Best Home Theater Upgrades (2025): Audio, Lighting & Smart Control
Updated October 2025
Top 5 Best Home Theater Upgrades Compared
| Upgrade | Best For | Smart Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X3800H | Full Dolby Atmos & HDMI 2.1 integration | Voice, HEOS Multiroom | $1,699 |
| Sonos Arc + Sub (Gen 3) | Wireless surround simplicity | Trueplay, Alexa/Google | $1,598 |
| Philips Hue Sync Box + Gradient Lightstrip | Dynamic ambient lighting | Hue Bridge, HDMI sync | $249 + $199 |
| LG CineBeam S PU615U | Ultra-short throw 4K projection | webOS, SmartThings | $1,296 |
| Apple TV 4K (Matter/Thread) | All-in-one streaming & automation | Thread, Matter, HomeKit | $129–$149 |
Hands-On Picks & Testing Results
In our testing suite, we focused on outcomes that matter in daily use: how clearly dialogue stands out at lower volumes, how smoothly lights sync with on-screen action, and how quickly devices rejoin your network after a power cut or router reboot. Below are the standout upgrades that delivered performance and convenience strong enough to earn a permanent spot in our home theater test room.
The Denon AVR-X3800H remains one of the most complete receivers we have tested. With 9.4 channels, HDMI 2.1, and 8K passthrough, it is ideal for Dolby Atmos and 4K HDR setups. Setup is straightforward via the Denon Setup Assistant, and it supports HEOS for wireless streaming throughout your home.
In our living room test with a 5.1.4 layout, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 did a good job leveling height speakers and taming a boomy corner sub. Dialogue intelligibility improved noticeably once we re-ran calibration with the microphone at true ear height. Owners often mention fan noise in long sessions; in our tests the chassis ran warm but not alarming when given a few inches of clearance on all sides.
Pros
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D
- Excellent calibration via Audyssey MultEQ XT32
- HEOS, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility
- Multiple HDMI 2.1 (40 Gbps) inputs for consoles and PC
Cons
- Setup takes time for optimal calibration
- Audyssey app add-on costs extra if you want deep tuning
For those who prefer a wire-free approach, the Sonos Arc with Sub (Gen 3) delivers cinematic performance without clutter. The Arc’s 11 Class-D amplifiers create an enveloping Dolby Atmos effect, while the Sub adds palpable low-end weight without distortion. Setup via the Sonos app takes minutes and automatically tunes to your room through Trueplay calibration on a compatible iPhone.
In our apartment living room, we measured clear dialogue at lower volumes where TV speakers and cheaper bars usually smear speech into background noise. We did hear occasional lip-sync drift when the TV’s own processing was active, which we resolved by enabling eARC and disabling unnecessary motion smoothing. Owners frequently highlight the clean design and stable app as long term strengths, while noting that a full surround setup with rears is firmly in premium territory.
Pros
- Powerful immersive sound with simple setup
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speaker options
- Integrates easily with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home
Cons
- Premium price for full surround configuration
- Limited DTS support compared with full AVRs
We observed that pairing the Sonos Arc with a smart lighting system like the Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip from our Best Smart Light Strips 2025 guide transforms an ordinary living room into a synchronized audio-visual zone. Lights subtly react to explosions, car chases, or musical crescendos, which makes simple streaming nights feel closer to a dedicated theater.
Philips Hue Sync Box + Gradient Lightstrip
This combo delivers dynamic bias lighting that matches your screen in real time. In our tests, Hue Sync tightened perceived contrast at lower brightness, which reduces eye strain for long movie nights. The Gradient strip wraps corners evenly, so colors look continuous instead of segmented.
We noticed that action-heavy games benefit most from the fast HDMI sync, while slower dramas feel better with lower intensity and a narrower color range. Some owners report confusion during first-time setup; using a dedicated HDMI input on your AVR or TV and following the on-screen prompts closely avoided those issues in our lab.
Pros
- Convincing ambient bias lighting around the TV
- Low latency HDMI sync for consoles and streamers
- Integrates with scenes from our Smart Lighting Setup Guide
Cons
- Requires Hue Bridge for full features
- Works best when all key sources run through HDMI
Tip: Pair the Gradient strip with a wall wash from Best Smart Light Strips 2025 to soften edge hotspots behind larger screens. Support and specs: Philips Hue Support.
