Stiftung Warentest: Surround speaker systems in the sound check
In the 12/2013 issue, Stiftung Warentest calls twelve 5.1 surround speaker systems for a sound check: with six boxes, the sound systems of different price ranges should produce a perfect all-round sound. While the most expensive models came in last, there is a real bargain among the top 3 - we have summarized results and buying tips here.
Speakers in the goods test: the high-priced top sound
- The test winner in the product test is the speaker system "Canton GLE" with 2-way 426 compact speakers (4x), a Canton GLE 456 center speaker and the GLE Sub 8.2 bass speaker. With around 1, 100 euros, the system is one of the high-priced models of the test, but with 2.0 it also received the top grade in sound and overall quality - among other things for the overwhelming sound volume.
- Second place is shared by two competitors from the same price range: the Nubert nuBox 311 set, together with the Heco Music Color range (Music Colors 100, Center 80, Phalanx Micro 200A), achieved a grade of 2.1. Both speaker systems currently cost around 1, 000 euros.
- The two runners-up achieved very similar individual results at Stiftung Warentest: Like the test winner, they are characterized by a particularly voluminous sound quality and proved to be extremely present.
- The devices are also up to date when it comes to "environmental friendliness" and protect your wallet with their particularly low power consumption.
- While most of the differences between the top three places are only minor subtleties, the size of the "Heco Music Colors" is noticeable: the sound system is significantly smaller and space-saving, but still creates a rich all-round sound.
Inexpensive Surrounding in 3rd place - small boxes really big
The third place in the product test shows that you can turn your living room into a cinema with inexpensive equipment:
- On the heels of the test winners, the Harman Kardon HKTS 16 loudspeaker system takes third place with a grade of 2.2 and the best price-performance ratio: for around 420 euros at the moment, it is a worthwhile alternative for price-conscious film enjoyment.
- Instead of large boxes, there are small front and rear speakers that have an exceptionally good sound: With numerous systems, the small boxes are often the weak point - in the product test, however, the model proved a solid performance. According to the experts, it plays in the top league in spatial sound.
- In our photo gallery we have provided and rated 15 other inexpensive sound systems with the most important details.
Goods test taillight: expensive devil with mediocre sound
- The Teufel Cubycon 2 speakers with WiFi (price approx. 1, 200 euros) disappointed in the test with a "satisfactory".
- Overall, the surround system did not go beyond a 2.7: The experts complained above all about the unnatural sound, which was particularly important in the test. In the individual rating "Sound", the loudspeaker therefore received the worst result (grade 2.9).
- You can read all the details of the test at test.de for a fee.
Surround conclusion and space-saving alternatives
- The product test shows that even the largest and most expensive sound systems are no guarantee of a brilliant soundscape.
- Instead, small, inexpensive speaker sets can also convince, but you have to pay attention to the quality of the front and rear speakers.
- We looked at a few more surround systems that will turn your TV into a home theater.
Surround alternative: soundbar
- Space-saving alternative: With a good soundbar, you already get a sound experience that is as good as with surround speakers.
- They are not only smaller, but usually also cheaper - a look at the CHIP leaderboard shows the worthwhile speaker competition.
Reading tip: With the CHIP test winners, we have recreated the perfect home cinema - which products have made it there, you can read in this article.