A home theater system goes a long way in enhancing the comfort of your home by offering you an irresistible sound experience. You will always look forward to coming home every evening to an environment that is saturated with your favorite lyrics.
There are many home theater systems, but the 7.1 surround system has hit the market by storm, thus outdoing the 5.1 unit. If you are a serious audiophile, this sound system will offer what you desire and always leave you satisfied.
The market has many 7.1 home theater systems differing in prices and make. Therefore, choosing one might be tricky and we understand that well. Here, we take a look at the best of what the market has to offer.
| Type | Speaker Type | Included Components |
|
Acoustic Audio 7.1 Speaker System |
In-ceiling/subwoofer |
Instructions manual |
|
Klipsch 7.1 RP-260 |
Wireless/Subwoofer |
None |
|
SAMSUNG Harman Kardon 7.1.4 |
Wireless |
Wall-mount kit/Remote controller |
| Sony Sound Bar HT-Z9F with Rear Speakers | Soundbar | Mount Accessories/remote/HDMI cable |
|
Samsung HW-Q67CT 7.1CH Soundbar |
Subwoofer/Surround/3D | HDMI cable, wall mount kit/remote |
| Fluance Elite Surround Sound Home Theater | Subwoofer/Surround | Isolation floor spikes/2years warranty |
| Fluance Signature HiFi 7.1 Channel Speaker System | Surround/Subwoofer | Isolation floor spikes |
- What Is A 7.1 Home Theater System?
- Acoustic Audio 7.1 Speaker System
- Klipsch 7.1 RP-260
- SAMSUNG Harman Kardon 7.1.4
- Sony Sound Bar HT-Z9F with Rear Speakers
- Samsung HW-Q67CT 7.1Ch Soundbar
- Fluance Elite Surround Sound Home Theater
- Fluance Signature HiFi 7.1 Channel Speaker System
- Buyer’s Guide for 7.1 Home Theater Systems
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is A 7.1 Home Theater System?
Home theater systems are defined by the number of speakers they boast. The 7.1 home theater system has seven speakers and one subwoofer. Some speakers are positioned beside the audiophile, while others are behind for an immersive, unmatchable sound experience. This is an advanced type of sound system, as we shall confirm with the features.
Is There a Difference Between a 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound system?
This is a common question among many because 5.1 has been in the market for a long time. The difference is that a 5.1 features 5 speakers, each with its channel and a subwoofer. On the other hand, the 7.1 surround sound system has 7 speakers, each with a channel and subwoofer.
The other difference between the two units is that the 7.1 one is designed for bigger spaces while the 5.1 is not. However, the quality of a 7.1 surround sound system is far much better than that one of 5.1.
Acoustic Audio 7.1 Speaker System
Acoustic Audio 7.1 is space-saving since the speakers are ceiling or wall-mounted. The unit is professionally tuned for each content to add to the soundstage. Its 8-inch subwoofer is powerful, and you can connect the unit through an RCA. Do not hesitate to buy this system for the following reasons.
Features and benefits
Package
This 7.1 sound system has 7 speakers, which are flush-mounted, and a subwoofer. They include the middle and rear, center channel with front, right, and left speakers. Whether existing or new, if you have another audio system, they will integrate well with this Acoustic 7.1 system regardless of their design or make. All you have to do is to source power from the receiver of your home audio.
Connectivity and Requirements
The Acoustic Audio 7.1 sound system features RCA connectivity. You can, therefore, easily connect the RCA inputs to the receiver of your home theater system. Also, it boasts an amplifier with 300 watts. However, the effectiveness of this sound system depends on several things.
One, your home receiver must have raw speaker wire outputs, the power of the receiver should not exceed 200watts or be less than 10 watts for each channel, dedicated sub out and the receiver to speaker connection wire must be wall certified for safety reasons.
Acoustic Audio Speakers have evolved with the integrated power amplifier that doesn’t peak until 300 Watts.
Even with the evolution, the central channel with a front, middle and back home theater arrangement easily integrates with the traditional and modern audio systems.
Ultimately, the 8″ down-firing subwoofer combines its power with the seven satellites—5 wall-mounted and 2 for the ceiling—for a fantastic audio experience.
Stand Out Features
The subwoofer has an integrated, highly effective power amplifier with a maximum power rating of 300 Watts. The relatively high power rating couples with the down-firing subwoofer (with sturdy PVA treated cones) to produce powerful bass sounds. The subwoofer supports a frequency response of 26Hz-250 kHz, with its sound intensity reaching 97 dB.
