Best Surround Sound
- Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
Best Soundbar
- LG SP8YA
Best 2.1 System
- Logitech Z625
If you’re wanting to listen to music, podcasts, or play videos, you’re going to need an audio system. Sound systems are also useful if you play video games, want to upgrade your TV audio, or if you want a significant upgrade to your phone audio. Almost anything you listen to can be improved with a good quality sound system.
Of course, to get really good sound, you can’t get budget-tier hardware. While there can be good quality for low prices, there will always be some corners cut to keep the price down. To start getting high-quality, you need to pay enough to get mid-market. Here you’ll often find high-quality, strong base feature sets and generally a few advanced features too
To help you find some great deals, we’ve drawn up a list of the best mid-market sound systems in 2022.
Key Features
- Bluetooth aptX
- Centre channel design
- Phono preamp
Specifications
- Connectivity: Aux, Bluetooth, Optical, RCA
- Drivers: 2x 4-inch drivers, 2x 1-inch driver
- Channels: 2.0
The Kanto SYD has been designed with the intention of it being a centre channel speaker for a home theatre setup. This design gives it the form factor of a small soundbar, making it ideal to fit under a TV or computer screen. One issue with the relatively short length of this speaker is potentially the stereo separation. The left and right speakers aren’t far apart which means you can’t get the same directional effect as you can from a pair of satellite speakers with greater separation, though this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if you’re using it primarily as a computer speaker. This centre channel speaker style, however, does provide a distinctive aesthetic and makes it somewhat easy to place the speaker.
The angled stand comes with padding to dampen vibrations. The remote control lets you adjust the volume, bass balance, and play/pause (though only over Bluetooth) giving you plenty of flexibility over controlling your sound system. The inclusion of a phono preamp makes this suited to working with turntables.
- The angled stand is padded
- The low and wide form factor can fit under a monitor
- Comes with a remote
- If you’re using this for stereo audio, the drivers are too close together for the best effects
- Potential Bluetooth sound quality issues
Key Features
- Stylish finish
- Downward facing wireless subwoofer
- Wall mounts
Specifications
- Physical format: 5.1 surround sound set
- Number of drivers: 12
- Subwoofer size: 200mm
The Klipsch Reference Theatre pack is an excellently priced 5.1 surround sound system. The speakers have a stylish black and spun copper cone aesthetic, though it may not suit everyone’s tastes. If the styling doesn’t suit you or your room, they come with optional grilles that you can use to provide a more subtle appearance.
While a 5.1 system offers solid surround sound, it is a little bit of a shame that there’s no 7.1 version. The price of the system does mean that the speakers are relatively small and not particularly powerful, they’re certainly enough for a home cinema, but won’t compare to an actual cinema. The size also somewhat limits the bass, though the subwoofer is certainly enough.
- Optional grills
- Super low price
- Unintrusive
- Small form factor means sound isn’t as powerful
- Not a full 7.1 surround sound system
Key Features
- Scrolling LED display for control feedback
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer
- Upmixes audio to use the vertical channels
Specifications
- Connectors: HDMI ARC, HDMI in, Optical, USB,
- Surround Sound Support: eARC, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS:X (eARC only), Dolby TrueHD (eARC only), DTS-HD MA (eARC only), 5.1 PCM (eARC only)
- Channels: 3.1.2
The LG SP8YA is a soundbar that supports a huge variety of surround sound content, yet doesn’t actually feature any surround sound channels. This means that all content will be downsampled to stereo. The main advantage of the surround sound support is that it actually supports the vertical channels found in Dolby Atmos, to which it can actually upsample.
The metal grille on the soundbar provides robust protection for the drivers. Unfortunately, the included subwoofer features a fabric grille on three sides. Not only does this not look as high quality but it’s also more likely to draw dust and more easily damaged. The room calibration feature allows the soundbar to be tuned to your room while the EQ options provide a solid selection of ways for you to adjust the audio further.
- Metal grille
- Room calibration feature
- Strong EQ selection
- Has to downmix to stereo
- The subwoofer has a fabric grille
Key Features
- Included subwoofer for full bass
- THX certified
- Discrete bass control knob
Specifications
- Stereo + Subwoofer (2.1)
- 3.5mm jack, RCA, Optical
- Watts: 400
The Logitech Z625 is a standard 2.1 sound system. With controls on the side of the right speaker, you can adjust both the overall volume and the volume of the subwoofer specifically, so you can tune the bass levels to your personal preference. By positioning the bass controls on the speaker, you also don’t need to reach behind your subwoofer to adjust the bass settings, or search for a rarely used remote control.
The sound system can be connected to three different inputs at once, via 3.5mm Aux, RCA, and Optical. The whole setup is THX certified so you can trust that it produces good sound. The one downside of a discrete subwoofer is the extra space requirement, as it is a bit on the large side. The styling of the speakers is not particularly appealing and may put off some users.
- Fantastic bass
- Can connect three devices simultaneously
- Control the subwoofer from the right speaker
- Not particularly space efficient
- The styling may not appeal to everyone
That was our roundup of the best mid-market sound systems in 2022. Have you recently bought a mid-market 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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