Pioneer HTP-305 Dolby Digital Home Theater System

by Pioneer

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 76 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000K1RI
• Item model number: HTP-305
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #441,981 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Pioneer's HTP-305 is a fully integrated home theater system. It comes equipped with a 100-watt 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround receiver, five identically sized satellite speakers for the front left, right, center, and surround channels, plus an 8-inch subwoofer powered by a built-in 100-watt amplifier. The HTP-305 is easy to set up and a snap to operate. That's all great, but what's most important is the simple fact the HTP-305 provides exceptionally good performance for its price.

Although the HTP-305's speakers are all the same size, they contain different driver components. The three front speakers are two-way (woofer-and-tweeter combos), but the surrounds contain just a single full-range driver. (Pioneer identifies the duty for each on the rear of the cabinets.) Even though the surrounds lack a tweeter, Pioneer has done a fine job of "voicing" the speakers to create a seamless surround experience.

Just as critical is the subwoofer's role. The 8-inch driver is quick (that is, it offers fast transient response), so it blends nicely with the satellites. It also delivers plenty of weight and rumble when you're in the mood for a blockbuster movie, and its built-in 100-watt amp never seems to run out of juice.

The VSX-D508 receiver is a cinch to set up and operate, and we found operation of both the front panel and the remote control intuitive and straightforward. We're pleased to see a superior-sounding coaxial digital input in addition to an optical digital input on the receiver, though we do miss S-video switching, which is visibly superior to composite. The 5.1-channel inputs are a welcome addition in case you want to hook up a DTS- (Digital Theater Systems) decoding DVD player or a decoder for any other future six-channel surround format.

Lots of home-theater-in-a-box systems sound puny, but not this one. With both regular stereo sources (such as CD and FM broadcast) and the latest 5.1-channel DVDs, the sound is clean, clear, and open, with surprisingly good low-end weight and balance. The highs are not be quite as extended or airy as with the very best systems, and the subwoofer doesn't reach far below 40 Hz, but the ultimate in frequency extremes generally comes at a very high price.

In all, Pioneer's HTP-305 is a fine product and good value. You'll have to spend quite a bit more to get a better-integrated system than this one. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

• Big, open sound
• Coaxial and optical digital inputs
• 5.1-channel analog inputs
• Good value

Cons:

• No S-video switching
• Limited high-frequency response
• Headphone jack has no separate volume control

Product Description

500 watts, dolby digital surround sound, 100 watt powered subwoofer, digital signal processor w/6 simulated sound fields. includes 5 speaker surround sound spkr package plus subwoofer. AM/FM stereo digital tuner w/30 preset station memories. 3 digital imputs, 4 audio/video inputs. Add'l front A/V input. Preprogrammed remote control

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Pioneer HTP-305 Dolby Digital Home Theater System (Electronics)

Great sound for the price. 100 watts in each channel including a 100 watt sub provide endless bounds of volume! Good clear high ends which can be DSP'd so as not to sound harsh. Mid-range is clear, but can be reduced by a "loudness" button if so desired. The sub is very quick and provides clean low end sound. Be advised however that the sub does distort under extreme circumstances! Overall a very good system and simple to use. One thing I did not particularly like was that the wires for the surround speakers were not long enough!

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sound at a great price!, March 25, 2000

By 

"screenplay_1" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pioneer HTP-305 Dolby Digital Home Theater System (Electronics)

I have to say I'm really surprised at the sound this system produces. For the price this system can not be beat. I'm very happy with this purchase and my friends who have higher end systems are also really surprised at this system and I'm smiling all the way to the bank!