrated amp processes all the sound, amplifies the signal and sends it to passive speakers. 

Instead of one device, you can choose to use separate units – preamp and power amp. In this case, the preamp is used to connect sources and process the sound, and a power amp (aka stereo amp) is used for amplification. If the preamp doesn’t have digital inputs, then you also need a DAC to connect digital sources (the entire audio chain looks like this: AUDIO SOURCE – DAC – PREAMP – POWER AMP – SPEAKERS). 

Audiophiles will argue that you should use separate units for the best sound, but it all depends on your taste, preferences, available space, and of course, your budget. 

Soundbars

Soundbars are a popular option for those who want to improve their home theater experience without the hassle of setting up a full surround sound system. They’re typically compact and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for small spaces or those who don’t want to deal with the wires and cables that come with a traditional home theater setup.

At the lower end of the spectrum, soundbars can be simple 2-channel solutions that provide an improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers. These soundbars usually come with a subwoofer to enhance bass response and create a more immersive sound experience, making them 2.1 channel systems. They’re a great choice for those who are on a budget or have limited space.

On the other hand, high-end soundbars can be advanced hubs that satellite speakers can spoke off of, wired or wireless. These soundbars can provide a true surround sound experience, with multiple channels and speakers placed strategically around the room. They often come with features like Dolby Atmos and DTS, which add height channels to create a more immersive 3D sound experience.

It’s important to note that while a soundbar can add multiple channels, it is still just another speaker in your system. Adding a single subwoofer, rear speaker, or ceiling speaker is only adding one channel at a time. We have a longer write-up on how to know if a single soundbar or surround system is right for you here.

Understanding Multi Channel Home Theater Speaker Systems

When it comes to creating a home theater, the speaker system is a crucial component that can make or break your movie-watching experience. Multi-channel home theater speaker systems are designed to provide a surround sound experience, which can make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

And there are lot’s of variations on this theme. Some systems are wired, while it’s possible to run an entire surround sound system wirelessly to cut down on cable management needs. Have a look at that article later if that’s something you want to try, but for now, to understand this in more detail, we’ll need to work through a short list of key terms and ideas around how these systems are discussed in the industry:

How Are Speaker System Channels Described?

When it comes to speaker systems, the channels are described numerically to indicate the number of speakers and subwoofers in the setup. The most basic speaker setup is a Mono system, which uses only one speaker. Stereo systems are the most common and use two speakers, usually referred to as the left and right channels.

Surround sound systems are more complex and have multiple channels that distribute audio throughout the room. The most common is a 5.1 system, which includes five speakers and one subwoofer. The five speakers are arranged as follows: front left, front center, front right, rear left, and rear right. The “.1” refers to the subwoofer.

Other common speaker systems include 7.1 and 9.1 setups, which have additional speakers for a more immersive audio experience. A 7.1 system includes seven speakers and one subwoofer, while a 9.1 system includes nine speakers and one subwoofer. Have a look at our article on speaker system channel naming to get a feel for the range and what to expect with these numbers.

Dolby Atmos and DTS are shorthand for audio standards that imply a specific set of output channels from the source. Dolby Atmos, for example, is typically set apart by it’s ability to use upward-firing channels that are appended to channel names after the subwoofer. So, a 7.1.2 system has 2 upward firing speakers and can support Dolby Atmos generally. If you already know you’re interested in using Dolby Atmos for gaming specifically, have a look at this external resource talking a bit more about that.

There are more audio standards–we’ve compared Dolby TrueHD to Atmos on the blog before, and you can have a look at the actual quality comparison notes we have between Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital here, but it’s more important that you take away the idea that audio standards exist as shorthands for the audio channels that are available for output.

It’s important to note that the number of channels doesn’t always indicate the quality of the audio. Other factors, such as the quality of the speakers and the room acoustics, can also affect the overall audio experience.

Speakers in a Multi-Channel Home Theater System

A home theater system consists of at least 5 speakers – FRONT LEFT and RIGHT, CENTER, and SURROUND LEFT and RIGHT. Most people choose to add a subwoofer (LFE channel) to this 5-speaker setup to improve the bass reproduction. This speaker layout is classified as 5.1 (5 speakers, 1 subwoofer) and it’s the most common setup. 

5.1 is the most common home theater layout (source – Dolby)

A multi-channel home theater system can be much bigger. You can add more speakers or even more subwoofers to the system. For example, you can add one subwoofer to your 5.1 system and create a 5.2 system. Or you can add two speakers behind you (SURROUND BACK/REAR LEFT AND RIGHT), and create a 7.2 system.

