Arjun Ruparelia

There are three categories of home theatre buyers. If you’re anything like me, you’re a self-proclaimed nerd who needs to understand the product inside out before making a purchase. While there are others who don’t care about the specs as long as they hear a decent thump and an immersive sound. And in between, is everybody else – the largest group. The diverse in-betweeners know what they want, but don’t care about much else. Regardless of which group you belong to; this list is going to walk you through some of the best 5.1 channel home theatres that rule the market today. Starting as low as 5,000, the list includes devices that cost up to 35,000. But let’s hold our horses and first understand what a 5.1 channel sound system is. The number before the decimal represents the number of channels (speakers) that a home theatre receiver provides. The number after the decimal refers to a distinct channel that reproduces exclusively low-frequency sounds, technically known as a Low-Frequency Effects channel. The number after the decimal is what drags a subwoofer in the mix. LFE channels depend on subwoofers that are designed to filter and cut off frequencies beyond a predefined point. Now that we have a basic understanding of what a 5.1 channel is, let’s take a step further and learn about things you should consider when choosing your home theatre. Output Power: Output power is measured in terms of watts and is an important factor that powers the connected speakers. To optimize performance, the A/V receiver should deliver a minimum power of 100W to all channels. Connectivity: Take a quick look at what ports feature on the system, such as – HDMI, USB ports, AUX, an SD card slot, etc. You might also want to look for wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or NFC. Note that if you want to connect a Blu-ray player to the system, an HDMI ARC port is a necessity – unless you don’t mind some loss of audio quality. Amplifiers: They function similarly to receivers. They receive low voltage signals from the connected device such as a gaming console or a TV and extend the gain to power your speakers. In simpler words, you can use one or more amplifiers for a single system, each of which could power a different set of speakers to achieve a clearer signal and higher volume. 1. Our top pick: Logitech Z906 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B004M18O60 Power: 500-Watts (RMS) Bluetooth: Absent Remote: Yes Weight: 16.6kg Warranty: 2 years Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars The Logitech Z-5500 went unrivaled for a larger part of the previous decade, but the time has come for the Z906 to claim the spot with its THX certification and 500-Watt RMS power. The 5.1 system from Logitech brings 1 subwoofer, 5 sturdy satellite speakers, and a receiver unit that will go on your desk or the TV cabinet. The subwoofer brags massive 165-watts of power, with each of the dynamic speakers clocking in 65-watts. The compact remote control is easy and intuitive and enables you to control the volume, tone settings, and active input. The front as well as the rear satellites can be wall-mounted, which makes for breezy speaker placement. Although, I found it unusual that the satellites come with a regular speaker wire as opposed to proprietary connections. Unfortunately, the Z906 has no options to connect to other devices wirelessly. If your smartphone doesn’t have an audio jack, this can be a sticky situation. There’s no HDMI input either which means you can’t enjoy lossless audio formats from your Blu-ray player. You could plug the Blu-ray player into the S/P-DIF, but the playback will be limited to DTS and Dolby Digital formats. The overall sound quality with the Dolby Digital sound and DTS encoding is ideal for a large living room, although a high subwoofer volume may give a bass-heavy feel. The center speaker does an excellent job of producing crystal clear speech without other satellites and subwoofer drowning it out. For best results, however, turn the rear satellites up. The Logitech Z906 is a power-packed surround sound system with the widest offerings available on any system in this price segment. If you’re hoping to enhance your gaming experience or just looking to crank up your country track, the Logitech Z906 will give you a polished experience. PROS Easy-to-Use Remote Control Good Build Quality Pleasing Sound Signature A Longer Warranty Period CONS No HDMI 2. Sony HT-IV300 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00NTZL8CM Power: 1000-Watts (RMS) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 10.8kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars The Sony HT-IV300 is a compact Dolby and DTS enabled system that gives you an excellent TV viewing or gaming experience. The system’s rectangular main unit has an angular front and is controlled through touch-based controls and the remote, barring the power button. The five satellite speakers sport a unique hexagonal design so you can place them at an angle of your preference. The wooden subwoofer has a foam covered front. The system altogether delivers a house-shaking 1000W of power. The plastic remote has a premium feel