The compact speakers of Yamaha’s YHT-670 home-theater-in-a-box not only mimic the sound of HTIBs with tower speakers, the sound can be upgraded down the road with better speakers.

The HTS-GS1 will match your Xbox 360 and rock out on games, but there are better packages for your money.

Pioneer’s HTS-560DV system looks pretty slick and comes with a full roster of features including automatic speaker calibration and HDMI output, but its sound quality is lackluster, especially for music.

The Pioneer HTP-3800′s high-style speakers were designed to match pricey plasma TVs, but their sound quality is low-rent.

Panasonic’s midprice SC-RT50 theater system combines a DVD recorder with HDMI output and sleek looks, but it sounds no better than the company’s cheaper models, and it’s no replacement for a TiVo-style DVR.

Sharp’s SD-SP10 budget-priced virtual-surround speaker/subwoofer combo is sonically competitive with far more expensive single-speaker systems.

If you put a higher value on sound quality than on trim dimensions, Onkyo's HT-S790 home-theater system is a slam-dunk choice.

If you put a higher value on sound quality than on trim dimensions, Onkyo’s HT-S790 home-theater system is a slam-dunk choice.

The unremarkable sound quality of the Philips HTS6500 is outweighed by its winning combination of slick aesthetics, impressive features, and affordable pricing.

The sound quality of the Onkyo HT-S990THX is among the best you'll get from a home-theater-in-a-box system, but the lack of cutting-edge video features is a disappointment.

Considering its bargain-basement price, Panasonic's SC-HT40 home theater in a box is an outstanding value.

The Sony DAV-FX900W Dream System maxes out on style and features–such as HDMI output and wireless rear speakers–but its sound quality is disappointing relative to the price.

A unique wireless rear speaker makes the Panasonic SC-HT640W an impressive value for anyone in the market for a sub-$300 home-theater system.

The most expensive home-theater package in Harman Kardon's 2006 line, the CP 35 combines a DVD player, a 7.1-speaker package, the company's well-apportioned AVR 335 A/V receiver, and a matching remote control in one package.

The Harman Kardon CP 25 combines a DVD player, a 7.1-speaker package, the company’s capable AVR 235 A/V receiver, and a matching remote control in one package.

The Harman Kardon CP 15 combines a set of 5.1 surround-sound speakers, a DVD player, the company’s entry-level 2005 receiver, and a matching remote control in one package.

Though it doesn't sound great on music, JVC's seriously affordable and compact home theater in a box scores with ample features and solid performance.

The keenly balanced Panasonic SC-HT940 home-theater system boasts an affordable price tag, a generous and truly useful feature set, and decent all-around performance.

The Harman Kardon HS 100's elegant good looks and sweet musicality may be enough for some buyers, but the pricey system lacks the oomph for convincing home-theater duty.

The elegantly designed JVC EX-A10 delivers rich sound for movies and music without taking over your entire room.

Yamaha's cheap and cheerful Yamaha YHT-160 comes with a component-grade A/V receiver, a potent subwoofer, and spunky minisatellites.

The Sony DAV-FX10 delivers the goods as an affordable and attractive home-theater solution, but competitors offer more for less.

With its abundant feature set, great sound quality, eye-catching design, and superlative ease of use, iPod-friendly Denon S-301 2.1 home-theater system is the best we've reviewed so far.

JVC's TH-C6 is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sweet-sounding and slick-looking affordable home-theater system.