7.2 home theater system (source – Yamaha)

You can even add one right behind you and two between the front and surround speakers (one between FL and SL, and the other between FR and SR). And that’s all just one dimension – all these speakers are in the same plane (at your ear level).

If you have enough money, space, and nerves, you can make a huge home theater system and really create an unforgettable experience (source – Denon)

Besides adding speakers around you, you can also place the speakers above you and create a hyper-realistic 3D soundstage. You can add one, two, four, or even six height channels above your listening position. You can install them in your ceiling, or you can mount them on the walls and direct them towards your listening position. 

5.2.2 home theater – 5 speakers around you, two subwoofers, and two speakers above you (source – Yamaha)

If drilling holes in your walls or cutting the ceiling is not an option but you still want to experience height effects, you can try Dolby-enabled speakers (aka Dolby speaker modules). Dolby-enabled speakers are basically small up-firing speakers that you put on top of your existing speakers (on top of your FL/FR and/or SL/SR). They emit the sound towards the ceiling. The sound then reflects off the ceiling and comes to your listening position from over your head. That way, they create height effects. The problem with Dolby-enabled speakers is that you really have to calculate the angles and find the right spot for them. Even if you find the perfect position, the effect can hardly be the same as the effect created by real height speakers. 

The working principle of a Dolby-enabled speaker

You can place Dolby-enabled speakers on top of your front speakers, surround speakers, or even rear surround speakers

Parts of a Multi-Channel Home Theater System

Up until now, we have only discussed the speakers. They are a very important part of every home theater system, but they are not enough. Besides the speakers, you’re going to need a source that supports the appropriate surround sound format that matches your speaker system. It’s kind of pointless having a 5.1 system if the source supports only stereo output. 

Luckily most of today’s Blu-ray discs and most online streaming platforms support at least 5.1 surround sound (usually Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus). A growing number of Blu-ray discs contain multiple multi-channel audio recordings including those with height effects (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). Even some streaming platforms support Dolby Atmos (Netflix for Premium users, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney +, Vudu).

Popular streaming services and supported surround sound formats

Different surround sound formats support different number of channels, so if you have a big multi-channel home theater system (something bigger than 5.1 or 5.2), and you want the best possible experience, you should check what optional surround sound formats are supported. If you, for example, have height channels and want to experience object-based surround sound, you need media that supports Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. And, naturally, you also need an AV receiver that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Always check supported surround sound formats on the back of a Blu-ray disc

To find out more about surround sound audio formats, check out one of our previous articles. 

Besides the source, you also need a device that can process all those audio tracks and supply the power to all the speakers in your system. That device is called AVR (AV Receiver). Depending on the size of a home theater system you want to build, you will need a more or less capable receiver. You will also have to consider speaker wattages, required amplification, and numerous other features.  For a small and less demanding home theater system, you can find an affordable receiver for $500 or less. If you’re building a larger system, maybe a system with height channels, you are probably going to need a higher-end AVR.

Some audiophiles prefer having separate components not just for music, but also for movies. If that’s your preference, you may want to try using two units – surround sound processor and surround sound amplifier. It’s basically the same thing as using a preamp and power amp for your stereo system. 

So, to recap – in order to get surround sound, you need a source (or sources) that supports surround sound, you need an AVR (or AV preamp and AV power amp) that’s capable of delivering the sound to all the channels in your system, and you need your speakers. It goes without saying that you also need all the interconnects and speaker wire. And, of course, you need a TV or a projector.

Types of Multi-Channel Home Theater Systems

You can categorize home theater systems in different ways. First of all, you can make a difference between wired and wireless home theater systems. The most obvious difference between the two is the lack of speaker wire and the lack of AVR. That makes wireless systems more convenient, but you should have in mind that they are never completely wireless (the speakers still have to be plugged in). Also, if you compare the sound output of the same-priced wired and wireless systems, you will notice that a wired one usually delivers slightly better performance. 

Furthermore, you can make a difference between HTiBs and custom-made home theater systems. HTiBs are designed for those who don’t really want to spend time looking for the perfect match. You will get all the speakers and a matching AVR in one box and you’ll just have to connect everything. In some cases, you will also get all the wire and maybe even a Blu-ray player. HTiBs are usually budget-friendly and their performance is on par with the price. If you are trying to achieve high-end performance, you will have to make it on your own. You will have to look for the speakers you like, and then for the right kind of AVR for those speakers. This option is more expensive and requires much more time, but you’ll also get better performance. 

