It might mean rearranging the furniture. It might mean moving to a bigger house. But if you want the full home cinema experience, a surround sound speaker package is the only way to go.
Whether you're watching all-out action-fests or beard-stroking foreign art films, a 5.1 (or Dolby Atmos) speaker system will enhance your experience no end. You can spend anywhere from a few hundred pounds to thousands - so how do you know which system is right for you? By checking our list below, that's how. All of these get the What Hi-Fi? seal of approval, so you're guaranteed a great sonic experience. Prices range from under £500 to a sizeable £10k.
(If you're really tight on space, though, a soundbar or soundbase is the next best thing.)
Under £500
Wharfedale DX-2
Wharfedale proves you can get movie magic on a small scale with the delightful DX-2. It's compact, stylish and sounds entertaining too.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (speakers): 19 x 12 x 12cm | Two finishes - black, white | Subwoofer 70W | Single set of terminals
Reasons to Buy
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Under £1000
Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Cinema Pack
Q Acoustics' 3010i bookshelf speakers form the basis of this excellent speaker package. It's a beautifully-balanced system with an expressive centre channel and a clear, musical presentation.
SPECIFICATIONS
5.1 speaker package | 150W active subwoofer | Grey, walnut, black, white colour finishes
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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Under £2000
Monitor Audio Bronze B5 AV
SPECIFICATIONS
Gold anodised C-CAM tweeters | 5 1/2in bass and bass/midrange drivers | 25cm subwoofer
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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Under £3000
Monitor Audio Silver 200 AV12
The Silver 200s prove every bit as likeable in a surround sound package as they are in stereo.
SPECIFICATIONS
6 finishes | 500W Class-D subwoofer | Bipole/Dipole rears
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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Dolby Atmos
Jamo S 807 HCS
This isn't just a fun and endearing 7.1 Atmos package at a budget price, it's a practical size too.
SPECIFICATIONS
7.1 Atmos | Bi-wireable
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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Money no object
PMC Twenty5 23 5.1
A set-up so good, we're using it as our new reference surround package. This system continues PMC's tradition for rhythmic intelligence, punch and drive and will hold your attention right up to the final credits.
SPECIFICATIONS
G-weave mid/bass cone | 400W Class-D amplifier in subwoofer | Transmission line bass loading
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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