Cinema System 5.1.2 vs 5.1.4, which is better? Well, you can build a 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 for small to medium sized rooms. Since the main difference is in the Atmos speakers, it will vary from user to user. Moviegoers will prefer 5.1.4 with separate height speakers for distinctive, high-quality ceiling effects. In this case, you might want to check out Klipsch or Elac home theater systems, and you'll need a big budget, too.
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Few models like the Monoprice 5.1.4 Home Theater System are affordable, and despite the low cost, you get satisfying, quality sound. If you have space constraints and don't want to have multiple speakers scattered around the room, the Sony HT-A5000 theater system is the one for you. It's also a smart soundbar with support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Ceiling height and material are very important for Atmos speakers. So make sure you have a flat, ideal ceiling height for accurate bouncing of sound. There are several ways to create a 5.1.4 system, so choose the one that best meets your criteria. Make sure you understand whether your home theater needs an AV receiver/amplifier or not.
Technical differences between cinema system 5.1.2 and 5.1.4:
When comparing the 5.1.2 and 5.1.4 theater systems, the main difference is the number of top-firing or Atmos speakers. You can use them in small rooms, since theater systems depend on the layout of the room and not on the size of the room. In some cases, installing ceiling speakers saves time. You can also install two ceiling speakers in the front and two in the rear.
Table: Theater system comparison table 5.1.2 vs. 5.1.4
5.1.2 | 5.1.4 | |
---|---|---|
number of speakers | 8 | 10 |
rear speakers | 2 | 2 |
Atmos/Overhead-Lautsprecher | 2 or 5.1.2 sound bar | 4 |
Frontlautsprecher | 2 front and 1 center speakers, or 1 sound bar | 2 front and 1 center speakers, or 1 sound bar |
ideal for | Small to medium rooms | Small to medium rooms |
Some users rely on in-ceiling speakers with tilting tweeters to direct sound towards the user. The reason why we include "soundbar" is because there are brands that make 5.1.2 soundbars or all channels built into the soundbar. In this case, you don't have dedicated front, rear/surround, or center speakers.
These sound bars even have top or powerful speakers. However, it is often a concern if a 5.1.2 or 5.1.2 soundbarmovie at homethe system is better. With dedicated speakers, a 5.1.2 home theater is said to be much better. We have selected some of the best 5.1.2 and 5.1.4 home theater systems at different prices. Let's take a look.
5.1.2 vs. 5.1.4 Cinema System: Product Analysis
After hours of research, we have listed the 3 best 5.1.2 home theater systems.
Best Cinema System 5.1.2:
Table: Comparison of the best 3 5.1.2 theater systems
special feature LG SK9Y SIB-Hierba Sony HT-A5000 number of speakers 1 sound bar, 1 subwoofer 3 satellites and 2 Dolby Atmos speakers, 1 sub 1 sound bar performance Soundbar RMS:301 Subwoofer RMS:200 Required Amplifier Power: 25-200W Potencia RMS: 450W ports HDMI input/output: 1/1 Bluetooth 4.0 Wifi Connect through amplifier Optical input, HDMI better for Movie Total Total special feature LG SK9Y number of speakers 1 sound bar, 1 subwoofer performance Soundbar RMS:301 Subwoofer RMS:200 ports HDMI input/output: 1/1 Bluetooth 4.0 Wifi better for Movie Preis special feature SIB-Hierba number of speakers 3 satellites and 2 Dolby Atmos speakers, 1 sub performance Required Amplifier Power: 25-200W ports Connect through amplifier better for Total Preis special feature Sony HT-A5000 number of speakers 1 sound bar performance Potencia RMS: 450W ports Optical input, HDMI better for Total Preis
LG SK9Y 5.1.2 Channel Hi-Res Audio Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Review:
Specifications:
- 24-bit oversampling
- Hi-Res Audio: 24-bit/192kHz
- 4k transfer
- hdmi 2.0
- Includes wall bracket
Review:
The LG SK9Y sound bar is one of the best compact 5.1.2 home theater systems. It is more suitable for small spaces and for users who do not want to be involved in complicated installations. The reason we say this is because you only get a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. This greatly reduces the effort involved in wiring and connection. On the sound bar you will find front, surround, center and overhead channels.
Each channel draws 43W for a total output of 500W. Build quality is very good with a sturdy metal body and mesh grill. Basic controls like volume, input change, play/pause, skip are available on the soundbar. There is a screen that shows the input type, volume and sound mode. With a length of 47.2 inches, the sound bar is ideal for TV screens with a screen size of 55 inches or more.
