Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

I was very interested in this product when I first saw it at Circuit City. When you stand 2-3 feet away from the speakers the sound is thick and brilliant and it looks great. Step away, and it sounds terrible. The problem is that speakers of this size cannot generate low or mid range frequencies very well. So the subwoofer, which typically would run at 20-80hz is running closer to 20-250hz... possibly 20-400hz this causes problems with imaging and imbalance in the sound. The reviewer who commented about subwoofer placement being crucial to this unit performing well is exactly correct, and unfortunately, most users will never achieve the correct placement of the subwoofer due to room design issues. This should be a deal breaker for most people considering this product. Most people can find a home theater solution that will sound better in their environment for less money. If looks are important to you, get an in wall solution.

I'm a great fan of Sony when it comes to video not audio. I thought this unit will sync with my new Sony Bravia TV that I bought from Amazon, KDL-46V2500...Wrong! Be sure to check compatibility before you buy it. The theater set claimed to "sync"(volume control of TV) with Bravia TVs.

The sound is decent but cannot justify the price. I would rate it comparable to home theater systems in the $400 range.

Here's a bit more technical if you are connecting to a non-compatible Sony Bravia. The best way to connect is through optical output(Toslink). However, optical on Sony TVs are only available when you have a digital signal directly from the cable. That means the ones getting HD signal from a cable box or Satellite box are out of luck. I have also own a Samsung TV that outputs optical regardless of input signal. Since I'm trying to connect to a Sony TV, a RCA is my only option which defeats the purpose of having a great audio system. I have called the Sony 800 support and confirmed this. Sigh...I put more info at the bottom if you're trying to connect another device such as PS3 or Cable box via Optical sync if you have RCA connected to the TV.

So, if you're looking for a space saver, this is it! Otherwise, you may be better off with lower end model. This is particularly true if you're trying to connect to a non-Bravia Sync Sony TV.

P.S. Here's more on connecting an additional device via Optical in addition to RCA. RCA port and Optical port are shared under the TV mode of the theater system. That means that you can only connect one of them. If there's optical signal coming in(in my case, PS3, it will override the RCA one(in my case, cable TV). Essentially, you're losing one or the other incoming port. If I don't turn off my PS3 and flip over to my Cable channel, the theater system will still be broadcasting PS3 audio while my TV is showing cable TV. As I mentioned, the optical overrides RCA when they are both present. So for those of you with many audio devices, your choices maybe greatly limited. I think this system works the best if you have a Sony theater sync compatible TV using the DVD player that comes with the home theater system. Otherwise, you may have better luck to find a theater system that supports more devices.

Hope this helps.

First off, I'd like to say that the system is nice. Good sound, and especially compact. I have Polk bookshelf speakers but they won't fit in my small apartment. These speakers can go anywhere!

On the downside, setup was rediculous. I have a Sony Bravia TV and a Sony Vaio Media Center PC. I had to run the HDMI out of the TV, into the PC and the Digital Audio from the PC to the system. The iPod cradle was equally troublesome as I had to route the Audio into the system and the Video into the TV.

Be aware: There is no HDMI Input, only output. Great for someone that doesn't have a lot of AV equipment or to be put into a small room. Onboard DVD is fine, haven't hooked up the AM, FM or cable (cable routes to my PC anyway).

I too got this as a freebie from Best Buy with a Sony Bravia LCD46". When the deal was going on I listened in the store and I thought..ehh, ok, its free. I even thought about selling it on ebay, as they go for around $450 there. I finally decided to install it after reading the install instructions because it happened to work out perfect for our family room. I thought if it was decent it would keep me from going out and spending $2000 on a system, not to mention the hassle of a big system.

I can't figure out why people think this is complicated. Took about 2 minutes to figure out the hookup. Very compact and discreet. The little speakers are almost invisible in the entertainment center. Wife friendly for sure. Our house was prewired so it was just a matter of setup and go.

Those folks who pass because of the sound in the store are selling the unit short on sound. I have a room about 16x20 with a big vault and its attached to the kitchen/dining area, and it will fill it up the entire area nicely. No problems there. I managed to find a good spot for the sub and it works well, even though its an odd setup. I feel like that might be an issue if you don't have a spot relatively close to the main speakers.

We have 5-6 ipods running around the house and its cool to drop one on the unit and listen away. You can control the ipod with the Sony remote...surpise. The stereo seperation is very nice. The sound fields and tone variables allow plenty of sound adjustment. I have had a few serious home and car systems and this really is very easy to listen to. Not super hifi, but enjoyable. The bass is good, and does the job.

The surround sound is more than adequate, although you won't be impressing the neighbors down the street. If that's what your looking for, move on. All in all, I'd say, if you have the need for a discreet, compact system, that does the job and comes in a nice package, this should be considered. If you have a home theater room with a 100" TV and theater chairs and curtains lining the wall, probably not what your looking for.

