Home theater has resulted in two main audio system options. First, there is the traditional separate component approach. Second, there is the home theater-in-a-box approach. However, another option for those that don't want excessive connecting wires or don't have space for separate components and speakers, is the One or Two piece home theater system. This type produces a surround sound listening environment using a one speaker box, or one speaker box paired with a separate subwoofer.
11. Yamaha YSP-1100 Digital Sound Projector
Experience 5.1 channel surround sound without a room full of loudspeakers and wires with Yamaha's YSP-1100 Digital Sound Projector. Utilizing an array of 42 small speaker drivers (each with its own amplifier) housed in a central unit, the YSP-1100 projects sound with directional accuracy around the listening space to create a realistic 5.1 channel surround sound field. The YSP-1100 has several digital and analog audio inputs and features Dolby Digital/DTS processing. The YSP-1100 is definitely worth a listen. Note: You will need to add a separate subwoofer. NOTE: The YSP-1100 is the predecessor to the YSP-4000 listed elsewhere in this article, but is still available.
12. Boston Acoustics TVee Model 2 Speaker and Wireless Subwoofer System
The Boston Acoustics TVee Model 2 is a great system to use to get the most out of your Television sound without the hassle of surround sound speaker system. The TVee comes with two sections, the main speaker and a compact subwoofer. The main speaker (soundbar) has four 2 1/2 - inch mid-range speakers and two 1/2-inch tweeters. The subwoofer section features a 6-inch driver. The Subwoofer is also wireless (except for the power cord)! You can place it anywhere in the room without having to connect a wire between it and the main speaker. If you are looking for a convenient compact alternative to a multi-speaker system with all those wires, check out the TVee Model 2. To see just how easy it is to setup and use, just download the User Manual.13. Yamaha YSP-900 Digital Sound Projector
The Yamaha YSP-900 is the "junior" version of the YSP-4000 mentioned above. The YSP-900 uses the same digital sound projection technology but has 21 individual speaker and 2 woofer amplifier combinations and less power total wattage output that the YSP-900. However, the YSP-900 still features both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound processing, as well as having both digital audio and analog audio inputs. If you are looking for no-hassle way to get surround sound for a small room, the Yamaha YSP-900 may be just the right choice for you. Note: Just as with the YSP-4000, you will may to add a separate subwoofer to the YSP-900.14. Polk SurroundBar - One Piece Home Theater Speaker System
If you already have a Home Theater Receiver, but would like a single speaker solution for surround sound, then check out Polk Audio's Surroundbar. What makes the SurroundBar different from other systems of this type is that it is a speaker-only system. In other words, instead of having its own built-in amplifiers, you simply connect the speaker outputs of your existing AV receiver to the corresponding speaker connections on the Surroundbar. The SurroundBar's internal speaker array projects the sound throughout the room to appropriate spots to create the proper surround sound image. Note: You also need a subwoofer.15. Philips HTS8100 SoundBar with Ambisound
The HTS8100 is Philip's entry into the ever-growning sound bar product category. The HTS8100 incorporates the Philips Ambisound system which provides a surround sound experience from a single cabinet by angling its speakers individually in different directions to optimize the surround sound image. The HTS8100 also houses a DVD/CD player, which features 1080p upscaling via an HDMI output as well as including a separate powered subwoofer for enhanced bass. The Philips HTS8100 SoundBar both sounds good and conserves lots of space by eliminating both the need for multiple speakers required by a typical home theater system, as well as a separate DVD/CD player.16. Yamaha YAS-70 Home Theater System
The Yamaha YAS-70 is a basic surround sound solution that is targeted to those consumers that want more than just listening to cheap built-in Television speakers, but don't want the hassle, of setting up and using a multi-speaker home theater system. The system consists of a horizontal "bar" that houses the center, main, and surround speakers, as well as built-in amplifiers. There is also a separate powered subwoofer. The YAS-70 is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS sources, such as from a DVD player. The surround field is produced using a concept that Yamaha dubs "Air Surround". This is definitely a system designed for smaller rooms, such as a bedroom, office, or dorm room, and features limited inputs and a modest power output.