In terms of audio format, it features Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Digital Plus, and Surround. It has a wide and wide soundstage. The wireless active subwoofer features a bass reflex enclosure and a 7-inch front-facing driver. The bass is powered by a rear port. Upward-firing speakers emit audio that bounces off the ceiling, resulting in an illusion of overhead effects.
It can offer object-oriented sound and the volume is average. It's best for movies, as dialogue is clear, surround sound stands out, and bass is decent. If you want to activate surround sound, press the Auto Vol button on the remote for 2 seconds. If you want rear speakers, you can easily connect LG's optional SPK8-S wireless surround speakers to the soundbar.
The connection to the TV can be made in several ways, HDMI or optical. You can choose between different sound modes: Standard, Movie, ASC, Bass Blast and Music. LG SK9Y is also a 5.1.2 smart soundbar compatible with Google Assistant and LG Wi-Fi mobile speaker app. The remote is handy with large but few buttons. Streaming is easy with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Along with these, it has a built-in Chromecast and other connectivity options like auxiliary input and optical input. When using LG TV, LG TV Sound Sync helps the soundbar to perfectly sync with the content playing on the TV. However, it does not have HDR 10+ or support for HDMI eARC. Regarding placement, you can install it in two different orientations, flat or against the wall.
The sound will adjust automatically. Additional functions will help you in different circumstances, e.g. B. Auto volume leveler keeps the volume stable instead of being too high or too low. Night mode is suitable for watching movies at night.
Focal SIB Evo 5.1.2 Home Theater System Review:
Specifications:
For satellite speakers:
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 6 ohms
- Frequency response: 70-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
Para Sub:
- RCA/LFE (Low Frequency Effects) line level input.
- Frequency response: 35-150Hz (±3dB)
review
If you want to buy this Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2 cinema system you need oneReceptor AV. Just fine-tune the performance and opt for a 7- or 9-channel receiver that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. When setting up your amplifier or receiver, make sure all Bb speakers are set to small and the crossover frequency is set to 80 Hz. The speakers are compact in size.
You can place one in the center by placing it vertically and the logo will rotate. The 3 satellite speakers have a 3/4″ soft dome tweeter and a 5″ Polyflex woofer. They have a bass port at the back. The Dolby Atmos speakers also have a 4-inch full-range driver on top. The Cub Evo subwoofer features an 8 1/4″ down-firing Polyflex woofer and a streamlined front port for reinforced bass.
It sits on anti-vibration feet and has a robust build quality with an MDF body. It has a built-in 200W Class D amplifier. The subwoofer offers more powerful bass and can go down to 35 Hz. The following image gives you an idea of 5.1.2speaker placement. This 5.1.2 theater system is ideal for rooms ranging in size from 100 ft2 to 540 ft2.
This Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker package is capable of delivering powerful, room-filling sound. Sound is reflected from the Focal Dolby Atmos speakers up to the ceiling via the top drivers, but it varies from ceiling to ceiling (a flatter ceiling is preferable). Located on the front left and right, these Atmos speakers sit on a hard rubber mount that you can adjust and orient. To install them, you can simply place them on tables or mount them on the wall.
After installation, let the speaker run for 20 hours at a moderate volume. This 5.1.2 theater system audio performance is remarkable. Audio is detailed with a powerful soundstage and room-filling surround sound. The general effects are also prominent. It has a balanced sound profile and you can enjoy movies with crisp and clear voices.
Focal Sib 5.1.2 is quite powerful, reasonably priced, and there are cases where consumers were so impressed that they upgraded to 7.1.2. With the purchase of Atmos satellite speakers for surround back speakers, your home theater experience will be dynamic and impressive. It is best suited for movies, music, or other types of content. With drivers of the same size and branding, the integration of surround sound front speakers and subwoofer is seamless.
Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Prueba:
Specifications:
- 1210 x 67 x 140 mm
- S-Master HX Digital Amplifier
- Optical audio input, USB type A, 1 input and 1 HDMI output
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 8k HDMI video pass-through resolution
Review:
Sony Soundbar HT-A5000 is another best 5.1.2 home theater system under $1000 after LG SK9Y. The sound bar features two 0.625″ dome tweeters, five 1.8125″x2.25″ cone midrange drivers, and two 1.8125″x4.375″ cone woofers. The subwoofer is built into the soundbar and is best used when you don't want multiple speakers in the room. The soundbar's drivers are X-balanced speakers that excel at dialogue and reduce distortion.
Just place the sound bar under your TV and enjoy 5.1.2 surround sound. It's not even a hassle to connect the subwoofer. It supports Google Assistant and AirPlay 2 along with Chromecast. You can also integrate wireless speakers. While the standalone soundbar is powerful in most cases, you can add optional SA-RS5 or SA-RS3S rear speakers and an optional SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 subwoofer.