and is fairly straightforward with some handy buttons such as the one-touch Bluetooth button. However, it doesn’t have a button to change the audio profiles. This can be cumbersome when you’re viewing DTH channels that don’t support Dolby profiles because you have to navigate to settings and manually switch to the Dolby Pro-Logic. Sony has muscled the system with an excellent feature that lets you connect it directly to your DTH box through the Optical ports or an HDMI, even without a receiver. This boosts the system’s easy-to-setup quotient. Other than this, the HT-IV300 gives you ample connectivity options both wired and wireless. There are two HDMI-out ports on the system so you can plug in your DTH in one and rotate miscellaneous devices on the other port. The system will let you switch between the two ports via the remote. Except for the HDMI-out ports, it also has an optical port, coaxial output ports, a USB port, and ports for the speakers. It also offers a bounty of wireless connectivity options which includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and Miracast. The system plays Blu-ray Disc sounds exceptionally well with its DTS-HD studio master technology. The 4K-Ultra HD Technology empowers the system to upscale the high-definition audio for refined sound delivery. The audio experience is well-suited for modestly large areas such as your living room. The non-conventional S-master digital amplifier doesn’t depend on multiple analog stages and uses a fully digital signal path to produce excellent sound effects. That being said, the system is extremely loud – so it begins to lose clarity beyond the 65% volume threshold. The dialogues especially may be hard to discern at high volume unless you turn on the ClearAudio+ feature. The Sony HT-IV300 is a perfect sound solution for shoppers looking to plug it directly into their DTH boxes or hoping to sharpen their gaming and streaming experience. PROS Massive 1000W power Plugs Directly into a DTH Box Sleek Angular Design of Speakers S-master Digital Amplifier Plenty of Connectivity Options CONS Loss of Clarity at High Volume 3. Yamaha YHT-1840 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B082DVZCK7 Power: 70-Watts per Channel (6 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.09% THD, 2-ch driven) Bluetooth: Absent Remote: Yes Weight: 16.3kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 4 out of 5 stars The Yamaha YHT-1840 brings along a 4K pass-through AVR of the HTR-2072 and the NS-P40 speaker package to give you a dreamy sound quality and an enjoyable audio experience. The system’s NS-P40 speaker package comprises 4 satellite speakers, a channel speaker, and a subwoofer. All speakers barring the subwoofer are equipped with a full range driver for treble and bass duties. The AVR powered subwoofer packs in a 6.5” long-throw woofer and delivers deep, tight bass. Given the NS-P40 speaker package’s 84dB sensitivity, the 70W RMS power and the 130W peak power are more than enough and produce a beautiful and clear sound. The remote control accommodates a special “Bass Boost” function enabling button that enhances the mid-bass to give a punchier sound. The main unit is far from slim, but elegant nonetheless. The volume jog wheel is a large digital wheel with infinite rotation. The handsome speakers have a glossy finish and a matte speaker grill cloth. The Yamaha sound system has 4 HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI ports, S/P-DIF inputs, Analog inputs, and an Optical Toslink input. These allow you to use the system with a diverse range of devices. The AV receiver powered with Dolby Pro Logic (DPL) manages to convert a 2.1 sound into 5.1 surround sound – but it has its hits and misses. If you’re short on space, the Virtual Cinema Front mode will produce a surround sound for you without having to distribute the speakers across the room space. If your ideal Sunday is spent watching movies with a decent surround sound experience, the system will not disappoint. Unlike Sony, the YHT-1840 subwoofer does not give you a muddy-mix output. With the Bass reflex, the system goes full throttle to take it to the next level. However, the system does not offer a Dolby Atmos on the YHT-1840. The subwoofer is pretty neat, but it is a passive subwoofer, which means it lacks an amplifier. The Yamaha YHT-1840 is worth every penny. Its minute drawbacks can be fixed easily with eventual upgradation of speakers and subwoofer, but it’s unlikely to be bothersome in the meantime. PROS Virtual Cinema Front Mode Elegant look Value for money CONS Lack of USB/Bluetooth No Dolby Atmos 4. Sony HT-RT3 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01HXOUJOM Power: 600-Watts (Total) Bluetooth: Bluetooth v4.2 Remote: Yes Weight: 11kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars The majestic looking soundbar system from Sony has turned the heads of shoppers across price segments, and for good reason! The sound system package consists of a soundbar, a subwoofer, and 2 rear speakers. It would have been a lot more convenient if the speakers were wireless, but perhaps that’s a drag at this price. The 600W of output of the Dolby Digital surround