I review TVs for a living, and this is the home theater system to buy for Prime Day

Hisense U8H TV and Vizio M-Series Elevate soundbar on red background

(Image credit: Future)

Surveying the landscape of Amazon Prime Day audio and video deals, I’m finding a few that strike me as well worth taking advantage of. Better yet, I’m seeing Prime Day TV deals on gear that I think would pair together nicely to create a full home theater system. The total price for such a system would be impressively low while providing the benefits of Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos sound, and 4K streaming. Here’s what I have in mind.

Browse the full list of Amazon Prime Day deals now

Hisense 65-inch mini-LED TV – 10% off for Prime Day

The Hisense U8H series was the company’s top TV line for 2022, and the first Hisense TVs to add mini-LED backlighting. These are QLED TVs that are capable of hitting high brightness levels for daytime sports viewing, while their local dimming backlight brings out fine details in dark shadows when watching movies. The U8H series is also a good option for gaming, with support for 4K 120Hz input from next-gen gaming consoles and variable refresh rate (VRR).

In our Hisense 65U8H review, we were impressed by its ability to deliver brightness levels that matched more expensive TVs, while also displaying natural-looking colors. Motion processing was also very good, which had benefits for both movies and gaming. With Amazon’s Prime Day price cut, this affordable 65-inch model has been reduced to $839, making an already great TV value that much better.

VIZIO Elevate 5.1.2 Soundbar system – now 41% off

Vizio’s M-Series Elevate, the company’s flagship soundbar system, combines a five-channel bar with a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers. What’s most notable about this system is the Adaptive Height Speakers built into the main soundbar, which automatically rotate up when a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtrack is detected to optimally deliver height effects. It’s a very cool and clever design, and one that’s unique for a relatively low-cost system.

On the subject of cost, the M-Series Elevate is now $475.99 – a 41% drop from its regular $799.99 price. Getting a 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar system for under $500 is a fantastic deal, especially one that offers this level of design innovation.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K – now just $34 for Prime Day

Roku makes a lot of streaming sticks, but the one we’d recommend is the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, which provides key features like 4K video and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range at a lower price than the company’s Streaming Stick 4K+. Why am I even bothering to mention an external streamer when the Hisense 65U8H TV has a Google TV interface for built-in streaming? Because I think Roku’s smart TV interface is superior, mainly due to its simple and straightforward layout.

Amazon’s Prime Day knocks the cost of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K down from $49.99 to $34. At that price, you should be able to afford to upgrade your streaming experience even when buying a new TV and soundbar system as well.

A full Prime Day system

The total price for this Prime Day system: $1,349. That’s an incredible value considering what you’re getting here, and the video and audio performance should satisfy all but the most rabid home theater fanatics. Add everything to your cart, select free shipping, and get ready to have your mind blown, because each component here comes highly recommended.

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Al Griffin has been writing about and reviewing A/V tech since the days LaserDiscs roamed the earth, and was previously the editor of Sound & Vision magazine.

When not reviewing the latest and greatest gear or watching movies at home, he can usually be found out and about on a bike.