Any surround-sound systems to go with a plasma TV?
December 12, 2005

Submitted by: Leslie, via e-mail
I'm shopping for my brother, who wants a surround-sound system to go with his new plasma TV. I've seen some of them, and the speakers, not to mention the receiver, are huge! Do you have any suggestions that don't cost a fortune to ship and that won't give him a hernia? Oh yeah, and he's picky about sound quality. Impossible!

David Katzmaier, senior editor
Well, you have a few options. Among traditional surround-sound systems--the ones with five speakers and a subwoofer--I'd recommend the Panasonic SC-HT930. It sounds great for the price, the speakers aren't too big, and it doesn't cost a fortune to ship or to buy. A step-up choice--and an improvement in sound quality--would be the JVC TH-C6, which does have taller tower speakers--but they're light! And if you really want to splurge, go with the Onkyo LS-V955. Its speakers are pretty darn small and will mount on the wall nicely next to his plasma.


Panasonic SC-HT930 Another option is a virtual-surround system. While your brother won't get the same level of rear-channel effects--a helicopter will sound like it's coming from the front sides, instead of from behind--he will get very good home-theater sound and an even more compact form factor, perfect to complement his slim TV. Sony's DAV-X1 is a decent choice for about $550, while the splurge option in this category is the Denon S-301. Get him one of those, and he'll have to buy you a plasma next year.

• Top virtual surround systems
• Top compact surround systems

• High-style home theater
• Surround-sound buying guide

• Back to countdown index

Got a holiday shopping question for our editors?

Send it to us!