Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Can't Beat The Price!, July 6, 2008
I received this HTIB system last week and it's been awesome. Before I go into detail, let me first say that I'm not an audiophile. But I do disdain buzzing of any kind, inaudible dialogue, and low bass. Also, my setup with this system is a Samsung LCD flat panel, cable HD, an Oppo DVD player, and Wii.
First the Cons: Has barely any inputs. Before this system, I had everything connected to my TV. The cable box, DVD player, and Wii were all connected to my TV. Because this system only has a few audio inputs and I wanted to use my superior Oppo DVD player over the Panasonic receiver's, I kept everything the same and used the Digital Optical connection to connect the receiver to my Oppo DVD player. I knew that I only wanted to use the system for DVD's, so it means that I can't listen to my cable shows or Wii games in surround sound. And I haven't tested out the DVD player. If I wasn't lazy, I could change it up a bit, but I'll leave it the way it is for now. So the bad thing about this system is that this unit is lacking a bunch of inputs. It only has audio inputs and no visual inputs. So if you use component cables, you will have to lead the video wire to the TV and two audio wires to the receiver. Perhaps I'll do that later.
The second Con is that the two back "wireless" speakers aren't entirely wireless. Like some other wireless systems, the back speakers are wireless between the speakers and receiver, but the two speakers need to be wired and powered to a wireless receiver that needs to be powered by an outlet. I half expected this since I know other systems have this feature and with my setup, I don't mind the wires.
Third Con: The bass only has four levels of volume: off, and levels 1-3. I live in a NYC apartment and I'm sure my downstairs neighbors aren't appreciating this new purchase.
Pros: This thing comes at an excellent price! Yes, it's extremely bare bones, but man...you can't beat the price with everything you get here. I did months of research and had settled on purchasing the Onkyo 605 with Polk speakers which may have cost over $600. But I saved a ton of money by getting this system. Yes, this system is not future proof with new sound technology coming out every year, but man it was worth it.
It took me less than an hour to put everything together (the stands and wiring). The speakers are relatively thin (the bass is huge, but it doesn't bother me).
Lastly, the system sounds great! It's really powerful and there's no delay in the wireless back speakers. I tested the system by watching Armageddon, Batman Begins, and Transformers. Having asteroids and giant robots fly in from behind was simple bliss. Yes, I'm pretty sure there are much better systems out there. This system has limited options, inputs, and adjustments...but it still is a really good value for your buck. If you're on a low budget for a surround sound system, I really recommend this unit. And the ipod deck is simple. You just pull out the front panel and push in your ipod and you're connected. The bad thing is that you can't control your ipod once it's connected. I think the ipod has to be playing the playlist that you want before you connect it.
I can't stress this enough...it's not the best system out there, but it's cheap and the quality is good stuff.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good starter system, May 26, 2008
Like most people I did a lot of research before buying my system. One of the things Iliked about this system was the fact that I already had a Panasonic HDTV.
I have a large living room and was a little worried that the system may not be enough for it. I am not someone who likes to rattle the windows and shake the roof but I did want to get the full surround sound effect. This system does that. While the volume topped out at fifty when it got to the forty range each click up gave a decent rise in volume. I stopped at 43 and got a great sound level for what I wanted.
As for set up I got the system home and had it set up in under 30 minutes.
At first I was a bit worried as the rear speakers were a bit weak in the "test position" I placed them. After a little tweaking with the onscrean set up I boosted the rear speakers volume and soon got the effect I was looking for. Two days later I changed them to normal mode when I placed them in their normal higher position.
I then put in movies to try the system, Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, Transformers, Top Gun and Gladiator. Transformers was the best for testing the system. I loved hearing the helicopter circle behind me then show up on screen as it hit the front speakers.
To keep it short and simple. I like the system and am very happy with it. Some things in the set up could have been better (see other reviews)but those problems are not big enough to say the system isn't worth the money. I have worked through all the options and have the system tweaked and am happy. The DVD's look nice and the T.V is run into the sytem with an optical cable so all my T.V. shows come through the system speakers.
You do need to think about where you will put the rear speaker power system. While the wires do not have to run from the main system they do have to run from the power/reciever box.
All in all a good system.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good product..., September 30, 2008
The system works great but isn't as wireless as it leads you to believe... had to get into the attic to hide the wires for the background speakers - So while it's a "wireless kit" for the rear speakers they are wireless from the main system but have their own reciever that they are wired to wherever you chose to set them up. We were hoping to find a product to avoid that... It wasn't worth the hassle of sending it back and shopping more since we were excited to get our new TV and surround sound set up...
It offers great sound and relatively easy to set up (outside of the wiring).
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