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October 31, 2018/0 Comments/in Audio, Blog, Featured, Tech /by David Wright

Best Surround Sound System Under $300 in 2020

by David Wright | Last Updated on January 20, 2020

Best Budget Surround Sound Systems under $300

Getting your home hooked up with a high-quality and powerful surround sound system doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. I mean, its 2018 and you know what that means? Endless alternatives and flexibility!!

And, there is no reason why this should not apply to your budget as well. You need to have the best without necessarily blowing your budget in any way. Surround sound systems have traditionally been expensive home appliances that you could only afford if you had a crazy amount of disposable income or if you were willing and patient enough to save for several couples of months.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Our reviews offer a comprehensive list of viable alternatives that you can consider if you want to hook your home up with a high quality and powerful home theater system and still remain within your budget. Read on to find out about five of the best home theaters that you can buy under $300.

If you are in a hurry, here’s our best pick: the Onkyo SKS-HT540. This model is a set of eight speakers consisting of seven two-way, large and multi-driver speakers and one 10” subwoofer that boosts a power rating of 230 watts. It has a sturdy and premium build quality that promises long-lasting durability yet its price is one of the lowest compared to its alternatives on the market.


Top Surround Sound Systems Under $300 – our list:

ModelOutput Power  
Onkyo SKS-HT540130 watts
Check Price
Logitech X-540 5.1 Speaker System70 watts (nominal)
140 watts (max)
Check Price
VIZIO SB3851-CO 38-Inch 5.1300 watts (max)
Check Price
Monoprice 10565 Premium 5.11000 watts (max)
Check Price
Onkyo SKS-HT690n/d
Check Price

1. Onkyo SKS-HT540 – Best Overall

The SKS-HT540 is a 7.1 channel surround sound system featuring a 2-way bass flex front, a center and surround speakers each with an output of 130 watts and a bass-rumbling 230W subwoofer. Several characteristics make the SKS-HT540 the best surround sound system under $300. First, the front and center speakers have dual 5” woofers that feature the original Onkyo Micro Fiber (OMF) diaphragm technology.

In addition to that, these speakers use pure cotton cones thus ensuring an extremely fast and accurate response with the subwoofer having a 10” cone. It is not easy to get an eight-piece surround speaker with the specs of the HT540 going for less than $300. As a matter of fact, most are either double the price or even a couple more dollars higher than twice its price.

Pros and Cons

It is quite affordable considering the specs
Sturdy and powerful speakers
Durable build-quality
Features the OMF technology
The only downside of this surround sound system is the large size

2. Logitech X-540 5.1 Speaker System – The Best Gaming Surround Sound System

The X-540 from Logitech is a beast when it comes to amplifying gaming sounds. This sound system comprises of 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel speaker and a powerful subwoofer to create a combination that delivers a three-dimensional soundstage that envelops and immerses you right into the action. What makes the X-540 particularly special for gaming is the Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) technology, which eliminates uneven frequency responses.

Besides that, it also features the matrix mode, which converts 2-channel stereo to realistic 5.1 surround sound thus giving even the old games a modern quality of sound.

The subwoofer in this surround sound system is down-firing, which means you get to enjoy deep and rich bass since the sound is directed evenly throughout the room. The result of this down-firing bass is extra-deep rumbles and explosions that make the games and movies more intense than they usually are. What is more, the Logitech X-540 5.1 Speaker System comes with a corded control pod that hosts the power, master volume, bass level, and matrix mode control knobs.

Pros and Cons

It is a budget surround sound system
It is lightweight and easy to install: the center channel speaker can be mounted on the monitor
Comes with a convenient corded remote control pod
Lacks protection for the sub-speaker
Would be better with a cordless remote

3. VIZIO SB3851-CO 38-Inch 5.1 Channel – Best Wireless Surround Sound System

This surround sound system by VIZIO consists of a 38-inch sound bar, rear satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer that creates an immersive home theater experience like no other. It comes with some of the best features that are only available in high-end surround systems like the Dolby Digital surround sound, which is the standard for broadcast, cinema, DVD, Blu-ray and streaming content. It also features the DTS Digital Surround which is reputable as the benchmark for high-quality cinematic surround sound.