The PU615U throws a 100 to 120 inch image from inches away. In our room with moderate ambient light, Filmmaker Mode and an ALR screen preserved shadow detail without obvious hotspotting. Input latency is acceptable for console gaming and movies look crisp with solid motion handling.
Owners who move from an OLED TV often comment that absolute black levels are a step down, but the jump in image size makes sports, animated films, and big-budget sci-fi feel closer to a commercial theater. During testing, we found fan noise noticeable in quiet, dialogue-heavy scenes at high brightness; running the projector in Eco mode reduced that hum without a major brightness penalty in a darkened room.
Pros
- Bright 4K UST with punchy HDR on an ALR screen
- webOS streaming and smart control built in
- Clean cable routing near the wall for tidy setups
Cons
- Best results require a proper ALR projector screen
- Black levels trail high-end OLED TVs
If you are still on the fence between projector and TV, compare this pick with our dedicated Best Home Projectors (2025) guide. Learn about HDMI 2.1 transport and cables at the HDMI Forum. Dolby format guidance is available at Dolby.
Apple TV 4K (Thread + Matter Hub)
If your theater already leans toward HomeKit, Apple TV 4K doubles as a fast streamer and a reliable Thread border router. We used it to coordinate dimming scenes with Hue, arming the front door from Best Smart Door Locks, and setting Quiet Hours automations for late viewing.
During testing, Siri scenes consistently triggered multiple devices in under a second on a wired network connection. The main complaint we share with many owners is the touch-sensitive remote taking time to adjust to; we recommend increasing click sensitivity in settings and enabling Control Center access on your iPhone as a backup remote.
Pros
- Acts as a local Matter and Thread hub
- Low friction automations with Siri scenes
- High quality streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos
Cons
- Best fit for Apple-centric homes
- Remote takes adjustment for precise scrubbing
For advanced local control, Home Assistant is a powerful option. It integrates well with media players and lighting scenes for users who want dashboards and fine-grained automation.
Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Adding energy monitoring to your AVR, projector, or streaming stack helps quantify standby draw. Our tests show typical idle loads between 9 and 28 watts depending on brand and HDMI CEC settings. Tie the plug into theater scenes to cut phantom power when you are done.
Owners who plug entire AV racks into a single smart strip sometimes report nuisance trips and app glitches. We found better results using smart plugs for lower draw gear like streamers and players, while leaving high-current amplifiers on a dedicated surge protector or power conditioner. That approach aligns with the savings patterns we highlight in Energy Monitors vs Smart Plugs.
Pros
- Track real time and historical energy usage
- Integrates with scenes and routines for auto shutoff
- Simple automation wins with low cost
Cons
- Do not use on high current amplifiers
- Cheaper models may have clunky apps
See our deeper picks in Smart Plugs & Energy Monitors: Best Picks 2025 and the savings breakdown in Energy Monitors vs Smart Plugs.
Setup and integration
Follow a simple order of operations. Wire the display and sources to the AVR first, confirm video formats, then layer in audio calibration and lighting sync. Keeping all firmware current dramatically reduces HDMI handshake issues and odd bugs like disappearing inputs or missing Atmos indicators.
- HDMI and video path: Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables. Verify 4K120 or 8K passthrough in the AVR menu and on your console. Guidance lives at the HDMI Forum.
- Speaker placement and calibration: Position fronts at ear height, angle them to the main seat, and place height channels in line with Dolby recommendations. Run Audyssey, Dirac, or Trueplay and save at least two profiles. See Dolby for placement tips.
- Lighting scenes: Create Movie, Intermission, and End Credits scenes in your lighting app. Sync gradients to HDMI sources and cap max brightness to avoid color washout. Cross reference our Smart Lighting Setup Guide for sensor and dimmer ideas.
- Voice and routines: Add an automation that dims lights, powers the AVR, selects the input, and arms the front door if you have a smart lock. See Smart Home Devices for Entertaining for scene examples.
- Power management: Use smart plugs or an IP power strip for low draw gear only. Do not place large amplifiers on consumer plugs; give them a quality surge protector instead.
