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.
1. Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector
If you are looking for a way to experience 5.1 channel surround sound without a room full of loudspeakers and wires, then check out Yamaha's YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector. Utilizing an array of 40 small speaker and two woofer drivers (each with its own amplifier) housed in a central unit, the YSP-4000 projects sound with directional accuracy around the listening space to create a realistic 5.1 channel surround sound field. The YSP-4000 has several digital and analog audio inputs, Dolby Digital/DTS processing, and HDMI switching with 720p/1080i video upscaling. The YSP-4000 is definitely worth a listen - it is a different type of listening experience. Note: You will need to add a separate subwoofer.
2. Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Flat Screen Speaker System
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking for new set of loudspeakers for your home theater, you might want to check out the stylish, and great sounding Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Loudspeaker. This unique speaker combines all three front channel speakers (left, center, and right) into one 40-inch long housing that is attractive and can be either table or wall mounted. The design of FS4000 is intended to complement flat panel LCD and Plasma televisions and can be used alone, or combined with a subwoofer and/or a set of rear surround speakers. However, the most important thing about this loudspeaker design is that it sounds great. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, and my FS-4000 Photo Gallery.
3. Paradigm Millenia 20 Trio LCR Flat Screen Speaker System
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Check out the stylish, and great sounding Paradigm Millenia 20 Trio LCR Loudspeaker. This speaker system combines all three front channel speakers (left, center, and right) into a 41-inch long housing that is attractive and can be either table or wall mounted. The Trio is intended to complement flat panel LCD and Plasma televisions and can be used alone, or combined with a subwoofer and/or a set of rear surround speakers in a full surround sound home theater setup. The left, center, right sound image is wider that you would think and the sound quality is very good for this type of speaker design. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, and my Paradigm Millenia 20 Trio Photo Gallery.
4. Yamaha YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector with HDMI
The Yamaha YSP-3050 is the latest home theater system that employs Digital Sound Projection Technology. A Digital Sound projector utilizes a series of small speakers that can be assigned to various channels and project sound to different points in a room, all from a single cabinet. A digital sound projector houses all needed amplifiers, audio processors, and speakers. The surround effect is actually very good, considering everything comes out of one box. The only additional item required might be an external subwoofer. To find out more, check out my product profile of the Yamaha YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector.5. ZVOX Audio 425 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System
Photo (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.
6. Infinity Total Solutions Home Theater Speaker System With TSS 3-in-1 Speaker
Balancing style, price, and sound quality can be tough, when choosing loudspeakers. If you are looking for new set of loudspeakers for your home theater, you might want to check out the stlyish, compact, and great sounding TSS Loudspeakers from Infinity. The system I reviewed consisted of a TSS 3-in-1 that housed all three front channels, two compact TSS-SAT750 satellite speakers for surrounds, and a compact TSS-SUB750 subwoofer. How did it all come together? - Find out in Short and Full product reviews.7. ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Low Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System
Photos (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.
8. Vizio VSB210WS 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System with Wireless Subwoofer
Photo (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.
9. Samsung HT-X810 2.1 Channel Home Theater System with Wireless Subwoofer
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Samsung is not the first brand you think of when considering a home theater system, but with the HT-X810, 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 system consists of a main unit that combines a 2.1 channel audio system with an upscaling DVD player. To make this system more practical, it also comes with a wireless subwoofer. The Subwoofer receives audio signals from the main unit without the need for an unsightly audio cable. For more details on whether the HT-X810 is right for you, check out both my Review as well as my up-close Photo Gallery and DVD Upscaling Test Results Gallery.
10. ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System
Photo (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.
