Philips HSB3280/F7 Micro Hi-Fi Soundbar System Review

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(More customer reviews)This Philips soundbar is a little gem. Small enough to set up easily, a wireless subwoofer that actually works and can be heard, without the silly DVD player to break that everyone already has, great loud gaming sound -- we use it with our Xbox for more realistic gaming sounds. We purchased it for our living room and with our old TV and old satellite box, we were very very pleased. We upgraded and realized there were no HMDI connections and we were out of luck. Our new Samsung TV did not recognize this unit in it's Anynet+ system. Couldn't make it work properly with the system that we acquired, and so it went with the old TV and became the gaming soundbar. We are using it, we do like it, we do recommend it. We just recommend checking the connections you need before you buy.
We think Philips makes a great product. We like the sound. It was a good price. It even comes with the wall mounting bracket in the box. Everything you could want. Our problem is that we didn't check to get the right connectivity for our system.

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High Gloss Piano Finish 5.1 Dolby Digital DTS True Surround Sound Home Theater Speaker System For Your TV, DVD Player, Ipod, Xbox, Ps3 Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a piece of Junk - nice photo though. It came used - broken - reboxed and not comatable with US spec A/V components. The manual is the worst case of "ENGRISH" I have ever seen. It is more of a joke than anything else. The Amazon ads are a fraud. I have spent 3 days now and have yet to ID the seller or the shipper. Amazon, themselves, can not tell me. If you are lucky enough to find a phone # to contact them. They do not screen the sellers they represent as advocates of a much better company. I am disheartened and out nearly [...]. If you do not buy directly from Amazon - beware. E-bay has much better safeguards.

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Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System Review

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(More customer reviews)I did extensive research before purchasing the Bose Cinemate GS II Series; but before I start my review I have a quick comparison to share by comparing a $300 panasonic system to the Bose Cinemate GS II: I previously owned a panasonic 2.1 system with built in up-convert DVD player which recently broke (lasted about a year). Sound quality on the Bose Cinemate GS II is markedly better than the panasonic system! Plus my audio system is not tied to a standard DVD player. I should have bought this first--instead of being $300 behind the curve than if I just bought the Cinemate GS II to begin with. Just though I should share that in case you are trying to justify the cost.
REVIEW--Info I discovered during my research and since owning for 3 months: I listened to the Cinemate II and the Cinemate GS II side by side in the store, both using the Toslink (digital optical audio) connection and also with the Component (analog audio) connection while watching an action scene from Kung Fu Panda in both BluRay and regular DVD. To me, the Cinemate GS II's sound was clearer and also sharper (crisper highs and clearer mids like with voices). The Cinemate II sounded great too (a lot better than the panasonic), but the sounds tended to be more muddled in the mid-to-high range (as compared to the the Cinemate GS II). But for $200 less and if your ears don't mind the difference (or can't tell the difference) then the Cinemate II is the better bargain. Also, the Cinemate GS II has the universal remote, but I don't use it ( I use a logitech Harmony Universal Remote). The Cinemate II remote has volume up/down, mute, and power on/off. The Cinemate GS II remote has quite a bit of features (a lot actually), and it feels good in your hand; but if you really want one, they are available from Bose for $30.95.
Other good to know info: You can connect both the Toslink and Component audio into the interface module at the same time. The interface module will automatically default to component audio unless there is an active Toslink connection (an active Toslink connection will always override the component audio). What does this mean? I have my DishNetwork receiver connected to the interface module via the component connection for watching TV--this is how I normally use the Bose Cinemate GS II (sounds great by the way). I then have my BlueRay player connected to the interface module via the Toslink connection. When I want to watch a movie, all I have to do is power on the Blueray player and the Bose Cinemate GS II will automatically use the Toslink connection (overrides the component audio). When I am done watching a movie, I power off the Blueray player and the Cinemate GS II automatically switches back to my TV audio. Of course the Toslink audio is the better of the two, but with only two connections available I had to compromise (plus my TV has no Toslink out--which would have been the preferred solution). The interface module works exactly the same whether you have the Cinemate II or the Cinemate GS II. Also, there is a Bass adjustment knob on the Acoustimass module, so you can turn it up or down to your preference. Sorry there are no other manual adjustments that you can do to the Bose Cinemate GS II.
Room filling sound: I have the Bose Cinemate GS II in my living room which is pretty big and it opens directly into the kitchen; total size is 20x60. Despite the room size, and even at a pretty low volume, I can easily understand a TV shows conversations because of the crisp and precise audio reproduction. I use to watch with closed captioning (so the TV can volume can stay at a normal level), but now I have turned closed captioning off.
Even at max volume (watching GI Joe), it was very very loud and the whole house was shaking, but the system did not distort at all--in almost disbelief it seemed to sound even better and clearer. I think that is attributed to the Bose TrueSpace technology which is used to covert 5.1 audio into a 2.1 system; the louder it got, I guess, the more the TrueSpace seemed to kick in.
Despite my acclaim for this system it is pricey; but, it sounds great, it was very easy to setup and it has the Bose 5 year limited warranty on the speakers. However, no matter how much a 2.1 system is touted as a possible replacement for a 5.1 or even a 7.1 system, in my opinion there are no 2.1 systems that can truly replace a 5.1 or 7.1 system. But if you don't like running wires and want a minimalist system with superb sound then I strongly recommend the Bose Cinemate GS II; or if budget minded, or can't discern the audio difference, then the Bose Cinemate II is a solid 2nd choice.

