Archive for the ‘Home Audio & Theater’ Category

Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-Channel Home Entertainment Receiver/Speaker Package

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-Channel Home Entertainment Receiver/Speaker Package Best Price

The Onkyo HT-S3200 is the Fully Equipped Home Theater for Your Entertainment, Music and Gaming Needs

Progress is constant with Onkyo packaged home theater. That’s just what you’ll find with the HT-S3200 5.1-channel receiver/speaker package, which offers more breakthrough technology than ever before at the entry level. With HDMI™ pass-thru for high-definition video, this is a convenient solution that allows you to enjoy Blu-ray Disc, DVD, broadcast, and gaming sources. You can partner this package with whichever display suits your budget and achieve truly performance-driven home theater. Enjoy the benefits of tailored audio performance via a full suite of Audssey technologies, including Audyssey EQ™, Audyssey Dynamic EQ™, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume™. You can even integrate an iPod® or MP3 player via a front-panel input, or take advantage of Onkyo’s new DSP modes for gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing Game (RPG).

HDMI™ Pass-Thru for Connecting up to Three Video Sources for Output to a High-Definition Display

The HT-S3200 takes up to three HDMI video inputs from sources such as Blu-Ray Disc players, DVD players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, and delivers the output to a compatible high-definition display. Video is passed in its native resolution–right up to 1080p–from Blu-Ray Disc, PlayStation® games, or HD broadcasts.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment

The HT-S3200 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most suitable listening environment for your home. The first is Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction. The HT-S3200 uses Audyssey 2EQ to counter distortion created by walls, furniture, and other objects. This technology detects speaker distance, and then sets levels, delays, and crossovers, while also measuring room acoustics. Compared to one-position room correction systems, Audyssey 2EQ covers a much wider listening area. Moreover, it corrects problems in both frequency response and time domain (where most of the problems lie) across the entire listening area. The results are immediately obvious–a clear, well-balanced, and natural sound.

The second is Audyssey Dynamic Volume™ control. This technology allows you to set the volume level that you want and keep it there, without having to constantly adjust it. By anticipating sudden spikes and dips in the audio soundtrack and compensating for them in real time, Audyssey Dynamic Volume ensures consistent volume levels, regardless of the content you’re enjoying. Thanks to Audyssey Dynamic Volume, quiet dialogue is easier to pick up, loud passages retain their impact, and commercials are less intrusive.

Four Game Modes for More Thrilling Action

A new addition to Onkyo home theater, these four gaming modes create an experience with more realism and impact. You can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing Game (RPG) modes to match your gaming content.

Convenient Front Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices

You can connect an iPod® or other MP3 player to the A/V receiver’s front panel for playback. Your player’s compressed digital music files receive a quality boost thanks to the HT-S3200’s Music Optimizer technology.

Music Optimizer™ to Support Compressed Digital Music Files

While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine on a portable digital player, the limitations of these compressed files can be exposed when played back through a home entertainment system. Onkyo has designed onboard Music Optimizer technology to improve the quality of the compressed audio signals. Compressed music loses a substantial amount of bit information at higher frequencies, so the Music Optimizer technology works to overcome this limitation and enhance audio quality.

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Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 660 Watts into 5.1 Channels (110 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven)
  • 3 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output for Video, HDMI Pass-Thru* (Version 1.3 Compatible with 1080p, Deep Color™, and x.v.Color™)
  • Audyssey EQ™ for System Equalization
  • HDTV-Capable (720p/1080i) Component Video Switching (2 Inputs and 1 Output
  • Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices

Technical Details

Brand Name: Onkyo
Model: HTS3200
Output Wattage: 660
Component Type: Home theater system
Audio Output Mode: Surround Sound
Built In Decoder: Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder
Remote Control Description: Universal remote control
Weight: 42.2 pounds
Optical Digital Input: Yes
Coaxial Digital Input: Yes
Tuner Technology: Digital
Radio Bands Supported: AM/FM