sound eco-system becomes quite evident when you play the system. The remote interface is simple, and you wouldn’t need to read the manual to work your way through the system settings. The sound system accommodates an HDMI port, a USB port, and optical connectors. However, an optical cable is surprisingly missing from the package, which you’ll need to purchase separately. The box does have an HDMI cable and the component cables, though. The sound system comes loaded with the ClearAudio+ technology that enables it to choose the best sound field for a particular audio track. For your added convenience, the system can be worked through the SongPal application on your smartphone. There’s not a shadow of doubt about the system’s performance capability. The soundbar delivers versatile sound quality even at high volume. Sony’s S-Master digital amplifier does its job astonishingly well. If you like your systems sleek and slim, the HT-RT3 has got your back. The sound system offers plenty of connectivity options and amazing sound quality. This is a bulls-eye product from Sony given the way its priced. PROS Slim and sleek build Ample connectivity options ClearAudio+ Technology CONS No Optical Cable in the Box 5. Samsung HT-J5100K https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0156PLH2S Power: 1000-Watts (Total) Bluetooth: Absent Remote: Yes Weight: 9.4kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars This sound system from Samsung will turn your living room into a perfect entertainment area. The classic sound clarity that the system offers is undefeated in this price segment. Samsung’s surround sound system package comprises the main unit, a subwoofer, and 4 surround speakers. Interestingly enough, Samsung has placed a DVD player into the HT-J5100K, a feature that could potentially redefine the segment. It produces loud sound with its massive 1000-W of output power that will never let your party turn dull. The remote control is unlikely to cause any troubles so you won’t need to go searching for the manual while trying to figure out what a particular button does. The build is laid-back and doesn’t invite significant attention. This is a good thing if you like minimalist designs against the bulky ones that pop out of the TV cabinet. While there’s no wireless connectivity on the system, it has accommodated an ARC HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio port for plugging in your headphones. The system is equipped with a Crystal Amp Pro technology that polishes the sound quality via the multi-variable sound signals feedback. It also comes with an extremely rich bass quality that radiates through your sound system to give you a faithful reproduction of low notes. You can instantly optimize the audio quality while you’re watching TV through the hotkey on the remote. Pressing the key will activate the J5100 for a superior TV experience. Samsung J5100-K delivers excellent sound quality and comes from a well-known name in the industry that is known for manufacturing superior products. It brings some snazzy features including the Crystal Amplifier Pro and a DVD player. PROS Minimalist Look DVD Player Crystal Amplifier Pro Rich Bass CONS Single HDMI port No Wireless Connectivity 6. Sony HT-S20R https://www.amazon.in/dp/B084685MT1 Power: 400-Watts (Total) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 13kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars This younger-looking cousin of the Sony HT-RT3 is an ideal surround system for large living rooms. The sound system is here to break the stereotype that you need to invest in a high-end wireless sound system or make do with average sound quality. Even without messy wires, the HT-S20R is going to make you groove to your favorite tunes. The L-shaped package carries the soundbar, a subwoofer, and channel speakers. The wall-mountable plastic speakers from Sony have a tidy look. The handy remote allows you to alter audio modes on the go, with individual controls for volume and bass. What’s more, the volume can also be controlled using third-party remotes such as OnePlus TV remote, a feature attributable to the ARC. The well-built soundbar’s drivers are protected with a metallic mesh grill covering and are fitted with rubber feet for a tight grip. Sony has downsized the soundbar that sits flush with 32 or 40-inch TV sets so they don’t look disproportionate. The home theatre has several connectivity options including Analog Audio input (stereo mini), optical-audio input, and USB type A. It has the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), but an HDMI input for passthrough is missing. Sony has added a Night Mode to compress the sound quality without messing with the clarity and fidelity, and a Voice Mode for dialogue clarity. Remember that the speakers must be placed at ear-height for the best experience. Also, the audio comes not only from the surround speakers but the front right and left speakers as well, which collectively deliver a well-rounded audio experience. The best component of the system’s audio is hands down its rich bass. If you want to bring home a feature-intense 5.1 channel home theatre from a decent company, the Sony HT-S20R