You can also make a difference between true surround sound systems and virtual surround sound systems. True surround sound systems come with a dedicated speaker for each channel. Practically all wired systems deliver true surround sound. Wireless systems, on the other hand, often deliver virtual surround sound. That means that you don’t get a separate speaker for each channel. 

Wireless systems often include just a soundbar and a subwoofer. The soundbar can replace three front channels (FRONT LEFT/RIGHT and CENTER) as well as some additional channels. Some soundbars, for example, can have two side-firing speakers that are supposed to simulate surround sound effects. Some even have upward-firing speakers that simulate height effects. So, theoretically, a combo that includes just a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer can be classified as a 5.1 or even 7.1 wireless system.

In some cases, you will get a soundbar, wireless SUB, and two wireless satellite speakers. In these cases, soundbars replace just the front three channels. Wireless systems rarely have a dedicated speaker for each channel, but even that is possible (Enclave Audio, for example). 

What Are The Essential Components of a Home Theater Surround System?

When it comes to building a home theater system, there are a few essential components that you’ll need to consider. These components include speakers and subwoofers, an AV receiver. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components and what you need to know about them.

Speakers and Subwoofers

The speakers and subwoofers are the most important components of your home theater system. They’re responsible for delivering the audio portion of your entertainment experience. When choosing speakers and subwoofers, you’ll want to consider the size of your room, the type of content you’ll be watching, and your personal preferences.

A 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system is the most common setup for home theater systems. This setup includes five or seven speakers and a subwoofer. The speakers are placed around the room to create a surround sound effect, while the subwoofer provides the low-frequency bass sounds. Some people prefer a 2.1 setup, which includes two speakers and a subwoofer, for a simpler setup.

Also worth noting is that individual speakers can be powered or non-powered, which is to say, they may have their own individual power cable that needs an outlet, or, they can rely on the power coming through the speaker wire that connects to the AV Receiver (perhaps with a built in amplifier) to get their power. We’ve looked at considering wired vs. wireless speakers on the blog before, and one big caveat is that wireless speakers often still need to be plugged in somewhere.

Audio Video or “AV” Receiver

The AV receiver is the central hub of your home theater system’s sound (and likely video) management. It’s responsible for processing and amplifying the audio and video signals from your source devices and sending them to your speakers and display device. When choosing an AV receiver, you’ll want to consider the number of channels it supports, the power output, and the types of inputs and outputs it has.

It’s important to make sure that your AV receiver can output the number of channels you want to output. For example, if you want to output a Dolby Atmos signal, you’ll need an AV receiver that supports at least 7.1.2 channels. Check out How Do You Know If You’re Actually Getting Dolby Atmos Sound? for more information on this topic and how you can ensure the actual audio settings are set so that you get all those channels at the output speakers.

Technically, you can get away with not needing a receiver and running a full system totally without one. It’s a more simple solution, but a bit more expensive, but the option does exist! And be sure to see our separate guide on preamps vs amps if you want to go deeper! We also have an article comparing Denon vs. Marantz receivers you can peruse.

Choosing the Right System for Your Room

When it comes to setting up a multi-channel home theater system, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience. In this section, we’ll discuss two important considerations: room size and acoustics, and placement of speakers.

Before we do, have a look at the image above that depicts a more advanced diagram for a 9.2.4 channel system (with the upward firing tweeters embedded in the soundbar with the center, sub, and stereo speakers). This is basically the most complex a system will ever get, so you can use this diagram to mentally edit out the speakers you don’t have or don’t want and still get an idea of where you should place the channels you are using.

Everything You Need to Know About the Installation of a Multi-Channel Home Theater System

To quickly sum things up, to experience surround sound, you need a media (source) that supports surround sound, you need an AVR, and you need speakers. 

Assuming that you already have all the necessary elements, let’s see what you need to know about the installation. 

First of all, you need cables to connect all your sources to the AVR. Depending on the number and type of sources you want to connect, you are going to need HDMI cables, optical cables, coax audio cables, RCA cables, etc. To connect your speakers to the AVR, you’re going to need a speaker wire. Choosing the right length, gauge, and type of speaker wire can be confusing, but don’t worry – we have you covered. Read one of our previous posts and learn everything you need to know about speaker wire. 

Before you start wiring your system, you have to place your speakers. Some general instructions regarding the speaker placement come with both – your speakers and your AVR. You just have to follow those instructions.