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The Bose® CineMate® GS II speaker system is the easiest way to enjoy Bose 2.1-channel home theater performance and bring out the full audio potential of your HDTV. Proprietary TrueSpace® technology enables two Gemstone® speakers and an Acoustimass® module to deliver compelling sound for movies, games, sports and more. The system easily connects directly to your TV, avoiding the need to disconnect other sources. And with no rear speakers, there's no wiring to the back of your room. A programmable universal remote control simplifies operation of other connected sources.
A sound upgrade for your home theater needsThe CineMate GS II system represents a quality home theater upgrade to complement your HDTV. Two powerful Gemstone speakers flank your TV and put you in the middle of dramatic home theater sound. You'll experience a level of realism that simply cannot be matched by TV speakers alone.
A hideaway Acoustimass module provides the low frequency effects that make movies and games so compelling. It even includes dedicated bass control. Place the module in a corner or out of view--all the sound seems to come from the compact speakers. Together, the speakers and Acoustimass module provide full depth and clarity for your music, too.
Simplified setupSetting up a CineMate GS II system is a quick exercise, with only a few wires to connect. It hooks up directly to your TV with minimal-if any-disruption to existing component connections. A small interface module houses your audio input from the TV and displays on/off status for your system. And it's all controlled with a programmable universal remote that works seamlessly with most video components attached to your television.
What's in the box--2 Gemstone speakers--Acoustimass module--Interface module--Universal remote control and batteries--Stereo cable (6')--Speaker cable (15')--Optical cable (6')

