Level: Soundbar

The most popular option. Best sounding soundbar available. Control with smartphones, Alexa or IR TV remote.

Staff

Pick

Brands

Control Methods

1

You only need a Playbar or a Playbase, you don't need both.  Either device functions as your Left/Center/Right Front Speakers. Volume can be controlled by TV remote.

2

Any full surround sound needs a Playbar or Playbase, SUB and (2) Play1's. Playbar & Playbase wirelessly connect to other Sonos' too.

3

Don't forget the Playbar Wallmount.  Tech Hourly does not stock this mount since it is specialized.

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Product Dimensions | Color:

3.35"x 35.43"x 5.51" (HxWxD)

Recommended Spaces (1 Per System):

Any Home Theater Space (Not Outside)

Black

PLAYBAR

Install Requirements: 

TV w/Optical Output, Good Wi-Fi, Power

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 minute 

Sonos Playbar is a soundbar & streaming music speaker in one with a built-in amplifier.  It can be paired with a Sonos SUB & (2) PLAY1’s for 5.1 Surround Sound. Wall mounts or lays flat. *See mount below

Recommended Spaces (1 Per System):

Den, Kitchen, Lvng Room - Max 77lbs TV

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White

PLAYBASE

Product Dimensions | Color:

2.28"x 28.35"x14.96" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

TV w/Optical Output, Good Wi-Fi, Power

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

1 Hour

Sonos Playbase is a soundbar & streaming music speaker in one with a built-in amplifier.  It can be paired with a Sonos SUB & (2) Sonos PLAY1’s for 5.1 Surround Sound.  *Supports TV's up to 77 lbs.

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SUB

Product Dimensions | Color:

15.3"x 15.8"x6.2" (HxWxD)

Recommended Spaces (1 Per System):

Any Home Theater Space (Not Outside)

Black

White

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power Outlet

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

Sonos SUB adds dramatic bass, connecting wirelessly to Playbar or Playbase for a 3.1 sound system.  It’s super solid construction means no rattle. Has built-in amplifier. 

Add (2) Play1 Speakers for 5.1 Surround. 

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PLAY1 SURROUND

Product Dimensions | Color:

6.36"x 4.69"x 4.69" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power Outlet, Shelf or Stand

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

The Play1 is a small speaker with a built in amplifier.  Add (2) Play1's to a Soundbar or Soundbase & SUB for a 5.1 Surround Sound.  *Functions as rears & are located behind seating area. Need table, shelves or stands.

Recommended Spaces (2 Per System):

Any Home Theater Space (Not Outside)

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Black

White

PLAY1 STANDS

Product Dimensions | Color:

34"x 13"x 13" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Power Outlet close by for Play1

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

Sanus Floor Stands are designed for the Play1's.  These attractive stands are the ideal height for the best audio experience.  Includes wire management to hide wire plus rubber feet & carpet spikes.  

Recommended Spaces (2 Per System):

Any Home Theater Space (Not Outside)

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Black

PLaybar WallMount

Product Dimensions | Color:

3.15 x 31.5"x .53" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Flat wall

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

The Playbar Wallmount provides a secure, rattle-free installation of the Sonos Playbar.  *Tech Hourly DOES NOT stock this mount, so you will need to purchase it if you want to have your Playbar mounted.

Recommended Spaces (2 Per System):

Any Home Theater Space (Not Outside)

Good sound with a clean look.  The Harmony Remote makes everything simple to control.

Level: Built-In

Brands

Control Methods

Features

3

Usually components like a cable box & Apple TV are connected in this scenario. A Harmony Remote simplifies everything & enables Alexa/Smartphone control.

2

A surround sound system needs at least (5) speakers and (1) subwoofer to be considered surround, this is called 5.1.

1

You only need (1) Surround Sound Amp per system.  Pick either In-Wall or In-Ceiling Speakers not both.  In-Wall sounds better.

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Black

5.2 SURROUND AMP

Product Dimensions | Color:

6.88"x19.13"x 13.56" (HxWxD)

Recommended Spaces (2 Per Room):

Home Theater, Large Living Room/Den

Install Requirements: 

Wires from Speakers/Sub, Power Outlet

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes  (Just Receiver Setup)

The Sony STRDH590 supports 4K video & is a 5.2 Surround Sound Receiver + Amp.  It has (4) HDMI Inputs & (1) HDMI Output.  It also has Bluetooth

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Product Dimensions | Color:

16.5"x 11"x 5.5" (HxWxD)

Recommended Spaces (1 Pair Per Room):

Any Indoor Space w/sheetrock wall

White

IN-WALL SPEAKERS

Install Requirements: 

Wire, Amplifier, Attic, Basement or crawl

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

1 Hour+ (Depending On Spkr Wire Run)

The Polk Audio 65RT In-Wall Speakers blend well into any room. They are also humidity resistant. *Needs amplifier, wiring & sheetrock wall with attic, basement or crawlspace access.

