SURROUND SYSTEMS
For the ultimate in home cinema sound, nothing beats partnering a decent multi-channel AVR with a lovely pile of separate speakers
FOCAL CHORA DOLBY ATMOS SYSTEM
As well as being one of the most flat-out beautiful looking speaker systems around, Focal’s Chora Dolby Atmos system, with stunningly powerful and sensitive up-firing drivers fitted into the top of its 826D floorstanders, is so insanely good at getting the most from Dolby Atmos soundtracks that Dolby itself selected the system to use for its debut demos of Dolby Atmos Music. And you can’t really get a much higher recommendation than that.
$5,350, focal.com
MONITOR AUDIO SILVER 200 AV12
The Silver 200 AV12 system is the definition of a classic speaker package, featuring here two Silver 200 floor standers, the Silver C150 Centre, Silver FX rears, and Silver W12 Subwoofer. The beautiful clean lines of every speaker and choice of traditional wood or modern minimalist finishes create a truly timeless look. And the way the system switches with aplomb between the most hi-fi music and gruntiest soundtrack show a real love for these different audio worlds.
$4,000, monitoraudio.com
JAMO S 807 HCS SYSTEM
We’re not sure how Jamo makes the S 807 HCS 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos speaker package for this price – but we’re definitely not complaining. Comprising substantial S807 floorstanding fronts, a hefty S 81 CEN centre channel, two detail-loving S801 bookshelf rears and two up-firing S 8 modules for Atmos height effects, this system’s looks and performance wouldn’t seem out of place at twice the price.
$2,497, jamo.com
Q ACOUSTICS 3010I 5.1 SPEAKER PACKAGE
The Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 package proves that home cinema speakers don’t have to be massive to be great. Built around two pairs of Q Acoustics’ beloved 3010i bookshelf speakers, with an immaculately balanced 3090i for centre channel duties and a surprisingly rumble-friendly 3060S subwoofer, it’s powerful enough despite its relatively diddy dimensions to fill a big room with detailed, dynamic and bassy home cinema thrills.
$1,866, qacoustics.com
KLIPSCH RP-8000F 7.1.2 DOLBY ATMOS SYSTEM
With the Klipsch RP-8000F 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos system, you come for the irresistible copper cerametallic woofers and titanium tweeters and stay for the extraordinary sound quality. Exceptional detailing, power and balance join forces with 10 channels of sound, including exceptionally effective up-firing height channel speakers to deliver a truly premium, totally immersive soundstage that makes your movies come alive.
$TBC, klipsch.com