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Onkyo HT-S5300 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package with iPod Dock (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this HTIB system to replace my Sony STR-Se501 that I have had for over 10 years. That system has served me well, but recently the center speaker would occasionally cut out requiring me to tap on the top of the receiver to get the sound to come back. When working that system sounded pretty good, but I knew I had a problem when I played God of War 3 and I had a very hard time hearing the speech of some characters, even when my center speaker was working. I was all set to get the HT-S5200, but decided to hold off when I saw the HT-S5300 was coming out with better features. After getting the system setting up, I am glad I was patient.
The HT-S5300 is an excellent system for the price, even a much better deal when purchasing from online sites that give you a pretty hefty discount as opposed to the regular retail price. Everything comes packed neatly and securely in one large box and the basic instructions of hooking everything up is explained clearly on a full color poster which should have you up and running in no time. Even the speaker wires and inputs on the back of the receiver or color coded adding more the simplicity.
In addition to looking great with a black wood finish, the speakers are larger than I expected them to be; especially the front speakers and subwoofer, the fronts are so big in fact, instead of standing them up in a cubby hole of my entertainment center were I had my old speakers, I had to lay them down to get them to fit. I may look into getting some wall mounts for them, but my living room is an open area that isn't really set up for wall mounting. I have only hooked up speakers required for a 5.1 system because I really don't have the type of floor plan to accommodate the 2 extra included speakers without it looking tacky so I left the two extra speakers in their original packaging for future use. You may be wondering why I didn't op for the HT-S3300 instead of the 7.1 HT-S5300. The reason is that coming from an HTIB that has an active subwoofer (i.e. has its own power source, as opposed to a subwoofer that is powered by the receiver itself), I didn't want to "downgrade" to a passive sub. This is the main reason I opted for the HT-S5300 and had the HT-S3300 had an active sub as well, I more than likely would have gotten that instead.
After getting every thing setup, I admit I was unimpressed with the sound it put out. The bass from the massive subwoofer seemed weak and the other speakers did not seem to be as good as I expected, however after fiddling around with the sound settings I got them to sound excellent. The speakers required tweaking of their output level settings and I had to adjust the bass and treble settings to get the clear put powerful sound I was looking for. After getting my settings correct, I popped in God of War 3, and the sound is 100% better I can clearly hear characters speech and I now I want to play ALL my games again to hear them as they were supposed to sound. I have also tried my DVD's and my one Blu-Ray movie, The Dark Knight, and it sounds much better than my old receiver did. The subwoofer is quite powerful, and if you put your hand anywhere near the opening, you will feel strong puffs of air coming out. Sometimes the bass is a little overwhelming, but you can adjust the output on the back of it as well as through the receiver's menu.
An excellent feature is that you can adjust receiver settings directly on your TV screen without having to look at the small display on the receiver itself. This makes it easy to adjust settings from your couch using the remote using the well designed menu screen. Keep in mind this only works if you have HDMI on your TV, if you don't have HDMI, then unfortunately this feature won't work.
Speaking of HDMI, unlike many receivers in this price range, the HDMI carries both video and sound meaning no need for an optical or coaxial cable to get sound. This is another reason I waited to get a new receiver. The fact that this receiver carries both Video and sound also makes hooking up components much easier. I had been using a digital selector to get sound from my various devices, but after setting up my devices I discovered I didn't even need the selector anymore so it has been removed completely from my setup. My older components like my DVD and VCR/DVD Recorder don't have HDMI, but no worries; the receiver accommodates those devices as well using traditional connections. I applaud Onkyo tremendously for deciding to allow both audio and video over the HDMI connections on their newer receivers; it is a huge plus. Finally, the HDMI connections will support the new 1.4 versions, but works just fine with 1.3 cables as well. So don't think you have to get the new version of cables to get your stuff to work properly because you don't.
One small complaint I have is that sometimes the settings seem to not save or undo themselves and other times I cannot adjust the speaker level settings because they sometime get disabled for some reason. The full manual does not do a very good job in explaining why this happens, so that leaves me to trying different things to get it to work. But when I do get it working, I am very pleased with the sound. Also I ran into a situation last night in which I wasn't getting any sound from my PS3 to the receiver, but simply turning off the receiver and turning it back on resolved that hiccup.
One final thing I must mention is that this receiver is in the Harmony's database of devices so it works with my Harmony One really well. However keep in mind; instead of using "HT-S5300" as the model number you should use "TX-SR508". I believe that is the actual model number of the receiver (or very similar receiver) if you were to buy it separately. There is a model number on the receiver itself, but that model number listed is not in the database which I why I used "TX-SR508" instead. I haven't quite completed getting my button configurations done, but once I am finished, I suspect I won't need the included Onko remote anymore.
I debated for a while before deciding on this receiver and after getting the settings how I wanted, I could not be happier with my purchase. If I had some complaints then it has to do with the manual, even though its neatly laid out, it does not does a very good job in explaining why certain things happen (i.e. unable to configure various speaker settings at times), but the system itself is excellent for the price with good speakers and a powerful subwoofer that should satisfy most of us. You can always opt for better speakers, but for most, I suspect the included speakers would be enough for a while. If you are looking for a great Home Theater system that won't break the bank, you can't go wrong with the HT-S5300 which can function as 7.1 system and also a 5.1 system if you don't have the room setup for a 7.1 one. There are also option inputs for Front High speakers as well as a "Zone 2" setup that allows you to send sound to speakers in another room. If you don't really care about the active subwoofer, then take a look at the HT-S3300, a 5.1 system with much of the same features as this, but with one less HDMI port and a passive subwoofer and a little less power.

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Onkyo has built a reputation for making advanced features and performance more affordable for budget-conscious fans of home entertainment. Take, as a prime example, the HT-S5300 receiver and speaker package. At the heart of this 7.1-channel system, you have an A/V receiver sporting four of the latest HDMI 1.4 inputs-enough for all your high-def sources. HDMI 1.4 brings compatibility with 3D video-coming soon-and an Audio Return Channel. With the HT-S5300, you can also adjust settings on the fly with a handy overlaid on-screen display. The receiver offers a broad range of connectivity options, such as a front input for portable devices and a Universal Port for one-cable connection of the included Dock for iPhone/iPod. High-quality Burr-Brown DACs ensure pristine analog conversion of all digital audio sources, including HD audio formats from Dolby and DTS. And Dolby Pro Logic IIz gives you the option of a new height-channel set-up with the included 7.1-channel speaker package.

