All Surround Speaker Systems

The Bottom Line: Highly detailed sound is the key strength of Boston Acoustics' CS2310 system, but it lacks the muscle to make home theater come alive.

Specs: home theater speaker system, 5.0 in x 25.9 in x 7.7 in, Black walnut, 2-way Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 89 dB, 100 Watt

The Bottom Line: Denon's compact and affordable DHT-FS5 soundbar is a worthwhile improvement over standard TV speakers.

Specs: wall-mountable, home theater speaker system, 29.5 in x 4.6 in x 5.4 in, Black, Active

The Bottom Line: The Marantz ES7001 has a bigger, more full-bodied sound than most virtual surround speakers.

Specs: speaker system, 42.5 in x 5.7 in x 6 in, Active, 26 Watt

The Bottom Line: The Energy Speakers RC-Micro 5.1 speaker system delivers superb sound quality from incredibly tiny speakers.

Specs: home theater speaker system, High-gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 240 Watt

The Bottom Line: Its unusual triangular design helps the Polk Audio RM95 home theater speaker package project a spacious sound, but it can't rock out at higher volumes.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Gloss black, Passive

The Bottom Line: Anchored by its minitower speakers, the Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is an exceptional surround speaker system that ably combines good looks and superior sound.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Medium cherry, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 150 Watt

The Bottom Line: Anchored by its minitower speakers, the Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is an exceptional surround speaker system that ably combines good looks and superior sound.

Specs: home theater speaker system, High-gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 150 Watt

The Bottom Line: If you like the swappable speaker grilles--and can find the system at a discount--the Boston Acoustics MCS 130 is a worthy surround speaker package.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 200 Watt

The Bottom Line: If you like the swappable speaker grilles--and can find the system at a discount--the Boston Acoustics MCS 130 is a worthy surround speaker package.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Mist, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 200 Watt

The Bottom Line: The powerful Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 satellite/subwoofer package redefined our expectations of what a small surround speaker system can do.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 300 Watt