Once you buy the right speaker wire and place your speakers, you have to run the wire from your AVR to all the speakers in your system. But you can’t just leave the wires hanging around– you need to hide them. You can read about different ways to hide speaker wire here.

When you’re done connecting the speakers, you can perform the initial calibration. Most of today’s AV receivers come with calibration microphones. All you have to do is connect the mic to your AVR and run the calibration software (whether on your phone or on the AVR). The software will do the rest of the job. Once the calibration is over, you can start enjoying surround sound. 

How Big Should Your Multi-Channel Home Theater System Be?

That depends on multiple factors. The most important ones are your room size, your room purpose, and your own preference. 

If you have a small or medium-sized room with your TV located some 10ft away from the couch, and if you don’t have a lot of free space behind the couch, 5.1 or 5.2 would be an ideal speaker layout. You can also try installing two height channels and build a 5.1.2/5.2.2 system. 

Larger rooms may require a larger system or maybe just larger speakers. For smaller rooms, you can use bookshelf speakers as your FL and FR channels. For bigger rooms, using large floorstanding speakers is a much better idea. 

Room Size and Acoustics

The size and shape of your room can have a significant impact on the sound quality of your home theater system. Generally, larger rooms require more powerful speakers to fill the space with sound. If you have a smaller room, you may be able to get away with a less powerful system.

Additionally, the acoustics of your room can affect the sound quality as well. Rooms with hard surfaces, like tile or hardwood floors, can create echoes and reverberations that can distort the sound. In contrast, rooms with carpeting and soft furnishings can help to absorb sound and create a more balanced listening experience.

You can manage the sound with acoustic panels, even on the ceiling, and you can even make your own. So if you have a lot of hard surfaces or a very tight space that might cause echoes, keep in mind that you can factor that in and plan to add a few acoustic panels in the right spots (placement guide) if you need.

Many people settle out in the middle of the surround sound range, with a 5.1 or 7.1 channel system, so, if that’s starting to feel like your situation have a look at our article comparing these two types of systems directly.

Placement of Speakers

The placement of your speakers is also critical to achieving optimal sound quality. The front speakers should be positioned at ear level when seated, and the center channel should be placed directly above or below the TV. The surround sound speakers should be placed slightly behind the listening area and at an angle that directs the sound towards the listener (and you might be able to put it on its side if you need to).

It’s also important to consider the directionality of your speakers. For example, if you have a basement home theater, you may need to adjust the placement of your speakers to account for the low ceiling height and the fact that sound tends to travel differently in basements.

Overall, choosing the right multi-channel home theater system for your room requires careful consideration of the room size, acoustics, and speaker placement. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible sound quality from your home theater system.

Testing Your Home Theater Surround Sound System

When it comes to testing your home theater system, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are getting the most out of your setup. First, it is important to make sure that all of your equipment is properly connected and configured. This includes your TV, speakers, receiver, and any other devices that you may have connected to your system.

Once you get sound coming out, test the system further by streaming content from a variety of different sources. This can help you to get a sense of how your system performs with different types of content, such as movies, TV shows, and music.

As you can imagine, this testing process is a little more involved than we’ve summarized here, but it’s a critically important step to making sure you’re getting what you’ve literally paid for. So, have a look at our more in-depth article on testing your surround system here if you’d like to go further.

Consider the purpose of the room

Your room’s main purpose also plays an important part. If the room you want to install your home theater in, is your living room, then adding too many speakers can make it look messy and overcrowded. You are not going to use that room just for movie watching, so setting up a compact home theater system is probably a better idea. If you’re building a dedicated home theater room or an entertainment room, then you can add as many speakers as you want (or as many as your AV receiver supports). You can make a huge 9.2.4 system, or something even bigger. You can use height channels or Dolby-enabled speakers, you can have more than 2 subwoofers, etc. 

In our experience, most people are perfectly happy with their 5.1 systems. 

Additional Features and Considerations

When choosing a multi-channel home theater system, there are several additional features and considerations to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

Streaming and Connectivity Options

With the rise of streaming services, it’s important to choose a system that offers a range of connectivity options. Look for a system with built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, as well as compatibility with popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

Additionally, consider whether the system supports Bluetooth or AirPlay connectivity, which can make it easy to stream music and other audio content from your smartphone or tablet.

Speaker Count and Weight

Another important consideration is the number and weight of the speakers in the system. A typical multi-channel system includes five to seven speakers, but some systems may have more or fewer.

