A home theatre system is a huge improvement compared to the speakers built into your TV. Choosing the correct model, brand and features for your home theatre system can be difficult. Our comprehensive guide should be helpful if you consider purchasing a home theatre system.
A home theatre is a collection of home entertainment appliances that, when combined, attempt to replicate the atmosphere of a traditional movie theatre. The overall experience relies heavily on the quality of the television or projection system and screen to which you plan to hook your home theatre system. If you're looking for a home theatre system, this article can be a great starting point you can use to understand exactly what you need.
If you're looking for a home theatre with a budget of ₹8000 and little-to-no complexity in terms of installation, this complete guide will be perfect for you to make an educated choice.
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1. GOVO GOSURROUND 900
With powerful, 6.5-inch subwoofer and connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, Aux and OPT, the GOVO GOSURROUND 900 is an amazing 2.1 channel surround sound system with a maximum power output of 160W. Enjoy an easy access to your entertainment with remote control equalizer with 4 modes: music, movies, news and 3D.
Special features: Powerful, 6.5-inch subwoofer, HD signature sound
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Aux and OPT
Weight: 5.9 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 160W
Dimensions: 90 x 9 x 8 cm
Pros
Cons
Value for money
Lacks support for a wireless subwoofer
Stylish design
Packaging could use some improvement
Decent bass performance
2. Philips Audio Mms8085B/94
The Philips Audio Mms8085B/94 offers a tall, tower-like elegant design with touch controls and exceptional bass performance. With connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, audio-in and 2RCA, it stacks up well against competitors in the same price segment.
Special features: Convertible soundbar, rich bass levels, remote control
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Aux, 2RCA to 2RCA cable, FM and SD card
Weight: 8.9 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 80W
Dimensions: 41.5 x 28 x 55.8 cm
Pros
Cons
Premium design
Surround sound effect only at high volumes
Amazing music playback experience
More suited for music playback than watching movies
Exceptional bass performance
Distortion at high volumes
3. boAt Aavante Bar 1250
The boAt Aavante Bar 1250 is an excellent choice if you prefer sound bars. It produces 80W of audio output while weighing only 4.3 Kg, which makes it a perfect choice for compact spaces. With easy playback controls and a master remote control, the user experience is unmatched at this price point.
Special features: Easy playback controls and master remote control
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB, Aux
Weight: 4.3 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 80W
Dimensions: 86 x 7.8 x 7 cm
Pros
Cons
Elegant design
Build quality of the remote is mediocre
Decent bass levels
Poor after-sales support
Lightweight in comparison to a full-blown home theatre
No support for Dolby Digital while using it in HDMI mode
4. Croma 2.1 Channel Soundbar
This soundbar from Croma is an amazing choice, featuring a 10-inch wireless subwoofer capable of producing good bass levels. With most possible connectivity options supported, it also delivers close to 180W of power at its peak. With two LED indicators and comparatively less weight, this sound bar looks elegant.
Special features: 10-inch wireless subwoofer that produces impressive bass levels and remote control
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, Aux-in, USB thump drive, coaxial and optical
Weight: 5.2 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 180W
Dimensions: 8.7 x 80 x 8.7 cm
Pros
Cons
180W output levels
Dated, bland design
Deep bass
No support for preset equalisers
Great performance when you consider the price
Surround sound is gimmicky
5. Obage HT-144
Obage is a well-known home theatre brand. Apart from its rich design and texture, the home theatre features deep and natural bass levels and a balanced sound signature. It supports nearly every connectivity option while delivering over 100W of power at its peak.
Special features: Deep and natural bass levels and balanced sound signature
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, FM, USB playback, Aux and optical input
Weight: 14 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 100W
Dimensions: 41.3 x 31.1 x 24.7 cm
Pros
Cons
Great sound quality in comparison with other systems in the same price range
Not for loud listeners
Crisp vocals with effective trebles
Optical input lacks a locking mechanism
Onsite support
Remote build quality is mediocre
6. Zebronics Zeb-JUKEBAR 3900
This home theatre from Zebronics Zeb-JUKEBAR 3900 utilises its dual 5.7 cm drivers and 13.3 cm subwoofer to deliver a highly immersive experience. It features an LED display with media controls and remote control. It produces 80W of peak power.
Special features: Dual 5.7 cm drivers and 13.3 cm subwoofer, LED display, wall-mountable design
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI (ARC), coaxial input, AUX, USB
Weight: 4.8 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 80W
Dimensions: 17.3 x 98.5 x 40.2 cm
Pros
Cons
Excellent connectivity
Stereo separation is not great
Decent bass levels
Remote does not support Bluetooth
Loudness good enough for medium-sized living room
No HDMI or optical cable is included in the packaging
7. Philips Audio SPA5162B
The Philips Audio SPA5162B is a fantastic choice, given Philips's history of producing great audio products. WIth a 5.1 channel surround sound configuration with a 30W subwoofer, the system can deliver over 65W of power. It even has support for SD cards alongside Bluetooth, Aux-in and USB.
Special features: 5 x 6W satellite speakers and 30W (RMS) subwoofer, LED digital display
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, SD cards and USB.
Weight: 7.7 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 65W
Dimensions: 35.8 x 36.8 x 31.2 cm
Pros
Cons
Decent build quality and design
Lacks support for an equaliser
Great bass and treble levels
Short cable length
Lightweight
No tweeters
8. Impex Santo
The Impex Santo is excellent if you're on the market for a 5.1-channel surround sound system. With easy controls and a remote control bundled, it also comes with an equaliser that allows you to tune the audio to your taste.
