Audio Home Theater

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black)

The DAV-HDX589W BRAVIA theater system boasts an integrated 5 DVD/CD changer, and 1000 watts of room-filling power. With the included S-AIR rear speakers with rear receiver and amp (WAHT-SA10), you can now hear powerful sound from behind you without running wires. iPod support is limited based upon which optional Digital media Port is being used. The unit will support the following players: iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod Nano 1st, 2nd & 3rd generation, iPod 4th & 5th generation & iPod Mini. The TDM-IP 50 adds iPhone support as well.

• 1000 watts over 5 channels
• S-AIR multi-room capable ( AIR-SA10 sold separately)
• HDMI upscaling to 720p/1080i of DVD media
• Includes wireless rear speaker system

Rating: (out of 111 reviews)

List Price: $ 429.99
Price: Too low to display

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black) Reviews

Review by R. Bazan:

I purchased this unit to complement a Samsung LN52a550 HDTV. Didn’t feel there was enough sound from the unit to complement the samsungs outstanding video. Shopped for reasonably priced HTIB units and decided (despite cautions that most didn’t perform) to give this unit a try. In my wildest expectations I never thought this unit would perform up to its marketing description. Placed in a den of that is approx. 15 x 25 and playing a Dolby DVD, it placed me in a cinema that provides sound effects that truly astounded. I’ll qualify this by saying that I’m a audio neophyte but for this sound at this amount of money I am truly impressed.

Be aware that this Sony unit is being used with a Samsung HDTV and consequently the transition between DVD usage & HDTV usage (must change input source) is a bit bothersome. I found that in order to obtain full surround sound from the unit when receiving audio only from you TV (not from the DVD) you must purchase a digital optical cable.

Hope I haven’t misled any one but if you select this unit I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed.

Review by H. Rosales:

(UPDATE:

I just found out that the S-AIR technology interferes with the wii remote. The cursor on the screen will jump all over the place and the sound on the wii remote will get cut out. It very noticeable playing Super Mario Galaxy when selecting your file on the file menu. So if you own a wii you will be very disappointed. Turning off the home theater or taking out the S-AIR cart on the back of the receiver solves the problem. Way to go Sony. I think you did this on purpose. NEW RATING: 4 STARS. Original rating was 5 stars.)

This Home theater system is great. The wireless system is nearly perfect, so far only a couple of weird click noises, but I have been using this 24/7 and it has worked beautifully. The design is really elegant for the price. Before getting this system I tried a Panasonic SC-PT660 5 DVD Home Theater System, the Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX587WC 5.1 Channel Theater System and the Sony HSS360 component system. And this system beats all of them by a mile. Highly Recommended.

Buy Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black) now for only Too low to display!

Sony HTSS360 5.1 channel Home Theater System (Black)

A perfect complement to Blu-ray Disc format movies and advanced gaming platforms, this slim, surround sound receiver system offers simplicity in set-up and connectivity. Experience the full benefit Blu-ray Disc technology sound was developed for with three HDMI inputs. Connect HD sources with a single cable and directly access them through the systems remote contro. One button control is also available with BRAVIA Sync technology and the system cosmetically compliments Blu-ray Disc players and TVs.

• Surround sound home theater system optimized for HD
• 3 HDMI inputs with Active Intelligence
• Cosmetically compliments BRAVIA TVs and Sony BD players
• BRAVIA sync
• iPod and other sources playback, with DMPORT accessories

Rating: (out of 104 reviews)

List Price: $ 349.99
Price: Too low to display

Sony BDVE500W 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray and DVD Disc Home Theater System (Black)

Experience premium high-definition picture quality and sound with the Sony BDV-E500W Blu-ray Disc home theater system. With this all-in-one system you enjoy the benefits of a Blu-ray Disc player – Full HD 1080p and DVDs in near HD picture quality, plus a powerful 5.1 channel surround sound system that decodes DTS-HD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD high-definition surround sound formats. Includes wireless rear speakers for convenient positioning and is upgradeable for multi-room listening – up to 10 rooms (AIR-SA10 sold separately).