We observed that splitting calibration into daytime and nighttime presets improves dialogue intelligibility without constant remote tweaks. In one of our test rooms, the Day preset lifts the center channel a few decibels and trims sub bass slightly. The Night preset drops overall volume, enables dynamic range compression, and caps maximum output so neighbors or sleeping kids are not disturbed.
How to choose the right upgrades
Start with your room, not your wishlist. The space determines speaker layout, screen size, and whether a projector or TV makes more sense. Work top down from display and seating distance, then choose audio power and control layers around that.
Room size and speaker layout
- Small rooms up to 180 sq ft: prioritize a quality soundbar with wireless surrounds. Add a single sub and consider a compact Hue setup for bias lighting.
- Medium rooms 180 to 350 sq ft: a 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 AVR with compact height speakers performs well. This is where the AVR-X3800H and similar receivers shine.
- Large rooms above 350 sq ft: step to 9 channels or separates with multiple subs and careful placement. You may also want acoustic panels as described later.
Display choice
- Bright living rooms: a large OLED or Mini LED keeps contrast with lights on. Combine local dimming with bias lighting to reduce eye strain.
- Light controlled rooms: a UST projector with an ALR screen delivers cinematic size without a full remodel. Our projector pick pairs well with the other options in Best Home Projectors (2025).
Smart ecosystem
- Apple-centric homes: Apple TV 4K doubles as a hub and supports Thread and Matter scenes tied into HomeKit.
- Alexa or Google homes: Sonos Arc and Hue Sync integrate quickly with voice routines and groups.
Connectivity and formats
- Confirm HDMI 2.1 on the AVR if you run PS5 or Xbox at 4K120.
- Use eARC when the TV is the source switch. Otherwise, route sources directly to the AVR for lowest input lag.
- Follow Dolby guidance for speaker placement and height angles.
Advanced setup notes
- CEC sanity check: disable CEC on devices that fight for input control. Leave it enabled on the primary display and AVR only. Many readers report this alone fixes random power-ons.
- Subwoofer integration: start with an 80 Hz crossover, phase at 0, and adjust by ear or simple measurement apps. Two subs placed asymmetrically often smooth bass across a couch.
- Acoustic panels: first reflection panels and a thick rug can improve clarity more than an incremental speaker upgrade. We saw measurable improvements in RT60 times in our test space with just four panels and a denser rug.
- Network: put streamers and AVRs on Ethernet for stability. Save Wi-Fi for remotes, bulbs, and phones. This reduced buffering and app crashes in our multi-room tests.
For ongoing optimization, keep using your Day and Night presets as your reference. Day lifts dialogue and trims bass slightly. Night enables dynamic range compression, reduces bass bloom, and caps max volume. When you add a new device, re-run calibration and briefly compare both profiles before locking them in.
For scene building and seasonal ambiance, blend this guide with Smart Holiday Lighting Ideas and our entertaining devices roundup. If you want more control and energy insights, pair your rack with picks from Smart Plugs and Energy Monitors and the usage dashboards from Energy Monitors vs Smart Plugs. For bias lighting and gaming ambience, add strips from Best Smart Light Strips.
FAQ
Do I need Dolby Atmos for a small room?
Atmos height effects still help with immersion in small rooms. A compact 5.1.2 setup with either low profile heights or upfiring modules is usually enough. In our smallest test room, adding two height channels made rain and crowd scenes feel noticeably more enveloping.
Is a projector better than a big TV?
Projectors win on size per dollar in dark rooms where you want 100 inches or more. TVs win for mixed lighting, motion handling, and day-to-day convenience. If you often watch sports with lights on, a bright OLED or Mini LED is usually the safer pick.
How important is an AVR in 2025?
An AVR remains the most flexible way to manage many sources, future video formats, and real speaker power. Soundbars are simpler and tidier, but they are less expandable if you plan to add more speakers or upgrade displays over time.
Should I upgrade cables?
Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI for 4K120 or 8K sources and keep runs as short as practical. Avoid overly long passive cables and unverified no-name brands for your main signal chain. Check specs at the HDMI Forum.
Can I automate lights to match movies?
Yes. The Philips Hue Sync Box with Gradient Lightstrip provides reliable HDMI-based sync. Once set up, you can roll everything into a single movie scene that turns on the TV, switches the AVR input, dims lamps, and activates bias lighting in one command. See setup resources at Philips Hue Support.
