A Great System to introduce one to DVD's--Highly recommended
Written: Aug 15 '02 (Updated Jun 02 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean, compact system, and sounds great without applying for 10yr financing...
Cons: Perhaps, some more control over tone (Bass/Treble)--other than that,none.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended--If you want a DVD system without the brain damage of choosing separates, yet sounds great, this is the one you want.
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| huduguru's Full Review: Sony DAV-S300 Theater System |
I was interested in getting myself "up to speed" with home theater and DVD technology, and wean myself off of VHS tapes. However, I didn't want to have to rely on financing a purchase over time, a trend that seems very popular with consumers these days, to include increasing credit card debt. Thats right; some call me anti-american in my view of not loading up on the "easy credit", but, its easy--if I can't afford it with cash, I need to evaluate the purchase more closely. But, enough of the morals & ethics of consumer spending...on to the world of DVD home systems...
I made my way down to the local big-box electronics retailer only to find a gazillion ways to accomplish the seemingly simple end of constructing a home theater system. I've pieced together audio systems before, and while fun and interesting, it is time consuming to find the "right" mix of components and install the same in your home. At this moment in time, I didn't want to have to worry about cutting cable, buying interconnects, stacking components, blah, blah, blah. I just wanted to get something decent and start watching movies--period.
I ambled over to the home theater section and surprisingly found a few DVD systems that featured complete set-ups, to include all wire and hardware. What a great idea. A variety of brands were available in a wide price range, but, I focused on those in the $500-600 price range. Normally, one could barely get into a basic 5-ch receiver at this price.
I immediately zeroed in on the Sony system. Sony always engineers their products for optimum usability, coupled with great looks. Many other manufacturers skimp on one or the other, ending up with a "lop-sided" product, in my opinion. What set the Sony apart was the color (silver), its size (small), and the pricing ($499 after a mfg. rebate). Silver electronic products are growing on me after years of having dusty, black components. I hate dust and I hate to dust electronics. If I could cut down on the nasty visual of the eternal dust demon on black aluminum, my world would be a happier place. The small size was a bonus as well, especially since the unit is essentially a 5ch receiver with a DVD & decoder all in one short unit--too cool. Using less space is fine with me. Finally, the price worked for me--a "DVD'ver", plus 5 satellite speakers and Sub--all for $500 bucks. How easy can this be? Is it too good to be true?
I took it home, and open the single box that contained everything--one box is cool. The instructions were extremely easy to follow, and the well packed components were in their places within an hour of set-up. A little initial volume tweaking of all the channels with the built-in test tone generator, and we were ready to stick in a DVD. I threw in the newest version of "Gone in 60 Seconds", and wow, what a picture! What sound! I seriously couldn't believe it. As a long time believer of "more watts is better", I was amazed at the sound from 30 wpc. I then tried CD's and the receiver--sounded pretty darn good. While there's not much adjustment for tone, its main function of decoding DVD's is great. Unless you're trying to fill a large, "cold sounding" room, I don't think you need much more that this type of system. If you're a total audio nut, you may become bored with this little system. But, if you like quality in small packages, easy set-up, and ease of use, I would challenge you to find a superior product in the same price range.
Sony continues its prowess as a leading electronics manufacturer and designer with this system. Highly recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
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huduguru
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Reviews written: 2
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