Customer Reviews

Philips MX966 Home Theater System

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

.... Overall, I'm very impressed by the quality and value of this product. The system provides plenty of power for anyone with a small to mid-size room, and the clarity is better than one might expect from small home theater in a box speakers.

The heart of the system is a 500 Watt receiver built by Marantz (although sold under the Philips brand name). The receiver has all the bells and whistles one would associate with any upper-end receiver. It has a wide array of inputs, and features interactive menus that allow you to enter distances between speakers to properly adjust the volume level between the speaker components. All buyers should be aware however that this system does not decode DTS. You can only get Dolby Digital out of this machine. In my humble opinion though, it is virtually impossible to tell the two formats apart unless you are using high-end equipment.

The only realy drawback I see is that the reciever only has one digital optical input. If you are like me and have a DVD player and digital cable, that creates a dilemna. It does have two coaxial digital inputs, but I personally do not like coax inputs as well as digital optical.

The speakers are far better than those included with similar systems by other manufacturers. The three array design of the center channel speaker is a nice touch and the front and surround channels are well complimented by the 100 watt subwoofer. When you turn it up, this system can really kick.

If you want solid quality at a low price, this system is for you. It provides plenty of power for the average user and will add a whole new world to your home theater experience.

I spent a lot of time hunting all the on-line merchants for a good quality tuner speaker combination package to use with my DVD, VCR, phono, cassette tape, and laserdisc players. Since this was for use in a less-than-ideal home environment, I didn't want to spend top dollar, but I didn't want junk either.

The MX966 turned out to be a great find. I am very pleased by the quality of all the components, including the speakers. This was the only under $500 system that I located that had phono inputs. It also has a good selection of s-video ports.

The only thing that confused during initial operation was that video is only distributed in the same output format as its input. That is if you send coax video to the tuner, it is not sent to the s-video output. A small thing, but if you have an older VCR that mean you will have to select a different TV input for viewing VCR tapes than is used for all the devices that produce s-video. Not a big deal, but it could have been clearer in the instructions.

Also, why is it that device makers don't list the universal remote code for their OWN devices? I have 3 phillips devices (TV, TUNER, DVD) but the universal remote lists up to ten possible codes for each of those phillips devices. I still don't have the right combination since sometimes when I an controlling one device, others also respond.

Awesome sound (compared to my old 2 channel stereo) with movies and CDs, and good quality construction and materials. I'm a happy camper!

The MX 966 package has a lot of options. I loved the reality that it enabled me to eliminate my old large bulky speakers (enough space for two more chairs), along with my AM/FM Tuner and Equalizer.

With all the connectors in the back, it tied in my DVD changer, CD changer, Cassette Deck, Turn Table, satellite system, and VCR while allowing me switch to any component from one source.

While watching DVDs I was impressed with the sound from the "optical" audio hook-up. It rocks!

With 5 satelite speakers of 100 watt each, I never need to go above #25 on the volume knob, which goes to 50 (My kids tell me I am hard of hearing). The "Powered Sub-woofer" has 100 watts also and is impressive on the low bass noises. It will rattle your windows if so desired!

Over all, this is a great update to any sound system for this kind of cash!

The last time I bought audio components I bought one of the earliest "surround microprocessors". The thing was more complicated than neurosurgery and worked about as often as most actors. Now, 15 years later, this Phillips unit produces sound that makes me think that the helicopter I'm hearing is real. My wife, who bought it for me, is the least gadgety person in the world. She loves the sound so much that she hasn't stoppped congratulating herself for buying it. I am so impressed by the features, the ease of use, the system versitility, the ability to "manage" all your components and everything else...except the speakers. I mean it, I love the receiver and the remote and the subwoffer (far better than my non-powered Canton sub), but the main, satellite and center speakers don't deliver what the receiver is able to give. This is especially true with the center channel, which is so important in a surround system.
Had I bought it for myself, I would have known that I had 4 of the 6 necessary speakers, and would have bought only what I needed. But even though I chucked five of the six speakers (I used mains and satellites that I already owned and bought a wonderful Polk center), I still think the system was a bargain.

I purchased the upgraded model that includes a Philips DVD (separate unit), all other equipment is the same. The power and quality is spectacular. The number of inputs allowed me to connect all my equipment to and be controlled by this one receiver. It had all the types of inputs I needed, such as fiber optical and multiple S-video connections.

The MX 966 package has a lot of options. I loved the reality that it enabled me to eliminate my old large bulky speakers (enough space for two more chairs), along with my AM/FM Tuner and Equalizer.

With all the connectors in the back, it tied in my DVD changer, CD changer, Cassette Deck, Turn Table, satellite system, and VCR while allowing me switch to any component from one source.

While watching DVDs I was impressed with the sound from the "optical" audio hook-up. It rocks!

With 5 satelite speakers of 100 watt each, I never need to go above #25 on the volume knob, which goes to 50 (My kids tell me I am hard of hearing). The "Powered Sub-woofer" has 100 watts also and is impressive on the low bass noises. It will rattle your windows if so desired!

Over all, this is a great update to any sound system for this kind of cash!

The digital sound processing in this system is fantastic. It is extremely powerful at 600 watts and the subwoofer produces rich deep bass. With 10 sudio inputs, it has more than enough for all the components now available. If you have invested in a DVD player, you definitely need a system like this to get the best sound for your movies!

recently received this system as a birthday gift and this thing rocks! Sleek speaker design, powerful sub, and awesome acoustics, make this system a winner!

This stereo has been in a box since it broke almost a year ago. I have found Philips to be one of the worst electronics manufacteurs out there. Their products just don't last under normal use. Plus, they really do not stand behind their product. I am tired of making Amazon do all my leg work so I am just going to eat the costs on this one and let Philip's name get dragged through the mud. Shame on you Philips, shame on you!

This is an awesome sound system! No matter what size the room, it makes you feel like your in a small movie theater. The receiver does great with all dolby 5.1., and it works great with Digital Cable or a Dish. Buy this and you won't be sorry!