is definitely worth looking at. PROS Wall-mountable Speakers Works with some Third-Party Remotes Night Mode and Voice Mode Rich Bass CONS No HDMI pass-through 7. Philips SPA8000B/94 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01H3F3LJ6 Power: 120-Watts (Total) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 11.9kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars An enviable home theatre system that enhances audio experiences for a small house, the Philips SPA8000B/94 is an amazing choice given the host of features it brings. The package carries 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer that collectively deliver a total output of 120W. The remote control is uncomplex and it won’t take you more than a minute to familiarize yourself with it. The lion’s share of the system’s body is wooden, with a plastic panel at its front. The subwoofer packs in 8-inch drivers for superior bass. The system accommodates a special USB and SD card slot for added access to your playlists, or you could alternatively connect via Bluetooth to listen to your favorite tracks. You can also connect it to your PC/laptop or smartphone with an AUX cable or tune into the FM Radio. The audio experience has been made customizable via the option to control each speaker’s volume separately. However, the main unit lacks a bass control knob. The system produces a melodious sound that is not boomy, and the delivery is consistent up to the 80% volume threshold. Beyond 80%, some deterioration creeps in. The speakers have been tailor-made for bass enthusiasts. A budget sound system from the Swedish company is an eye-turner, in particular, if you like thumps in your music. PROS Separate Volume Control for All Speakers Wireless Connectivity USB and SD Card Slot 8-inch Bass Drivers CONS No Base Control Knob 8. F&D F5060X https://www.amazon.in/dp/B06Y5H84YX Power: 135-Watts (RMS) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 10.2kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 4 out of 5 stars A sound system from F&D that focuses on providing a balance between the audio experience and budget, F5060X is a fancy looking home theatre that will complement your living room with its pleasing aesthetics. The F5060X ships with 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer that is equipped with 8-inch bass drivers that contribute to the system’s 135W RMS output. The remote-control sports fluorescent buttons and works from a distance of up to 10 meters. The matte-finished system has a minimalist, yet elegant design that adds a fresh look to your cabinet. You can wirelessly connect with the device from up to a distance of 15 meters using its Bluetooth v4.2 technology. It also lets you control the system through a smartphone app. The unit also has an AUX jack and a USB port that supports MP3/WMA dual format decoding for easier connectivity. The F5060X sports multi-colored LED lights that give the system a unique look. It has the Digital PLL FM Technology so you can store up to 100 FM Radio stations. With sound waves separation of below 50dB, it delivers a distortion-free clear sound with high treble and bass. It also has an in-built amplifier that further polishes the audio quality. This F&D sound system provides a lot of utility in a much slimmer budget, making it a value for money product. Especially with the flashy LED lights, it is an ideal party pal. PROS Decent Audio Quality In-built Amplifier Flashy LED Lights Long Range Bluetooth Connectivity CONS No HDMI ports 9. Philips SPA4040B/94 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B017IM3MNY Power: 45-Watts (RMS) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 6.11kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars An entry-level surround system that ships with a dedicated subwoofer, the SPA4040B/94 from Philips is here to give you a crisp audio experience on a super-slim budget. The 5-inch woofer and 5 satellite speakers jointly deliver a 45W output that manifests into punchy audio. Supplementing the system is a fully functional, easy-to-use remote control. It is a compact home theatre that makes itself scarce and saves you a ton of room. It accommodates an AUX port, a USB port, and an SD Card slot so you can connect it to pretty much any device, or alternatively tune into the FM Radio as you sip on your morning cup of joe. The system also connects with previous-generation devices such as MP3 and DVD players. The selling point of the sound system is clearly its punchy bass accompanied by a crisp sound texture. Although, it may face difficulties beyond a certain volume threshold with clarity of sound. The sound system holds appeal for those who want a decent 5.1 channel sound system that doesn’t cost a fortune. PROS Decent Audio Quality USB port and SD Card Slot Punchy Bass CONS No HDMI ports Loss of Clarity at High Volume 10. Zebronics ZEB-BT6590RUCF https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00IJ443CA Power: 65-Watts (RMS) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 5.62kg Warranty: 1 year Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars The bold-looking 5.1 channel Bluetooth surround system is perfect for stylizing