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Audio & Speakers

 

Your source for home theatre

Craving a new home theatre? Or maybe you just want to upgrade your TV to a larger, smarter version. And grab a TV mount to mount it on the wall. Or, maybe it’s time to get a projector and screen, not to mention add some additional speakers. Or you want to dive into media streaming as well as upgrade your Blu-ray or DVD player. Whether you’re building your home theatre from scratch, or are looking to upgrade a few components from TV, audio, satellite receivers, digital converters, TV stands to home theatre accessories, The Source has the tech you need to bring your home theatre to life.

What’s your style?

Before you shop for a new home theatre, you need to consider what your end goal is. Are you just looking to improve your TV’s sound? Or do you want to re-create the local cinema with surround sound right in your den? Is your home theatre in a small but cozy man-cave, or do you have an expansive room with space for lots of speakers?

You should also ask yourself what the system will primarily be used for. Watching movies and TV? Will you also want a system that will let you listen to music on its own? Do you want better sound to accompany your TV’s speakers? Or do you want movie sound tracks to hit every corner of the room? Once you have your list of requirements, you know what you’re looking for. And you can always bring your list to your local The Source store and we’ll help you.

What type of speakers do I need?

You can start with a simple soundbar to enhance your TV’s sound, but when it comes to speakers you need to consider the frequency. The wider the range, the better the frequency; resulting in a better range of sound. Sensitivity measures how efficient the speakers are. In this case, the higher the number, the better they are.
Some speaker setups require a matching receiver to control and hookup the speakers if they’re wired. The receiver is the control centre or the heart of your sound system. If you have a smart TV, you’ll want to make sure you select a model that’s compatible with 4K UHD TVs and have multiple HDMI inputs.

Consider your room size

If you have a smaller room, you can get by without adding a receiver. A Bluetooth® soundbar and a couple wireless speakers will change the way you game and watch TV. If cinema-like surround sound is your goal, consider a multi-channel unit with wireless surround sound speakers. This type of system includes a soundbar, two speakers and one subwoofer. One advantage over traditional systems of the past, is that this one includes wireless speakers, which let you enjoy surround sound without the hassle of running cables. With home theatre, there are so many options; be sure to check out our home theatre FAQs or visit an Associate in-store today to learn more.

How do I build a home theatre at home?

If you’re serious about building a state-of-the art theatre, always consider hiring licensed professionals to help you with a complete reno. The steps include:

  • Choose and measure the space for your home theatre–many experts state that a room that is 20 feet long by 13 feet wide is ideal
  • Frame and insulate the space
  • Pre-wire the surround sound speakers and projector. Mark the location of the speakers where they will be placed. For example, the centre channel speaker will be located just below the TV, etc.
  • Pre-wire for lighting–be sure to use a licensed electrician for any electrical installations
  • Hang the drywall; this is also the time to add any sound-proofing material
  • Paint the room and set-up your equipment

Depending on your lifestyle and space, you may want to create a home theatre without renovating your home. Your den, basement or garage may be the perfect place to create a mini cinema, and you just want to upgrade your tech. At The Source, we have a great selection of top-brand smart TVs, projectors, soundbars, wireless speakers, and all the accessories you need to customize your watching space.

Will Sonos work with home theatre?

Some Sonos speakers, like the Sonos Beam, are soundbars that easily connect to your TV, and can serve as the heart of your home theatre system. Depending on which Sonos speakers you have, your TV must have either a digital optical audio output or an HDMI ARC port in order to connect to your TV. You can also customize your home theatre surround system with multiple Sonos speakers, connecting together them via Wi-Fi. If you have a smaller room, you may be satisfied with just a soundbar, but Sonos also offers surround speaker sets.

Which home theatre is best?

With home theatre, it depends on the size of the room and your audio preferences. With a large room, you may want a cinema-like experience with 360-degree sound enveloping you. In a smaller room or den, you may be happy with a soundbar mounted under your TV. If your home theatre is going to be used for both movies and music, you’ll need to consider the type of speakers you purchase, as you’ll want high-fidelity for music. If you're not sure, stop by your local The Source store and our knowledgeable Associates will be happy to help you find the perfect setup for your living space.

Which home theatre to buy?

Home theatre systems have changed immensely over the last decade. At one point, home theatre sound systems consisted of 3-5 speakers, a DVD player, A/V receiver, and all the wires to run it–all included in one box. Although it’s not as widely available now, you can still purchase a home theatre in-a-box if you prefer. With the popularity of flat-screen TVs, the trend is to just add a soundbar and/or wireless speakers to your existing setup. The type of speakers or soundbar you need will depend on how you enjoy your entertainment, and the size of your room. You may prefer a specific brand such as Samsung, LG or Sony to match your TV. Amazing sound is important, but another factor to consider is how easy it is to install. This is another reason why many people prefer a soundbar or wireless speakers, thanks to the quick-and-easy setup.