Technical Specifications

    Amplifier Section

  • Power output Front L/R: 110 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven)
  • Power output Center: 110 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven)
  • Power output Surround L/R: 110 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven)
  • Power output Subwoofer: 110 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven)
  • Dynamic Power: 160 W (3 ohms), 125 W (4 ohms), 85 W (8 ohms)
  • THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.08% (1 W Output)
  • Damping Factor: 60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 ohms)
  • Input Sensitivity and Impedance: 200 mV/47 k-ohms (Line)
  • Output Level and Impedance: 200 mV/470 ohms (Rec out)
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz–50 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct mode)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB (Line, IHF-A)
  • Speaker Impedance: 6 ohms–16 ohms
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.13 x 5.94 x 12.94 inches
  • Weight: 17.4 lbs
    Video Section
  • Component Video Frequency Response: 5 Hz–50 MHz, -3 dB
    Speaker Section
  • Speaker Type: Front: Full-range, bass reflex, Center: Full-range, bass reflex, Surround: Full-range, bass reflex, Subwoofer: Bass reflex, passive
  • Drivers: Front/Center: 3.25-inch cone, Surround: 3.25-inch cone, Subwoofer: 8-inch cone
  • Frequency Response: Front/Center: 80 Hz–20 kHz, Surround: 80 Hz–20 kHz, Subwoofer: 30 Hz–150 Hz
  • Max. Input Power: Front/Center/Surround: 120 W, Subwoofer: 130 W
  • Nominal Impedance: Front/Center/Surround/Subwoofer 6 ohms
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): Front: 4 x 10.75 x 4.75 inches, Center 10.75 x 4 x 4.19 inches, Surround 4 x 6.88 x 4.56 inches, Subwoofer 11.63 x 16.31 x 11.75 inches
  • Weight: Front: 2.2 lbs, Center: 2.2 lbs, Surround: 1.5 lbs, Subwoofer: 15.2 lbs
    General Section
  • Tuning Frequency Range: FM 87.5 MHz–107.9 MHz, AM 530 kHz–1,710 kHz
  • FM/AM Preset Memory: AC 120 V~, 60 Hz
  • Power Supply: AC 120 V~, 60 Hz
  • Power Consumption: 3.7 A

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Customer Onkyo HT-S3200 Reviews

Great system, After thorough research on the subject I decided to go with Onkyo. It was difficult to decide between models, but I decided to take a chance and get the budget model. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The receiver and speakers are substantial, and the sound is very good. I expected that the speakers would be fine for tv use, but not for listening to music. When compared to my large Klipsch speakers they actually hold up quite well. One of the reasons that I wanted a receiver rather than a basic home theater in a box was that I could hook up a second set of speakers. While you cannot play different sources through A and B speakers, you can run them both at the same time on the same source, or switch between the sets. Since the sound quality of the Onkyo is so good, I find that I pretty much use them for all sources, including music. While not quite as good as the Klipsch speakers, they sound suprisingly full for the size and price. One downside is that you must run separate audio and video cables to the receiver, since the HDMI ports are pass through only, but I don’t find this to be a big deal. I run an HDMI cable from my cable box directly to the tv, and an optical cable from the box to the receiver. That way I can use the tv with built in speakers if I don’t want the receiver on, and I can use the receiver for bigger sound. If sending the video signal through the receiver via hdmi, I believe you need to always have the receiver on to run the tv. This way I avoid the problem, and the passthrough issue is not a factor. I only have a few minor issues. First, when playing music through the PS3 I cannot get the B speakers to work. I’m guessing it’s because the system is viewing this as a video source rather than audio. Maybe I just haven’t found the right setting. The B speakers work for radio and the ipod input just fine. I also find the manual a bit weak on explaining the different audio settings. There are many different settings such as surround, dolby, dts, etc and it’s difficult to know which to choose. Those minor issues aside, I think this is a great system. I use the system with a 52 inch lcd tv in a large great room (26′X18′X18′high), and the sound is great. I personally wouldn’t see a need to go to a more expensive system.

