The problem with regular home theater speakers is that they fail to provide true surround sound without rear-channel speakers. The sound bar home theater systems provide you virtual surround technology with just one speaker, which is long and pole-like shaped and a subwoofer. All the models in our list come at a very reasonable price and also allow you to connect the components of your existing home theater system.
1. Samsung HW-C450
The Samsung HW-C450 is an incredibly slim sound bar home theater system and it sounds great with movies. Even though it lacks HDMI ports but it’s great sleek design, wireless subwoofer and full sound quality makes up for it. It has two optical and one minijack input. It also features a useful smart volume control – which is pretty good given it’s size. This is a very simple setup sound bar home theater system by Samsung. The max price is $350.
2. Harman/Kardon SB 16
This Harman/Kardon model is equipped with a good remote control, excellent sound quality and great exteriors, making it completely worth the price. Its exterior design is really good for a budget sound bar and so is it’s sound quality. Its has two digital audio inputs which is sufficient for basic home theaters. A bit on the expensive side, max price is $600.
3. Sony HT-CT150
Sony’s HT-CT150 sound bar home theater system is two steps ahead of the competition with its three HDMI inputs and excellent sound quality. It is capable of switching between six devices. HT-CT150 offers 340 watts of total system power and excellent digital design similar to the Bravia 32″. It also features BRAVIA Sync for control of compatible devices with a single remote. Has digital media ports for iPod and two digital audio inputs. Prices ranges $249-$581 max.
4. Sony HT-CT550W
This 2.1 system is a simple, regular two speaker stereo system with a center speaker and a wireless subwoofer. All the three left, right and center speakers are decked inside a single sound bar which is only 40″ in width. With a little bit of additional hardware you can even hang the CT550W from the wall. It’s got three HDMI inputs and an HDMI output which can pass 3D signals from a 3D gaming system or Blu-ray player to a 3D compatible TV. With high-speed cables you can enjoy 1080p and 1080i high definition. Max price is $400.
5. Vizio VHT510
Vizio VHT510 adds rear speakers to the traditional sound bar to execute outstanding sound quality at a very reasonable price. Even though it provides few inputs but is sufficient for the basic home theater system. The rear speakers deliver a true surround-sound experience. The system also includes a wireless subwoofer and a really good remote control for a sound bar. Price ranges from $329 to $357.
6. Yamaha YSP-4100
This sound-bar home theater system is the best-in-class with virtual surround processing and excellent sound quality. The Yamaha YSP-4100 comes with a wireless subwoofer and has four HDMI inputs and three digital audio inputs. It allows wireless music streaming from an iPod; has a FM tuner and automatic speaker calibration. The price starts from $1179.95 and goes up to $1699.95, which is the only bad thing about this system.
7. Philips HTS8100
This exceedingly stylish Philips HTS8100 sound bar has a minimalist design but provides an excellent home theater experience. Its built-in DVD player comes out through a motorized door and has a great video quality on DVDs. It has a total of four audio inputs and a iPod dock and has no video inputs. Max market price is $349.
8. JVC TH-BA1
The TH-BA1 by JVC is a great budget sound bar. It is an affordable home theater system which is very user friendly. It’s easy to use remote control makes your job easier and it has two optical inputs and one analog input. Even though it doesn’t have HDMI ports but this sound bar home theater system comes with a wireless subwoofer and emits full sound with both movies and music.
9. LG LSB316
The LG LSB316 is another really slim sound bar home theater system which offers a stylish design and comes with a wireless subwoofer. It’s built-in Bluetooth enables music streaming from iPods and phones. There are also two optical inputs and one analog audio input, and a USB port for digital music playback. Prices range from $249-$299.
10. Vizio VSB210WS
The Vizio VSB210WS sound bar system delivers reasonably full sound at a very reasonable price. Equipped with 2.4GHz wireless subwoofer, it has a easy setup and gloss black finish, the remote eliminates the need to buy an AV receiver. It has SRS tru surround HD and offers a overwhelming low frequency sound. The maximum market price is $319.05.
All the models are available for less than the mentioned max price.
