Monoprice 133831 Home Theater System Review
Our verdict
The Monoprice 133831 is a 5.1.2-channel system that adds two height channels for Dolby Atmos-compatible playback, rated at 300 W across the array, and priced at $271.30. It is a rare find at this price for buyers who want overhead audio without stepping up to expensive separates.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Home theater enthusiasts who want to add Atmos height channels on a budget and already have or are shopping for a compatible AV receiver with Atmos decoding.
Skip if
You do not have or plan to buy an Atmos-capable AV receiver, need wireless connectivity, or want a standalone all-in-one system without a separate amplifier.
- Channels 5.1.2
- Power 300 W
- Connectivity Aux
- Color Black
- Dimensions 4.3 X 4.3 X 10.2 In
- Weight 3.0 lb
- Priced 27% below the category median ($369.95 across 27 tracked models)
- Weight of 3.0 lb - lighter than 81% of the 28 models we track
Pros
- 5.1.2 channel layout supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height information
- 300 W total power provides useful headroom for the full speaker array
- Compact satellite enclosures at 4.3 x 4.3 x 10.2 in are easy to position
- Monoprice's direct-sale model typically delivers more hardware per dollar than retail brands
Cons
- Requires a separate Atmos-capable AV receiver, so total system cost is higher than $271.30
- 84 reviews is a thin feedback base for a system at this price
- Aux-only connectivity means no digital input at the speaker level
- Individual speaker build quality at this price point may not match premium brands
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 84 owner ratings
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Popularity2.3/5
84 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Monoprice 133831 is a 5.1.2-channel speaker package that includes the two height speakers needed for a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround setup. At 300 W across the array it has solid output headroom. The price of $271.30 is notable because 5.1.2 speaker sets from established brands typically start well above this.
At 3 lb and measuring 4.3 x 4.3 x 10.2 inches per the listed dimensions, the individual satellites are compact. Connectivity is Aux, which means this is a passive or line-level system intended to work with a separate AV receiver rather than functioning as a standalone powered unit. That distinction is important: buyers need to budget for an Atmos-capable receiver in addition to this speaker set.
With 84 reviews at 4.2 stars the feedback base is modest but reasonably balanced. Monoprice has a reputation for delivering good value by selling direct and avoiding retail markup, and that philosophy is visible in how this set is positioned against brand-name competitors.
Specifications
| Channels | 5.1.2 |
|---|---|
| Power | 300 W |
| Connectivity | Aux |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 4.3 X 4.3 X 10.2 In |
| Weight | 3.0 lb |
Performance notes
Channels: 5.1.2. Power: 300 W. Connectivity: Aux. Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 10.2 in. Weight: 3 lb. Color: Black.
What buyers say
Eighty-four reviews at 4.2 stars suggests a mostly satisfied early adopter base. Monoprice products in this range tend to draw technically informed buyers who understand they are trading brand prestige for specs-per-dollar, and the review score reflects that the trade is working for most of them.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special AV receiver to use the Monoprice 133831?
Yes. To take full advantage of the 5.1.2 layout and Dolby Atmos height channels, you need an AV receiver with at least 7.1 or 5.1.2 channel amplification and Atmos decoding. Many current mid-range AV receivers from Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, and Marantz support this. Budget around $300 and up for a capable receiver.
Are the height speakers ceiling-mount or upward-firing?
The spec data does not confirm the height speaker implementation. Atmos height channels can be delivered through ceiling-mounted speakers or upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling. Check the Monoprice product page or manual to confirm the height channel type and installation requirements before purchasing.
How does this compare to buying a soundbar with Atmos?
A discrete 5.1.2 speaker system like the 133831 placed correctly around the room delivers more accurate channel separation than a soundbar's virtual surround or single upward-firing driver. The trade-off is complexity: you need speaker wires, an AV receiver, and proper placement. A soundbar is simpler but typically cannot match the immersiveness of a well-installed discrete system.