Home cinema systems in our range are multi-speaker sets that add surround sound to a television, for anyone who finds built-in TV speakers thin for films, series and games. The selection is small and includes systems from EDIFIER, Panasonic and Trust.
How to choose a home cinema system
Channel layout. A 2.1 set has two front speakers and a subwoofer, while a 5.1 set adds a centre speaker and two rear speakers for sound that moves around the room. Choose 5.1 if you watch mostly films and can place speakers behind the sofa, and 2.1 if space is tight.
Connections. Check which outputs your TV has before buying: HDMI ARC, optical, or a 3.5 mm headphone socket. Some systems in our range are wired only, so make sure the cables can reach from the TV to every speaker.
Power and room size. Look at the continuous (RMS) output in watts rather than the peak figure, which is often much higher. A small living room needs far less power than an open-plan space, and a bigger subwoofer driver generally gives deeper bass.
Placement and cabling. Rear speakers need either long cables or a place near a power socket if they are wireless. Measure the distance from the TV to the seating area and plan where each cable will run before you order.
Audio formats. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding lets a system handle the surround tracks on discs and streaming services. Without it, a system may only play stereo, even with five speakers attached.
Home cinema brands we carry
- EDIFIER: a Chinese audio maker known for powered multimedia speakers and compact speaker sets that connect straight to a TV or computer.
- Panasonic: a Japanese electronics manufacturer with a long history in televisions and home audio, so its systems are designed to pair easily with its own TVs and Blu-ray players.
- Trust: a Dutch brand best known for computer accessories and speakers, which tends to suit smaller rooms and simple setups.
Home cinema system FAQ
What is the difference between a 2.1 and a 5.1 home cinema system?
A 2.1 system uses two speakers and a subwoofer, while a 5.1 system uses five speakers and a subwoofer. The extra centre and rear speakers in a 5.1 set make dialogue clearer and place effects around you. A 2.1 system is easier to set up, but its surround effect is much more limited.
Do I need a separate receiver for a home cinema system?
Not always. Many complete sets have a built-in amplifier or control unit that connects to the TV and drives all the speakers. A separate AV receiver is only needed when you buy passive speakers on their own, so check the product description to see what is included.
Will a home cinema system work with my TV?
Most systems work with any TV that has an HDMI ARC, optical or 3.5 mm audio output. Check the back of your TV for these sockets and compare them with the inputs on the system. If your TV has only HDMI ARC, choose a system that accepts HDMI or use an adapter.
Is a home cinema system better than a soundbar?
A home cinema system usually gives a more convincing surround effect, because speakers are placed around the room rather than in one bar. A soundbar is simpler, takes up less space and needs fewer cables. If you have room for speakers and want stronger bass, a home cinema system is the better fit.
