Home cinema system reviews: How to buy
Kits can provide home-cinema surround-sound with ease
Home cinema systems versus separates - what's the difference?
A home cinema system provides you with all you need to get surround sound in your living room. But you can also opt for a more expensive route, buying a separate amplifier plus speakers, cables and so on, in a quest for better sound.
In the past we've tested both home cinema systems and separates. The best home cinema system can give a separates a run for their money. However, if you're after the ultimate in sound quality and versatility (and have the budget to fund it) go for a separates system.
Separates
Buying the separate elements necessary for a home cinema experience is more expensive than buying a home cinema system, but by selecting the surround-sound amplifier and speaker kit individually, you can achieve better sound quality. Separates give you the facility to mix and match different pieces of equipment. For example, if you're fussy about sound, you can choose the exact speakers you want. They also give you more options - you can connect your hi-fi and other bits of home audio to them.
Separates gives you better sound and more versatility
But for the money you have to spend, many aren't that much better than home cinema systems. And they'll take more trial and error to get an optimum set up compared with a home cinema system, too. They're ideal for an enthusiast or someone who wants to put in the time with them. If you have lots of other audio and visual equipment in your house and want to add home cinema to it rather than buying a whole new kit, a separates system is worth considering. But if climate change and hefty electricity bills keep you awake at night, avoid buying a separates system. Multi-channel receivers are extremely power hungry - add on the speakers and DVD player and a separates system will use three times the power of a typical kit.
Home cinema systems
The cheapest and simplest option is to buy a home cinema system with all the items you need (amplifier, speakers, cables and, usually, a DVD player). The main elements of a surround-sound system are the speakers and the amplifier, but, a DVD player is often included. The most common set up is a 5.1 system with five speakers and one subwoofer. But if you aren't a sound connoisseur you could opt for a 2.1 system, two speakers and one sub-woofer, for less clutter but a compromise on the surround-sound effect.
When you've made your choice of home cinema system, you'll also need a Best Buy TV or projector, a couple of spare mains sockets and some DVDs of course. Before buying a home cinema system, consider how you are going to use it. If you simply want to experience surround sound when you watch films, a home cinema system will do the trick.
Should I go for expensive cables?
If you opt for a separates system you will have to buy your own speaker cables. Avoid buying the cheapest but steer clear of the most expensive. Improvements in sound quality are marginal at best.
Do you have the room?
Setting up six speakers around your room can be very disruptive and you’ll need to run cables to each one. So if don't have much space, it might be worth considering a smaller 2.1 system, although you’ll be compromising on the surround-sound effect. Speaker sizes vary enormously so, particularly if you’ve got a small room, consider a Best Buy with small speakers.
Do you need a DVD player and tuner?
Most home cinema systems come with a built-in DVD player and tuner. If you already have these items you may want to consider a home cinema system that doesn’t come with these.
What do you want to connect it to?
Some films on Sky or Cable are broadcast in surround sound. If you want to be able to hear this, you’ll need a home cinema system that you can hook your set-top box up to. Not all are capable of this. Some systems have special USB inputs so that you can connect your iPod or MP3 player. If this appeals, pick a Best Buy that offers this.
Extended warranty? No thanks
When buying in a shop or online you may be offered an extended warranty. However, Which? research shows these are generally not worth paying extra for.