Yamaha YAS-201

Separate speakers are all well and good if you've the space and décor to accommodate wall-mounted speakers. For those who prefer a more streamlined living room, however, the secret to invisible home theatre sound is that marvel of modern invention: the soundbar.

Yamaha all but invented the technology and they're still the leaders in the field with advanced models reaching over the £1000 mark, but if you're after convincing, immersive surround sound without a bank-busting price tag attached then you won't do better than the YAS-201. Wireless subwoofer, sleek design and compatible with every sound format you can throw at it, this affordable bar is a huge step up from built-in TV speakers and, properly configured, all but indistinguishable from having a cluster of speakers bolted to your walls. More information