• Wireless rear speakers using S-AIR technology
• Plays your Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• BD-Live ready
• Plays DVDs and upscales them to near high definition

Rating: (out of 33 reviews)

List Price: $ 799.99
Price: Too low to display

Onkyo HT-S3300 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver/Speaker Package ( Black)

If you’re looking for a future-ready receiver-and-speaker package that won’t break the bank, your search may be over. Meet Onkyo’s 5.1-channel HT-S3300—a system packed with so much advanced technology that it redefines entry-level home theater. As with every A/V receiver in Onkyo’s 2010 line-up, you get the latest iteration of HDMI—version 1.4. Three HDMI inputs let you hook up, say, your Blu-ray player, game console, and cable/satellite box—all of which can be output via a single cable to your connected high-res display. Not only is HDMI 1.4 compatible with next-generation 3D video, it also enables a convenient Audio Return Channel. On top of this, the HT-S3300 supports lossless HD audio formats from Dolby and DTS—previously the domain of mid-range to high-end receivers only. But that’s not all. The HT-S3300 also provides an overlaid On-Screen Display function for easy adjustment of settings; a Universal Port for one-cable connection of peripherals; Audyssey equalization; four gaming audio modes; and a fully immersive, beautifully balanced 5.1-channel speaker set.

• 660 Watts into 5.1 Channels
• HDMI Version 1.4 to Support 3D Video Formats, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color , x.v.Color , LipSync, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio , DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Multichannel PCM and CEC
• Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (3 Inputs and 1 Output)
• 4 DSP Modes for Gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG (Role Playing Game)
• Music Optimizer for Compressed Digital Music Files

List Price: $ 379.00
Price: $ 329.00

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System

HDTV is easy. Home-Theater sound systems used to be hard but Panasonic has made it easier than pie (ready-made pie). Blu-ray extends beyond HDTV in sound. HDTV has 5.1 channel ability but Blu-Ray offers 7.1 channels. The SC-BT300 boasts seven speakers to envelop viewers in a remarkably true-to-life surround sound experience. The front and center channel speakers are made with a bamboo diaphragm which provides a tightly intertwined fiber to deliver greater rigidity and accuracy, resulting in clear reproduction of sounds over a wide frequency range, from massive explosions to metallic clangs. The subwoofer features a Kelton system with a dual diameter structure to deliver a deep powerful bass. The Smart Set-up guide uses the help of GUI navigation to allow users to set up their SC-BT300 home-theater system for optimum performance. The result is being able to stay at home while enjoying a thrilling, incredibly lifelike audio performance that rivals a movie theater. The appeal of Panasonic Blu-ray products goes beyond the breathtaking pictures and sound; the networking functions open the door to new kinds of entertainment fun. The SC-BT300 can connect to the Internet for downloading bonus content available with Blu-ray Discs and for playing Internet games via BD-Live. This connectivity is further enhanced with the addition of VIERA-Cast. VIERA-Cast integrates the Amazon Video-on-Demand (VOD) online movie rental service. The Amazon VOD service joins other content options already available on VIERA-Cast, including videos from You Tube, access to online photos via Picasa Web Albums, financial information from Bloomberg News, as well as local weather updates. The possibilities are virtually endless. It comes with a Universal Dock for iPod, making it easy for iPod users to play their favorite music or video downloads. This system is also Green-friendly. It has a power-save mode to protect the green in your

• Complete Blu-ray home theater package bundles Blu-ray player, AV receiver, iPod dock, and speakers
• Charge your iPod and enjoy full music and video playback with a full title list and on screen display of your iPod’s contents
• 1250 watts of sound distributed among 7.1 channels
• VIERA Cast internet functionality for enjoying online entertainment from YouTube, Amazon VOD, and more
• One-year limited warranty

Rating: (out of 69 reviews)

List Price: $ 649.95
Price: Too low to display

Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System Reviews

Review by Tristan D. Traaen:

First off, this system can get L-O-U-D! It will be perfect in a standard household/apt and I would even say it could fill up a large living room with ease. I don’t even have the sub turned all the way up in fear of getting a noise complaint. That’s a good thing.

The system offers a lot of dynamic sound settings. Here are some of a few:

HEAVY – added bass/good clarity

CLEAR – More Treble/less bass

FLAT – All levels straight across

SOFT – More subdued/less treble/a little bit of added bass

The system also has a couple of Easter eggs that I was not expecting. There is a nice feature of being able to “re-master” the sound of any Blu-Ray/DVD to give it the user more control over the specific sound they want to hear. Additionally, one can manipulate the visual aspect to create a more refined picture.