Install Requirements: 

Wire, Amplifier, InCeiling or Attic Access 

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

1 Hour+ (Depending On Spkr Wire Run)

The Polk MC60 In-Ceiling Speaker is a great way to have sound hidden from view. They are resistant to humidity so bathroom install is acceptable. *Needs amplifier, wiring & hard ceiling with attic access.

IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

Recommended Spaces (1 Pair Per Room):

Any Indoor Space w/sheetrock ceiling

Product Dimensions | Color:

8"Diameter, 3.5" Deep

White

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Product Dimensions | Color:

20.7"x20.5"x 20.3" (HxWxD)

Recommended (1 Per Home Theater):

In-Room placement can vary, anywhere

Wood

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POWER SUBWOOFER

Install Requirements: 

Wire to Surround Receiver/Amp, Power

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

The Polk HTS12, 12" 400 Watt Amplified Sub-Woofer is a powerful great sounding sub.  It's also nice to look at.  Place it anywhere in your Home Theater Room.

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Black

Harmony Remote

Product Dimensions | Color:

1.0"x 4.88"x 4.16" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power for Basestation

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

1 Hour

Controls Smart Home, TV’s, Audio & Lights. Color touchscreen. 50 favorite channels & One-touch activities like “Watch a Movie”. Same interface on Mobile Devices. Closed cabinet control.

Recommended  (1 Per TV):

 Any TV with multiple A/V components

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Black

Apple Tv

Product Dimensions | Color:

2.6"x6.4"x 5.3" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

The Apple TV lets you browse content from over 60 video services without switching from one app to the next. Also has movies that are still in theaters for purchase. Device has 4K video content for many TV & Movies.

Recommended (1 Per TV):

Any TV

Level: Cabinet

Best Sounding option. The Harmony Remote makes everything simple to control.

Brands

Control Methods

Features

3

An Apple TV is a very nice addition to any system it provides loads of content & is easy to understand/use.

2

While these speakers are nice looking many people pick the other Levels shown above for decorating reasons.

1

You only need (1) Surround Sound Amp per system.  Pick (2) Front, (1) Center (1) Sub & (2) Rear Speakers. Best Sounding option.

Most

Popular

Recommended (1 Per System):

Home Theater, Large Living Room/Den

5.2 SURROUND AMP

Product Dimensions | Color:

6.88"x19.13"x 13.56" (HxWxD)

Black

Install Requirements: 

Wires from Speakers/Sub, Power Outlet

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes  (Just Receiver Setup)

The Sony STRDH590 supports 4K video & is a 5.2 Surround Sound Receiver + Amp.  It has (4) HDMI Inputs & (1) HDMI Output.  It also has Bluetooth

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FRONT SPEAKERS

Product Dimensions | Color:

44.5"x 8.5"x 15.7" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Wire, InCeiling Access, Attic or Drop Tile

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

Polk S60 has (1) 1” high-resolution tweeter for crystal clear high frequency response. (3) 6.5” low distortion cones for clean, clear bass, & dynamic mid-range. It sounds great.

Recommended (2 Per System):

Home Theater, Large Living Room/Den

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Black

CENTER SPEAKER

Product Dimensions | Color:

4.1"x 24.4"x 4.1" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Wire, InCeiling Access, Attic or Drop Tile

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

Polk S35 4” slim profile w/ (1) 1” high-resolution tweeter for crystal clear high frequency response & (6) 3” low distortion cones for clean, clear bass/dynamic mid-range. It sounds great.

Recommended (1 Per System):

Home Theater, Large Living Room/Den

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Black

Rear Speakers

Product Dimensions | Color:

37.4"x 7.5"x 10.9" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Wire, InCeiling Access, Attic or Drop Tile

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

Polk S50 has (1) 1” high-resolution tweeter for crystal clear high frequency response. (2) 5.25” low distortion cones for clean, clear bass, & dynamic mid-range. It's sounds great.

Recommended (2 Per System):

Home Theater, Large Living Room/Den

Most

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Black

Harmony Remote

Product Dimensions | Color:

1.0"x 4.88"x 4.16" (HxWxD)

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power for Basestation

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

1 Hour

Controls Smart Home, TV’s, Audio & Lights. Color touchscreen. 50 favorite channels & One-touch activities like “Watch a Movie”. Same interface on Mobile Devices. Closed cabinet control.

Recommended  (1 Per TV):

 Any TV with multiple A/V components

Most

Popular

Install Requirements: 

Good Wi-Fi, Power

Black

Apple Tv

Product Dimensions | Color:

2.6"x6.4"x 5.3" (HxWxD)

Typical Tech Hourly Install Time:

30 Minutes

The Apple TV lets you browse content from over 60 video services without switching from one app to the next. Also has movies that are still in theaters for purchase. Device has 4K video content for many TV & Movies.

Recommended (1 Per TV):

Any TV