Pros
- High-frequency response
- No mounting hardware needed
- Connects to any audio system
- An efficient power amp
Cons
- Not LFE compatible
- Doesn’t connect to a PC directly
Klipsch 7.1 RP-260
Our list of the best 7.1 surround systems continues with the well-known Klipsch 7.1 home theater system. It’s an easy-to-set-up unit and features a digital amplifier. It has a classic build and design, one that you would be proud of. All its inputs are in the same line level, thus giving you an excellent user experience.
Features and benefits
Klipsch is a set of wireless speakers and subwoofers; thus, it creates a wireless sound stage in your living room. This makes it easy to use without having to deal with cables all over the place. You also enjoy placing the speakers where you desire them to be with flexibility.
The Klipsch 7.1 RP-260’s Tactrix horn has a new design. Its circular throat is now paired to a horn mouth equal on all sides to boost high-frequency response.
Additionally, the new design has a rubber construction under constant compression, resulting in high-frequency damping. The output audio is thus smooth and crystal-clear.
Sound
With this sound system, you will feel the sound and music like you are in a cinema. Its high resolution allows you to hear every detail of your content like you would want to. The package of this system consists of copper cone woofers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer, both of which give the unit strong bass relays of high quality.
Klipsch boasts titanium tweeters which make its high notes real and engaging. Additionally, this sound system is made with the tractrix horn technology, enhancing its bass extension and frequency response. You can trust it to give you a dynamic and high-end sound stage.
Compatibility
A good 7.1 home theater system should be versatile, and Klipsch is not short of that. It is highly compatible with other audio systems, and therefore, you will have options when it’s time to watch or listen.
Stand Out Features
The RP-260 is a fantastic surround system speaker. With LTS tweeters—a component of top range speakers— sound distortion is minimized for clean performance. It peaks at 600W. That’s a great deal of power capable of deep bass and clear highs.
The speakers have cerametallic cones, which are rigid but lightweight and aren’t prone to breakup or distortion. Ultimately, the speakers have a wireless connection and connect to mobile phones, TVs, and Computers.
Pros
- It has an excellent build
- The amplifiers are digital
- Offers an extended bass
- Improved frequency response
Cons
- Highly-priced
- Not Wi-Fi enabled
SAMSUNG Harman Kardon 7.1.4
Saturate your living room with the kind of sound you like streaming from one of the best 7.1 sound systems. Samsung Harman is compatible via Bluetooth and Alexa and will deliver the sound you have been looking for. Here are reasons why we list it as an incredible surround sound.
Samsung has perfected Harman Kardon 7.1.4’s adaptive sound technology. The innovation constantly analyzes the sound signals for optimized audio output. The sounds are precise even when you’re playing on low volume. The Harman Kardon 7.1.4 is a modification of the Samsung HWN950, with the former featuring a side-firing subwoofer.
Further, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X automation create a sound experience that mimics the movement of sounds in real life. Essentially, sounds reach your ears from all directions—front, back, below, and even up.
Features and benefits
Functionality
This sound system is made with the DTS:x and DOLBY ATMOS technologies. The two are responsible for allowing the sound to move in multi-directions and filling up your room, thus giving a real-life experience.
The set of all the unit’s built-in speakers produces cinema-like audio that outdoes even the best experience you have ever had in a movie theater.
If you thought that was all with the Samsung Harman, you are wrong. This unit also includes a rear wireless speaker kit that transforms your movie-watching experience, thus eliminating the need to visit movie theaters.
Sound
Samsung is a well-known brand, and therefore you can count on this 7.1 home theater system to give you a sound like no other. It is made with an adaptive sound technology that ensures the sound signal is fine and gives you an optimized sound with incredible clarity, whether on high or low volumes.
Gamers are also not left out as they can use the sound system during their gaming season. This is because it has an outstanding setting that gives you an immersive gaming session by boosting the game’s sound effects and keeping them on top of the game.
Stand Out Features
The Harman Kardon 7.1.4 is the king of immersive sound—just like in real-life settings, sounds swirl around you from all sides and make you feel part of the performance.
It features 17 built-in speakers. In the speaker set-up, there are four that fire upwards and two fire sidewards, adding to the Surround Sound element. At 510 Watts power rating, the speaker produces powerful bass and high-frequency sounds. It blends so well with Samsung QLED TVs.
