Your home theatre deserves the best, but is a multi channel home theatre system right for you?
So you love the cinema experience, but you’re tired of leaving your house to go see a film. It could be time to bring the movie experience right to your home. A home movie theatre is great for enjoying epic films and shows from the comfort of your own space. Great for those days when you just want to settle down into one of your favorite movies and chill out in style.
But when it comes to setting up your home movie theatre, it can be a little daunting to start with. With plenty of great options out there to choose from, what is it you should be looking for in a system?
From getting the sharpest TV or monitor unit, to which speakers and virtual surround sound systems to add – there are plenty of things that need to be considered before you set out on building your very own movie zone. Finding the perfect multi channel home theatre system is tricky and is something you want to get right the first time.
In this article, we will delve deep into the world of multi channel home theatres and what you need to look out for when purchasing yours. You could go down the route of buying a Home Theatre in a box-type product, or you could choose which equipment is best for you individually to make sure you get exactly what you want for your sound system.
However, not everyone wants the hassle of picking out each individual speaker, soundbar, or other audio device for your theatre. Fortunately, there are plenty of great systems available which have everything you need to get your dream home theatre without the difficulty of choosing each product.
Here we will break down everything that you need to know regarding a multi channel home theatre system, plus will look at 10 of the best systems you can choose for your home with a range of prices.
Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer
If you’re just after great sound and happy to pay a premium price, then the Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer would be the best overall choice for a multi channel audio system.
Let’s get into it and find out a little more about which multi channel home theatre system is best for your home.
What Is A Multi Channel Home Theatre System?
A multi channel home theatre system is basically as its name suggests, a combination of different sound and audio equipment that turns your ordinary living room into an all-encompassing home movie cinema experience.
But what makes up this system, here’s a look at what you’d expect to see in a multi channel home theatre setup.
Stereo Systems
A stereo system is a great start for when you’re just testing the waters with a home theatre setup. It usually has a couple of sound channels on either side of the TV unit, usually speakers.
A great setup for the slightly smaller rooms, you can get a really good sound from just a good stereo system, or add onto it a subwoofer for even greater effect.
If you’re unsure of what to go with, then a stereo system is a great place to begin your home theatre journey.
Surround Sound Systems
Next up is a surround sound system, which can deliver high-quality sound output for your home theatre.
This is done through sound imaging which refers to the ability of the speaker to locate specific sounds in areas or spaces and can be important for adding width and depth to a sound.
Virtual surround sound systems are usually split into either true surround sound or virtual surround sound.
True surround sound is usually wired up and focuses on one channel for sound, such as each speaker for each sound. A virtual system is wireless most of the time, all linked together virtually without each channel having its own speaker.
Connecting up multiple pieces of audio equipment wirelessly such as a subwoofer or soundbar will enhance the experience of a virtual sound system and is very simple to do.
Home Theatre Systems
When it comes to a home theatre system, they tend to be a little more compact in the setup, with a range of speakers and subwoofers for ultimate sound capabilities.
Usually consisting of up to 7 or 8 speakers and a couple of subwoofers, they all combine to bring a collaborative sound output system.
The speakers are usually split between center, left, and right locations in the room, with the main center speakers offering the voices and dialogue, whilst the side speakers add the other sound effects in the background.
The subwoofer is there to add that deeper level of bass to the sound, delivering those lower-level frequency noises for an overall richer sound.
Of the three types, the home theatre system is the most comprehensive and will in turn offer the best level of sound to your room.
What Goes Into A Multi Channel Home Theatre System Setup?
Made up of a few different components, the multi channel system combines many different bits of tech which all piece together to create an amazing cinematic experience for your home.
Here’s what to expect in a system:
Display
First up, the display is very important when it comes to your home theatre. Seeing and experiencing your show or movie in high quality is obviously a major factor and one that you want to get right.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean we’re talking about a TV unit. It could of course be a projector screen, which can usually offer a larger size screen than a TV, which especially for the larger rooms could be the better option for you. However, for the smaller rooms, it is important to look at the TV screen size and speaker setup so that it doesn’t overpower the room.
With high-tech TV’s out on the market including sharp LED’s as well as 4K tech, upgrading your display for your home theatre is a must if you’re looking for the best possible experience.
Speakers
One of the best things about going to the cinema is the sound quality you get. Really experiencing every possible crash and bang as if you were really in the scene. So when you try to re-create this in your home, it’s of course important to get a speaker that can give you the same feeling.