The VIZIO surround sound system is one of the best under $300 wireless surround systems that features built-in Bluetooth that allows you to stream audio right from all your mobile devices wirelessly. What is more, this system is so powerful that it delivers up to 100 dB of crystal clear sound that comes with less than 1% total harmonic distortion.

Pros and Cons

Powerful and high-quality sound of up to 100 dB
Its wireless functionality makes it easy to set up
It has a versatile range of uses
Comes with a remote control that has an LCD unit, which makes it easy to use
Very affordable
The wireless status of this surround sound system makes it prone to interferences
It is bulky in size

4. Monoprice 10565 Premium 5.1 Channel – Most Compact Surround Sound System

This is the best choice for the size-conscious folks. The Monoprice 5.1 surround sound system comes with four 5.1 channel satellite speakers, one 8” subwoofer with a power of 200 watts and one center channel speaker, all of which are compactly sized and wall-mountable. Despite the small size that the surround sound system comes in, it is surprisingly powerful when it comes to delivering high-quality sound for your music, movies and games.

It is also worth noting that this surround sound system comes at a very competitive price point, which is not usually the case with home theater that pack the kind of specs found in this one. If you intend to mount it on the wall, it is going to take you a couple of minutes but its overall setup time is quite short and straightforward.

Pros and Cons

It is a compact and lightweight surround sound system
Offers excellent sound quality with minimized floor vibrations
Limitless mounting options and easy to set up
It doesn’t perform very well in high volumes

5. Onkyo SKS-HT690 Surround Sound System – Runners-Up Best Compact Surround Sound System

The SKS-HT690 is an average home theater that is capable of offering impressive power for an average music and movie enthusiast. The package is a 5.1 system that consists of a center channel, a 10” down-firing subwoofer, two main speakers and an additional pair of dedicated surround speakers. Apart from being just compact, the satellite speakers and the center channel speaker are compatible with wall mounts although they will still work fine if you place them on the shelf or a speaker stand.

It is definitely going to blow your mind how neatly packaged the midrange drivers are enclosed in the all-gloss cabinets. It is also worth noting that despite being only averagely rated, the SKS-HT690 is quite capable of balancing the highs and the lows in almost all the music genres. That is perhaps because its subwoofer is down-firing but, you will not fail to notice the lack of a floor-rumbling bass even in the highest bass settings, and this can be quite discouraging.

Pros and Cons

It is relatively compact
Comes with dedicated surround sound speakers
Center channel speaker produces clear and accurate dialogue
Lacks bass response

Buyer’s Guide

Affordable Surround Sound System - Buyer's Guide

There is nothing that enhances your home theater experience better than supplementing it with a surround sound system. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a decent surround sound system because most of them are usually quite costly. However, if you get yourself a deal, say an under $300 bargain for a surround sound system, here are some of the buying tips that you need to put into consideration.

First, consider the composition of the system you are buying. The most common surround sound systems in the market are 5.1-channel and 7.1-channel surround sound systems where the ‘5’ and the ‘7’ represent the number of speakers while the ‘1’ represents the subwoofer. For a 5.1-channel surround sound system, you get two front speakers that are usually positioned on both sides of the TV for the soundtrack and special effects, one center channel speaker is placed below or above the TV for dialogue and two rear speakers for sound effects.

Secondly, find out if the system features a dedicated AV receiver or a Blu-ray player. Most HTIBs (Home Theater in a Box) do not feature a blu-ray player. Instead, they have a dedicated A/V receiver. The power of the speaker drivers is usually rated in watts and the higher the rating, the more powerful the surround sound system.

The third most important consideration is the size of the system. You should buy a surround sound system that is proportional to the size of your home. If you are living in a medium-sized apartment, it is advisable to buy an averagely rated surround system that will not be too loud for your listening convenience.

Lastly, consider the price of the system you are buying. It is always a good idea to try as much as possible to stick within your budget. Do not go for one that is too expensive and neither should you go for a very cheap surround sound system because you might be trading off some of the essential quality aspects that are essential in a surround sound system.

