Onkyo HT-S5100 Review

Categories: Onkyo
Onkyo HT-S5100 Review

Onkyo has been producing audio products since 1946. In 1966 Onkyo was voted the “Best Buy,” in Japan’s consumer report and they have been receiving awards for their products ever since. Onkyo entered the home theater market in 1993 and received great reviews for its THX receiver. Onkyo continued to improve their home theater product line and in 2000 introduced the world’s first 7.1 channel A/V receiver with THX’s surround EX and then in 2004 introduced the world’s first fully modular AV home network receiver. In 2007 they introduced the first receiver that featured Dolby True HD and DTS decode which is the first generation of receivers to handle video and audio in high definition.

With that kind of report card, it’s no wonder that Onkyo plays an important part in the home theater market. True innovators like Onkyo often stay in the background for years before they hit the mass market. Onkyo’s HT- S5100 7.1 Channel Home Entertainment System, which is a set of nine pieces, is an awesome investment. It measures 20.2 Wide x 30.7 High x 31.2 Deep. The total system weighs 88 pounds. This system gets the best performance out of high-definition sources. Read the Onkyo HT-S5100 Review »

Onkyo HT-S5100 Review

Categories: Onkyo
Onkyo HT-S5100 Review

The Onkyo HT-S5100 home theater system is a great mid-range system that offers a better than average amount of features compared to the competition in the same class. The system accepts up to three 1080p sources for switching to one display, which may save you from having to get an HDMI switcher in the future. If you’re concerned about power, it pumps out a whopping 1200 watts that provide clear highs and a ton of kick for the included subwoofer. The sound is backed up by Audyssey room correction technology to help you get the best sound quality possible in any room. As far as extra bells and whistles go, there are some pretty good ones. The HT-S5100 is Onkyo’s first system to come with a dedicated iPod dock, which is pricey on its own. If satellite radio is your thing, the HT-S5100 connects to Sirius radio if you purchase a subscription.

The Onkyo HT-S5100 does have a few drawbacks. One major disadvantage is that it doesn’t actually decode the 7.1 digital audio, instead it lets the TV do the work by passing the sound through. If you’re a true audiophile looking for a 7.1 system or someone who is interested in “future proofing” their home theater system, then a detail like this might make all the difference in the world. If you’re someone that wants a good surround system and has a limited budget, then the Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 is a great purchase for you.

Panasonic SC-PT760 Review

Categories: Panasonic
Panasonic SC-PT760 Review

The Panasonic SC-PT760 home entertainment system has a lot of great features. It is a 1000 watt, 6 speaker system that has a five disc DVD/CD player along with other wonderful features. Another feature is the wireless rear speakers. Fewer wires mean less clutter. Its whisper-mode surround produces a rich sound even when the volume setting is low. It also has a 1080p up-conversion function that will take standard images from video sources and convert them to high definition images. The result is an exceptionally sharp and clear high resolution picture to enjoy. Panasonic also offers an optional kit of wireless speakers that can be placed in other rooms, so you can listen to music around the house. It has a built in Universal dock for an iPod which will enhance your video and music options.

The system includes 2 tallboy front speakers, 1 center speaker, 2 surround speakers and a Kelton subwoofer. It has Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS decoders and an integrated Universal Dock for iPod. Another great feature is the Viera link display which gives you the ability to pick movies or music that are stored on your iPod and remotely select one and begin to listen or watch that selection. The system measures 16.7” Wide x 13” Deep x 3 High and weighs 45 pounds. Read the Panasonic SC-PT760 Review »

Yamaha NS-SP1800BL Review

Categories: Yamaha
Yamaha NS-SP1800BL Review

When you shop for home theatre systems, you might find that the process is similar to shopping for a car. There are certain classes of vehicles which are good for some people and likewise, there are speaker systems that fall in different categories. When you look at the Yamaha NS-SP1800BL system, you are looking at what is known as an entry level speaker system. That is not to say that it lacks quality, though. It’s entry level in that there are certain systems out there that outclass it a little bit.

The system features 5.1 channel audio, which means you will get the power of five surround sound speakers and a deep sub-woofer to provide bass. One of the interesting things about this system, especially when compared to earlier systems and its contemporary competitors, is that the Yamaha NS-SP1800BL has a wide range of frequencies supported. It can provide sound at anywhere from 28 Mhz to 50 Mhz. Read the Yamaha NS-SP1800BL Review »

Polk Audio RM6750 Review

Categories: Polk
Polk Audio RM6750 Review

If you are looking for an excellent home theater system, then this is the system for you. An excellent home theater system for a very reasonable price. Easy to set up and the website is anexcellent source if you need any help wth your theater system. The speakers aren’t bulky and they blend into the environment. If you have a small satellite the sound for it is decent witht this theatre system. The speakers lack some strength at lower frequences though. If you want a system for a large room, this probably isn’t the best system for you. If you want a system for a smaller room, then this is a perfect system for you. If you do use this system in a big room, the sound may be a little distorted when you turn the volume up.