Keep in mind that more speakers generally means a more immersive audio experience, but it also means more speakers to set up and more wires to manage. Additionally, consider the weight of the speakers, as heavier speakers may require more robust mounting hardware.

Flexibility and Upgrade Options

Finally, consider the flexibility and upgrade options of the system. Look for a system that allows for easy customization and expansion, such as the ability to add additional speakers or upgrade to a higher-end receiver. Consider whether the system supports features like Dolby Atmos or DTS, which can provide even more immersive audio and more “future proofing” than the alternatives.

Common Challenges and Solutions with Multi-Channel Home Theater Systems

Multi-channel home theater systems can be a great addition to any home entertainment setup. However, they can also present a few challenges that may affect your overall experience. In this section, we’ll explore some common issues that we see users facing with multi-channel home theater systems and some potential solutions to these problems.

Sound Imbalances

One of the most common issues with multi-channel home theater systems is sound imbalance. This occurs when the volume of one speaker is louder or softer than the others, resulting in a less-than-ideal audio experience.

To address this issue, we recommend using a sound level meter to calibrate the volume of each speaker. This will ensure that each speaker is producing the same sound level, resulting in a more balanced audio experience.

Connectivity Issues

Another common issue with multi-channel home theater systems is connectivity issues. This can occur when the system is not properly connected to the source device, resulting in no audio or poor audio quality. To address this issue, check all the cables and connections to ensure they are properly connected. Additionally, using high-quality speaker wire and speaker wire connectors can help prevent connectivity issues.

Software Glitches or AV Receiver Mismatches

Software glitches can also be a common issue with a newly installed (or growing) multi-channel home theater system. This can occur when the system software is not up-to-date or when there are compatibility issues with the source device. To address this issue, we recommend regularly updating the system software and checking for compatibility issues with the source device. Additionally, resetting the system can often help resolve software glitches.

If you haven’t done it in awhile, compare the specs on your receiver to all of your speakers and make sure you’re not overtaxing your system. Check out our article explaining receivers and amplifiers in more detail to understand how to run this spec comparison for yourself.

What Are the Advantages of having a Multi-Channel Home Theater?

All the advantages of having a home theater system can be summed up in one syntagma – better performance and a more immersive movie-watching experience. That’s what having a home theater system is all about. That’s why people buy it and why they love it. The performance you get from a good-quality surround sound speaker system is not even comparable to what you can get from those two tiny speakers inside your TV or from a pair of bookshelf speakers. Or from a soundbar that simulates surround sound. 

Home theater brings your watching/listening experience to a whole new level. 

What Are the Downsides of having a Multi-Channel Home Theater?

Well, the biggest problem with home theater systems is that such kind of performance improvement comes at a certain price, and the price can be pretty high. Even an affordable home theater system with a matching AVR and all the accessories can cost more than $1000. If you want a high-end system, the price can go well over $10,000 (even over $100,000). Building a multi-channel home theater is a big investment and requires some serious considerations and planning. 

Furthermore, installing a home theater system also requires a lot of time and planning. You have to think about wiring and find a way to hide the wire (run the wire across the attic and through the walls). Installing it can be even trickier than finding the speakers you like and the AVR that can drive those speakers to perfection.

However, once you buy the speakers and set them up, you will understand that it was worth the hassle. The moment you experience surround sound, you will know that having a home theater is absolutely worth it. Even a cheap and tiny home theater system will make a huge difference compared to your TV speakers. 

Also Read: How to Wire a 4 Channel Amp to 4 Speakers and a Sub

Bottom Line

If you ask us, having a home theater system is a must. It is a pricey investment, the installation is fairly complicated and time-consuming (or money-consuming if you opt for professional installation), but the final results are going to blow you away. You can hardly imagine the kind of improvement that you can get. Surround sound truly changes the way you enjoy movies.

If you decided that a multi-channel home theater is the right thing for you, and you’re now looking for some suggestions, the next section of our article is the best place to start your search. We’ve gathered our favorite systems and made a small selection of the best home theater systems for different budgets and different room sizes. Check it out and see if there’s something you like.

1. Best Compact and Cheap 5.1 System – Klipsch Black Reference

Check Price on Amazon

AVR recommendation: Sony STRDH590

Check Price on Amazon

Klipsch Black Reference is a fantastic multi-channel home theater system for small rooms. The system consists of 4 tiny satellites, center channel, and a wireless subwoofer (comes with a wireless transmitter that you can connect to the sub out on your AVR). 