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

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589w 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black)

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black) The DAV-HDX589W BRAVIA theater system boasts an integrated 5 DVD/CD changer, 1000 watts of room-filling power, and an included iPod dock. 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. Control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface—and it all works through one remote control (included). And for amazing picture quality, the HDMI interface upscales DVD media up to 1080p. In as little as 30 seconds, digital cinema auto calibration automatically adjusts speaker settings depending on their placement.

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Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

  • 1000 watts over 5 channels
  • S-AIR multi-room capable ( AIR-SA10 sold separately)
  • HDMI upscaling to 720p/1080i of DVD media
  • IPod9 dock with music and video playback
  • Includes wireless rear speaker system

Technical Details

Brand Name: Sony
Model: DAV-HDX589W
Output Wattage: 100.0 Watts
Component Type: Home theater system
Audio Output Mode: Surround Sound
DVD Type: DVD changer
Built In Decoder: Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder
Remote Control Description: Universal remote control
Optical Digital Input: Yes
Coaxial Digital Input: Yes
Headphones Jack: Yes
Tuner Technology: Digital
Radio Bands Supported: AM/FM

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W Review

Finally found the One, 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.

My First Surround Sound System, I researched and viewed surround sound systems for weeks and weeks. I went to stores, priced them out, compared Samsung’s to Sony’s, and Wal-Mart’s to Best Buy’s. I did my much needed research before actually picking the #1 rated Sony surround sound system on Amazon.

First off, let me say this; out of all the reviews I read I never found the answer to this question before actually pulling it out of the box myself. You are NOT able to use these speakers on a different receiver. Sony uses plastic ends on their speakers for easy set-up making these speakers “un-compatible” with other systems. (I am not saying you can’t just strip those off, but you will be unable to use them with this system again when you do). This also means your own speakers you have at home will not be able to hook up to the system this comes with.

That being said, you do get a very very nice all-in-one package, but you are not able to upgrade later with better or bigger speakers or a new receiver. Past that, everything in the box seems to be very high quality. Sony does put quality into their speakers, and puts a ton of punch in a little box.

I am not a guru on surround sound or anything like that, but I was easily able to get everything set-up and working quickly. The S-Air function seems to work perfectly fine in my household. I didn’t do anything fancy, I just did a auto setup, and it worked fine. Also, I found if you actually read through the handbook that came with it, you are able to adjust the volume of each speaker individually based on your preference and taste.

After feeling assured that a lot of the negative reviews I read was not an issue here in my home, I went on to the main (and final) issue I was worried about; The fact there are not many outputs or inputs on this device.

I was worried about this, because I have a PS3, 360, Wii, heck even a SNES hooked up to my HDTV and wanted everything to play out of all my speakers. I read the manual a little bit and my problem was solved instantly. “If you have an Optical Out or Aux Out on your TV, the surround sound system will work with all devices hooked up to the TV”. This meant that my PS3, Xbox 360, the TV itself, and even my SNES all work out of my 5.1. This was my only other concern when buying this system, as I was worried about not enough inputs. **Also, I did test my bluray movies on the PS3 by directly hooking up the PS3 to the TV, and the TV to the System. It sounded just as good as if I just hooked it directly to the sound system itself**

Overall if you are just jumping into surround sound, and you want an “all-in-one” theater experience from the get-go this is the system for you. It will make your room sound like a movie theater if you want it to, and it works perfect in the “night mode” if you don’t want to disturb neighbors. If you are going to be planning on upgrading to bigger speakers, or a bigger receiver than I suggest maybe looking elsewhere. I think anyone would be happy with this system at under $400.00.

very happy with Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W, could not have been easier to set up. the sound is awesome……I used an optical cord from a blueray player to the receiver input and an HDMI from the blueray to the 1080 HDTV. this thing shakes the room! You will hear some of the “smallest” sounds recorded in the video. This was a VERY good choice….and thanks to the other reviewers that recommended it. That helped with my decision to buy this one.

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Buy More Sony Home Theater Best Price

Buy Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100, Sony BRAVIA KDL-52S5100, Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100, Sony Bravia KDL-40S5100 and Sony BRAVIA KDL-52W4100 Best Price

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