{"id":2321,"date":"2026-07-22T14:46:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/?p=2321"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:36:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:36:41","slug":"wireless-home-theater-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/22\/wireless-home-theater-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Wireless Home Theater Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Properly installing a traditional wired surround sound system can be a major home-improvement project and often requires hiring a professional contractor.\u00a0As an installer the top reason clients oppose a surround sound system is the labor cost, complexity, and the mess from cutting drywall.\u00a0Every surround sound system I\u2019ve installed included in-wall speakers requiring me to cut large holes in their family room.\u00a0They don\u2019t think the value is there like a kitchen renovation.\u00a0Wireless surround sound systems are a much easier sell and install for me. A wireless system can be as simple as a soundbar placed on a TV stand and wireless subwoofer usually located in a front corner of the room.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wireless surround sound systems can deliver immersive audio without the need for tearing up carpets or the headache of in-wall cabling. Immersive soundscapes are now achievable in family rooms. The barrier to entry goes from hiring an installer to plugging in some speakers and downloading an app.\u00a0There are some caveats to consider before jumping into the wireless arena. Wireless isn\u2019t as stable as hard-wired systems and you may experience some drop-offs. Another burden is latency.\u00a0Your network should be tidy and up-to-date to minimize wireless frustration. Below are wireless surround sound systems I recommend. When selecting wireless audio, I look for innovative companies that focus on audio.\u00a0The market has tons of plastic soundbars that are only a little better than a TV\u2019s sound. The systems I selected either emphasize a pleasing aspect to the sound or provide a significant sonic improvement to a typical soundbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2: $380<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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  • Soundbar and wireless subwoofer \u2013 no rear speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 200-watt JBL Bass \u2013 punchy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bluetooth music streaming from your smartphone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Handheld remote control included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • JBL Surround Sound Technology delivers a virtual surround sound effect<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Additional optical digital input<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Typical exciting JBL sound, bass is big sounding and punchy, wireless subwoofer, huge upgrade from the TV\u2019s sound, provides an overall good experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>No surround sound, it\u2019s a soundbar so don\u2019t expect high fidelity<\/p>\n\n\n

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    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Television<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vizio Mini LED Quantum 4K TV (VQM65C-1004): $398<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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    • Mini LED backlight<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Quantum color<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 120fps in 1080P gaming<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Vizeo voice control<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Best under $500 television, great color and decent brightness, inexpensive, great off-axis viewing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>Processing is poor, too reflective, buggy voice control and smart interface<\/p>\n\n\n

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      Combined retail price: $778<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      NYC Apartment System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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      WiiM Bar 3.1.2 Home Theater Bundle: $928<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Sleek design soundbar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Bluetooth audio streaming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Eight built-in speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 2.1\u201d color touchscreen with album art<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Alexa voice remote and handheld remote control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • AI Roomfit sound processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Part of a Wi-fi wireless multi-room system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Optional wireless surround speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Powerful 8-inch subwoofer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Subwoofer connects wirelessly to soundbar and requires electric<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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        Strengths<\/em><\/strong> modern sleek design perfect for city apartment, excellent sound quality from a soundbar, innovative company with great engineering and support, soundbar with a color touch screen, 250-watt class D subwoofer with tight room-filling low bass<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Weaknesses<\/em><\/strong> No surround speakers included, surprisingly good sonics from a soundbar but won\u2019t meet the demands of an audiophile<\/p>\n\n\n

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        Television<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        LG C6 55-inch OLED evo AI Smart 4K TV: $1,200<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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        • 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Self-illuminating OLED display<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 120Hz refresh rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Motion-sensing Magic remote with built-in microphone for voice control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Gaming champion 4K 165Hz support<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Premium build quality and sleek design<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Faster processor than last-year\u2019s version <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>My go-to TV for OLED technology and never disappoints, exciting picture, bright and vibrant colors, excellent for gaming with 165Hz support, world-class inky blacks, great remote<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>Still pricey but worth it (prior year\u2019s model can be found for less money), screen is more reflective than I\u2019d hoped for<\/p>\n\n\n