All the speakers feature Klipsch’s iconic spun copper woofers and Tractrix horn tweeters. The satellites are two-way speakers (3.5″ woofer x1 and .75″ tweeter x1). The center channel has two 3.5″ woofers and one .75″ tweeter. All the satellites and the center channel are wall-mountable. The subwoofer has a down-firing 8″ woofer and a down-firing bass-reflex port. 

The satellites can handle 50W continuously (200W peak), the center channel handles 75W continuously (300W peak), while the power output of the subwoofer is 50W (150W peak). Speakers’ impedance is 8 Ohms. The sensitivity of the center channel is 94dB (2.83V/1m), while the sensitivity of each satellite is 91dB. The max acoustic output of the subwoofer is 108dB.

The system delivers very clean and natural output with impactful lows, balanced and articulate mids, and fairly consistent highs. You may notice some brightness at high volumes, but it’s not ear-piercing or harsh. 

2. Best 5.1 System Under $1000 – Polk Audio T-Series 5.1 System

Check Price on Amazon

AVR recommendation: Denon S650H

Check Price on Amazon

Like the previous one, Polk Audio T-Series is a 5.1 system, but significantly bigger. It can be categorized as a budget option since it’s priced under $700. Add a decent AVR, and you can have a great home theater system for less than $1,500 (maybe even less than $1,100). 

The system consists of two T50 floorstanders, two T15 bookshelf speakers (surround channels), one T30 center channel, and one PSW10 subwoofer.

Each T50 has one 6.5″ woofer, one 1″ tweeter, and two 6.5″ passive bass radiators. Each T15 is a 2-way speaker and has one 5.25″ mid-woofer, .75″ tweeter, and a front-firing bass reflex port. T30 center channel has two 5.25″ mid-woofers and one 1″ tweeter. The subwoofer has one front-firing 10″ woofer and a front-firing bass-reflex port. 

All the speakers have 150W peak power output. The sensitivity of T30 and T50 is 89dB, while the sensitivity of the T15 is 90dB. PSW10 has 50W RMS and 100W peak. It handles frequencies from 40-160 Hz. The crossover is variable (80-160 Hz).

T-series home theater system sounds much more expensive than it actually is. The sound output is very immersive, very clean, and almost flawlessly balanced. The sub blends perfectly with the speakers and creates an incredible atmosphere. 

3. Best 5.1 System Under $2000 – ELAC Debut 2.0 5.1 System

Check Price on Amazon

AVR recommendation: Denon AVR-X4700H

Check Price on Amazon

Looking for more premium performance? Debut 2.0 home theater system is a perfect entry-level high-end system. It’s not exactly cheap but it’s worth it. If you want to improve your experience and build a more immersive system, you can expand it by adding ELAC Debut Atmos Modules (ELAC Debut A4.2), ELAC on-wall speakers (Elac Debut 2.0 DOW4.2), or ELAC in-ceiling speakers (IC-D61 or IC-DT61). Our recommended AV receiver for this system is Denon AVR-X4700H (max speaker configuration 9.2 or 7.2.2 or 5.2.4). For a larger speaker system, try some more capable AVRs from Denon’s X series or Marantz SR or AV series. 

ELAC Debut 2.0 system consists of two F6.2 floorstanders, two B6.2 bookshelf speakers, C6.2 center channel, and ELAC SUB3010 (which is a 10″ subwoofer). 

All the speakers feature ELAC’s new cloth dome tweeters with wide-dispersion guides and aramid-fiber woofers. They also all have new and improved MDF cabinets with reduced vibrations. Bookshelf speakers and center channel have front-firing bass-reflex ports, which eliminates performance issues when the speakers are wall-mounted. 

The floorstanders have three 6.5″ woofers and one 1″ tweeter. Their impedance is 6 Ohms, the sensitivity is 87 dB (at 2.83V/1m), and the max power input is 140 W. Floorstanding speakers are ported – each has three rear-firing bass-reflex ports. Each B6.2 bookshelf speaker has two drivers – one 6.5″ woofer and one 1″ tweeter. The max recommended power input is 140 W. The center channel is optimized to work with low-power AVRs so it has slightly higher sensitivity than the bookshelf and floorstanding speakers (88 dB) and has a slightly lower max power input (120 W). 

The included subwoofer has a 10″ front-firing paper cone driver. On the back of the sub, you will only find a power input and a pair of RCA inputs. It has no physical controls. To control the volume, cutoff frequency, EQ controls, etc. you have to use the ELAC SUB Control 2.0 app (Android/iOS). The subwoofer’s RMS power output is rated at 200W (400W peak).