Pros
- Gives value for your money
- Has a game mode
- Well balanced bass
- Premium built quality
Cons
- A heavy soundbar
- Limited HDMI inputs
- Designed for large televisions
Sony Sound Bar HT-Z9F with Rear Speakers
One of the reasons you should not hesitate to buy this system is that it is from Sony. This beast is an all-rounder and will meet all audiophile needs since it is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled and recommended for televisions, gaming consoles, and surround sound systems. It is a portable, easy-to-use unit and can stream wirelessly with a Sony music app, Alexa or Chromecast.
Features and benefits
Build and design
The Sony Soundbar HT-Z9F excels over its predecessors in compactness. It conveniently fits beside your TV or game console.
The modern soundbar has three drivers—a center driver for good dialogue and then the left and right drivers for the stereo channels. Additionally, the on-screen menu is simple and easy for your eyes.
This is a luxurious yet modern soundbar system, thanks to its sleek and compact design. It is smartly crafted with a wooden texture, and adding it to your living room will enhance how your space looks and feels. A digital display in front of the soundbar speakers gives you guidance on the device. Additionally, you can cover the speakers with removable grills for protection.
Sound
You have a guarantee of superior sound with the Sony HT-Z9F sound system. It features a vertical surround engine that enables it to produce an immersive sound. It is also 4K compatible, thus keeping the sound as clear and crispy as a 4K experience.
Additionally, the unit boasts 5 sound modes that ensure all your TV settings are optimized, whether it’s a movie you are watching, listening to music, or gaming. Rear speakers are wireless and dedicated for use with an HT-Z9F soundbar.
Stand Out Features
Apart from its wireless (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) connectivity, the Sony Soundbar HT-Z9F connects to other devices via HDMI and optical. It’s famous for its impressive sound qualities—immersive sound, 4K compatible audios, Dolby Atmos, and has five sound modes.
At 400 Watts peak power, it’s undoubtedly a powerful speaker. The soundbar has mount hooks and can be mounted on walls.
Pros
- Easy to set sound
- Seamless subwoofer and rear speakers
- Unmatchable vertical surround
Cons
- Unspecific sound settings
- No frequency/mid/bass/treble adjustment option
Samsung HW-Q67CT 7.1Ch Soundbar
Bring a home theater experience to your home by purchasing the Samsung HW. This unit has a Bluetooth multi-connection, and its best used for surround sound systems. It also features a Samsung Acoustic beam, 3D surround sound and a Q-symphony. Let us look at why this should be your number one option.
Surround systems were designed a few years after the turn of the millennium. Unfortunately, over the years, we’ve had to deal with bundles of cables and many inputs. Samsung HW-Q67CT solves that problem from its predecessors.
The subwoofer and the rear speaker connect to the soundbar without cables. Notably, the wireless connection doesn’t lower the sound quality.
If you own a modern TV fitted with the HDMI arc, you can create a connection via HDMI for an excellent audio experience.
Features and benefits
Connectivity
A good 7.1 surround sound system should have connectivity options, and Samsung HW is not short of that. It has a Bluetooth connection and can be connected simultaneously to two different devices.
The Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the use of physical cables, and therefore you can enjoy both your favorite music and an amazing user experience. It is advisable to confirm if your TV is compatible with Bluetooth because not all models will unless the most expensive one.
Sound Quality
Samsung HW is not only about more sound, but also quality sound. You will be wrapped and fully engaged in the sound that it produces. Its sound is detailed, well mixed, and delivered, and therefore you can feel its transmission thanks to the Samsung Acoustic beam feature.
If you want that rich quality, it would be wise to connect the unit to an HDMI ARC that is compatible with the HDMI cable that comes with it. However, the first to check is whether your TV model allows HDMI ARC connections.
Stand Out Features
Samsung HW-Q67CT 7.1CH Soundbar connects to other gadgets via Bluetooth, HDMI, and cables. At 450W(RMS), it’s capable of a powerful 3D surround sound. It impressively changes your living room into a theater once mounted on the wall.
Pros
- Fairly priced
- Has great mediums and highs
- No wires involved
- The bass is excellent
Cons
- The rear speakers are not reliable
- Produces some murmuring in low volume
Fluance Elite Surround Sound Home Theater
Fluance Elite has earned its place in the audio world. It features a center channel, floor-standing towers, surrounds, DB10 subwoofer, rear surround speakers, and a floor standing system. Here are some unique features and benefits you will like about Fluance Elite surround sound home theater.
Fluance Elite Surround is part of the Elite series. It’s a modification of the previous models with a keenness on premium components. The “Elite,” as the name loosely suggests, is meant to meet the expectation of the modern audiophile.
