Best Home Audio Equipment for 2022: Complete Buyers Guide

There is no mistaking the fact that home audio has come a long way in recent years. Today’s home theatre systems are capable of delivering truly immersive sound, making it feel as though you are right in the middle of the action. If you are looking to upgrade your home audio setup, then you will want to be sure to check out the following equipment. This guide will walk you through the considerations for any home audio installation, recommendations for tools needed for DIY installation, and some of the best home audio products on the market for 2022.

Before you Buy Home Audio Equipment

Before you go dropping thousands on new home audio equipment, be sure to do some research first on what exactly you want out of your home audio. We have seen people spend thousands of dollars on un-necessary home audio equipment, while the other guy buys a decent sound bar and out-shines the bug spender. Before you buy audio equipment, here are a few things to consider in the process:

How to choose the right audio system for your needs
Installation tips and advice
The future of home audio
Top home audio products of 2022

1. Choosing the Right System

Man Cave. It’s a term that conjures up images of pool tables, big screen TVs and, of course, home audio systems. For many men, having a great home audio setup is a top priority-even if the man-cave is more like a whole house family hangout. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right home audio system for your needs.

First, consider the size of your home. If you live in a small apartment, you’ll need a much different system than someone who lives in a large house. Second, think about the types of activities you’ll be using the system for. Are you looking for background music during dinner parties or do you want to be able to rock out to your favorite tunes in your man cave/house hangout? Third, take into account the quality of sound you’re looking for. If you’re an audiophile, you’ll want a high-end system that can reproduce studio-quality sound. Finally, don’t forget to budget for future proofing. Technology changes quickly and home audio systems are no exception. In 2022, Dolby Atmos and other immersive sound formats are the standard in home theatre systems- and they should bode well into the next 5+ years. By keeping these factors in mind, you can narrow down the options and choose the best home audio system for your needs.

2. Installation Tips/Tricks

If you’re looking to improve the audio quality in your home, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best sound possible. First, consider the size and layout of your home. This will determine the type of audio system you need and where to place the speakers for optimal sound quality. Second, think about your budget and what you’re looking to spend on your home audio system. Typical systems (outside of a sound-bar) include at least 3-5 components. There are a variety of options available, so it’s important to find something that fits your needs and budget. Finally, consult with a professional to get expert advice on the best way to set up your home audio system. This can include wiring, power systems, relays for wireless controlling, and other components to ensure you are wiring for the features you want. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying crystal-clear sound in your home.

DIY Home Audio Installation Must Grabs

If you want to tackle home audio install by yourself, there are just a few key products you will need in addition to your main speaker setup. With the following tools/wiring you can DIY Home Install your theatre and sound system in no time. Here are a few must get items before you start:

Wiring: 50ft 12 Gauge Speaker Wire – Copper Cable is our suggested wiring to use. Get it on AMAZON for only $19
Wire Cutters/Splicers: You don’t need to drop $50 on these- A simple $6 pair will do the trick.
Banana Plugs: These come in handy when connecting the wiring to the speakers and into the receiver or other ancillary devices. Grab a handful to ensure you have enough. Ballpark $24 on Amazon
While you are considering the setup, you can also grab a few zip ties for wiring organization, tape to label wires and which speaker it is connected to and so on- not mandatory but recommended.

3. Future of Home Audio

Home audio has come a long way in the last few years. What once required expensive equipment and hours of tinkering is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone. However, home audio is still evolving, and the next few years will see even more dramatic changes. By 2025, the quality of home audio will rival that of a professional studio, and the best systems will be able to recreate the sound of a movie theatre. In addition, home audio will become more closely integrated with other smart home technologies. For example, you might be able to not only use your voice to control your music, but you might have your lights adjust automatically to match the mood of your music or tone of the gathering. The future of home audio is looking bright, and it’s only going to get better from here.

4. Top Home Audio Brands + Products for 2022

With so many home audio brands, equipment, and suggestions out there- how does one choose the right home audio brand for their dream setup? We did the leg work, and found what we believe are some of the best choices for quality sound in 2022.

Definitive Technology Ultra Slim Soundbar

Definitive Technology Ultra-Slim Sound Bar System– With its six-driver array, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, and built-in streaming capabilities, the Studio 3D Mini is so compact, it’s easy to miss. Until you hear it. With its two 1” aluminum dome tweeters and four 1’ x 3” racetrack drivers, including two side-firing drivers for a wide, detailed soundstage, the Studio 3D Mini makes every movie an award-winner for sound.

Why we Love it:

With a single app, you can access millions of available songs, including thousands of Hi-Res Audio tracks, as well as your own digital library.

Shop Definitive Technology

Polk Audio R600 Gold System

Our pick for a home audio- all in one bundle- has to be the Polk Reserve R600 Gold System. The ultimate in high performance audio and incredible value, this bundle delivers the killer home theater and hi-fi sound that’s winning Reserve Series top honors. Left and right Reserve R600 Towers blend perfectly with dual R100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers, an R300 Center Channel, R900 Height Modules, and an HTS 12 Subwoofer.