If you're using optional speakers, you don't have to worry too much about speaker placement. The soundbar has a built-in microphone to adjust the sound by analyzing the position of the speakers. When connected to a Sony Bravia TV, Acoustic Center Sync offers enhanced audio reproduction. It is one of the most versatile 5.1.2 theater systems as all the features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect are available on it.
This also applies to the bar control. Use the Sony Music Center app, remote control or voice assistants to control the bar from your seat. The remote allows you to select night mode, voice mode, and other basic controls. While the bass is decent, you can always add a subwoofer for slightly larger rooms.
To improve the audio quality, you can choose between sound mode (Standard, Sound File), sound effect (Night Mode, Voice Mode, Surround Audio Enhancer) or Virtual Surround Sound Technology (S-Force PRO, Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby Speaker Virtual, Dolby Surround, Neutral:X). You can pair this soundbar with55" or 65" TV.
The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Theater System is best for gaming, movies or music, whatever. Handle all kinds of content naturally and easily. Beam tweeters deliver side-reflecting sound creating immersive surround sound. 360 Reality Audio uses 360 Spatial Sound technology, which delivers sound in a spherical sound field.
It makes music feel like live performances indoors. There is also a feeling of space and lightness. Front and center channels ensure dialogue clarity in movies. With Dolby Vision, image quality is also exceptional and detailed. A clear and neutral audio profile is satisfactory in most cases. You can also checkVIZIO M-Serie 5.1.2 M512a-H6oSamsung HW-Q850T/ZA 5.1.2 channels5.1.2 Theater system.
Best Cinema System 5.1.4:
Let's take a look at the top three 5.1.4 home theater systems.
Table: Comparison of the best 3 5.1.2 cinema systems:
special feature Monopreis 5.1.4 Elac 5.1.4 Klipsch RP-8060FA 5.1.4 number of speakers 4 Satellite, 1 Center, 1 Sub 2 floorstanding speakers, 2 bookshelf, 1 central, 1 sub and 4 atmos 2 floorstanding speakers, 2 Atmos floorstanding loudspeakers, 1 center, 1 sub, 2 Atmos loudspeakers performance Amperage capacity: 15-100, 20-100W Required Amplifier Power: 25-200W Different for each speaker better for Movie Total Total special feature Monopreis 5.1.4 number of speakers 4 Satellite, 1 Center, 1 Sub performance Amperage capacity: 15-100, 20-100W better for Movie Preis special feature Elac 5.1.4 number of speakers 2 floorstanding speakers, 2 bookshelf, 1 central, 1 sub and 4 atmos performance Required Amplifier Power: 25-200W better for Total Preis special feature Klipsch RP-8060FA 5.1.4 number of speakers 2 floorstanding speakers, 2 Atmos floorstanding loudspeakers, 1 center, 1 sub, 2 Atmos loudspeakers performance Different for each speaker better for Total Preis
Monoprice 133832 Premium 5.1.4 Review:
Specifications:
For satellite speakers:
- Frequency response: 70Hz ~ 20kHz (±3dB)
- Recommended amplifier power: 15-100 W
- Sensitivity: 89dB (2.83V/1m)
For center speaker:
- Frequency response: 110Hz ~ 20kHz (±3dB)
- Crossover Frequency: 3.5kHz
- Recommended amplifier power: 20-100W
- Sensitivity: 88dB
Para subwoofers:
- Frequency response: 30-250 Hz (-10 dB)
- Amplifier power: 300 watts
Review:
Before you think about how a sub-$300 home theater system can deliver 5.1.4, let's give credit to Monoprice and several other brands that make affordable products..This Monoprice 133832 5.1.4 Home Theater System uses upward-firing speakers, and you'll often see consumers claim they only produce 5.1 sound.
Either the Atmos sound is tinny or bad. Well, upward-firing speakers are different than dedicated ceiling speakers, but in the average living room or TV room, the speaker system will shine. Audio with overload effect is sufficient in most cases. If you are a general listener and not a professional, you will find it easy. You can use it with a traditional or Atmos AV receiver. Make sure the receiver has enough channels to support 5.1.4.
Monoprice 133832 Premium is an example that cheap can be better. There are four satellite speakers with 3-inch polypropylene drivers. The center speaker is a 2-way type of full-range speaker with a 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter and a 3-inch polypropylene midrange driver. For bass, you get a bass-reflex subwoofer with an 8-inch amplified paper cone woofer.