This system is excellent for all you gamers out there. it provides excellent sounds for your video gaes and you can hear your enemies better when they are sneaking up on you.The sub does provide good base withhout being too overpowering. If you want awesome sound withouot paying a huge price then gove the Polk Audio a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Panasonic SC-PT960 Review

Categories: Panasonic
Panasonic SC-PT960 Review

The Panasonic SC-PT960 Home Theater System is a 1250 watt system that is filled with amazing features. The sound that this system produces is fantastic because of a rigid bamboo material in the center of the speakers. The Kelton subwoofer system has a dual diameter structure that gives this system a powerful bass quality that’s hard to beat. The Whisper-Mode Surround provides a rich full-bodied surround sound experience, even at low volume. Those features alone make it a great system, but there are even more super components that make this system special.

This system has the ability to convert standard 720 x 480 pixel images from DVD sources to 1920 x 1080 pixels images, which means the picture produced is a high resolution exceptionally clear image to enjoy. The wireless speaker kit for the back speakers reduces the amount of clutter. There is also a multi- room wireless speaker kit that can be purchased separately, which can expand the sound into three more rooms. That means you can listen to music in several rooms and not be concerned with a lot of wires. Read the Panasonic SC-PT960 Review »

Sony HT-SS2300 Review

Categories: Sony
Sony HT-SS2300 Review

A solid home theater system can make it seem as if you are in the world of the film you are watching or the game you are playing. Theater systems are a great way to connect everything from game consoles to televisions and DVD players so that you have an eye-catching entertainment system that is accessible with the flick of a remote. When it comes time to choose your home theater system, there are many pros and cons to consider. The following are some things to consider when considering the Sony HT-SS2300 system.

Experts and customers alike both love the slim design of this model. This is one of the most highly praised features of the home theater system. The design allows for a beautiful and sleek appearance. For those who want a system that looks high-tech, this is the model for them. Additionally, it makes finding space for this model that much easier: one won’t have to worry about a bulky or unattractive system cluttering up the room. Read the Sony HT-SS2300 Review »

Sony HTDDWG700 Review

Categories: Sony
Sony HTDDWG700 Review

If you’re thinking about a simple upgrade from your current television speakers and want to enter the wonderful world of home theater ownership, you really can’t go wrong with the Sony HTDDWG700 component home theater system. For around two hundred dollars you get a receiver and five high quality speakers with an 8 inch active subwoofer for 5.1 surround sound. The unit produces a healthy 900 watts of power, which is perfect for a smaller room or if you don’t plan on making your neighbor’s teeth rattle. One of the added bonuses of this unit is the included iPod dock, which is a great feature to have considering the low price of the HTDDWG700.

If you’re thinking about purchasing the Sony HTDDWG700, know that it is definitely not for audiophiles. The receiver has limited capabilities and while the speakers do a great job, they are definitely not top of the line. The receiver also does not have HDMI input, so if you’re looking for a receiver to handle true HD pass through in the future, this is certainly not the one you’re looking for. The HTDDWG700 does have both coaxial and optical digital input, which offers two options for great sounding 5.1 surround sound from a standard DVD player. One common complaint with the HTDDWG700 is that they receiver seems a bit large for the performance it gives, so those with space concerns might want to look for a slimmer unit.

Overall the Sony HTDDWG700 offers a great value for what it offers at a low price, but those looking for more features should look elsewhere.

Panasonic SC-PT660 Review

Categories: Panasonic
Panasonic SC-PT660 Review

The Panasonic SC-PT660 Theater System is the kind of option you might want to explore if you don’t have a lot of money, yet would like to move into the world of home theater. The SC-PT660 is Panasonic’s entry level all-in-one package that delivers quite a bit for a low price. It features a five speaker system with a subwoofer for true 5.1 surround sound. The sound quality is very good for the price you’re paying for this unit.

What separates the SC-PT660 from a lot of others in its class is that the DVD player is a five disc changer and the unit has a built-in iPod dock, allowing you to enjoy a lot of different types of media without a lot of hassle. Another nice feature is that the DVD player upscales images to 1080p. While this won’t make a DVD look as fantastic as that offered by Blu-Ray, it is much improved over a non-upscaled image. Read the Panasonic SC-PT660 Review »

Samsung HT-X810 Sound Bar Review

Categories: Samsung
Samsung HT-X810 Sound Bar Review

The Samsung HT-X810 is a system that comes with many gadgets. Stylish, easy to setup, wall-mountable, 5.8GHz wireless with outstanding surround sound system, the list seem to go on. Excellent audio and video quality, good connectivity options, easy setup seems to be one of this system’s strong points. Sporting features like HDMI output, digital optical audio input, USB, Bluetooth, this system seem to have it all. The Bluetooth is particularly interesting because it allows you to use any compatible mobile, PC or even MP3 player to act as a sound source. The outstanding bass and theater-like effects also complement music very nicely, so users can listen to their iTunes music on it.

A noticeably wide unit measuring about one meter across, it is designed to complement screens that are at least 40inch and above. Also featuring the wall to wall-mountable feature, with the ports at the rear angled which is ideal for cable hook ups. There’s no calibration routine and the system automatically recognizes the wireless subwoofer that comes with it, just by turning it on. To familiarize yourself with the subwoofer volume control, browsing the manual might have to be required. Once the user is comfortable familiar with this system they will find that there are way more pros than cons. Read the Samsung HT-X810 Sound Bar Review »

Home Theater System Review

The Home Theater System Review online magazine dedicated to reviewing the latest and best home theater systems. We're just a bunch of volunteer audiophiles so if you're interested in contributing by writing or sponsoring, please contact us!

Contributors

Jason Collins
James Qiu
Rachel Bustos
Jim Brown