How to Build a Home Theater on a Budget

You can build a good home theater without a dedicated room. Learn where to spend first, how receivers and systems differ, and how to upgrade over time.

You can build a good home theater without a dedicated room. Learn where to spend first, how receivers and systems differ, and how to upgrade over time.

Wired speakers are consistent and upgradeable; wireless speakers are easy to place. Compare both for home theater and see when to mix them.

Place speakers correctly and even a modest system sounds better. Here is where to put your front, center, surround, height, and subwoofer speakers.

Dolby Atmos adds height to surround sound. Learn how it works, what you need to hear it, and whether an Atmos soundbar or speaker system is worth it.

A subwoofer adds the deep bass TVs, soundbars, and small speakers cannot reproduce. Learn when you need one, how to choose it, and where to put it.

Soundbar or full home theater system? Compare setup, sound, and cost, and learn what to look for in a soundbar for dialogue, bass, Atmos, and small rooms.