The Dolby Surround sound technology augments the DTS system to create a world-class home theater experience. Regardless of the volume level, the audio quality and clarity are outstanding.
Ultimately, Elite’s floor-standing speakers (two 6.5-inch woofers) are optimized for low-frequency sounds for that cinematic experience!
Features and benefits
Sound Quality
The unit delivers rich vocals coming from the midrange drivers. The system is also excellent in giving fine details accompanied by sonic accuracy. It also has a low-frequency response that enhances the audio experience, which is allowed by floor-standing speakers.
Additionally, the Elite system pampers your ears with irresistible high notes. The sound is also crystal clear, thanks to the system’s tweeters that are wrapped in silk. Also, the system features a high-frequency driver that comes in handy in delivering a precise yet realistic sound, and all you have to do is enjoy the music, not for a day but many years.
Design
The speakers are in cabinets that are made using engineered MDF wood. The finish of the cabinets is natural yet classic. These cabinets ensure that the sound is not distorted, thus giving you a clean sound. Besides, the black speakers are designed to add beauty to your living room, thanks to their sophisticated look.
Stand Out Features
The Fluance Elite Series 7.1 has seven speakers expertly matched for a top-shelf surround system experience. It features floor-standing speakers, the center channel, subwoofer, and surround speakers harmonized for a truly rich audio experience.
Every speaker performs with incredible accuracy and clarity at all volume levels. All the speakers are fitted with high-frequency drivers that produce quality sounds close to real life.
Finally, the MDF wood housing is expertly shaped to minimize cabinet vibration as much as possible and produce clear, undistorted sounds.
Pros
- Offers an accurate response
- Powerful surround sound system
- Long-lasting sound system
- Well-built
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Limited to larger rooms only
Fluance Signature HiFi 7.1 Channel Speaker System
Listening to music has never been so good and immersive as with the Fluance Signature HiFi speaker system. The system consists of 3-way floor standing towers, Centre channel, DB 12 subwoofer surrounds, and rear surrounds.
In the modern era, powerful bass production is a critical component of top-range home theaters. Here’s where Fluance Signature excels over the previous models due to the size of its floor-standing speakers.
The double 8″ speakers are responsible for the ultra-clean punchy bass. Additionally, the new design has midrange drivers specially designed to produce precise vocals and Neodymium tweeters for the high frequencies.
Features and benefits
Sound Quality
This is the most outstanding feature of the Fluance signature system. The two 8 inches’ subwoofers offer a powerful and dominating bass with no distortion. It also features midrange drivers that keep the vocals precise and strong. On the other hand, the frequencies of this system are high and clear because it has Neodymium tweeters that transform it into a modern soundstage.
Still, on sound quality, Fluance has a subwoofer with an amplifier that filters out any distortion, thus giving you 240 watts of clean and enough power to thunder your room with the bass you need for you listening or watching moments.
Design
You will be proud to have this 7.1 surround sound system in your home. It is well built, strong, and appealing to the eyes. The speaker’s cabinets are made with MDF wood to ensure your content remains warm and clear. The make of the cabinets also plays a great role in eliminating acoustic interferences by isolating the sound waves.
Stand Out Features
The signature Hi-Fi 7.1 is expertly assembled to create a complete home theater performance. Its 7 speakers complement each other—the floor-standing speakers for full blast sound and the center channel for clear vocals. Additionally, the 11.99″ subwoofer produces powerful bass sounds.
Ultimately, the surround speakers are responsible for “scattering” sounds in all directions. The top range woofers and tweeters combine with the midrange drivers to create sound excellence.
Pros
- Strong and durable speakers
- The subwoofer has an amplifier
- The unit evenly spreads the sound in your room
Cons
- No Bluetooth connection
- No remote
Buyer’s Guide for 7.1 Home Theater Systems
Purchasing a home theater is one of the best decisions one can make. The movie-watching moments/gaming sessions and TV shows will bring your family together and make your house warm. However, choosing the best home theater system might be an uphill task.
This is why we have this buying guide. It will help you make an informed purchase and pick the best unit regardless of the many variations in the market. Let’s look at some of the factors that should guide you in your purchase.
Speaker/Design
The role of speakers in delivering good sound can’t be underestimated. Different home theater systems have floor standing while others have bookshelf speakers. Generally, a 7.1 home system will have a subwoofer for low frequencies, a front, center, and rear speakers. When setting the system in your home, you can either wall mount them or choose to mount them on the wall.
