Gold-plated connectors Surround Speaker Systems

The Bottom Line: Aperion's Intimus 4B Harmony SA package looks the part, but didn't perform up to the company's usual high standards.

Specs: home theater speaker system, High-gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 84 dB, 100 Watt

The Bottom Line: Aperion's Intimus 4B Harmony SA package looks the part, but didn't perform up to the company's usual high standards.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Cherry, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 84 dB, 100 Watt

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, Cherry, 2-way Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 89 dB, 100 Watt

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: 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: Aperion's awesome 5.1 speaker system is pricey, but the Intimus 5B Harmony SD's great sound and superb build quality are definitely worth it.

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

The Bottom Line: Aperion's awesome 5.1 speaker system is pricey, but the Intimus 5B Harmony SD's great sound and superb build quality are definitely worth it.

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

The Bottom Line: Infinity's TSS-800 satellite speakers produce a highly transparent sound, but the subwoofer's muddied bass is the system's Achilles' heel.

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

The Bottom Line: Infinity's TSS-800 satellite speakers produce a highly transparent sound, but the subwoofer's muddied bass is the system's Achilles' heel.

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

The Bottom Line: Aperion's handsome five-speaker 533-PT Cinema HD package belts out a huge, highly entertaining sound on movies and music--without the need for a stand-alone subwoofer.

Specs: home theater speaker system, Medium cherry, Passive, active bass driver