The down side is that the system offers a limited amount of inputs, but in its defense, it is not a standalone receiver. The good thing is that it offers two optical inputs which can easily accommodate your XBOX/PS3/Wii and you Cable/Satellite TV receiver.

There is a nice smart setup feature which calibrates your sound from a specific device. In my opinion it worked quite well and the levels were automatically adjusted.

Extra features include the IPOD adaptor which has been done well and easily allows the user to access the IPODs songs/playlists etc. There is also a SD card which can play pictures/video files. The speakers are wireless capable.

Ultimately, I am a stickler for being able to manipulate every aspect of the sound/video to make my experience the best it can be. This system does not offer every little nuance, but for the money it comes pretty darn close with a lot of extra features. Most importantly, I have been quite impressed with the sound and visual clarity of the system and have been quite pleased with the purchase. Give it a look!!

Review by Brent M:

I was unsure if I should get this system due to the lack of reviews online. Most of the negative reviews I saw complain about the lack of in box wireless but say little about the sound/video.

After watching Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Planet Earth, I can tell you that the video looks great and the sound is really impressive. Planet Earth looks amazing on it. The surround sound works very well. So far I am really satisfied with the whole setup. I highly recommend the whole unit.

The only negative I can find with it is the manual. I rarely read manuals, however, there are a lot of features that are not explained real clearly for non-audiophiles. Therefore, I am not totally sure if I have it setup for the best possible sound/picture. Besides that, I am extremely satisfied.

Buy Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System now for only Too low to display!

Coby DVD938 5.1-Channel DVD Home Theater System with Digital AM/FM Tuner (Black)

Coby DVD938 5.1-Channel DVD Home Theater System with Digital AM/FM Tuner, 5.1-channel progressive scan DVD player with integrated amplifier, DVD, DVD±R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, CD+G and JPEG compatible, Dolby digital decoder, plays digital media files directly from USB drives and SD/MMC/MS cards, integrated digital AM/FM tuner with 40-station preset memory, dual microphone inputs for karaoke function, digital and analog AV outputs for home theater use, NTSC/PAL compatible, convenient front panel and on-screen display, multiple language, subtitle, and camera angle support parental lock control, AC 100-240V automatic power switching, FCC approved and ETL listed, Home theater speakers included; 5.1-channel surround sound system, with 600W total output*, 5 full-range satellite speakers, subwoofer with tuned port for deep bass response

• 5.1-channel progressive scan DVD player with integrated amplifier, DVD, DVD±R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, CD+G and JPEG compatible
• Dolby digital decoder, plays digital media files directly from USB drives and SD/MMC/MS cards
• Dual microphone inputs for karaoke function, digital and analog AV outputs for home theater use, NTSC/PAL compatible
• Convenient front panel and on-screen display, multiple language, subtitle
• FCC approved and ETL listed, home theater speakers included; 5.1-channel surround sound system with 600W total output

Rating: (out of 13 reviews)

List Price: $ 139.99
Price: $ 65.99

Coby DVD938 5.1-Channel DVD Home Theater System with Digital AM/FM Tuner (Black) Reviews

Review by A. Webb:

This system is wonderful for a starter set. If you’re a college student, new to surround or looking for something simple for a smaller room, this is a great choice. The biggest plus about this system is that I can hook up my Xbox (RCA hook up or digital). Keep in mind that If you hook it up with RCA you can’t get surround, but the stereo sounds amazing. I was afraid of Coby from all bad reviews on other systems. This one really exceeded every expectations. Very clear sound, great price and a great DVD player make this perfect.

I’m 21 and live in an apartment so the rooms aren’t that big. I have a 100 sq. foot living room. This system is just right. When you finish setting it up (took me about 30 min, running cables and all) you need to put in a DVD like Lord of the Rings to test out the sound. If you leave everything at the default you’ll notice that there’s almost no bass and the center speaker is WAY over powering. Play around with your setting for a while, you CAN get bass out of it, just look through the menus.

Review by Scott W. Wood:

Not a bad product. Sounds good after replacing 20g wire with bigger 8g. Does not remember settings after turned off(including volume). Volume very high when turned on and no control for about a minute. Quality of speakers and sub ok. Very not up-to-date for connecting to modern hi-def tv’s. Your old school rca jacks. Worth it to spend more on a more quality, up to date system.

