Filed under: Surround Sound Systems
Sharp HTSB300 2 1 Sound Bar Audio System with Digital Decoding
Sharp’s 2.1-channel sound bar, model HT-SB300, offers enhanced audio technology and easy setup for a dynamic home theater experience. The model features a slim profile design, enclosing the main left and right speaker drivers as well as the sub woofer in one thin, wall-mountable sound bar. The bar can also be placed on a TV stand. The 34-watt sound bar combines advanced HDSS (high-definition sound standard) sound technology and SRS WOW HD Sound for a more natural listening experience and a deeper, more natural bass response. The HT-SB300 adds digital audio decoding with DTS, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro logic II decoder, as well as Dolby virtual speaker to effectively simulate 5.1 channel surround sound. For flexibility and simple setup, both sound bars feature dual audio inputs, right and left RCA jacks and a 3.5mm sub mini jack, which allows for a second audio source such as an MP3 player. The HT-SB300 adds a subwoofer output jack as well.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars A sound improvement
The HTSB300 is a big improvement over the speakers built into flat panel TVs. Don’t mistake it for surround sound–it isn’t. However, the improvement in sound quality is very noticeable, especially in the lower register. Even though we could have bought a low-end surround system for this price, we decided that the hassle of running wires, siting speakers and so on simply wasn’t worth it. We watch TV and movies, not run a theater. There’s also the benefit of the small size, which generally is making use of what would normally be wasted space in front of the TV.
Three notes. We’ve found that keeping the built-in TV speakers at a low level seems to improve the overall quality of sound. We found that the included “spikes”, meant to elevate the unit so it can sit over the pedestal of the TV, doesn’t work so well (as least with our Sharp Aquos). It raises the unit to the point where it interferes with the TV’s remote receiver. And you get yet another remote to keep up with. (Our cable “universal” remote doesn’t know what to make of this unit.)
4 Stars Good match for Sharp Aquos LCD TV’s
Inexpensive soundbar best suited for a medium size Aquos LCD TV. Crisp high’s and solid mid range characteristics, seamless operation with Aquos TV. Sound is improved tremendously with the addition of a small subwoofer such as a Polk Audio PSW111 or similar using the subwoofer output on the bar which can be controlled using the included remote. Dimensions are thin and long and well suited to 32, 37 and 40″ TV’s (the bar is 31.5 inches long). Well suited for smaller rooms or apartments, however surround sound effects are subtle. This unit will not fool you into believing sound is coming from behind you, however it does create an immersive sound field that fills the listening area and is a dramatic improvement over built in TV speakers. Great for someone who is avoiding complex audio systems and seeking a minimalist, but satisfying audio experience. If you have no intention of adding a subwoofer, get the less expensive HT-SB200, the difference between the digital and analog inputs is insignificant.
Buy/More Info
November 22, 2009
MartinLogan Motif High Performance Electrostatic Speaker Single Center Channel Black
Motif is an amalgam of technologies carefully balanced to maximize performance and installation flexibility. A state-of-the-art XStat transducer, MicroPerf stators, ClearSpar spacers, and vacuum bonding combine with dual aluminum-cone woofers and a proprietary VojtkoTM crossover to provide maximize efficiency for an effortless, unlimited dynamic presentation. The result is rich, lifelike, stunningly detailed sound that blends seamlessly with MartinLogan’s other electrostats and enhances any home theater.
Motif in a home setting
Motif is an amalgam of technologies carefully balanced to maximize performance and installation flexibility. A state-of-the-art XStat transducer, MicroPerf stators, ClearSpar spacers, and vacuum bonding combine with dual aluminum-cone woofers and a proprietary Vojtko? crossover to provide maximize efficiency for an effortless, unlimited dynamic presentation. The result is rich, lifelike, stunningly detailed sound that blends seamlessly with our other electrostats and enhances any home theater.
Unique (Hybrid-Dynamic) HD-XStatTM design embeds a high-resolution neodymium soft dome tweeter directly in Motif?s electrostatic panel, improving dispersion for increased flexibility in placement. This unique mounting system also increases mid-range/high-frequency phase coherence and time alignment while offering superior dispersion characteristics.