The design of the speaker is another critical thing to consider. This is usually determined by the available space in your living room. There are home theater systems that are designed for small rooms.
However, 7.1 home theater systems are designed for larger rooms because their speakers are big and take much larger space. It is therefore wise to make sure that your room can carry the system you intend to buy.
Speaker Use
Why do you want a 7.1 sound system? This is the first question you should ask yourself to avoid regretting your purchase. If you are a passive listener, you can go for a 5.1 system, but if you are an audiophile, a 7.1 home theater system will give you that cinematic experience you have always yearned for.
Performance and quality
It is wise to research before purchasing a 7.1 home theater system. This is more so if you are making your first purchase. Establishing the quality and performance of a 7.1 system might be tricky. But the best way to do it is by comparing the specs of your intended system. Some of the specs to look out for include the amplifier, receiver, and total power output. Ensure you test the 7.1 unit before taking it home.
Budget
Naturally, you can only get what you can afford. The 7.1 home theater systems are priced differently depending on the brand. Considering your budget first will help you narrow down to an option that fits the amount of money you wish to spend on the investment.
High-end home theater systems are costly, but they are efficient and boast quality sound. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good 7.1 system with a low budget.
Power
Power output can’t be underestimated when purchasing the system that you have been dreaming about. Power in the 7.1 system’s amplifiers is measured in watts. For your connected speakers to get enough power, you should first make sure that you have a powerful receiver.
Any A/V receiver that can feed each channel with at least 10 watts is ideal for optimum performance. Impedance is another term that specifies a speaker’s performance, and most speakers have an impedance of 6 to 8 ohms.
However, most home theater system manufacturers ensure that the speakers and amplifiers are well paired, and therefore, you don’t have to worry much about that.
Connectivity
This buyer’s guide can’t be complete without discussing the connectivity factor. Here is a list of the available connectivity options you should consider.
4K Upscaling and Video Conversions
These two are the latest most important connectivity features to consider. The video conversion is detailed, and it allows the connection of different components and video signals and spearheads their conversion into a digital signal.
This gives you the freedom to connect your older video or audio devices and forward the output to your television using an HDMI cable.
On the other hand, the 4K upscaling is also of great essence. This is more so if you have been thinking of purchasing the latest TV with a 4K resolution or you already have one. The process raises the lower-resolution signals to a higher one making it look better on your TV.
HDMI Connectivity
The ports available and the number of options being offered by the receiver are critical. The latest receivers have a new standard for the HDMI that supports the 3D video and Ethernet and the Return Audio Channel.
These options allow audio to be sent from the TV to the soundbars, home theater in-box, and A/V receivers.
Set up
Before buying a 7.1 home theater system, it is wise to check the setup. You don’t want to buy a system that will leave you sweaty trying to set it up. The home-theater-in-a-box will be the best if you want the easy way out. It is inclusive of everything, and you can put it together with ease. However, it might be reliable compared to separate components.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many types of home theater systems are there?
Home theater systems come in three types, and here is a brief about them.
- Home-theater-in-a-box- this is a system that the manufacturer has premade. It is easy to set up the systems, cheap and gives the best audio quality. This system comes with a mounting kit, instructions, and color-coded cables.
- Soundbars- Soundbars are not home theater systems, but they serve as the best alternative for those with a low budget. They feature an inbuilt left, center, and right speakers. To make them complete and enjoy a home theater experience, you can add two rear speakers and a subwoofer. This explains why they don’t take much space.
- Assembled Home Theater System– This is a customized home theater system whereby one buys a subwoofer, and an individual speaker sets them according to the available space and your taste. It is not an easy task, but if your room is large, the efforts are worth it.
2. Which are the best home theater brands?
There’s no specific answer to this question. However, any brand that meets the quality standards qualifies to be among the best brands. Mixing and matching speakers from different brands will be ideal if you want separate components.
3. Is wattage an important factor in a home theater system?
Yes. The performance of any home theater system is dependent on the wattage. A system with high wattage is louder even when the volume is low.
Conclusion
Home theater systems are a great way of creating a small theater in the comfort of your home. But you shouldn’t just go for any home theater. We have discussed the best home theater systems you can purchase, enjoy an immersive listening and watching experience and still get value for your money.
Each system in our list boasts unique features and benefits. Also, we have shared a complete buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Home Theater Room Size & Dimension
- Multi-Channel Home Theaters Explained
- 5.1 vs 7.1 Surround Sound: Which is better?
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