Dolby Digital – HD Surround Sound Test

Conclusion

Budget surround sound systems are not common in the market. However, with a little bit of patience and careful research, you can get yourself a very affordable and satisfying selection in the market. You can boost your chances of a successful purchase by reading our review before going to the market for the best surround sound system under $300.

Other than choosing one from the five that we have reviewed above, you can as well use our buying guide and make the selection yourself.

 

Related Guides

Best Home Theater in a Box under $500 in 2020

October 24, 2018/by David Wright

Best Surround Sound System Under $300

October 31, 2018/by David Wright
October 24, 2018/3 Comments/in Audio, Blog, Tech /by David Wright

Best Home Theater in a Box under $500 in 2020

by David Wright | Last Updated on January 20, 2020

When you start enjoying movies, music, and TV shows at home, it is time to consider buying a home theater system. Due to all the advanced tech features, you may think they are out of your range. But, there is good news for you because you can access the best quality in image and video when you buy the best home theater in a box under $500.

There are many features available for the home theaters with the price below $500.  If you’re in a hurry, we’ll say right away that our favorite equipment is the Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074. Why is it the best?

Firstly, it supports all Dolby versions, and the Advanced Sound Retriever Technology restores output of compressed audio. Its 5.1 channel AV receiver includes wireless technology. You can watch Blu-ray discs, broadcast, streaming and games.

As it is ready for the next generation video standard HDR, you can be sure you will have more life-like and more brighten images. But, you still have the chance to evaluate more options because we included 4 more models with amazing features. Keep reading and find your best home theater under $500.


Best Home Theater in a Box under $500 – our list:

ModelOutput Power  
Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074100 watts
Check Price
Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1145 watts
Check Price
Onkyo HT-S3900 5.2120 watts
Check Price
Energy 5.1 Take Classic100 watts
Check Price
Yamaha YHT-3920UBL 5.1100 watts
Check Price

1. Pioneer 5.1 Home Theater System HTP-074 – The Best Overall

The sound of this Pioneer system stands out. It supports Dolby TrueHD/Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic which allow you to enjoy the analogic and digital material. It is complemented with a 5.1. channel AV receiver with Bluetooth.

All you need to do is connect a Blu-ray or DVD player, and you will have all the high-definition entertainment you want. A sound retriever also let you restore compressed audio from MP3 and other sources. You can enjoy premium videos as you can easily connect compatible devices and they will pass through 4K/60p/4:4:4.

With the ECO Mode, you can save energy while still enjoying a high-quality sound.

Pros and Cons

It includes remote control
You can connect Xbox, Wii, Blue-ray, and DVD
It offers next-generation video standard (HDR) to improve the images
Includes 5 channels AV receiver
It has Bluetooth wireless technology
It doesn’t include HDMI cables
The image quality may vary according to the TV

2. Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1

This Yamaha Home Theater equipment offers everything to get the most optimized images and sound. Firstly, the combination of YPAO sound optimization along with a 100-Watt powered subwoofer and an extra Bass technology provide an incredible sound balance. With YPAO sound optimization you get analysis and adjustment of the room acoustic.

You can use it with rear speakers or install 5 speakers at the front and still enjoy the best quality. It is compatible with Bluetooth, and you can also enjoy music from your smartphone and other devices. Images are enhanced through the combination of Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma technology to provide the highest quality with great contrast and bright colors.

Pros and Cons

Free technical support available to help you install the equipment
Speakers are finished in a beautiful black gloss
It is perfect for watching movies and listening to music as the receiver includes several DSP modes
YPAO sound optimization
The remote control is not universal and doesn’t include TV functions
The size of the equipment is better for medium/large rooms

3. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.2 – The Best for Small Spaces

Despite having little space available to install your Home Theater in a Box, it is still possible to enjoy the best quality with this equipment. Its system comprises a six-piece speaker system that suits perfectly in small rooms. The combination of this system with an explosive bass in the subwoofer provides an authentic surround for all your space.

