(Nov 19, 2009)
Matthew Moskovciak
Want home-theater sound without all those pesky home-theater speakers? Well, too bad. Until ventriloquism trickles down to home audio land, you simply can't achieve the realism of true surround sound without using rear-channel speakers. You can come kind of close, however, with these sound bar home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems. They represent the cutting edge of virtual surround technology, approximating the surround experience with just one long pole-like speaker (and sometimes a subwoofer.) All of the models listed below include a reasonable connectivity package, allowing you to connect all your existing home theater components.
If the single-speaker design appeals to you, but you really just want to replace your TV speakers, check out our best TV add-on speakers. Already have an AV receiver that handles video switching and amplification, and just looking a sound bar? Check out our best sound bar speakers.
Yamaha YSP-4000
The addition of enhanced video connectivity options cements Yamaha's already excellent Digital Sound Projector technology as the go-to choice for single-speaker surround sound.
Price: $1,148.00 - $1,599.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 2, 2007
Excellent
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Sony HT-CT100
Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.
Price: $269.99 - $349.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 5, 2008
Excellent
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Denon DHT-FS3
While it's a bit lean on features, Denon's compact DHT-FS3 delivers big room-filling sound.
Price: $349.00 - $1,199.00 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 30, 2008
Excellent
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Yamaha YSP-3000
If you can look past its limited video capabilities, the Yamaha YSP-3000 is an otherwise recommendable single-speaker solution for home theater buyers who don't want a traditional 5.1 channel surround system.
Price: $629.00 - $999.95 (check prices)
Review date: May 21, 2008
Very good
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Soundmatters MainstageHD
Soundmatters' fully featured virtual surround speaker system delivers home-theater thrills in a supercompact design.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Mar 16, 2006
Very good
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Samsung HT-X810T
While we've heard better virtual surround sound, the Samsung HT-X810T's easy setup and dearth of wires will appeal to those searching for simplicity and a minimalist aesthetic.
Price: $299.95 - $499.97 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 23, 2008
Very good
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Philips SoundBar HTS8100
The exceedingly stylish Philips HTS8100 SoundBar packs the home theater experience--including a DVD player--into one slim package plus a sub.
Price: $292.30 - $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 23, 2007
Very good
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Vizio VSB210WS Sound Bar
The VSB210WS, Vizio's very first sound bar system, delivers reasonably full-bodied sound for a very affordable price.
Price: $269.98 - $295.49 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 26, 2009
Very good
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Yamaha YSP-900
If you don't need the HDMI connections found on the step-up model, the Yamaha YSP-900 single-speaker surround system delivers exactly the same overall sound quality for less money.
Price: $649.50 - $700.77 (check prices)
Review date: May 21, 2008
Very good
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