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Best all-in-one home theater systems for under $300

John P. Falcone John P. Falcone, Senior Editor April 6, 2009

You don't have to empty your bank account to bring the home theater experience into your living room. At $300 or less, these home-theater-in-a-box packages put a surround-sound-capable living room within the reach of budget-minded buyers. Not only are they fairly cheap, but their small size and all-in-one simplicity make them an attractive option for anyone who doesn't like the look of looming tower speakers or long runs of speaker cable. Plus, all of these HTIBs include a built-in DVD player, so all you need to add is a TV and you're good to go. We're not saying they'll provide the same experience as a more expensive separates-based system, but for many people it's exactly the compromise they're looking for.

Product name
Price Check Prices Check Prices Check Prices $129.97 to $427.49 Check Prices
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date October 11, 2006 June 08, 2006 June 08, 2006 July 20, 2006 June 26, 2006
The Bottom Line If the Samsung HT-TQ85's best-in-class feature set doesn't clinch the sale, its superlative sound on DVDs and CDs will. The keenly balanced Panasonic SC-HT940 home-theater system boasts an affordable price tag, a generous and truly useful feature set, and decent all-around performance. Though it doesn't sound great on music, JVC's seriously affordable and compact home theater in a box scores with ample features and solid performance. The unremarkable sound quality of the Philips HTS6500 is outweighed by its winning combination of slick aesthetics, impressive features, and affordable pricing. A unique wireless rear speaker makes the Panasonic SC-HT640W an impressive value for anyone in the market for a sub-$300 home-theater system.
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Features
DVD typeInfo unavailableDVD changer
DVD changer
DVD player
DVD changer
Surround System Class5.1 channel
5.1 channel
5.1 channel
Info unavailable5.1 channel
CD SystemNone
None
None
None
None
Cassette SystemNone
None
None
None
None
RadioRadio tuner - FM - 30 preset stations
Radio tuner - AM/FM - 30 preset stations
Radio tuner - AM/FM
Radio tuner - AM/FM - 40 preset stations
Radio tuner - AM/FM
ComponentsSpeaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
Speaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
Speaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
DVD player
Speaker system
Speaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
Built-in DecodersDTS decoder
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic II
DTS decoder
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic II
DTS decoder
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic II
DTS decoder
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic II
DTS decoder
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic II
DVDDVD changer - 5
DVD changer - 5
DVD changer - 5
DVD player - PAL
- NTSC
DVD changer - 5
Sound Output ModeSurround Sound
Surround Sound
Surround Sound
Stereo
Surround Sound
Product DescriptionSamsung HT TQ85 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel
Panasonic SC HT940 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel
JVC TH C30 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel
Philips HTS6500 - Home theater system
Panasonic SC HT640W - Home theater system - 5.1 channel
Remote ControlUniversal remote control - Infrared
Universal remote control - Infrared
Universal remote control - Infrared
Remote control - Infrared
Universal remote control - Infrared
ComponentsInfo unavailableSpeaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
Speaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
DVD player
Speaker system
Speaker system
DVD changer / AV receiver
Output Power1000 Watt
1200 Watt
1000 Watt
500 Watt
300 Watt
Product TypeHome theater system
Home theater system
Home theater system
Home theater system
Home theater system
Speaker(s)2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - 140 Watt - 145 - 20000 Hz
1 x Center channel speaker - External - 140 Watt - 145 - 20000 Hz
2 x Right/left rear channel speaker - External - 140 Watt - 145 - 20000 Hz
1 x Subwoofer - External - 160 Watt
2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - 190 Watt - 104 - 25000 Hz
1 x Center channel speaker - External - 320 Watt - 120 - 25000 Hz
2 x Right/left rear channel speaker - External - 90 Watt - 96 - 22000 Hz
1 x Subwoofer - External - 320 Watt - 34 - 135 Hz
1 x Center channel speaker - External - 170 Watt
2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - 170 Watt
2 x Right/left rear channel speaker - External - 170 Watt
1 x Active subwoofer - External - 170 Watt - 30 - 200 Hz
2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - 120 - 20000 Hz
1 x Subwoofer - External - 30 - 120 Hz
2 x Right/left channel speaker - External
1 x Center channel speaker - External
1 x Right channel speaker - External
1 x Subwoofer - External
MD SystemNone
None
None
None
None
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