While it might seem like every single piece of technology is rising in price — we’re looking at you, $1,000 iPhone X — the good news is that there’s not ever been a better time to get more, for less. These are some of the best home theater receivers, speakers, subwoofers, and media players that we have found for a reasonable price and great performance.
The workhorse of every home theater is the receiver. This component takes all of your input sources like cable, Blu-ray, media players, and audio, and connects them all together in one interface. It’s also the amplifier that is powering your speakers and subwoofers. Here are a couple of our picks for receivers:
Receivers
Yamaha R-N303 Stereo Network Receiver
Enjoy music from a variety of sources with the Yamaha R-N303 Stereo Network Receiver. This 2-channel receiver produces up to 100W of RMS power per channel at 8 Ohms and is equipped with A and B speaker terminals. Built-in AirPlay and Bluetooth allow you to wirelessly stream music from compatible audio sources such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. On-board Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity gives you the ability to stream music from Internet radio sources and use DLNA technology to share content with compatible networked devices. Furthermore, the free MusicCast app allows you to control the receiver from your favorite smart device.
Sony STR-DH770 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver with Bluetooth
Enjoy wireless audio streaming with the Sony STR-DH770 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver. It has Bluetooth with NFC connectivity for a quick connection to compatible devices with just a tap. It delivers up to 90W per channel at 6 Ohms for robust audio playback. D.C.A.C. sound optimization will simplify your speaker setup and tailor the output to your listening area.
The STR-DH770 has four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, which all support 4K resolution. The output is also ARC-compatible to reproduce TV-based audio such as from your TV’s apps. Its front panel has a headphone jack for private listening and a USB port for audio playback from compatible devices. The GUI on-screen display will walk you through any settings you may want to change.
Speakers
Now you need to match up some great speakers with that fantastic new subwoofer you just selected. Here are our picks:
Polk Audio Signature Series S60 Floorstanding Speaker
Enjoy an enhanced 26 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response with this washed black walnut Polk Audio Signature Series S60 Floorstanding Speaker. It can handle 20 to 300W of continuous power and is equipped with three 6.5″ woofers and a 1″ tweeter. The down-firing Power Port is a bass port designed to enhance the speaker’s low frequency effects. The speaker is bi-amp and bi-wire capable via its two pairs of 5-way binding posts.
JBL Studio 290 3-Way Dual 8″ Floorstanding Speaker
The black JBL Studio 290 is a floorstanding speaker that is designed for robust sound production. This speaker has a 3-way design that includes a 1″ CMMD Lite dome tweeter, 4″ PolyPlas midrange, and two 8″ PolyPlas woofers. With a recommended power handling of 20 – 225W, the JBL Studio 290 is compatible with a variety of amplifiers and music types. The speaker’s power handling also contributes to its overall dynamic range.
JBL Studio 235C 2.5-Way Dual 6″ Center Channel Speaker
The black JBL Studio 235C center channel speaker is designed for use in a multi-channel audio system. This center channel speaker has a 2.5-way design that incorporates a 1″ CMMD Lite dome tweeter and dual 6″ PolyPlas woofers. With a recommended power handling of 20 – 150W , the JBL Studio 235C is compatible with a wide range of audio signals and power amplifiers.
Polk Audio Signature Series S35 Two-Way Speaker
Enjoy versatile placement and setup options with the washed black walnut Polk Audio Signature Series S35 Two-Way Speaker. It features a 1″ Terylene dome tweeter and six 3″ mid/woofer drivers and accepts 20 to 150W of power from your amplifier. As a center channel, when integrated with the rest of your home theater system, it will produce primarily on-screen dialogue rather than the sound effects coming from the rest of your speakers. Two S35 speakers can also be used as front left/right speakers.
Subwoofers
SVS SB-1000 12″ 300W Subwoofer
Like a stick of dynamite, the SB-1000 is easy to conceal—but its impact hard to ignore. It’s the most SVS-bass that can be condensed into a 13 inch package. Pumping out loads of fast, clean, bottom end—action-scene punches hit you right in the gut. When it’s time to party, your music comes to life—bass lines are tight and drum beats never muddy. Elegantly finished in premium black ash or gloss piano white, it fits with any décor. And yet, it’s small enough to tuck in a corner, if you need to keep it out of the way. To maximize the slam and impact of your home theater—with a minimal footprint—two SB-1000s can be paired—one on either side of your room.
Kanto Living sub6 100W 6″ Active Subwoofer
Add bass to your home entertainment experience with the matte black Kanto sub6 100W 6″ Active Subwoofer. Its 6″ paper-cone woofer is powered by a 100W Class-D amplifier. With a frequency response of 35 to 165 Hz, the sub6 is equipped to handle a variety of listening material. Its controls include a phase switch, cut-off frequency adjust, and a volume control. It features a front-firing design and a pair of RCA line-level inputs for versatile integration.
Home Theater In A Box
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of piecing together a system, however, there are some great “home theater in boxes” that have everything you need to get going.
Samsung HT-J5500W 5.1-Channel Smart Blu-ray Home Theater System
The Samsung HT-J5500W 5.1-Channel Smart Blu-ray Home Theater System offers wireless Internet connectivity, content streaming, and powerful multi-channel surround sound. This 1000W system consists of a 3D Blu-ray player and amplifier, two front speakers, two surround speakers, a center speaker, and a passive subwoofer. In addition to standard Blu-ray playback, the HT-J5500 supports 3D Blu-ray discs and DVD upscaling. With onboard Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, you can stream content via DLNA networking and explore the Opera TV store. Once connected, you’ll have access to content such as movies, TV shows, and music.
LG LHD657 5.1-Channel Region-Free DVD Home Theater System
The Samsung HT-J5500W 5.1-Channel Smart Blu-ray Home Theater System offers wireless Internet connectivity, content streaming, and powerful multi-channel surround sound. This 1000W system consists of a 3D Blu-ray player and amplifier, two front speakers, two surround speakers, a center speaker, and a passive subwoofer. In addition to standard Blu-ray playback, the HT-J5500 supports 3D Blu-ray discs and DVD upscaling. With onboard Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, you can stream content via DLNA networking and explore the Opera TV store. Once connected, you’ll have access to content such as movies, TV shows, and music.
