This category contains home cinema speaker sets with a subwoofer, made for watching films, series and playing games through a TV or computer. Our range includes EDIFIER, SONY, LOGITECH, PANASONIC and TRUST products. They suit anyone who has outgrown their TV's built-in sound but does not want to assemble a separate amplifier and speakers.
How to choose a home cinema system
Channel layout. A 2.1 system has two front speakers and a subwoofer, while 5.1 adds a centre speaker and two rear speakers for surround sound. In a small room 2.1 is often enough, and 5.1 makes sense when you can hide the cables to the rear speakers.
Power and subwoofer. Look at RMS power, which is the continuous output rather than a short-lived peak figure. Our range includes a set with a 180 W RMS subwoofer, which suits a medium-sized living room. In a flat with thin walls, choose a system that lets you adjust the bass level.
Connections. Check which outputs your TV has before buying: HDMI ARC, optical or a 3.5 mm socket. Our range includes systems with a wired connection, which generally stays stable and avoids audio delay. Bluetooth is handy for music from a phone, but a cable is better for films.
Sound formats. If you watch films with surround sound, check that the system decodes Dolby Digital or DTS. Dolby Atmos is supported only by models designed for it, so it must be listed in the specification.
Placement and use. A smaller 2.1 set with a 3.5 mm input usually suits a computer desk, while a living room calls for larger floor or shelf speakers. Measure where the subwoofer will stand, as it needs free space around it.
Brands we carry
- EDIFIER: known for affordable multimedia speakers and 2.1 systems for TVs and computers.
- SONY: an audio and video electronics maker whose lineup includes home cinema systems, soundbars and amplifiers.
- LOGITECH: mainly a computer peripherals maker, also known for PC speaker sets, including 5.1 systems.
- PANASONIC: a Japanese manufacturer known for televisions and home audio equipment.
Also in our range: TRUST.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a home cinema system and a soundbar?
A home cinema system is made up of several separate units, while a soundbar is a single long speaker placed under the TV. Separate speakers create true surround sound around the viewer and usually sound fuller. A soundbar takes up less space and is quicker to set up.
Do I need 2.1 or 5.1?
For a small room or a computer desk, 2.1 is usually enough: two speakers and a subwoofer. A 5.1 system has five speakers plus a subwoofer, so surround effects in films are clearer. It is worth choosing when you can run cables neatly to the rear speakers.
How do I connect a home cinema system to a TV?
The most common options are HDMI ARC, an optical cable or a 3.5 mm cable. First check which outputs your TV has, then pick the same connection on the system. HDMI ARC also lets you control the volume with the TV remote.
Can I use a home cinema system with a computer?
Yes, as long as the system has a suitable input, most often a 3.5 mm, optical or HDMI connection. Many PC speaker sets are made for exactly this use and have a simple wired connection. Check that your computer has a matching output before buying.