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Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)Ok let's start by telling you, that I am not just some guy doing a review. I have purchased and tested 3 other Soundbars and tested all the rest in the stores... First was the Vizio Bar - Ok sound, but did not produce a real surround sound effect. And I was able to max... out the volume at 3am in the morning with out waking anyone up... Needless to say it ain't all that loud... Although it had easy one wire hookup with a fiber optic cable... Second was the Sony HTC100 with HDMI hookups. This one was loved for it"s ease to hookup HMDI components straight to it and it acted as a switch. The big thing is, this unit was horrible on sound. I turned it up to it's max of 50 and could still hear my dishwasher in the background... As a matter of fact when me and best buy guy Dave tried it, we could talk over it on max vol... Now for the Samsung HW-C450: Amazing - amazing- amazing... This unit out did all the others on volume of only 26 with a max of I don't know (I think 60), because I'm afraid to turn it up because it may bust the speakers it's so loud... This Sound bar is great for the person who knows nothing about 5.1 and 7.2 channel theater systems. You will be very happy. Now I am a owner of a old Sherwood Receiver and 5.1 Dolby Surround System, with Cerwin Vega speakers... And it doesn"t give the back noise as great, but it definitely stands it's ground for a one pc speaker... Now for someone who knows about theater systems, don't get scare, this is the best low cost unit you can get and you will be amazed, but all I'm saying is, don't expect a 5.1 Dolby Sound from this. It is amazing sound, but doesn't hit every corner like your seperate speakers will. Now for design, A+++... Samsung gets thumbs up from me. It's not a big as the others @38" I think... But this thing hits harder then the rest. But the look is classy with revealed speakers with the crome tone tips... Just nice... Oh and I almost forgot it's touch operated, which is a nice added feature... Now for room size, mine covers a petty good sized family room. And still rattles the walls upstairs. And clearly heard outside the house. This one has 2 options for sound hook up, Analog RCA (Provided) and Fiber Optic (Provided). I opted for Fiber Optic, because my TV automatically sends the sound from the TV to the Soundbar. Which is the easiest thing for me, because it saves you from having to hook up and waste money on a receiver. All you would have to do if you had all HDMI hookup (Seeing if your TV didn't already have enough of them) is buy a HDMI switch from online or Best Buy. I use my Cable box HDMI, Blu Ray Player HDMI, DVD/VCR HMDI. But if you havee more things like Wii, Xbox360, etc. The switch will help you send the signal to the TV. I have not found any negatives with the unit as of yet. It has played both, burned DVDs well and regular ones with great sound... So there has not been any problems... Great sound, Great look, and Great price... And the Wireless Sub is fantastic. Use Cinema for Music, not Music... Under the equalizer. Has about 5 options...

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2.1 Channel,Wireless Active Subwoofer,Optical Input,Smart Volume,Virtual Surround