If you just want to improve the sound of your TV, a soundbar is the perfect addition. It provides rich, clear sound and mounts easily on the wall or sits on a shelf under your TV. However, if you want to use the soundbar with additional components, like a Blu-ray player or gaming console, you will need to make sure the soundbar you buy is equipped with HDMI inputs. If cinema-like surround sound is your goal, consider a multi-channel unit with wireless surround sound speakers. This type of system includes a soundbar, two speakers and one subwoofer. One advantage over traditional systems of the past, this one includes wireless speakers, which let you enjoy surround sound without the hassle of running cables. And there's more ways to listen; Bluetooth®-enabled soundbars and speakers let you stream music from your smartphone or compatible tablet. Some systems allow you to play music via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. Not all soundbars have this feature, so check the specs before you buy. If you want the true-to-life sound experience, a multi-channel speaker or soundbar system is your best bet for true surround sound.

When it comes to home theatre, you want the smoothest, richest sound possible, and depending on your space and needs, what works for one individual may not be right for you. Smaller rooms don’t need elaborate components in order to produce rich sound. Movie and concert fans will want a surround sound setup where the audio envelopes the room at 360 degrees, so it’s like you’re in the cinema or stadium. However, if you enjoy streaming music and movies on tablets, laptops or smartphones, you may want to look at speakers from Bose and Sonos that offer Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi functionality. Depending on your TV’s connectivity, select speakers are compatible, and you can enjoy all your audio soundtracks and playlists in surround sound, on the same system. If you’re not sure what your ideal setup is, feel free to stop in your local The Source store and one of our friendly Associates will be happy to discuss your home’s sound setup.

Can home theatre speakers be used for music? Are they good for music?

Yes, home theatre speakers can be used to play music, but not all speakers are built the same. You’ll want speakers with good frequency ranges in order to get the proper range. Popular brands like Bose and Sonos offer superior sound quality and will bring your playlists to life. Some of these speakers also include an analog audio input that lets you connect to an external audio source and play music or audio. Not all speakers are built the same, so check the watts and frequency range to make sure the speakers you’re looking at are built for music if that’s a priority.

Can home theatre be connected to my TV?

Depending on the age of your TV, home theatre speakers and soundbars can be easily connected directly to TVs, bypassing the need for an audio receiver. Newer TVs are equipped with HDMI inputs that will connect to any soundbar that features an HDMI port. If you have an older TV, you may need to connect with an optical cable. If you’re not sure, stop by your local The Source store and our knowledgeable Associates will help you find the right match for your TV.

Can home theatre systems connect to my TV?

Yes, your home theatre system will connect to compatible TVs. If you have a newer TV, or a smart TV, you can connect the two via an HDMI cable. Your home theatre system’s HDMI input would have to support ARC (Audio Return Channel), or you can connect via a coaxial digital cable, optical digital cable or audio cable. Please note that these jacks are not available on all TVs, so it’s important to check your home theatre’s manual for compatibility.

Many receivers today have the capabilities of handling 4K UHD content for your movies and accommodating HDMI-compatible devices like gaming consoles and more. Make sure that the home theatres you’re looking at have these features if they’re on your wish list. If you’re an old school music lover looking for a receiver to connect your turntable, a pre-amp is all you need to bring your sound to life.

Can home theatre be connected to my laptop?

If both your laptop and home theatre has an HDMI input, you’ll be able to connect them via the receiver. If you have a Bluetooth®-enabled laptop, and your soundbar also has this feature, you’ll be able to pair them to stream music.

Why home theatre?

Why not? If you like the complete cinematic experience, you'll want to make sure you have sound that brings your TV content to life. Flat-screen TVs don't have a lot of room to host tweeters and woofers for amazing sound, so you may want to add a soundbar or home theatre system to your setup. If your TV is in a smaller room, you may feel the sound suffices. However, if your TV resides in a larger space, adding speakers will benefit your movie-watching experience. A 2.1-channel soundbar comes with both a soundbar and subwoofer, so you can enhance the bass. Whereas a 5.1-channel system includes speakers that you can place around the room for a true, surround-sound experience. Some systems are expandable so you can add additional speakers, and newer systems are wireless so you can easily place the speakers wherever you want, without the hassle of running wires.

What home theatre receiver do I need?

A home theatre receiver, or A/V receiver, is the heart of a home theatre system, and features all the inputs and outputs you need to connect all your home theatre tech including your smart TV, DVD player, soundbar, subwoofer, speakers, Bluetooth® devices and more. Some receivers come feature-packed and may be priced out of your budget, but once you consider all the pieces that make up your home theatre, you may not need a top-of-the-line model, as many people do not use all the features. If your budget allows, your best choice is one that has enough channels for your speakers, features Dolby® Atmos, has the inputs to connect all your tech (i.e. a turntable, iPod, etc.), and is expandable and compatible with tech as it evolves.

Why should I get a home theatre system?