All satellite speakers feature upward facing speakers and offer immersive multi-dimensional sound. Movie soundtracks or effects come to life and are vivid. Monoprice claims you don't need dedicated ceiling speakers. The subwoofer can deliver more punchy bass, it has variable crossover and phase control on the back.
The Monoprice User Guide shows a detailed picture of speaker placement. Suggests a flat ceiling made of acoustically reflective material such as drywall, plaster, hardwood. The ceiling height should be between 7 and 12 feet. Measure the distance between the seat and the front speakers. The distance between the front speakers should be 2/3 of the measurement.
Keep the front L/R nets at least 6 feet apart and angle them at 30 degrees. For secondary placement, you can use the subwoofer drag technique. The manual explains the installation in detail. It is also recommended to play the theater system for 50-80 hours to enter. During installation, you can set the subwoofer's low-pass filter frequency to 110 Hz and verify it by playing audio.
Watching movies or playing games is satisfactory for general users. Effortlessly delivers room-filling audio. We think Monoprice Premium 5.1.4 is underrated and performs much better than its price.
Klipsch RP-8060FA 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos Home Theater System Review:
Specifications:
- Class D amplifier with 400 W RMS (Sub)
- Frequency response: 18-125 Hz (sub)
RP-6000F:
- Frequency response: 34-25kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: 97dB at 2.83V/1m
- Power handling (CONTINUO/PICO): 125W/500W
RP-8060FA
- Frequency response: 32-25kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: 98dB @ 2.83V/1m
- Power handling: (CONTINUO/PICO) 150W / 600W
RP-404C:
- Frequency response: 59-25kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: 97dB at 2.83V/1m
- Power handling (CONTINUO/PICO): 125W/500W
Review:
Klipsch RP-8060FA has two RP-8060FA Dolby Atmosfloor standing speaker, one RP-404C center channel, two RP-6000F floorstanding speakers, two RP-500SA Atmos elevation speakers, and one SPL-150 subwoofer. The other two Atmos speakers are from the Atmos floorstanding speakers. Floorstanding speakers are known for delivering powerful audio compared toBookshelfand other speakers.
Klipsch is a trusted brand and if you are an audiophile then this is for you. It is one of the most expensive 5.1.4 theater systems. The RP-8060FA features a 1" LTS tweeter and two 8" cone woofers. There's a Tractrix port on the back for increased bass. For the tweeter drivers, there's a 6.5-inch ceramic woofer. The sound performance feels "gigantic" and overwhelming.
The RP-6000F has an excellent picture and soundstage. You can put them on the front or back, and then put the RP-500SA on top. These speakers are more efficient and easily deliver punchy, room-filling sound. It has a 1" tweeter and two 6.5" ceramic cone woofers. Details in any movie or music title are accurately displayed.
The center channel has a 1" tweeter and four 4" cone woofers. He works mainly with vocal clarity. This speaker makes sure dialogue shines and you can hear everything clearly. The build quality of Klipsch speakers means they last longer. Most of the speakers are made of MDF. The Atmos Elevation speakers have a 1" tweeter and a 5.25" woofer.
These speakers can easily display treble effects. No information is lost during filming. You will experience rich and realistic sound from them. Since all the speakers and subwoofers are from the same brand, the integration between them is seamless. You can place it in rooms that are medium to large in size. The bass is not muddy, but powerful and tight. Instead of buying Atmos speakers, you can use two pairs of RP-8060FAs.
Be sure to follow the speaker placement rules. The cost may be higher, but you get 4 floorstanding speakers along with the Atmos speakers. With this 5.1.4 theater system, you don't need to spend extra on amplifiers or receivers. Klipsch corrected the "brilliant sound" of it so you can go ahead and check out this high-end home theater.
You can also take a lookSamsung HW-K950/ES,Vizio 46514oVIZIO SB36514-G6 36-inch 5.1.4
Elac Debut 2.0 6 1/2″ 5.1.4 Rating:
SpecificationsRegalautsprecher:
- Tweeter: 1″ fabric dome
- Woofer: 6-1/2″ aramid fiber
- Sensitivity: 87dB @ 2.83V/1m
- recommended amplifier power: up to 120 W
floor standing speakers:
- Sensitivity: 87dB @ 2.83V/1m
- Tweeter: 1″ fabric dome
- Woofer: Triple 6-1/2″ aramid fiber
- Recommended amplifier power: up to 140 W
Center speaker:
- Tweeter: 1″ fabric dome
- Woofer: Double 6-1/2″ aramid fiber
- Sensitivity: 88dB @ 2.83V/1m
Atmos speakers:
- Tweeter: 1 x 0.5" polymer dome
- Woofer: 1 x 4 inch woven aramid fiber cone
- Sensitivity: 85dB @ 2.83V/1m
- Recommended amplifier power: 20 to 80 wpc
subwoofer
- Woofer: 1 x 10" high-excursion doped paper cone
- Passive Radiator: 1 x 10" high shot doped paper cone
- Frequency response: 28 to 150 Hz
- Amplifier Power: 200W RMS
Review:
If you prefer stand-alone Atmos speakers, check out this Elac Debut 2.0 6½" 5.1.4 Theater System. It consists of two F6.2 floorstanding speakers, one C6.2 center speaker, two B6.2 bookshelf speakers, one SUB3010 400 subwoofer W and four A4.2 Dolby Atmos modules.It uses silk dome tweeters known for higher wave amplitude.
