1. Electronics & Gadgets

Discuss in my forum

Top Sound Bars, Digital Sound Projectors, and 3-in-1 Speakers

Single Component Home Theater Systems - One and Two-Piece Surround Sound Systems

By , About.com Guide

11. Panasonic SC-HTB350 Detachable Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer

Panasonic SC-HTB350 2.1 Channel Home Theater System with Accessories and DocumentationPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Panasonic SC-HTB350 is an affordale audio system that has a unique speaker system that can be combined into a sound bar or used as two separate speakers. Whether used as a sound bar or separate speakers, the speaker(s) can be either shelf, table, or wall mounted. In addition to the sound bar/speakers, the system also includes a wireless subwoofer for added setup convenience.

The SC-HTB350 also provides a central amplifer/control unit that also features one set of standard stereo analog and two digital optical inputs as well as the ability to receive audio signals from Bluetooth-enabled source devices.
Review - Photo Profile - Compare Prices

Also available, the Panasonic SC-HTB550, which adds HDMI connectivity, 3D pass-through, and Audio Return Channel capability.
Compare Prices

12. Vizio VHT215 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer

Vizio VHT215 2.1 Channel Home Theater System with Accessories and DocumentationPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Vizio VHT215 is a very convenient way to get better sound from your TV, as well as adding some additional connection flexibility. The VHT215 combines a very thin profile self-powered 2 channel sound bar that can be either shelf or wall mounted, with a wireless powered subwoofer. In addition, the sound bar portion also provides two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output that can also pass video signals, including 3D, and pass them along to your TV. In addition, the HDMI output is also Audio Return Channel-enabled to further cut down on cable clutter when used with a compatible TV. Of course, the sound bar also provides standard analog and digital optical/coaxial audio inputs as well. To find out more about the VHT215 system and if it is right for you, check out both my Review as well as my up-close Photo Profile.

13. Samsung HT-BD8200 Blu-Ray Sound Bar Home Theater System

Samsung is not the first brand you think of when considering a home theater system, but with the HT-BD8200, it offers an attractive compact, self-contained, easy-to-use system that can complement a flat panel television and create an intimate, but satisfying home theater viewing and listening experience. The main part of the system consists of a soundbar that combines a 2.1 channel audio system with a Blu-ray Disc Player. The Blu-ray Disc Player setion is BD-Live compliant with built-in internet audio/video streaming access from providers such as Blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora. The 8200 is also WiFi capable via add-on adapter. In addition, to make this system even more practical, it also comes with a wireless subwoofer.
Compare Prices

14. ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Low Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System

ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System - Front View with Included AccessoriesPhotos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 surround sound system is one of the latest in a growing trend towards one-box surround sound solutions that are targeted to those consumers that want more than just listening to sound from cheap built-in Television speakers, but don't want the hassle, of setting up and using a multi-speaker home theater system. Although not perfect, the Z-base 550 is an easy-to-use system that does delivers great sound. Also, this speaker system can also double as a platform for many televisions up weighing less than 90 pounds, and with a stand less than 28-inches wide. For look at the ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Low Profile Single Cabinet Surround Sound System, check out my Review and Photo Gallery.

15. Vizio VSB210WS 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System with Wireless Subwoofer

Vizio VSB210WS 2.1 Channel Home Theater System - Composite ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Vizio is not the first brand you think of when considering a home theater system, but with the VSB210WS, it offers an attractive compact, self-contained, easy-to-use system that can complement a flat panel television and create an intimate, but satisfying home theater listening experience. The system combines a main unit that houses a 2 channel speaker/amplifier, with a wireless subwoofer, making it a 2.1 channel system. The subwoofer receives audio signals from the main unit without the need for an unsightly audio cable. For more details on whether the VSB210WS is right for you, check out both my Review as well as my up-close Photo Gallery.

16. ZVOX Audio 425 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System

ZVOX Audio 425 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System - Front ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.com
The ZVOX Audio 425 is a one-box surround sound solution for 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 ZVOX 425 fulfills this role as an easy-to-use system that delivers great sound. Also, its physical design blends well with flat panel televisions as it can be either table or wall mounted. In addition, if you already have a multi-channel surround sound system in your main room, the ZVOX 425 is a great home theater solution for a second room. For look at the ZVOX Audio 425 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System, check out my Review and Photo Gallery.

17. ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System

ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound SystemPhoto (c) ZVOX Audio
The ZVOX 325 surround sound system is one of the latest in a growing trend towards one-box surround sound solutions that are targeted to those consumers that want more than just listening to sound from cheap built-in Television speakers, but don't want the hassle, of setting up and using a multi-speaker home theater system. For look at the ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System, also check out my review. Makes a great gift for Mom or any member of the family.

18. 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.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.