$300 - $400 Surround Speaker Systems

The Bottom Line: The Zvox Z-Base 525 sound bar delivers better-than-average sonics and its unique pedestal design will make you forget it's even there.

Specs: 24 in x 12.5 in x 3.5 in, High-gloss black, Active

The Bottom Line: The Onkyo SKS-HT870 speaker package offers up tons of performance for the price, but it's not the most stylish speaker system.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Glossy black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 130 Watt, 230 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 Yamaha YAS-70's included subwoofer and affordable price tag make it a tempting choice for virtual surround fans, but it lacks the impressive sonics of its pricier Digital Sound Projector siblings.

Specs: speaker system, Black, Active, 50 Watt

The Bottom Line: A single-speaker surround system, the Polk Audio SurroundBar works best as a home-theater solution for small rooms.

Specs: speaker system, 42.6 in x 5.1 in x 4.4 in, Black, Active, 89 dB, 70 Watt, 120 Watt

Specs: wall-mountable, home theater speaker system, Silver, 2-way Passive, 90 dB, 100 Watt

Specs: home theater speaker system, Black, Passive, 8 Ohm, 89 dB

Specs: home theater speaker system, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 86 dB, 100 Watt

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

Specs: speaker system, Black, Passive, 4/8 Ohm