Wall-mount brackets and a toolless pivoting stand (with 35 degrees of motion) allow Motif to perform as either a main, center, or surround speaker, mounted on- or off-wall, horizontally or vertically.
Carefully hand-built using only the finest polypropylene capacitors and air-core coils, Motif’s crossover employs MartinLogan?s proprietary Vojtko topology for vanishingly low distortion and seamless driver integration. This precision-tuned network preserves even the most subtle sonic nuances while handling the full dynamics of any source.
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November 21, 2009
Polk Audio TC65i Rectangular 2 way In Wall Loudspeaker Single
Polk Rectangular 2-way In-Wall Loudspeaker TC65i – Durable, moisture resistant materials, including Butyl Rubber surrounds, for safe use in kitchen, bath & sauna. Conveniently accessible front panel controls. Tweeter Level Switch offers flat and -3db selection for more sound control. Wall Distance Toggle Switch flattens frequency response when installed near a corner or adjacent wall Driver Complement – Mid/Woofer 1 – 6-1/2 Diameter Mineral Composite Polyproplyene cone with Butyl Rubber surround / Tweeter 1 – 1 Diameter Silk/Polymer composite dome Overall Frequency Response 32Hz-27kHz Nominal Impedance 8 ohms Recommended Amplifier Power 10-125 w/channel Inputs – 5-way binding posts Size – 14-5/16 H x 8-1/2 W / Cut-out Size 12-3/4 H x 7-1/4 W / Mounting Depth (assumes 1/2 wall material) 2-3/4. Speaker sold individually.
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November 21, 2009
Polk Audio OWM3 On Wall Speaker Pair Black
acoustic suspension enclosure * 1″ silk dome tweeter * 4-1/2″ Dynamic Balance
November 21, 2009
Samsung HT Z512T 5 1 Channel 5 Disc Home Theater Surround Sound System Set of Seven Black
Lose yourself in awe-inspiring sound and enjoy your home theater system without the hassle of hiding wires or tripping over them. The HT-Z512T has a dock so you can listen to music from your iPod whenever you want. The 5-disc DVD changer will up-convert your standard DVDs to 1080 high definition for an enhanced cinematic experience. Get the complete home theater experience with the Samsung HT-Z512T. Headphone jack Impedance – 3-ohms satellite and woofer Terminals – Component video out, Composite video out, HDMI-CEC out, Auxiliary 1 auxiliary 2 Audio in, and Optical (digital in) Dimensions – 16.93 x 2.95 x 17.28 Weight – 17.57 pounds
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Great Sound
This product has great sound for the price. Does not have a lot of inputs, but this is an easy fix by using Optical or HDMI switches. I have my Cable Box, Xbox 360 & Samsung Blu Ray all connected via an Optical/Toslink switch. I am alble to play any of these devices through the surround sound system.
1 Star A HTS w/o sound? True!
The display at Best Buy didn’t work. That should have deterred me. Rather, I thought it was a connectivity/setup issue on their end. So, I proceeded to buy it. Within the first three hours after setup, I lost sound a dozen times. It didn’t matter the source…aux, dvd, ipod….the sound went out randomly. It wasn’t the speaker connections; it wasn’t the source. Returning it tomorrow.
3 Stars Unsure
I have had the Samsun Ht-Z512T home theater for only a couple of weeks and I am still getting use to it. I finally got it set up properly but I haven’t had to much time as of late to really experience it to make a good rating on it. At this time I would say it performes addiquitly. I will try and write another review after I have gotten a better knowledge of it’s capabilities.
4 Stars Samsung HT-Z512T
I bought this home theater along with my new Samsung LCD TV. They both arrived very fast. This home theater looks very sharp when set up. It’s a little tricky learning all of the functions but it sounds amazing and works in sink with my Samsung TV. The remote contol recognizes both samsung products which is nice and makes it able to only use 1 remote.
The only slightly negative is that there isn’t a lot of input/output jacks for those with a whole bunch of stuff to hook up but there is an HDMI output and 1 AV input so it works great for what I have and for the money it’s an excellent deal.
5 Stars For the Money it’s great.
For the cost this is a good system.. looks good, sounds good.
Only thing I miss would be having multiple HDMI or Digital Inputs but that is what you give up to have it for this cost.
Buy/More Info
November 21, 2009
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