When you look for a multi channel system, you’ll usually expect to see a set of speakers and a soundbar included. This helps to create the depth and style you’re after with your home theatre setup and will give you lifelike moments in your home.
A soundbar on its own doesn’t really come close to when you look at a full multi channel system. This is because it doesn’t have enough power to transfer sound throughout the size of larger rooms.
In terms of speakers, you’re usually choosing between the 5.1 and 7.1 systems, which are the most commonly used for a sound system of this sort. These are then broken down into a front, center, and rear formation to help provide the most engaging sound output.
Room
Not quite a piece of equipment, but no less important than the speakers and display when building your home theatre.
The first and most important factor is the size, this will influence how big your multi channel setup needs to be and will either mean more or fewer audio units.
It will also determine whether you go for a TV display or a projector, as smaller rooms are more suited to TV.
You also need to ensure that your speakers and soundbars are not obstructed at all, which can restrict sound waves from coming out and connecting together. A simple furniture setup is best here, with as little clutter and distraction as possible.
Speakers should be in the correct positions, maintaining the ultimate surround sound experience.
10 Best Multi Channel Home Theatre System For 2024
Ok, so now we know what a multi channel home theatre system is and why we need it for our home. But which one is best for your home cinema setup? Finding an appropriate surround sound format is important for your room size and requirements.
Here’s a look at 10 of our favorites you can add to your home today!
Klipsch Black Reference Theatre Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System
A really great surround sound system for smaller home theatre rooms, the Klipsch Black Reference has everything you need for great sound quality. The 5.1 multi channel system packs a mighty punch and will really help elevate your movie experience at a very friendly price.
The speakers feature their exclusive Tractrix Horn Technology and the aluminum tweeters offer up an impressive extension of sound. This helps to create a crisp and natural sound that can be powerful and soft when required.
With a wireless subwoofer to match, it’s designed to fill a room with low-frequency bass that will add some wonderful depth. Its wireless 2.4GHz connectivity allows for ease of use and can be added anywhere into the theatre setup.
The Klipsch Black Reference will offer up a top-of-the-range acoustic performance, whilst also being careful about its energy consumption and footprint.
A stylish black with graphite woofer, each speaker will fit well into your room. Plus each with a keyhole mount allows you total flexibility on where you place your speakers. Whether that’s on a wall, shelf, or floor, you can build an arrangement that works best for you.
Best Features
Here are some of the top features of the Klipsch Black Reference Theatre Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System:
- 5.1 multi channel system
- Wireless 2.4GHz connectivity
- Black with graphite woofer
- Can be used or put anywhere in the room
Pros
- Small and easy to setup
- Great for small rooms
- Integrated bass sounds
- Powerful 5.1 speakers
- Great sound for the size
Cons
- Will need a receiver
- Expensive for size
Our Verdict
“We love this system as it’s small and elegant, and whilst testing found it best to keep the speakers up high surrounding the seating, with the subwoofer in a more central location. Rises in volume didn’t seem to have any effect on the crispness of the sound, and the distortion tech seems to keep the sound free from any variation. The subwoofer is good but lacks a little bit of bass. If you’re looking for an option that is mid-range, relatively subtle, and offers great sound clarity, then the Klipsch Black Reference Theatre Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System could be the choice for you.”
Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer
If you’re thinking about a multichannel home theatre system with superb audio quality, then Klipsch R- 26FA 5.1 is the best go-to option.
It is ranked top in our best multichannel home theatre list because of its unmatched sound capabilities and high-end drivers. It uses a 5.1 channel surround configuration.
One of the best features that stand it at the top of the crowd is its maximum peak power ratings of up to 1250 watts. It’s pretty mind-blowing!
To make sure that you can get the best possible audio experience, Klipsch R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack comes with only a bookshelf speaker for this framework. Also, Klipsch is one of the best audio brands, so it offers a 5-year warranty with its valuable Klipsch 5.1 product.
Best Features
Here are a few of the features that stand out for us about the Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer:
- Klipsch R- 26FA 5.1 contains bookshelf speaker types
- It outputs the highest peak power of above 1250 watts
- It uses a 5.1 multichannel home surround sound setup
- Offers a 5 years warranty for durability
Pros
- Klipsch 5.1 home theatre offers superb sound quality for getting an immersive experience.
