Surround sound speakers - home theater systems, to use the technical terms - can be huge fun to have around. But picking the right one, especially given how expensive they are, can be tough. That's why we're here. Our roundups and reviews break down the best 5.1 and 7.1 systems available, as well going in-depth with full reviews and how-to guides.

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Full Systems

5.1 Home Theater System

Best 5.1 Home Theater Systems of 2024

5.1-channel surround audio has been around for two decades now, and it’s become the benchmark for home theater sound, offering a far more immersive audio perception than regular two-channel stereo...
7.1 Home Theater System

Best 7.1 Home Theater Systems of 2023

The phrase 'surround sound' immediately makes people think of a number: 5.1. The 5.1-channel surround audio system has been around for two decades now, and has become the absolute standard for home theaters.

How-To Guides

AV Receiver Setup Explained

AV Receiver Setup Explained

Setting up a home theater system can be daunting as hell. Not only do you have to contend with miles and miles of speaker wire, as well as figuring out where exactly you’re going to put the damn things and whether or not you need to drill holes in your...
10 Common Home Theater Problems

10 Common Home Theater Problems

There’s no denying that home theater systems can be complicated. Actually, forget can be; they are complicated. When you’ve got a system with this many wires and settings, it’s surprisingly easy for things to go wrong.
5.1 vs 7.1 Home Theater

5.1 vs. 7.1 Home Theater Explained

We get it. Home theater can be crazy confusing, especially if you’re just starting out. In one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a basic five-speaker system or a more powerful seven-speaker system.

Full Home Theater System Reviews

Review: Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2 Home Theater System

Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2 Review

When they’re not producing the world’s best headphones, French audio wizards Focal spend their time producing some rather good speaker systems. We recently spent a month with one of these, the Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2.
Pioneer SP-PK22BS Andrew Jones 5.1

Review: Pioneer SP-PK22BS Andrew Jones 5.1

Look, we get it. We’ve been there. Upgrading to a full surround system is a big step. We’re not saying this to be condescending, or patronising. Far from it. Everyone has to start somewhere, including us...