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          Combined retail price: $2,128<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Budget System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6: $650<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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          • Powerful all-in-one cinematic surround sound<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Powered 5.1 channel Dolby Atmos sound bar system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Includes soundbar, 7-inch wired subwoofer, two wireless rear speakers w\/amp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 10 total speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Bluetooth 5.3 for music streaming from your smartphone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Works with any TV and especially compatible with Sony Bravia TVs to take advantage of Voice Zoom 3TM<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Use Bravia Connect App to easily control Bravia theater from your smartphone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Very reliable modern speaker system with an immersive surround experience.\u00a0 The 7-inch subwoofer adds plenty of strong floor-shaking bass with good control in a small or medium room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>The system provides an overall great home theater experience for small to medium size rooms.\u00a0 This system is designed to be easy to use and reliable.\u00a0Users shouldn\u2019t expect earth shaking bass or audiophile-level sonics.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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            Television<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Sony BRAVIA 5 65XR50 65-Inch Mini LED TV:  $1,500<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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            • Mini LED backlight technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Video processing technology: XR processor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Native refresh rate 120Hz<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • HDR Google TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Easy integration with BRAVIA soundbars<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 4 HDMI inputs (1 eARC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Easily stream content with Google TV interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • IMAX enhanced mode<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Wi-Fi 6<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Also available in 55-inch for $1,400<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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              Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Current Sony BRAVIA TVs are pound-for-pound one of the best performing TVs on the market.\u00a0This model is easy to set up and configure and integrates especially well with BRAVIA soundbar systems. Picture is colorful and accurate with excellent contrast.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>Decent gaming features but others are better. Great value for the asking price but 65-inch TVs can be had much cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Combined retail price: $2,150<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              First House System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Sonos Premium Immersive Set with Arc Ultra: $2,311<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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              • Available color options: black matte or white matte<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Includes Sonos ARC Ultra with Dolby Atmos, Sub 4, and two Sonos Era 100s<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Wirelessly stream music from services like Spotify, Tidal, and more<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Easily add other Sonos players for whole-home audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Supports Apple Airplay 2<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Built-in Wi-Fi and voice control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 14 built-in speakers each powered with a class D amplifier<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Built-in Bluetooth for streaming directly from your smartphone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Dual force-cancelling woofers for deep, rich bass and no cabinet rattles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Soft-dome tweeter for warm non-fatiguing sonics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • App setup and control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 14 driver array soundbar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer (only need electric)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Trueplay tuning: dynamically tunes the speaker to your room acoustics from the Sonos S2 app<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Reliable network connection and simple to setup and use. Excellent sonics and immersive surround sound.\u00a0Ideal for any size room. Both rear speakers wirelessly connect to the soundbar, only need to plug them into an outlet. Subwoofer is the MVP of this system with deep and tight bass providing true cinema experience.\u00a0Excellent for home theater and very good for music. An overall excellent system very strongly recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>The sub is essential to get the most performance from this system. Users should not expect audiophile-level sonics, it\u2019s a soundbar. I can\u2019t think of any other flaws in this Sonos system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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                Television<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                LG C6 65-inch OLED evo AI Smart 4K TV: $1,800<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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                • 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Self-illuminating OLED display<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • 120Hz refresh rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Motion-sensing Magic remote with built-in microphone for voice control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Gaming champion 4K 165Hz support<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Premium build quality and sleek design<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Faster processor than last-year\u2019s version <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>My go-to TV for OLED technology and never disappoints, exciting picture, bright and vibrant colors, excellent for gaming with 165Hz support, world-class inky blacks, great remote<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>Still pricey but worth it (prior year\u2019s model can be found for less money), screen is more reflective than I\u2019d hoped for, thin design better handles with two people<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Combined retail price: $4,111<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Man-Cave System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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                  Nakamichi DRAGON Dolby Atmos Surround Sound System with Dual 12″ Subwoofers: $3,799<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  • 29 drivers and 15 digital amplifiers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Four 3-inch dual-angled up-firing height speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • 58-inch stainless steel soundbar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Seven high fidelity AMT tweeters<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Dual wireless 12-inch subwoofers with passive radiators<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Two omni-motion reference surround speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Bluetooth or IR handheld remote control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Full-scale immersive sound experience, large dedicated surround speakers, no compromise engineering, very large immersive soundstage, excellent height effects, simple setup, excellent build quality, punchy controlled bass, not your average plastic soundbar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>Expensive, heavy, and large, no auto calibration or room EQ, can\u00a0get harsh at very loud volumes<\/p>\n\n\n

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                    Television<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Hisense U7SG UHD 4K HDR Smart Google TV: $1,700<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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                    • Native 165Hz refresh rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Matte anti-reflective coating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Mini LED<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Local dimming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Alexa voice control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Chromecast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Hi-view AI engine pro<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Up to 3000 nits peak brightness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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                      Strengths:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Excellent brightness, bright and vibrant colors with very good contrast, deep blacks, accurate with SDR and HDR, excellent gaming support with native 165Hz refresh rate, matte coated screen helps reduce reflections, solid stand, huge<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Weaknesses: <\/em><\/strong>picture degrades when viewing off-axis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Combined retail price: $5,499<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Wireless systems significantly reduce the barriers in adding a home theater experience in your room or home.  They don\u2019t require expensive contractors or heavy AV receivers to achieve immersive surround sound.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      One soundbar I included, the WiiM Bar, is very visually appealing and includes a color touchscreen. Soundbars have evolved quickly and not just an afterthought anymore.\u00a0The Nakamichi DRAGON doesn\u2019t sound like a soundbar and will leave guests in envy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Along with the televisions I matched with each wireless system, you can have yourself a fantastic home theater experience in your family room.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Our recommendations reflect our personal experience with the equipment reviewed and should be considered alongside your own listening preferences and room acoustics. We encourage readers to audition audio equipment whenever possible. Great sound is personal, and the best component is the one that brings you closer to your music.<\/em>
                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Properly installing a traditional wired surround sound system can be a major home-improvement project and often requires hiring a professional contractor.\u00a0As an installer the top reason clients oppose a surround sound system is the labor cost, complexity, and the mess from cutting drywall.\u00a0Every surround sound system I\u2019ve installed included in-wall speakers requiring me to cut<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tips-diy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2321"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2361,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2321\/revisions\/2361"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.avwhiz.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}