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Sony DAV-IS10 5.1-Channel Micro Satellite Home Theater System with TDM-IP1 iPod Cradle Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE: 8/29/10
It's now broken. Just 3 years into owning this system. It display's the message: "Protector - Push Power". After looking in the manual and attempting the fixes indicated there (check speaker cables and vents, neither of which appeared to have a problem)and contacting tech support, who indicated to unplug the system for 30 mins. It is still not working. I am quite dissapointed, as this was not an inexpensive system. I am not inclined to pack this up, ship it and then pay to have it repaired and shipped back. I would rather put that $ into another and hopefully more reliable system.
On doing some research for the error message on the internet, I see others have had this problem and apparently did not receive any solution to the problem, other than sending it in for repairs.
At this point, I would recommend NOT BUYING this system, as it appears to have an inherent flaw.
**************************************************************
I just bought this system a couple of weeks ago and am very happy with it.
It's especially good for those with limited space and/or who want a limited visual impact from their sound system. Which were top considerations in my choice. It's a nice system, with only a couple exceptions (*See comments below...)
First, the control module, with DVD player is very compact (a little over 8" X 8" X4") and has a clear display (although, it would have been nice if the numbers and words displayed were a little bigger... minor issue). It has many adjustments that can be made for different sound "fields", ie: DTS, Dolby II, etc. and can also be connected to your i-Pod or Computer, with connector modules available through the Sony On-line store. There are settings for component or HDMI setups. There is one HDMI out to TV and also seperate connections for Component cables if you are not using HDMI. The multiple connection options worked well for me, as I was able to connect to my Satellite receiver and another DVD/VHS player.
The DVD player produces an excellent picture, which I have set for 1080i "upscaling". A nice feature is, that if you stop the DVD at some point, it remembers this and will start back at this point, when you either hit play again or even if you have removed that DVD and put it back in. I think the manual said it remembers the last 10 different DVD stopping points.
Now, getting to How it Sounds... I rate it 4 out of 5. It's got deep bass, full middle range and crisp highs. *The one thing that is critical with this system, is that the sub-woofer unit, which contains both the mid-range and bass speakers; MUST be placed as close to the tv as possible (and preferrably in back of), as it is reproducing a large part of the middle (voice) range. The sub-woofer can NOT be placed in front of the screen (or way off to the side), as you will then notice the voices coming from the sub-woofer unit and not the screen. If placed correctly, on either side of the screen and slightly behind or directly behind the screen; the system does a good job of creating the perception that all the voices are coming from the screen and not the sub-woofer/mid-range unit. Also, the mid-range speaker (for voice) is in the top of the sub-woofer unit and cannot be blocked, so it cannot be placed inside a cabinet and forget about using the top of the unit as a "plant stand"! ; )
One note of caution, DO NOT try and pick up the sub-woofer; by using the sub-woofers ports as "hand holds". Although, they would appear to work perfectly for this, the bass speaker sits just inside of these ports and you could easily damage it.
The 5 speakers are amazingly tiny and do a good job on the highs and "upper level" mid-range (the lower middle range, being handled by the middle/sub-woofer unit). The system comes with wall brackets for each of the 5 small speakers. I purchased the speaker stands (available seperately through the Sony On-Line store and are ridiculously high priced!), which are designed to work specifically for these speakers and are fortunately well made. Without the stands, the speakers can easily be placed on tables. They are very light though and can easily be knocked off, so a little "double sided" tape may be advised in this situation.
*The AM/FM receiver works well and although it sounds "ok" playing music CD's, this is not this units main "strength". You'll probably prefer another sound system, dedicated to playing music. The issue I noted, is that you have to make some adjustments to the bass, middle and treble and selected "sound fields", to bring out the best of your music CD and unfortunately, these settings are not "stored" in the system for just music; so you have to reset everything when switch to watching TV or a DVD. Almost more trouble than it's worth. I would not recommend this system for those who want to frequently switch between listening to music and watching TV/DVD's.
The remotes buttons are logically placed. They are varied in sizes with a couple raised "points" to help locate the correct ones in a darkened room. I would have appreciated, at this price range, an illumination feature; which it does not have.
If you have a newer Sony TV, it will also turn on the TV and sound system simultaneously. I have a Samsung hdtv, so I have to turn on each seperately, but interestingly enough, when I shut off the TV (using it's remote), this Sony system also shuts off at the same time.
It has a relatively clear and comprehensive manual, which is definitely required for all the adjustments and settings you'll need to make to get it calibrated and set up between the tv and different components. Although you can get through most settings, using the on-screen menus, without referring to the manual.
I am very pleased with this system. The construction of all components if of high quality materials and when set up correctly, it's impressive in the sound it creates from the tiny speakers working along with the bass/mid-range sub-woofer module. If you are looking for a top "audio-file" system, this probably isn't the system for you. If you have limited space and want a fairly unobtrusive looking system, with good quality sound, it's definitely worth considering.

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Sony BRAVIA DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this system for our family room which is a little on the smaller side. The sound is rich and full, the subwoofer is better than expected, and overall we're very pleased. Good TV sound and excellent DVD and iPod sound. Moderately priced as well, which is a bonus. *NOTE: Fiber Optic audio and HDMI video cables are NOT included and must be purchased separately.* The system does include a cable for basic video connection. The Fiber Optic audio cable (recommended for best quality audio) is about $20-25 retail. [If purchasing the fiber optic cable, make sure to remove the small clear covers at each end of the cable before trying to connect it to the receiver and cable box or TV. Otherwise...yikes, you've plugged the jacks]. The remote is small, very handy and easy to use. Front connection for an iPod, which works great. There's an antennae for FM radio which we haven't connected yet so I can't comment on that.
Set up is easy but time consuming, so as with most electronic set ups buyers should allow enough time to run the wires, position the rear speakers, attach everything and run the tests. There's fairly generous amount of speaker wire [wish they could have included about 5' more for the back speakers]; depending on how the room is arranged buyers might need to figure out creative ways to run the speaker wires for the back speakers. If it's impossible to properly place two speakers in the back of the room there is a setting which adjusts the sound for a set up where all speakers are located in the front.
The system comes with a 1-2-3 Step easy set up guide and also the more detailed instruction booklet. Speaker cords, input jacks, and speakers are color coded and clearly labeled. There's a disc included to run as part of setting up the speakers and testing the system. For the most part the instructions are self explanatory and easy to follow. However, some of the steps are slightly more confusing than necessary because the drawings of various components [e.g. TV, Cable Box, Sony Receiver] aren't labeled. The person setting the system up can clearly see what needs to be connected, but it's not always clear to what component [cable box or TV].
We now use this system exclusively and keep the speakers on our TV turned down. We will probably purchase this system for use with our basement TV as well.

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