A home theatre system will bring your TV, movie, gaming and streaming content to life! Adding a home theatre system will improve your TV’s sound. And, in case you think that a home theatre may break your budget, there’s no need to worry because you may be happy simply adding a soundbar or a couple wireless speakers to your setup. Stop by The Source today, and one of our knowledgeable Associates will be happy to help you pick the perfect sound setup for your home.

Are home theatre systems wireless?

Thanks to the progress of Bluetooth® technology, many home theatre systems and speakers are now wireless. Many top brands like Bose®, Samsung, Sony, LG, Polk and JBL offer Bluetooth® soundbars and speakers, making it easy for you to expand your home theatre without the hassle of running wires. Be sure to check out our great selection of wireless speakers in-store or online.

Do home theatre systems come with wireless speakers?

Yes, many home theatre systems include Bluetooth® wireless speakers making set up a cinch; with wireless speakers, just put ‘em where you want ‘em! Plus, if they’re also voice-assistant compatible, you can control your smart TV and smart home devices. Some systems may include a combination of wired and wireless speakers such as a wired subwoofer, but may include a wireless soundbar or satellite speakers. However, if wireless is your jam, we’ve got a great home theatre assortment for you!

Are home theatre systems compatible with Bluetooth® devices?

Yes, many receivers and soundbars have Bluetooth® built in. Others have Wi-Fi, giving you Internet and content streaming capabilities.

Do home theatres have DVD players built in?

Although not as common as they once were, some manufacturers still offer home theatre in-a-box solutions. These kits include an A/V receiver with a built-in DVD player, and a combination of speakers. A 5.1-channel system will include a subwoofer, centre-channel, 2 front and 2 rear speakers. A 2.1-channel system may consist of a DVD player with a soundbar and 2 wireless speakers.

Can I hook up a home theatre system to a projector?

If your projector has an analog audio output and an HDMI port then any compatible speaker or soundbar can be connected. Some projectors can be connected via the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack and others via Bluetooth®. Check your projector's ports and come visit us at The Source, and we'll help you find the right speakers to build the perfect home theatre system.

Do home theatre systems have Amazon Alexa built in?

Some home theatre speakers and soundbars have Amazon Alexa built in, allowing you use your voice to get Alexa to play music, adjust the volume and even control compatible smart home devices–all without leaving the comfort of your couch. A voice assistant feature is beneficial, as more and more tech products feature this function, and it makes it easier for you to control all your smart home and home theatre components, including your smart TV.

Does The Source have home theatre systems for sale?

The Source has a great selection of smart TVs, projectors, screens, speakers, soundbars, DVD and Blu-ray players and home theatre accessories like TV mounts, stands, cables, universal remotes and more. We carry a great selection of top-brand home theatre products–all the tech you need to customize your dream home theatre.

Do you carry home theatre components that are compatible with smart TVs?

The Source has a great selection of home theatre components from soundbars, to wireless speakers that will complement your smart TV. Many of our soundbars are voice-activated and have Amazon Alexa and/or the Google Assistant built in. Just start with “Hey Google”, to find the latest movie or to control your smart home. Plus, many feature Bluetooth® and/or Wi-Fi for easy pairing. Stop by your local The Source store and our knowledgeable Associates can help you find the perfect home theatre sound components for your setup.

Should I get a home theatre or soundbar?

Either option is sure to enhance the sound of your current TV. If you have a larger room, or are the world’s biggest cinema fan, you may opt for the home theatre with multiple speakers and a receiver. If you just want to improve the sound of your current TV, or covet a better sound solution for your gaming console, adding a soundbar to your TV with bring your TV and gaming soundtracks to life.

Should I get home theatre or speakers?

At the end of the day, either a home theatre system or additional speakers will improve your TV’s sound. Your deciding factor will be the end use of your TV; do you watch TV or movies more than you listen to music? If you want to recreate the local cinema in your living room, aim for a 7.1-channel surround sound home theatre. If you’re a fan of both movies and music and want the best of both worlds, consider a home theatre complete with a receiver that will let you add other audio components, such as a turntable. Some speakers, like the Sonos Play:5, features an analog audio input that lets you connect to an external audio source and play music or audio, thus eliminating the need for an external receiver. If your TV is in a smaller room, condo or apartment, a soundbar or strategically-placed wireless speakers may be all that you need to bring your sound to life. If you do like your tunes, and sound quality is important to you, then look for speakers that offer a higher frequency range for sonic accuracy. You want your music to be vibrant, not flat!

How do I know which home theatre is right for my room size?

With home theatre, it depends on the size of the room and your audio preferences. With a large room, you may want a cinema-like experience with 360-degree sound enveloping you. In a smaller room or den, you may be happy with a soundbar mounted under your TV. Even if your room is smaller, you can still choose to have surround sound. You may want to have a soundbar placed under your TV or placed on your TV stand, and then place two or more additional wireless speakers strategically around your room, say on end tables on either end of your couch.