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Best home theater systems (HTIB)

(Jul 06, 2009)

John P. Falcone John P. Falcone
Senior Editor
Not everybody wants to go through the arduous task of putting together a home theater system from separate components. Luckily, there's another way--with these home-theater-in-a-box systems, you can get a whole package at once and be confident that it works. Some are small and sexy, others are just full-size components--an AV receiver, subwoofer, and speakers conveniently packaged in one box. The bottom line is all you have to do is provide your own TV--and you're good to go.

Note that some of these systems include a DVD or Blu-ray player, others don't. Since DVD players are cheap and plentiful--you probably have a player or game console already--the dearth of a bundled disc player isn't a big deal. Looking for smaller systems with less speakers? Check out virtual surround systems as well.

>> See all recent home-theater-in-a-box system reviews

Onkyo HT-S9100THX

The Onkyo HT-S91000THX breaks the HTIB mold, offering four HDMI inputs, full-size speakers, and the best sound we've heard to date from an all-in-one system.

Price: $839.99 - $994.85 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 23, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.2 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Yamaha YHT-791BL

The Yamaha YHT-791BL home theater system sounds nearly as good as the Onkyo HT-S9100THX (while costing less), and comes with an iPod dock, making it an excellent all-in-one system for the audiophile on a budget.

Price: $729.49 - $799.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 2, 2009

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Sony HT-SS360

The Sony HT-SS360 is an inexpensive home theater system with generous HDMI connectivity and satisfying sound on movies, but don't expect it to deliver with music.

Price: $268.99 - $349.99 (check prices)

Review date: May 21, 2009

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.1 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Samsung HT-X710T

The Samsung HT-X710 is a great-sounding 2.1 DVD system, but the funky design and dearth of inputs may put off some buyers.

Price: $256.66 - $519.99 (check prices)

Review date: Oct 6, 2008

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Sony DAV-HDX589W

If Blu-ray compatibility isn't a consideration, Sony's HAV-HDX589W home theater system offers a good balance of features and quality.

Price: $334.95 - $429.99 (check prices)

Review date: May 29, 2009

  • 3 stars

      Overall score: 6.4 (3.0 stars)

Good

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