- One of the most powerful multichannel home theatres
- Offers a comparatively compact and small bookshelf that makes it handy
Cons
- Klipsch 5.1 doesn’t contain any smart connectivity feature
Our Verdict
“When it comes to top-of-the-range systems, this is probably the go-to for us. The sound quality is as good as it gets when you’re looking purely for the best audio possible in your home theatre setup. The speakers are so powerful, yet subtle when they need to be. It’s honestly almost life-like when enjoying movies or shows. If you’re just after great sound and happy to pay a premium price, then this would be the best choice for a multi channel audio system.”
Fluance Elite High Definition Compact Surround Sound Home Theatre 5.0 Channel Speaker System
Fluance Elite High Definition Compact Surround Sound Home Theatre 5.0 comes with exciting audio performances, higher frequency response, and lower distortion.
Its SX6 offers an immersive musical system with the finest details. Its 2-way speaker system and brilliant sound radiation make it worth paying for.
Furthermore, its bookshelf design enables it multiple placement capabilities. Also, you can only use premium components and expensive magnets in this multichannel Home Sound theatre.
Best Features
Here are a few of the features that stand out for us about the Fluance Elite High Definition Compact Surround Sound Home Theatre 5.0 Channel Speaker System:
- Fluance Elite High Definition 5.0 comes with two bookshelf Loudspeakers
- It contains a 5.0 Channel Surround Sound configuration
- 5-inch high-end Sound drivers produce superb but low-frequency sound
- Outputs maximum power peak of up to 100 Watts
- It offers Labour Manufacturer and Lifetime Part’s Direct warranty
Pros
Fluance Elite High Definition 5.0 offers 2-way bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers.
- It is a compact, smart, multichannel home theatre that is best for your living rooms.
- It comes with an instruction manual to make easy-to-use
- Offers Lifetime customer support
- It has some smart connectivity features
Cons
- It may need an adapter or any converter for use at your destination.
Our Verdict
“What we like about this Fluance is how compact it is. The SX6 speakers are great for those low-frequency sounds, plus the bookshelf design lets you slot it in perfectly into your living room units. Would it be my first choice system? Probably not. But for a mid-range surround sound which looks great and is a good size, the Fluance is a good choice.”
Logitech Z506 Surround Sound Home Theatre Speaker System
Logitech is one of the oldest brands in tech and computer accessories; therefore Logitech Z506 Surround Sound Home Theatre Speaker System must be a first-line choice.
It’s highly durable and worthy of your investment. It generally starts with surround sound support and a 5.1 channel surround speaker system.
Not to mention, its THX-certified multichannel home theatre also offers a top power rating of above 1000 watts. However, Logitech Z506 may only contain a bookshelf speaker, which sounds great thanks to its incredible driver sizes.
Since Logitech is a well-known brand of multichannel home theatre, you can also enjoy a valuable 2 years warranty with it.
Best Features
Here are some features of the Logitech Z506 multichannel home theatre that stand it out:
- Logitech uses a 5.1 channel surround the sound framework
- It outputs a maximum highest power of above 1000 watts
- It comes with a bookshelf speaker type
- Logitech also offers two years of warranty with this amazing multichannel home theatre.
Pros
- Logitech Z506 offers an easy-to-use controller in the box
- Its amazing features are worth your money
- It sounds pretty good thanks to peak power speakers and THX ranking
Cons
- Logitech’s huge woofers make it slightly difficult to adjust in your living room.
Our Verdict
“Logitech makes great audio devices that’s for sure and you’ll struggle to get a much better set of speakers for the price. Good sound quality and the controller box is pretty simple to use. Unfortunately, they can’t be wall mounted which is a little annoying. They’re also not the highest sounding quality on the market, but again for the price you’re paying you can’t really go wrong.”
Bobtot 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers B901 Home Theatre System
Bobtot 5.1 Surround Sound B901 Speakers are a great multichannel home theatre with two modes of 5.1/2.1 channel with handy control. It generates brilliant volume and high-quality bass to make music more rhythmic and enjoyable.
One of the notable features of the Bobtot 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers B901 Home Theatre System is that it comes with ultra HD 4K TV connectivity, making it more immersive.
With this Bobtot home theater system, you can watch a movie and enjoy loud music just like a cinema visual feat by staying at home.
Moreover, its maximum peak power is up to 1200 Watts, thanks to its great sound drivers.