Buy Coby DVD938 5.1-Channel DVD Home Theater System with Digital AM/FM Tuner (Black) now for only $ 65.99!

Harman Kardon HKTS 30BQ 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System (Black)

Exceptional sound quality takes advanced engineering. To deliver an extraordinary listening experience for today’s high-definition entertainment, the HKTS 30 satellites and subwoofer have gone through Harman Kardon’s world-class engineering and design process. This process gives the HKTS 30 system the high-end performance of a premium system while keeping it affordable, unlike many other satellite speaker systems – including ones costing far more

• Complete 5.1 home-theater speaker system
• Dual midrange drivers in both satellites and center channel
• Eight-inch, 200-watt, powered subwoofer
• Four identical, video-shielded, two-way satellite speakers
• Includes all cables, satellite table stands and wall brackets for satellites and center

List Price: $ 999.00
Price: $ 899.99

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX285 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black)

The ideal choice for first-time home theater system buyer seeking to experience 5.1-channel surround sound, or a great value solution for a second home theater system in the house. It combines a 5-disc DVD/CD changer, 1000 watts of home theater power, and an included iPod dock for enjoying your tunes. With the optional S-AIR receiver/speakers system, you can now easily send your music wirelessly to another room in your home. Using exclusive Sony S-AIR technology, multi-room audio distribution is a cinch to set up. The DAVHDX285 can even control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface.

• Powerful 1000 Watts
• HDMI Upscaling to 1080P of DVD Media
• Multi-room S-AIR Technology (S-Air Ready)
• iPod dock with music and video playback
• Digital Direct Twin-Drive Subwoofer for great bass sound

Rating: (out of 53 reviews)

List Price: $ 299.99
Price: Too low to display

Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package

The Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-channel home theater speaker package is a low cost, convenient way to enjoy the full benefits of 5.1-channel home theater sound. The NS-SP1800BL features advanced Yamaha active servo technology (Advanced YST) is a unique system in which the speaker and amplifier work together to cancel out impedance so the speaker unit has a perfectly linear motion. Advanced YST helps to ensure the highest levels of sound pressure and overall performance.

• 2-way satellite speakers with 2.5″ woofer & 1/2″ tweeter
• 2-way center speaker with dual 2.5″ woofers & 1/2″ tweeter
• Magnetic shielding (all speakers)
• 8″ 100W cube-type high power subwoofer
• Wall hanging capability

Rating: (out of 59 reviews)

List Price: $ 199.95
Price: Too low to display

Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package Reviews

Review by K. Labarre:

For the price I didn’t expect much from these speakers, and when I got them they definitely exceeded my expectations. I have always been a fan of Yamaha audio equipment and when I was looking for a decent (cheap) set of 5.1 speakers for my Onkyo SR606 I came across this set and thought I’d give them a try. Much to my pleasure they work great! I am only using 3.1 right now but the sound is far superior to any pre-packaged HTS that I have looked at.

PROS – Price, quality of build, sound quality

CONS – plastic casing/style (not the greatest for displaying around your house) This is a very minor con!

Review by Paradux:

Using this with a Sony BD player and Onkyo 5.1 amp linked via coax audio; TV via HDMI. After all settings were completed, the action and big explosions sounded great. If you listen to movies using TV speakers, you don’t know what you’re missing.

BUT I couldn’t hear dialog. Checked all settings, and searched online forums. I tried to boost the dB for the center but still couldn’t hear. Speakers are connected via Monster Cable instead of the flimsy speaker cable provided (so small the connectors won’t even hold it). Then I used the test tone from the amp to find out the center channel speaker doesn’t work. I’m using an existing bookshelf speaker for center for now.

Otherwise, the bases sound fine and rest of the speakers seem more than powerful enough for my tiny home theater room. Watched Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D with 6-year old, and the combination 3-D video and 3-D audio were a winner with him.

For a small room, with a decent amp and proper cables (do yourself a favor, and get at least 16-gauge) this set should work just fine for most movie lovers. Audiophiles should look elsewhere. And test all speakers before you throw out the packaging (as I did).

UPDATE: after mentioning to Amazon the center channel was not working but I didn’t want to pack everything up, they promptly shipped me a new set FOC – with pre-paid return as well. Next day. New center channel works great, and sound has greatly improved. Nicely done!

Buy Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package now for only Too low to display!