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How to create your ideal home cinema set-up

By What Hi-Fi?

It's actually pretty easy

(Image credit: Dixons)

Tired of turning the volume on your flat screen TV up to 100, just to hear what’s being said? Then go for a proper home cinema sound system. It’ll transform movie nights and big sporting events into unforgettable immersive experiences.

With a wide range of wireless products available for all budgets, you can easily add cinema-quality sound to your TV, without worrying about cables and cumbersome remote controls.

Get a soundbar for cinema-quality audio

(Image credit: Dixons)

For incredible sounding TV audio, your starting point is a decent soundbar. The speakers built into your TV might not be the best quality, and it’s more than likely they aren’t even directed towards your sofa. So go for a soundbar, and get ready for quality audio filling all corners of your room.

The Sonos Beam is a perfect example of what a soundbar is capable of. Despite its small size, it’s capable of delivering a rich bass sound at an impressive volume. And it impressed What Hi-Fi? enough to be named as its soundbar ‘Product of the Year’ for the second time in 2019.

Like many modern soundbars it has Bluetooth built in, which means you can also use it as a wireless speaker if you fancy listening to music. Basically, you’ve got a one-box wireless entertainment hub right there underneath your TV!

Dolby Atmos puts you right in the middle of the action

(Image credit: Dixons)

Dolby Atmos is another feature to look out for. It uses height channels to give your audio real depth, creating an incredibly immersive experience. You’ll hear the roar of jets zooming overhead, and almost feel the pitter-patter of rain drops on your head.

LG is a company that’s right on top of the TV game at the moment, and it offers plenty of soundbars with Dolby Atmos built in, from the mid-range SK8 with 4 inbuilt speakers, right up to the flagship SL10YG with 7 speakers delivering one of the best sound experiences you can get.

Want to feel more of those crashes and rumbles from the latest action blockbuster? You might want to a dedicated subwoofer to take over bass duties, and leave popcorn rattling around the bowl every time the action explodes on-screen!

If you go for a Sonos Sub, it’s the perfect match for a soundbar like the Sonos Beam. But it’s also worth remembering that lots of top quality soundbars (including those LG models we mentioned above) come with a wireless subwoofer included.

Use wireless speakers to surround yourself in sound

(Image credit: Dixons)

For the full home cinema experience – one that puts you right in the middle of the action, from the front-line of an epic war film to pitch-side of the big match – you’ll want to treat yourself to wireless surround speakers. 

Sonos One wireless speakers are a great option, and they interact seamlessly with other TV audio products like the Sonos Beam soundbar and Sonos Sub subwoofer. And don’t forget about LG, with its SPK8 wireless rear speaker that works in perfect harmony with its wireless soundbars. 

If you want to save on budget and space, you can always go for a soundbar that mimics the effect of surround channels, such as JBL’s Bar 5.1 unit. It’s a cost effective option that delivers powerful sound without the need for any extra speakers.


For the latest prices, incredible offers and options to spread the cost, visit currys.co.uk 

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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