Best Features
Here’s what is great about the Bobtot 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers B901 Home Theatre System:
- Offers up to 1200 maximum peak power
- It comes with amazing atmospheric LED light effects
- Have multimedia support
- 5.1 channel Surround sound
Pros
- Easy-to-use multichannel home Surround Sound System
- Offers multiple smart connectivity features
- Offer an immersive experience with this ultra HD 4K TV
- Manual comes along with the product
Cons
- Not wireless
- LED lights may not be to your taste
Our Verdict
“For the price, this is our favorite multi channel home theatre system on the market and the best budget 5.1 home theater system. It’s relatively cheap, has light-up LED which I think looks great, and will offer a range of great sounds for your home. The bass is strong and you really feel the sound vibrate through the room which is cool. Could they be better? Of course, but with a Bobtot home theater system, you get a great choice for the budget price point.”
Enclave CineHome II 5.2 Duo Wireless Home Theatre Surround Sound System
Enclave is another best brand of multichannel home theatres that you can think about specifically when you’d like a home theatre with decent looks and superb sound quality.
Enclave CineHome II 5.2 has dignified audio drivers that enhance its sound options and capabilities. As for its surround sound function concerns, it uses a 5.2 channel surround sound setup.
You can only get a peak power output of above 800 watts with Enclave CineHome II; that is not as high.
Like various multichannel home theatres, Enclave CineHome also comes with only bookshelf speakers for home theatre configuration. It is a high-end premium home theatre backed by a 1-year warranty.
Best Features
Here are some features of this high-end product;
- Enclave CineHome II uses a 5.2 channel surround sound framework
- It outputs a maximum peak power of 800 watts
- It also comes with a bookshelf sound speaker
- Its premium offers a 1-year warranty
Pros
- It offers several smart control and connectivity options
- Its high-end speaks offer an immersive experience
- Its premium design comes with a superb built quality
Cons
- It is a rather expensive premium multichannel home theatre.
Our Verdict
“Ok so it’s a little pricey, but what you get for that price is a fully comprehensive sound system, which is Bluetooth enabled, simple to use, plus will give a plug-and-play setup for your home theatre. The amps are very powerful, Dolby certified, and can guarantee a perfect sound every time. We really love how fast it was to connect up. The subwoofer is great for that depth and simply add another into it for larger rooms.”
Sony 7.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K 3D HD Blu-ray A/V Surround Sound Home Theatre System
If you are looking for a Wireless audio streaming multichannel Surround Sound Home Theatre, then Sony 7.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth is the best choice.
It has Bluetooth with NFC connectivity with one HDMI output and four HDMI outputs, all of these compatible with its HD 4K resolution.
Its maximum peak power is up to 145 Watts per channel. Not to mention, its high-end audio quality makes it the best home theatre product thanks to 2 channels driven feature.
Best Features
Here are some of the great features we like about the Sony 7.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K 3D HD Blu-ray A/V Surround Sound Home Theatre System:
- It has 7.2-channel Surround Sound
- It comes with a maximum peak power of up to 145 Watts per channel, and 2 channels are driven
- Fully compatible with the ultra HD 4k TV
Pros
- Enjoy wireless audio streaming with Sony 7.2 Surround Sound Home Theatre
- Offer easy multiple control systems
- Get brilliant sound radiation with low distortion
Cons
- It is really expensive and compatible with only premium magnets
Our Verdict
“It’s a big setup and you pay a large price for the honor. Would I pay just under $2000 for this setup? I would have to say no. The sound quality is very good and a minimum of what you would expect for the price, but it’s all a bit large and clunky for me. If you’re happy with large speakers and a large receiver you’ll be fine with this setup. What I will say is you get everything you need for the complete home theatre experience and you won’t be disappointed with the audio quality!”
Yamaha YHT-5960U Home Theatre System with 8K HDMI and MusicCast
Enjoy a full Home Surround Sound theatre experience with the Yamaha YHT-5960U Home Theatre System that replaces the traditional way of watching and listening experience at home.
It comes with an AV receiver with the new video processing system that hooks the user up within the Yamaha Home theatre.
It offers 5.1 channel speaker systems, four bookshelf speakers, one suborder, and one center channel speaker. Those elements make it a stylish and elegant best fit for your living room.
Best Features
Here are some top features of the Yamaha YHT-5960U Home Theatre System with 8K HDMI and MusicCast:
- Compatible with ultra HD 4K TV
- Comes with 4 bookshelf speaker that makes your home theatre experience super exhilarating
- It has a maximum peak power of up to 80 Watts with 6 ohm
- Offers easy-to-use control system
Pros
- Enhance the gaming experience by offering high-quality audio
- Offers multiple control system
- Use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other options to enjoy in or out of the headphone
Cons
- Subwoofer begins to struggle at higher volume
Our Verdict
“Upgradable to 8K, this is a really high-end product for a middle market price range. It’s perfect for someone just starting out as it’s really simple to set up. The speakers are small, but powerful with good sound. A really good home theatre in a box, you won’t be disappointed with the range of equipment included and the quality of the audio. Plus if you want to upgrade it with better speakers eventually, you’ll find that easy to do because of the Yamaha receiver.”
Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theatre System with Powered Subwoofer
The Polk Audio 5.1 Channel is one of the best systems on the market if you’re looking for one that can be upgraded further down the line.
It comes with a great range of audio outputs including a subwoofer plus a mix of tall and bookshelf speakers, which can be set up, however, you wish for a personal setup.
The sound from the speakers is sharp and offers good clarity for those higher notes. A single subwoofer offers a pretty good level of bass for those lower frequencies, but perhaps not as good as other subwoofers on the market.
Compatible with almost all home theatre AV receivers, this gives you full flexibility in what you’re after, plus you can choose to upgrade to a 7.1 or 9.1 system for a more immersive cinema experience.
Best Features
Here are some top features of the Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theatre System with Powered Subwoofer:
- Upgradable to 7.1 or 9.1 system
- 10-inch subwoofer adds wonderful depth
- Proprietary Dynamic Balance Technology minimizes distortions and offers a wider sound dispersion
Pros
- Can be upgraded with other speakers and soundbars
- Easily compatible with other input devices
- Great for small to medium-sized rooms
Cons
- Doesn’t include a receiver
Our Verdict
“So we are definitely a fan of the Polk Audio 5.1 Channel. Its offering is very good for a room of medium size and the sound dispersion is of good quality for that room size. The subwoofer is good, not great, and can sound a little tinny on some sounds, however, this can be upgraded further down the line. For an overall setup, it is very good for the price. The fact it doesn’t include a receiver is a little annoying if you’re looking for the complete package. However, it is compatible with almost all the top receivers so you can find one you like and add it to this.”
RCA RT151 Home Theatre System
The RCA RT151 Home Theatre System offers an 80W audio experience with 5 impressive speakers and a powerful intensity subwoofer.
The speakers feature a handy color-coded setup to help you get them in the best possible place for your living room.
A small, compact design of speakers helps them to slot into your shelves perfectly, giving you the best possible sound dispersion throughout the room.
Best Features
Here are some great features of the RCA RT151 Home Theatre System:
- 80W powerful 5 speakers
- Line-in audio jack on front
- Small speakers for a flexible arrangement
Pros
- Very affordable sound system
- Simple to get started with colour-coded system
- Lots of wire for fitting into your room
- Simple and intuitive controls
Cons
- Lacks real volume
- Not much punchy bass from the subwoofer
- Volume heavily weighted towards the front speakers
Our Verdict
“A cheaper option which could be good for your home. For the price, you get a smart-looking speaker setup and a subwoofer that offers some bass. The sound quality is good but you’re not going to get the volume or sharpness you would get from some of the other options. The color-coded system is useful for setting up, but it’ll likely stand out a little in your home decor.”
Final Thoughts
So there we have a comprehensive look at 10 different options for your multi channel home theatre system. All are unique and have their own pros and cons, so it’s always good to check what is right for your home before purchasing.
Combining stereo systems with surround sound systems will take your home audio to the next level.
When it comes to choosing, you need to look at your room size, budget, and the level of sound quality you’re after.
Having looked at all the options, I believe the best choice for a small room is the Klipsch Black Reference Theatre Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System. It’s compact and packs a mighty punch for a room that is relatively constrained.
If you’re looking for the best budget option, then the Bobtot 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers B901 Home Theatre System is my pick. The sound quality is good and perfect for under $200.
The best overall for me is the Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer. It has everything you need for the most comprehensive, audio immersive experience for your home theatre and will fill your home theatre with incredible depth and sound dispersion. You pay a premium for the pleasure, but it totally outweighs the cheaper models and if you’re looking for the best model on the market, then this is it.
Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer
If you’re just after great sound and happy to pay a premium price, then the Klipsch Reference R-26FA 5.1 Home Theatre Pack, Brushed Black Polymer Veneer would be the best overall choice for a multi channel audio system.
Now you’ve got all you need to make a choice on your new home theatre system, it’s important to make sure you look after it. The best way to keep your home theatre safe from any power issues is to add a power manager to the setup.
Check out our article on the 10 Best Home Theatre Power Managers in 2024.
