Whatever you require for your ideal home theatre system, we have one that fills the bill, write PETER FAMILARI and STEPHEN FENECH

EVERYONE has different requirements, tastes and budgets when it comes to  planning a home theatre system. Here are a few systems designed to suit different types of users: 

SAMSUNG HT-BD2T

This package (pictured top) was the first in the world to offer an integrated Blu-ray Disc player so users can enjoy high definition video and audio right out of the box.

There are seven speakers and a subwoofer in the package to take advantage of Blu-ray’s superior audio capabilities.

The speakers are driven by an 1100W RMS amplifier, which delivers the kind of sound quality and clarity usually heard from systems that cost thousands of dollars more.

Best for: Getting the latest in one go. It costs $1759 and is available from samsung.com.au

PIONEER HTP-LX70

It only has four speakers backed by a powerful dual-driver, and a downwards firing subwoofer, but that’s more than enough for this classy Pioneer home cinemasystem to fill a compact room with pinpoint surround sound effects.

It’s good with music as well.

Equipped with HDMI, the Pioneer makes a perfect match for people with Blu-ray players and flatscreen TVs.

The power rating provided by digital amplification is a generous 400W.

The Pioneer (pictured bottom) also provides all the thrills and spills of surround sound tracks.

Best for: Full high-definition surround sound in small to medium sized rooms. It costs $3499 and is available from pioneer.com.au

PHILIPS HTS3568DW/98

A bargain with a capital “B”. 

Philips includes a snazzy iPod dock with its muscular sounding 5.1 channel system.

Along with four elegant floor standing speakers and a large centre channel speaker, the Philips bundle has a hefty wireless subwoofer. 

Included as part of the system, you also get a DVD player that upscales video to fit a 1080p high-definition flatscreen TV and high-speed USB 2.0 interface for flash drives.

Best for: iPod connectivity. It costs $649.95 and is available from philips.com.au

SONY HTDDW7000

Sony has no problems shifting this system, which sounds as though it’s been fed a steady diet of techno-steroids. 

But don’t dream of putting this one in a small room. 

It’s far too powerful. 

The Sony comprises seven speakers plus two subwoofers, an audio-video receiver and a claimed power output of 1695W – a rating that is just too ambitious.

The system is capable of providing large amounts of trouser-flapping sound. 

What it lacks in finesse is more than made up for with its huge sound.

Best for: Sheer grunt in large rooms. It costs $1399 and is available from sony.com.au

WHATMOUGH

Designed in Australia by one of the country’s most established audiophile quality brands, the Whatmough speaker package includes five top-flight speakers and a subwoofer with clout and detail.

A Harman Kardon AVR155 AV receiver and Pioneer DV410 DVD player round out this tailor-made system. 

A classy system that delivers a sound far beyond its price. 

Best for: System building. 

The Whatmough AV8 speaker costs $1499, Harman Kardon AV receiver is $799 and Pioneer DVD player is $195, all available from whatmough.com.au

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