The choice really depends on your particular needs. If you are one of those who wants to watch movies accompanied by great sound, then an HTS makes perfect sense. If you only want to listen to music, then you can go for hi-fi system.
You could opt for a sound dock if your need involves a PMP like the iPod. Keep in mind your room size too. A large room can accommodate a music system of 300 W RMS or more. The room would reverberate magnificently with music. If your music space is smaller, then you do not require a very powerful system. You could then save some money and bring home a less expensive option that creates sound of 150-200 W RMS.
| HTS | SOUND DOCK | REGULAR HI-FI | SOUNDBAR |
| PROS | If you want the best surround sound effect, then go in for a HTS. They sport the latest technologies and most recent launches are HD-ready with 3D support. These also have USB support to play back multimedia content.
| These connect to your portable media players and are best for small rooms. They are compact and don't take up much space, yet are hearty on sound. There are a lot of options (JBL On-Stage IV above) in the market. | Hi-fis are the best options for pure hearing pleasure. Available in various shapes and sizes, these are built for the audiophile in you. Available from as low as Rs 3,000, these machines can cost up to lakhs of rupees. | Ah, the new virtual surround sound machine that has all good things going for it. These are light and do not take up a lot of space. Moreover, they are 3D- and HD-ready. People anywhere in the room can enjoy surround sound. |
| CONS | An HTS is usually quite bulky and the best ones are the bulkiest. Generally the rear speakers are not wireless-ready, be prepared for a tangled mess. The sweet spot is another problem for the right surround sound effect. | Many only support an iPhone or an iPod. If you do not have these Apple products, then you cannot play media. Most sound docks don't come with USB attachments and most cannot play anything else other than music. | Over time, these excellent music makers have lost ground to sound docks, PMPs and HTSes. Since these changed over from audio cassettes to CD/DVD/MP3 discs, nothing new have been added to these players. |
Though compact and in one piece, soundbars have one important factor going against them: they are fairly expensive. For the price of one, you could actually bring home two good 5.1 channel surround sound systems. |
STILL IN TUNESony DZ810
(Rs 29,990)
This is one of the best HTS available from the past. Sony crafted it to perfection, which is why it is still one of our favourites. Together, the speakers can produce 1000 W RMS and 5.1 channel surround sound. It has an FM tuner and can play the latest music file formats.
Sony GZR5D
(Rs 12,990)
Tere are plenty of affordable hi-fi systems out there still in the running from the past, but nothing comes close to the GZR 5D it has 3-CD changer and USB functionality.
Bose Series 2 Sound Dock
(Rs 19,013)
Bose has launched a couple of improved sound docks after it released the Series 2. However, for music lovers who are on a fairly tight budget despite wanting the best there is in music, the Series 2 still remains a very good pick for iPods.
Bose Lifestyle 48
(Rs 2,58,638)
The Lifestyle 48 may be on the costlier side of things, but there is no denying that it can give most recent HTSes a run for their money. It has a DVD player which is compatible with most modern day TVs. But what it excels in is sound. It is also a feast for the eyes.