ELAC Debut SUB Control app

ELAC Debut 2.0 delivers a powerful and enjoyable surround sound experience. The subwoofer adds a fantastic bass foundation to your movies and creates an effect that you can hear and feel. The floorstanders and center channel work in perfect synergy to deliver dialogs and music. The surround channels create a nice sense of space.

4. The Smartest Wireless Multi-Channel Home Theater System – SONOS 5.1 (SONOS ARC, SONOS SUB GEN3, SONOS ONE SL)

Check Price on Amazon

SONOS SUB GEN3

Check Price on Amazon

SONOS ONE SL

Check Price on Amazon

We couldn’t end this article without mentioning at least one wireless home theater system. We have a few favorites in this category – SONOS, Nakamichi, Bose, JBL, Enclave. Each of these wireless systems has its advantages and disadvantages. Nakamichi, for example, delivers the best sonic performance, but it’s not that wireless (only the subwoofers are wireless). Bose looks very high-end, it has numerous advanced features, it sounds great, but it’s quite difficult to set up, and it’s not the most reliable. JBL Bar 5.1 is perfect for small rooms and apartments. 

For the purposes of this article, we have decided to talk about SONOS. SONOS speakers are, at least in our opinion, the easiest to set up, the most reliable, and one of the most feature-rich wireless speakers on the market. 

They are not too expensive (the price of the suggested system is $2,000). The SONOS system may not sound as great as some $2,000 wired system, but the performance is still more than satisfying. Have in mind that SONOS ARC + SONOS SUB (GEN 3) + SONOS ONE SL is not the only possible combo. Instead of SONOS ARC, you can use SONOS Beam (which is smaller and cheaper) and, instead of two ONE SL speakers, you can use some larger SONOS speakers (like SONOS Five). The best thing about SONOS wireless systems is that you don’t have to buy the entire system at once. You can build it gradually – buy SONOS ARC/Beam first, and add a subwoofer and surround speakers later.

SONOS Arc is the upgraded version of SONOS PLAYBAR. It looks much better than the PLAYBAR and it’s more versatile. It has two inputs – HDMI eARC and optical. It also has one Ethernet port and supports wi-fi connection (but lacks Bluetooth). You can control it with your TV remote, with your voice (Alexa built-in), or you can use the SONOS S2 app. The app is also used for all the initial settings, multiroom integration, music streaming, and many other things.  SONOS Arc also features Apple Airplay2. 

Arc has 11 drivers arranged in 7 channels (FL, FR, C, two side-firing, and two upward-firing drivers). It features support for all the most popular surround sound formats (Dolby Atmos included). 

Combined with the 3^rd generation of SONOS SUB and two SONOS ONE SL wireless speakers, Arc delivers a well-balanced sound and quite an immersive listening experience. The system is super-easy to use and very reliable. Like other SONOS soundbars, Arc features special DSP modes like Night Mode and Speech Enhancement mode. 

How Do Soundbars Fit Into This Conversation?

Soundbars are a popular option for those who want to improve their home theater experience without the hassle of setting up a full surround sound system. They’re typically compact and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for small spaces or those who don’t want to deal with the wires and cables that come with a traditional home theater setup.

At the lower end of the spectrum, soundbars can be simple 2-channel solutions that provide an improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers. These soundbars usually come with a subwoofer to enhance bass response and create a more immersive sound experience, making them 2.1 channel systems. They’re a great choice for those who are on a budget or have limited space.

On the other hand, high-end soundbars can be advanced hubs that satellite speakers can spoke off of, wired or wireless. These soundbars can provide a true surround sound experience, with multiple channels and speakers placed strategically around the room. They often come with features like Dolby Atmos and DTS, which add height channels to create a more immersive 3D sound experience.

It’s important to note that while a soundbar can add multiple channels, it is still just another speaker in your system. Adding a single subwoofer, rear speaker, or ceiling speaker is only adding one channel at a time. We have a longer write-up on how to know if a single soundbar or surround system is right for you here.

FAQs

Q: How does multi-channel audio work?

A: The movie you’re watching comes with a few stored surround sound audio tracks. You have to select the right audio track (the one that matches your home theater system). The audio gets sent from the source to your AVR. The AVR processes the sound, decodes the soundtrack, and sends the appropriate (and amplified) signal to each channel (each speaker). The speakers then produce the sound and create an immersive surround sound experience.

Q: What is a multi-channel format?

A: A multi-channel format (aka surround sound format) is a type of audio format that combines multiple audio streams (one for each channel) into one audio track. 