Aramid fiber woofers in the subwoofer provide smoother, more powerful bass. MDF cabinets guarantee sturdiness and durability. The F6.2 are 3-way bass reflex speakers that deliver powerful sound naturally. It has a deeper soundstage with precise details. The vocals in the songs are clearer and even the bass is powerful. You can place these floorstanding speakers for the front and B6.2 speakers for the rear.
Elac B6.2 2-way bass reflex bookshelf speaker that can get quite loud. It has excellent dynamics and transparency. It offers realistic and realistic audio without any distortion. The speakers also have an impressive soundstage. The C6.2 center channel speaker is another piece that excels in quality. It provides clearer and crystal clear voices.
This makes the movie effect and overall viewing more immersive and theater-like. There are two forward-facing openings so you can easily fit them against the wall, but it's best to keep 1-2 inches apart. During installation, it is recommended to set the center channel to small and the crossover to 80 Hz. Finally, Elac A4.2 Atmos speakers are designed to be placed at B6.2 or F6.2.
The image above shows the effects above and works best for room heights of 7.5 to 12 feet. Angled drivers disperse sound upward and bounce off the ceiling to reach the user. Atmos speakers make movie effects like rusty leaves or explosions sound realistic and realistic. As a result, the sound follows the objects on the screen. When you look at a helicopter, you hear the sound over your head.
Sub 3010 is an active subwoofer with a passive radiator. It can drop as low as 20Hz and the low ends are deep and tight. To configure the subwoofer, use the ELAC SUB Control 2.0 phone app. You can choose between different equalization modes like Cinema, Night, Music and Flat. Once you install this 5.1.4 theater system, you will see a dramatic improvement in audio, but you also need to have the budget.
Up-firing drivers or ceiling speakers?
In-ceiling speakers can provide an optimal overhead effect. When comparing upward-firing drivers to in-ceiling speakers, in-ceiling speakers win out in terms of true, immersive sound. However, while everyone is striving for a minimalist setup, many manufacturers like Sony claim that their upward-firing drivers are sufficient and you don't need in-ceiling speakers.
If you are sensitive to ceiling effects, you can install ceiling speakers or buy special Atmos speakers and layer them on top of other speakers. If you have the budget, consider spending on dedicated speakers. However, there are very few Atmos sound effects in movies. So if you think enjoying theater-like sound is still worth it, you can give them a try.
separators:
This 5.1.2 vs 5.1.4 theater system article covers different home theater systems at different price points. You can choose a sound bar and then add rear speakers and height speakers to it. There are standalone sound bars like the Sony HT-A5000 that are an all-in-one package and you don't have to worry about connecting speakers at all.
If you find AV receivers to be a nuisance, you can eliminate them entirely by choosing powered speakers with built-in amplifiers. However, audiophiles prefer to connect all speakers and all sources to the receiver and then receive the final audio. In this case, use the calibration software to improve the overall sound. Most receivers come with calibration software.
When comparing the 5.1.2 theater system to the 5.1.4, both deliver room-filling audio with a wider soundstage and clearer dialogue. When the correct speakers are selected, 4 Atmos speakers will locate the object and provide accurate height information. With a perfect ceiling, the sound from the Atmos speakers can also properly bounce off the ceiling to come back to you.
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs are intended to address some of the issues that can arise when walking across a home theater system.
How do I adapt the receiver to home theater systems?
If your home theater system supports Atmos, the receiver should also support Atmos, DTS, etc. The number of channels in a home theater and the maximum and minimum power required for the speakers are other factors to consider.
Does the acoustics of the room really play a role?
room acousticsmatters more than you think. When building a home theater, you can use the receivers' auto-calibration software to improve the overall sound. There are also different ways to incorporate different materials to improve acoustics.
Naheed Nazneen TuLi
Network engineer and technology journalist.keep reading…