Now, the price. $800...? No. $450 on ebay, bnib? Maybe. Free...oh heck yes. Btw...Bestbuy had the Sony Bravia on sale AND the Dav IS10 for free. If they run it again, its definitely worth a look. Or, check out ebay. Some of the folks who got the freebie are selling bnib, factory sealed.

I got this system free with the purchase of a Bravia 46" TV, and it is worth every penny of it. I wasn't planning to buy the TV when I did, but the "free" sound system was a good inducement. I am generally happy with it and with the TV, but it does not have inputs for my legacy audio components. I would expect more from an "$800" audio system.

The Pros:
I like the system because it produces rich sound, syncs with the TV, has a small foot print and discrete speakers. The disk player recognizes many formats including dvd, cd, mp3, jpg, and more. I like the fact that the wiring hub and power supply is in the subwoofer on the floor, rather than in the control box. The auto calibration feature is really cool. Standard DVDs produce a good picture on the 1080p TV.

The cons:
There is not much I/O. Once you get the TV connected, it is almost used up.
Yes there is a IPOD docking station, but I don't have or particularly want an IPOD.
It has no interface for my generic MP3 player with standard headset jack.
If you have legacy equipment like a tape deck or turn table, there is no input for it. The disk player only handles one DVD or CD at a time.
I have had to turn the volume up all the way at times when using the DVD/CD player. One might think that if you buy a premium TV/home theater package, that it would include all necessary interconnecting cables. Not so.

I have read many reviews about this system. The one common problem is the volume. There is a way to increase the volume to each speaker. Here are the steps:

1. The Sony system must be in DVD mode.
2. Press the DISPLAY button on the remote when DVD is not playing.
3. Choose SETUP (the red tool box)
4. Choose CUSTOM
5. Choose SPEAKER SETUP
6. Choose TEST TONE
7. Select ON. At this point you can adjust the volume for each speaker

Also in the Sony manual on pages 92-94

I first saw this item in the Sony store and was really impressed with the performance of these little speakers. However after purchasing I was a little disappointed with it's sound output and the lack of ports to connect added accessories to expand it's use.

This is a great little surround sound system when you cannot conceal speakers in your walls or ceiling and you don't want to see big speakers around your room. The sound is extremely good especially given the size of the satellite speakers. For these reasons it fits our purpose. We are very satisfied with this system and it will replace our bedroom system when we replace this in our living room with another system.

Pros:
- Very small, easy to hide satellite speakers
- Very good sound given the size of the satellite speakers
- Built in DVD player
- Nice remote
- Easy to install in any room
- Our model came with a iPod dock

Cons:
- Not loud enough on very low input signals (plenty loud enough for a 20' x 17' room with good input signals)
- DVD player will not play every type of video file out there but does play most
- iPod on screen user interface is very basic
- Limited inputs

Mine arrived yesterday, so these are initial thoughts formed over the course of an afternoon.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

1) Design
The system is beautiful. The receiver / "control unit is a smooth, glossy black with only two tactile buttons. All the other buttons are touch sensitive and disappear completely when the device is turned off. It's about 2x the height and 1.5x the width of the Mac Mini it's sitting beside, and I thought it was kinda cool that they both have slot-loading DVD drives at exactly the same height.

2) Size
As previous reviews have stated, you'll be struck by the tiny speakers, but you'll also be struck by the massive subwoofer. It's as tall as the TV bench and I haven't quite figured out where to place it. Right now it's sitting right in front of a heating vent, which is not going to work out.


INITIAL CONCERNS:

1) Not a lot of INPUTS
There seem to be just enough inputs to deal with my Xbox 360 (via optical), my DirecTV receiver/DVR (via digital coax), and my Mac Mini (unfortunately via stereo mini to RCA). If I were to add another device or try to get surround sound out of the Mac Mini, I'd need to buy an optical hub or switch.

2) Not a lot of VOLUME
Casually watching DirecTV HD during the day in my mall living room, I have to turn the volume up to 70 out of 80. There's just ZERO headroom. I expect this to be a problem when I want to play music for a party, watch a loud movie, play Rock Band, or move it into a larger room.

3) Sound field
For sources that do not provide 5.1 encoded surround sound, it's still possible to get some sound out of the rear speakers, which I think provides for a more immersive experience. Unfortunately, I've had trouble geting enough volume out of those speakers to make it worth the effort. I'm positive that there is a solution for this, but it's not immediately apparent and certainly didn't present itself during normal speaker set-up and configuration. Time to get the manual out.

4) Speaker wires
Some reviews have warned about the proprietary speaker connections. My living room is not huge, but these rear speakers came with enough wire to go around the edge two or three times. I was mostly just annoyed that they were a bright, shiny, silver. Not very subtle.


I have every hope that I'll find solutions to these problems. I will update this review if I find the answers.