Best Soundbar System
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4
Best Free-Standing Sound System
- Klipsch 7.1.2 System
Best Wireless System
- KEF LSX Wireless Speakers
No matter what sort of space you live in, if you like listening to music or enjoy movies or video games, you’ll likely want to find the perfect audio setup for your space. If you’re into great sounding audio, you’ll likely want some of the best equipment on the market and will be willing to pay the price premium that comes with it.
To help you find the best audio systems out there, we’ve drawn up a list of the best high-end sound systems in 2022.

Key Features
- 360° Cinema Surround Sound
- Plug and Play Home Theater
- 800 watts total power
Specifications
- Up to 105 decibels volume
- 7.2.4 channels
- 13 speaker drivers
This soundbar is one of the best ones on the market – it features several unusual and innovative elements, such as two rear-facing speakers to improve sound quality. The bar itself is meant to be placed underneath the TV, where it gives optimal sound quality at an extremely wide range and angle. Specifically, the width is 35% wider than comparable devices, creating properly room-filling sound.
With an audio range of up to 105 decibels and as low as 35Hz bass levels, the Nakamichi Shockwafe is ideal for both music and movie setups. It has 3 HDMI inputs to allow multiple connections for easy switches between the different audio sources you may want to connect. The two separate speakers connect to the dual down-facing subwoofers that direct low sound at the floor, for a uniquely realistic sound experience.
This soundbar is compatible with all sorts of smart apps such as Netflix, and it features Dolby Atmos surround connectivity as well. The device is able to pass through UHD and HDR input as well with an HDMI ARC connector. In total, you can connect 5 devices at the same time, with Bluetooth aptX and Coaxial input on top of the 3 HDMI inputs. Optical audio input is also available.
- Four separate speakers to be arranged in the room
- Innovative wide speaker angles
- Compatibility with Dolby Atmos
- On the expensive side
- Soundbar is relatively long and requires appropriate space for placement
- No HDMI 2.1 support for high refresh rates at 4K

Key Features
- Playback at up to up to 32bit/384kHz
- USB, ethernet, HDMI (optional), optical, coaxial, analogue connections
- Google Chromecast, Tidal, Spotify Connect and more
Specifications
- 26.7 x 24.6 x 9.7 centimetres
- 40W per channel
- Up to 4 speakers can be connected
A different take on sound systems can be found in the Naim Unity Atom. Best described as a streamer rather than a traditional surround sound system, the Atom has everything music or movie fans could want, all packaged in an incredibly nice-looking exterior. While it’s not an all-in-one system and you’ll need to get a suitable pair of speakers to go with it, its sound quality is unmatched. The Atom can put out 40W per channel at 8 Ohms, meaning it’s readily compatible with even the most high-quality speakers out there.
Built-in connectivity with services like Google Chromecast, Tidal, Spotify Connect, as well as internet and radio connections make it the ideal choice for both casual and dedicated music fans. Additionally, the Atom can be connected to AirPlay and Bluetooth aptX HD as well as USB drives. Of course, it also features HDMI, optical and coaxial inputs as well as an analogue port, meaning it can be combined with just about any device you could want to play sound from.
While the Atom’s price tag is definitely on the expensive side, the device you get is more than worth it – not to mention a real eye-catcher in your home as well, what with the huge LCD display on the front that can display album covers and the like when you play your favourite tunes.
- Full-colour LCD front panel displaying album art when music is played
- Varied inputs and a huge range of compatible services
- Appealing top volume-dial
- Expensive
- Speakers need to be bought separately

Key Features
- Compatible with other KEF devices such as stands, mounts and cables
- Compatible app as well as AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Tidal
- Designed by Michael Young
Specifications
- 24 x 15.5 x 18 cm
- Up to 192 kHz/24 bit DAC
- Up to 102dB volume
The KEF LSX is one of the most stylish speakers out there, available in unusual, eye-catching colours. While they are pricy for relatively small speakers, they offer incredible sound quality for their size. This model is the smaller version of the LS50 Wireless streaming system and offers everything you’d need for an all-in-one system. The KEF LSX works as a network streamer, Bluetooth speaker and amp all in one – well, in a set of two compact speakers.
The LSX is a scaled-down version of the LS50, meaning that while it doesn’t have exactly the same specs and is much smaller, it doesn’t sacrifice that much in regards to performance. For smaller spaces or rooms that don’t need a full LS50 setup, the KEF LSX are as good an option as you could hope for.
- Available in different unique colour options
- Easy, quick installation and streaming with the included KEF Stream app
- Good variety of connections and ports
- Colours might not be everyone’s cup of tea
- Connected app is known to be buggy with connection issues

Key Features
- Complete set of floorstanding, center, surround speakers and subwoofers
- Spun Copper Cerametallic woofers
- Dolby Atmos enabled
Specifications
- 2 Klipsch RP-5000F Floorstanding Speakers + 1 Klipsch RP-404C Center Speaker + 4 Klipsch RP-500M Surround Speakers + 1 Klipsch SPL-100 Subwoofer
- 105/8 Ohm receiver wattage
- Expandable to 9.2
This huge set is ideal for larger rooms or spaces where surround sound might otherwise struggle to really fill the room – it offers a huge variety of pieces that would otherwise have to be bought separately at a higher price. This combination (there are usually several available) is a particularly good one, particularly when it comes to the floor standing speakers.
While they are relatively big, their sound quality is exceptional, and they make a great addition to any full-room sound setup. The one drawback of this set is that it is missing one piece – a central receiver. Ideally, something like the Denon AVR-X3700H would be great to compliment the Klipsch setup.
- Well-known Klipsch quality
- Superb set for larger rooms/spaces
- Attractive design
- Not always available due to high demand/low supply from Klipsch
- A large number of pieces need to be placed around the home
That was our roundup of the best high-end sound systems in 2022. Have you recently bought a high-end sound system? What sold you on it and what has your experience been with it so far? Let us know down below.
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