Special features: Easy controls with remote controls and built-in sound equaliser
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, SD card, MMC, FM and USB
Weight: 5.8 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 45W
Dimensions: 31 x 32 x 35 cm
Pros
Cons
Great price for a 5.1 channel system
Not good for loud listeners
Bass levels are impressive for the price
Distortion at high volumes
Lightweight
Poor after-sales support
9. Panasonic SC-HT250GW-K
This home theatre system from Panasonic makes a ton of sense for you if you're looking for something compact. It weighs a measly 6 Kg and delivers 56W of maximum output power, which makes it an attractive option, given its price. It supports Bluetooth, Aux-in and USB connectivity.
Special features: Easy playback controls with remote control
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux and USB
Weight: 6 Kg
Speakers Maximum Output Power: 56W
Dimensions: 21.6 x 28 x 27.9 cm
Pros
Cons
Support for equaliser
Build quality of the remote is mediocre
Clear vocals
Substandard build quality for both the remote and LED display
Decent sound quality, given the price
Sounds tinny at high frequencies
10. Philips Audio IN-MMS6080B/94
Immerse yourself into a truly immersive sound experience with this home theatre set from Philips, which is an excellent option if you're on a strict budget. With easy playback controls and remote control, it delivers 60W of power output and supports most connectivity modes.
Special features: Easy playback controls with remote control
Compatible devices: Mobile (iOS, Android and others), tablets, laptops and all Bluetooth devices
Speaker connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, audio-in, SD card and USB
Weight: 6.58 Kg
Speakers maximum output power: 60W
Dimensions: 40.6 x 24 x 46.5 cm
Pros
Cons
Robust design
Build quality of the remote is poor
Support for different equaliser modes
No treble control
Great bass levels and controls
Lacks an LED display
Price of home theatre under ₹8000 at a glance:
Product
Price
GOVO GOSURROUND 900
₹7999
Philips Audio Mms8085B/94
₹7422
boAt Aavante Bar 1250
₹6999
Croma 2.1 Channel Soundbar
₹7999
Obage HT-144
₹6898
Zebronics Zeb-JUKEBAR 3900
₹4999
Philips Audio SPA5162B
₹6548
Impex Santo
₹5589
Panasonic SC-HT250GW-K
₹5299
Philips Audio IN-MMS6080B/94
₹5290
Best 3 important features
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
GOVO SURROUND 900
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 160W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Aux and OPT
Philips Audio Mms8085B/94
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 80W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, audio-in, USB and RCA
boAt Aavante Bar 1250
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 80W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB, Aux
Croma 2.1 Channel Soundbar
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 180W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, Aux-in, USB Thump drive, coaxial and optical
Obage HT-144
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 100W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, FM, USB playback, Aux and optical input
Zebronics Zeb-JUKEBAR 3900
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 80W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI (ARC), coaxial input, AUX, USB
Philips Audio SPA5162B
5.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 650W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, SD cards and USB
Impex Santo
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 45W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, SD card, MMC, FM and USB
Panasonic SC-HT250GW-K
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 56W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux and USB
Philips Audio IN-MMS6080B/94
2.1 channel setup
Maximum output power: 60W
Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, audio-in, SD card and USB
Best budget
The Philips Audio IN-MMS6080B/94 make a fantastic choice if you're strictly on a budget. It supports most connectivity options so hooking it up to your TV or phone is not hard. While the design is a bit dated, the system is still compact and takes up little space. What it does with the area is remarkable, resulting in a fantastic audio experience for you.
Best overall
If you wish to buy the absolute best home theatre system on this list, your best bet will be the Panasonic SC-HT250GW-K. With a compact design weighing only 6 Kg, it is portable, allowing you to shift its position without any hassle. It delivers close to 56W of peak power, so it would be ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. It supports commonly used connectivity options, which makes establishing a connection the least of your worries which is impressive, given its price point.
How to find the perfect home theatre?
Budget and space: Considering what you're willing to spend before you even begin looking can help curb overspending and give you a pretty good idea of what you want to get. Considering the acoustic layout of your room is equally important. If you're an audiophile, it is highly recommended to plan your acoustic layout before you purchase a home theatre system.
Power: Your receiver must be powerful enough to power the attached speakers. Choose an A/V receiver with at least 100 watts per channel for best performance. Besides that, consider the electrical layout in your room to ensure that you have adequate power availability for the kind of system you wish to purchase.
Connectivity options: Having a good idea about the various connectivity options like HDMI, Bluetooth and coaxial can boost the performance of your home theatre system.
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Home theatre under ₹8000: Our top picks
Installing and calibrating your home theatre is fairly simple. All you need to do is hook it up with the source and ensure that a stable connection is established - no matter the connectivity type you use. Calibrating a surround sound system can seem complicated, but most manufacturers equip you with a calibration guide, or you could even take the help of a Youtube tutorial.
In a 5.1 channel system, each speaker serves its own purpose. But if you had to pick the most important one, it has to be the centre channel speaker.
The Philips Audio IN-MMS6080B/94 is the best budget home theatre on this list.
As part of their basic specifications, we have included the connectivity options each of these devices supports. You can establish a connection between your home theatre and your laptop via either a Bluetooth or an HDMI connection.
Simply put, having more channels can be a game-changer if you're looking for a better and more immersive sound experience. To achieve surround sound, you'll need at least 5 channels. However, it would help if you set a minimum of 7 if you can afford it.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.