Q: What does a multi-channel receiver do?

A: It receives audio signals from the connected sources, decodes them, splits the signal into two or multiple signals, amplifies them, and sends those amplified signals to the corresponding channels (speakers). 

Q: What is a multi-channel home theater system?

A: It is a system of speakers designed to work together and deliver surround sound. Naturally, besides the speakers, you also need a source that supports surround sound and a matching AV receiver. 

Q: How many channels can audio have?

A: The number of channels that an audio signal has varies depending on the format. Some surround sound formats can carry a staggering number of channels. For example, Dolby Atmos theoretically supports 24.1.10 channels.

Q: What does 2-channel audio output mean?

A: It means that the audio track carries two separate streams for two separate channels/speakers – left and right.

Q: How do I choose an AVR?

A: Finding the right AV receiver is a tricky business. First of all, if you already have the speakers, you have to look for an AVR that has at least the same number of audio channels (or even more channels, in case you want to expand the system in the future). Then, you have to find the AVR with the right power output. In other words, you have to match the amp’s/AVR’s output to the speakers’ power requirements. You should also be looking for something that allows you to connect all of your sources – you need an AVR with the right number of inputs. 

The above-mentioned features are the most important. Once you find the AVR with the right number of channels, right power output, and right inputs, you can look for other stuff. Depending on your preferences and future plans, you may want to look for an AVR with Bluetooth or wi-fi support, maybe an AVR with multiroom capabilities, an AVR that comes with auto-calibration tools, an AVR that has preamp outputs for all the channels, or Zone 2 and Zone 3 outputs, etc. 

Q: Can I connect two receivers/AVRs/power amps together?

A: If your AVR has preamp outputs, you can use those preamp outputs to connect it to another amp/AVR. That can come in handy in certain scenarios. Let’s say that you have an AVR that’s not powerful enough to drive two demanding floorstanding speakers that you want to use as FL and FR, but the AVR has preamp outs for FL and FR. Let’s also assume that you have an integrated amp that can deliver much more power than your AVR. Instead of connecting those large floorstanding speakers to your AVR using speaker outputs, you can connect those preamp outputs on your AVR to the inputs on your integrated amp, and then connect your speakers to that integrated amp. 

Q: How do I set up multi-room audio?

A: To set up multi-room audio, you will need a Wi-Fi network, multiple compatible speakers, and a mobile device or computer to control the system.

1. Set up your speakers: Connect your speakers to your Wi-Fi network and set them up in the rooms where you want to use them.
2. Download and install the multi-room audio app: Download and install the app for the multi-room audio system you want to use on your mobile device or computer.
3. Create a group: In the multi-room audio app, create a group that includes all the speakers you want to use in the same room or across different rooms.
4. Connect the group to your Wi-Fi network: Follow the instructions in the app to connect the group of speakers to your Wi-Fi network.
5. Start streaming: Use the app to select the audio content you want to stream and choose the group of speakers you want to play the audio through.

That’s it! Once you’ve set up your multi-room audio system, you can enjoy music or other audio content in different rooms of your home simultaneously.

Q: What is multi-channel Dolby surround?

A: Multi-channel Dolby Surround is a technology that creates an immersive audio experience using multiple audio channels. It is often called “Dolby Digital” or “Dolby 5.1”. This technology divides the audio signal into different channels, each corresponding to a different speaker in a surround sound system.

Five full-bandwidth channels are responsible for reproducing different audio elements, such as dialogue, music, and sound effects. These include the front left and right channels, center channel, and surround left and right channels. The sixth channel, called the “LFE” or low-frequency effects channel, is responsible for reproducing bass and other low-frequency sounds.

Combining these channels, multi-channel Dolby Surround creates an audio experience that makes the listener feel like they are in the middle of the action. This technology is used in movie theaters, home theater systems, and other audiovisual applications.

Conclusion

Transform your entertainment system into a captivating audio-visual experience with a multi-channel home theater setup! Carefully select the perfect speakers, amplifiers, room acoustics, and sound calibration to create a cinema-like environment right in your living room. Our comprehensive guide covers all of these topics and more to help you achieve the ultimate home theater experience.

Picture having your own home theater system that offers top-quality audio and visual output for your favorite movies, TV shows, and music. Our easy-to-follow instructions will help you bring this vision to life, allowing you to indulge in the finest entertainment from the comfort of your own home.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building your dream home theater system today and immerse yourself in an unforgettable in-home entertainment experience.