Kinds of home cinema kit
- 5.1 speaker packages: slim satellites, a centre and a subwoofer bought together. KEF's T Series is a long-running example.
- Satellites and centre speakers: bought individually when you're starting a system or adding to one. Most of the speech comes from the centre.
- Subwoofers: from larger boxes to compact force-cancelling designs. KEF's ranges include the Kube subs, and a wireless adapter can link a KEF sub without a cable.
- Stereo pairs for TV: active speakers that connect by optical or HDMI ARC, an alternative to a soundbar.
- Soundbars: from basic stereo bars up to Atmos models with a sub, some with rear speakers in the box.
- Wireless systems and add-ons: speakers that link to a small control box or bar without speaker cables, plus wireless rears and subs that extend a system from the same brand.
- Players: Blu-ray players and other sources to feed the system.
Which set-up suits you?
| Option | Suits | Worth checking |
| 5.1 package | Films, sport and games with sound all round. | A receiver with a channel for every speaker. |
| Separate speakers | Building a system to fit the room, or upgrading one. | That they sound alike; stay within one series where possible. |
| Subwoofer | Deep bass for action, scores and games. | How big the room is, and how the sub connects. |
| Active stereo pair | Clearer TV sound with no receiver and a single cable. | An HDMI ARC or optical output on the TV. |
| Soundbar system | Surround with the fewest boxes and cables. | Which add-on rears and subs it accepts. |
Making the choice
On the wall or on stands?
T Series speakers are very slim and sit neatly on the wall beside a flat TV. Can't drill? Matching floor stands are in audio accessories.
Size of room
A big room needs larger satellites and a stronger subwoofer so people on the back row aren't short-changed. In a smaller space, a compact package sounds balanced without overpowering it.
Build it in stages
With passive speakers and an AV receiver, begin with front speakers and a sub, then add a centre and rears later. That way the cost is spread out, and you get to judge every addition on its merits.
Matching a soundbar to the screen
A bar looks right when it's about the width of the TV or a touch narrower. Small bars suit bedroom and kitchen sets; the widest, with the most drivers, are for big living-room screens. On a unit in front of the TV, check the bar is low enough to keep the lower edge of the screen clear.
Growing a soundbar system
Plenty of bars accept a wireless sub and rears from the same brand. Buy the bar now and expand when you're ready, after checking the compatible add-ons on its product page.
Mounting a soundbar
Some bars retune themselves when hung on a wall; others are meant to sit on furniture. If you want it on the wall, see whether a bracket comes in the box.
Before you order
- Check the receiver. Passive speakers rely on it for power, so make sure it has a channel for every speaker.
- Plan the cables. Rears are wired back to the receiver, so decide how the wires will run before anything goes on the wall.
- Put the sub near a socket. Going wireless avoids a lengthy signal lead across the room.
- Use ARC or eARC. It carries sound from the TV to the receiver or speakers.
The brands we sell
Our home cinema range comes from Hisense, TCL, LG and Samsung. The brand filter beside the products lets you compare one maker with another.
Buying home cinema from KDH Electrical
Speakers, subwoofers and players come with their maker's UK guarantee. Delivery is free beyond £600, typically within 3–7 working days.
If a UK retailer has it for less, our price match can help. Ring 01622 541312 to plan your system, or call before you visit our showroom in Rochester to hear what's on display.
Home Cinema: your questions answered
Do I need an AV receiver?
For passive surround speakers, yes: it powers them, decodes surround formats and switches between sources. Active stereo pairs don't need one.
Can home cinema speakers go on the wall?
Slim satellites like the KEF T Series are designed for it. Follow the manual's fixing advice and use plugs and screws to suit your wall.
Where do rear speakers go?
Level with or slightly behind your seats, at or a little above ear height. The receiver's set-up routine then balances the levels.
Should I choose a stereo pair over a soundbar?
Speakers either side of the screen give genuine left and right separation. The result is a wider soundstage and speech that's often clearer than a bar manages.
Can I add a subwoofer later?
Yes. Most AV receivers have a sub output, and KEF's wireless adapter links its subs without a cable.
Can I add rears to my soundbar later?
Often. Many bars connect wirelessly to rears and a sub made by the same company; compatible extras are named on each listing.
Is a Blu-ray player still worth having?
If you stream, it isn't essential, but a disc doesn't depend on your broadband and lets you keep enjoying the films you own. Blu-ray players play DVDs too.