your living room, and even more so for hosting a perfect house-party. Out of the package come a 4-inch subwoofer and 5 2.75-inch satellite speakers. Accompanying the system is a fully functional remote that is fairly simple to operate and brings easy entertainment to your fingertips. The durable subwoofer sports an attractive front panel that’s covered in glossy lines. At the top of the subwoofer is an LED display to show you the currently active input. The system connects to smartphones, laptops, and LED TVs. It also provides additional connectivity options including an AUX, Bluetooth, a USB port, MMC, and SD Card slot. If you’re feeling lucky, switch to the FM Radio and kick back with some fries. As with most budget sound systems, Zebronics has focused on delivering a punchier bass rather than articulating other audio layers. If you’re on the lookout for a really cool-looking surround system that produces good bass and doesn’t go heavy on your wallet, this sound system should serve you well. PROS Stylish Looking Subwoofer USB port and SD Card Slot Punchy Bass Durable Build CONS Not Suitable for Medium to Large Rooms 11. Tronica Super King Series 5.1 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07J247XFL Power: 44-Watts (Peak) Bluetooth: Yes Remote: Yes Weight: 5.10kg Warranty: 3 months Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars The Tronica sound system is best suited for small rooms where they can deliver clear and detailed audio, rather than larger areas. Unboxing the product package will give you a 4-inch subwoofer housed in a wooden cabinet and 5 satellite speakers. All of these collectively manage to deliver a peak output of 44W. The remote control has a straightforward interface, and you can view the active input on the LED panel that’s placed on the subwoofer. Noteworthily, two of the five satellite speakers are tower-shaped and produce decent bass and high decibels. This minor modification has sharpened the sound performance significantly. The sound system connects through AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. It also has an SD Card slot and an in-built FM that comes with preset channels and automatic tuning. All in all, the Tronica Super King Series 5.1 is ideal for a decent sound experience in a small room or area. PROS Tower-shaped Speakers for Enhanced Audio Quality USB port and SD Card Slot Decent Bass CONS Not Suitable for Medium to Large Rooms Frequently Asked Questions Is there a way to purchase a budget system now and upgrade select components later? Yes, it is. Although, there are several considerations here. If you bring home an excessively powerful subwoofer, a low sensitivity speaker package will keep your new subwoofer from achieving its full potential. Nevertheless, it is possible to upgrade your subwoofer, speakers, or amplifier. What is an ideal placement for a 5.1 channel home theater system? Ideally, you’d want to place the dialogue-delivering speaker at the center for a better sound spread. Place the right and left speakers at the respective walls of the room, and have the rear speakers put behind the viewing area. How long do home theatre systems last with average use? Theoretically speaking, close to a decade. Practically, though, the technology will become outdated in no more than 5 years. Beyond 5 years, your system might continue to operate satisfactorily if you’ve been very gentle with it. But if you’re a heavy user or someone who likes updating the sound system with the latest technology – you’re looking at 5 years at best. What’s the role of a subwoofer in a 5.1 channel sound system? Subwoofers are direction-neutral. They can be positioned anywhere without significantly impacting the audio quality. Their function is to produce a wide range of frequencies, produce good bass, and eliminate distortion. Verdict The price range for 5.1 channel home theatres is wide, which leaves a lot of room for debate and dilemma. Should you focus on the presence of an amplifier, wireless connectivity, or output power? The extensiveness of offerings could potentially drive your attention in the wrong direction. So as a precursor to the selection process, identify your priorities. That being said, our top pick Logitech Z906 tops the charts in all parameters with its massive output power, excellent audio quality, and DTS encoding. Should you, however, be insistent on wireless connectivity – take a look at Sony HT-IV300 and Sony HT-RT3. Both Sony systems come with an amplifier and backing of an age-old brand. If you’re looking for a feature-heavy system, but don’t mind the lack of wireless connectivity, the Yamaha YHT-1840, and Samsung HT-J5100K come with some unique features such as a Virtual Cinema Front Mode and a DVD player. A slim budget might land you with some low-end sound systems that lack high-end specs but offer a decent audio experience, such as the Zebronics ZEB-BT6590RUCF or the Tronica Super King Series 5.1. I get it, the process can spiral you into confusion. While our list takes care of all things technical; be objective, reckon what you must have in your system, and what you can live without. This will simplify the selection process to a great extent.