You can play anything from your smartphone, laptop or PC because it includes Bluetooth wireless technology. The receiver can decode the most widely used soundtracks formats for Blu-ray Disc. The HDMI terminals allow you to play the last video formats and there is an audio return channel (ARC) for amplifying TV broadcasts.

This equipment also features analog amps that control the power and enhance music, videos, and video games.

Pros and Cons

Speakers are manufactured in a high-gloss finish and solid steel
It is possible to enjoy music via USB input
Compact speaker system
Easy connection and installation
Color-coded speaker cables included
It doesn’t include technical assistance for installation
The Bluetooth signal doesn’t reach long distances

4. Energy 5.1 Take Classic – The Best Subwoofer

The Energy 5.1 stands out for its 200 Watts subwoofer that provides a unique quality of sound. It includes 4 satellite speakers and patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround. These speakers reproduce the sounds in a uniform manner which creates a smooth sound that reaches all areas of the room equally.

A center channel speaker provides centered sound and the Convergent Source Module offers low distortion, wide dispersion, and excellent performance. Music and movies feel more real than ever.

Pros and Cons

All components are finished in high gloss black
It includes integrated keyhole wall-mounts threaded inserts and rubber bumpers to ease installation anywhere
Low price with great advantages
It is suitable for small and large rooms
The center channel must be genuinely located in the center to provide its benefits
The finish of the speakers gets easily scratched

5. Yamaha YHT-3920UBL 5.1 – The Best Video Quality

Image source: Yamaha

With this Yamaha model, you will get the highest standards for HDMI with 4K video transmission. It doesn’t have degradation and fully complies with copyright protection. It includes all the Yamaha technology that comprises: Virtual Cinema Front that allows you to install the speakers at the front if the rear speaker can’t be placed; extra Bass to enhance the performance of the 100Watt subwoofer with YST technology.

The center channel and 4 surround speakers can be easily mounted in the wall.

Pros and Cons

The best Yamaha technology with the lower price
Includes Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) for sound optimization
It can be wall mounted
Bluetooth for wireless music streaming
It doesn’t include technical support for installment
Connectors require multiple adjustments

Finding The Best Home Theater in a Box

To enjoy the benefits of the best home theater in a box under $500, it is not necessary to understand how it works. However, when you have to choose among several models, it is crucial to understand the underlying technical features.

Video and audio are the most essential features, but if you want to make your home theater to combine with your décor, you should also consider the design. The best brands offer a wide range of equipment, and they include many years of technical experience to make them work as well as they do.

Audio Features

To achieve the best audio, it is important to consider the subwoofer. It is designed to reproduce low bass frequencies. Most of them come with 100Watt and exceptionally they may come with 200Watts.

But the subwoofer is not the only element. The number of speakers and how you must place them to obtain the best sound is also crucial. The amount may vary from 4 to 6.

In any case, they would be fine if the surround technology works well. Dolby sound features are also important. That technology supports almost every single movie that is available in the market.

According to technological changes, there are several versions of Dolby. Therefore, if you want to make sure you can access all types of movies with good sound, make sure you include all the Dolby versions.

Video Features

One important reason to buy a Home Theater in a box is the video feature. We know that images get enhanced with this type of equipment. As the technology evolves, images get better and better.

In addition to the movies, now you can enjoy your favorite games and streaming TVs such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, to name a few. When choosing the video features the most important thing to consider is the High Definition feature. That is what makes the difference, and fortunately, most of the home theater systems include this feature.

Where to Place a Subwoofer for Home Theater

Conclusion

Current TVs may include amazing features. However, films, TV shows, and streaming broadcasting are continuously adding new and more sophisticated elements. Home Theaters in a Box are an extraordinary way to catch up with all them.

The technology they offer, the easy way to install them, and the affordable price make them the best option. You can select the best audio and video features to enhance your experience, and you don’t need to overspend to do so.

 

Related Guides

Best Home Theater in a Box under $500 in 2020

October 24, 2018/by David Wright

Best Surround Sound System Under $300

October 31, 2018/by David Wright

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