HOME CINEMA AUDIO UPGRADES

Movies and TV shows have never sounded better, but if you're listening on your telly, you’re missing out on a lot. Time to level up to a home theatre system...

- Steve May

Are you suffering from inadequate TV audio? If your TV rattles when you up the volume and dialogue sounds like cats having a scrap, it's time to upgrade your sonics.

Thankfully, there's never been more choice when it comes to great home cinema sound. From advanced AV receivers and luxury Hi-Fi to Plug & Play soundbars and personal audio, the choice is wide and varied.

Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster, binge-watching a box set, getting swept up in a summer of sport, or simply relaxing to music, any of the above can make your home entertainment more dynamic and immersive.

Of course, Dolby Atmos is the big enabler for better home cinema audio, and it comes in many guises.

Typically, we think of this cinematic sound system as fully immersive, with sound coming from front, back and overhead. That's just what you'll get from a home cinema amplifier and a room full of speakers. Typically these are laid out in a 5.1.2 (five speakers front and back, one subwoofer and two height speakers) or 7.1.2 configuration.

But Atmos is scalable, so it'll adapt to your hardware. No sub, no problem - the decoder will place bass elsewhere in the mix. Ditto if you lack height speakers, it'll simply unpack the requisite Atmos info to what you have.

In this guide, we'll showcase the best ways to bring superior sound home, catering to every budget and space. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated audiophile, there's an ideal setup waiting for you. So, get ready to hear every note with crystal-clear precision and depth. Your home audio is about to be seriously upgraded...

HEADPHONES

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