Best virtual surround sound HTIBs

(Oct 20, 2009)

John P. Falcone
Senior Editor 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 speaker-lite HTIB (home theater in a box) systems. They represent the cutting edge of virtual surround technology, employing fewer than the traditional six speakers and, in some cases, as few as one. All of the models listed below also include some degree of video connectivity as well--either a built-in DVD player, or AV inputs to toggle sources before they reach your TV. Likewise, some include subwoofers, while you'll need to add one to other systems if you want better bass.

Already have an AV receiver that handles video switching and amplification, and just looking for a virtual surround speaker system instead? Check out our best virtual surround speakers.