|
So I am not quite an audio nerd, but I am no noob by any stretch. If you want something easy to set up, easy on the eyes, and impressively strong, especially strong for the size of the speakers (I guess size doesn't matter), then this will be an awesome choice for you. The Ipod dock puts out solid sound but the on screen UI looks like it comes from the 80's, no big deal just would expect more based on how freaking cool everything else is.
1080i upconvertion from lower source material + 1080p through 3 HDMI inputs which means I can have 4 total sources plugged into it and only 1 HDMI connection to the TV. This thing isn't overpowering, although it probably could be if my wife let me turn it up, but can easily fill my home (1 story) with sound. At the price Amazon offers this thing packs a lot of heat, but it's even better when you pick it up on special for $300 flat, I could have spent more and been just as impressed and just as satisfied.
I really feel like anyone who says there's not enough power to this is either too picky, hearing impaired, or doesn't really own the system and just likes putting in there 2 cents where ever they can. LPCM audio through HDMI- 2,5.1, and 7.1 channel uncompressed audio, so if you buy or have a Blu-ray system that decodes it's own DTS MA, DTS HD, etc.which MOST do, even most of the $140 bottom of the line off brands, you will get all the latest audio codec playback even though the system itself can't do it. My complaints are that I can only do 4 inputs, HDMI 1-3 are labeled the same as the component inputs and cannot be assigned as a different input.
If you want a professional system your looking in the wrong spot with this system and you should probably not write a negative review saying this thing cant do something it was never intended to do. GO FOR IT.
CONNECTIVITY: 4.5/5 starsThis unit accepts almost everything. I will try to break down the various virtues/shortfalls:DESIGN and AESTHETICS: 5/5 starsThe unit has a high quality finish and a sturdy feel that is not matched by 95% of the HTIB out there. There are some canned surround tone presets but no detailed sound tailoring offered. You won't even notice it being there.
Not much custom tone tailoring is offered other than Treble/Mid/Bass. DTS/Dolby digital decoding is fine through PCM over the HDMI. The included and color coded speaker wires are long enough for all but the largest of rooms. SETUP & CONTROL: 4.5/5 starsLots of inputs. It will, however, deliver a believable sound-field so you can really enjoy the movie you are watching.
The built-in AM/FM tuner is a nice touch. SOUND 4/5 starsIt sounds much bigger than its size. You can sift through your music collecting using the remote (on screen menu with song titles and all). Surround setup is rather simple with the included mic. You can use it as a switch between three HDMI inputs.
With the included Toslink cable I hooked up to my TV, I get 5.1 surround watching TV shows. I am somewhat of an audiophile so I will tell you now that this unit will not impress the golden ears in absolute terms. In my family room I found that I am pushing this unit towards the upper end of the volume range. So it is better suited for smaller rooms.
The sound is decent and good enough for movie watching. Listening to two-channel music leaves a bit to be desired. It does not quite compete with the Bose 5.1 systems in terms of sound but it comes mighty close.
It has a clean & simple design with a not-too-complicated remote. All other aspects of this unit trumps the Bose systems by miles in my opinion. It does not upsample, though.
My unit comes with an IPOD dock using the DMPORT. SUMMARYThe biggest reason for me getting this unit is its design and compact size. I am very happy with the purchase and expect this unit to last.
(Tests : Blu Ray Movies - a) Dark Knight b) Casino Royale c) Gone in 60 seconds d) Planet Earth Games - a) Metal Gear Solid b) Resistance c) Fifa 09 d) Killzone Music - a) Def Leppard (Rock) b) AC/DC (Hard Rock) c) Eric Clapton (Classic)Cons:1)Display on top. Only from the sound you can tell that there is some high-end sound system setup in that place.
Well , I had the same question and I am pleased to say that I found no distortion to very very high audio ranges. I could not take it to its limit because a couple of neighbors complained that the sub-woofer was shaking their walls.
The first thing you notice about the HT-IS 100 system are the tiny speakers.Your first thought will be how loud can these things go without distorting. The best thing is that the speakers can hardly be noticed.
:):)The system performed admirably in all modes. The speaker set-up is like any other system so no biggie here.
If you don't like big speakers creating a mess in your living room this is definitely the system you want.Overall this is what I have to say:Pros:1)Excellent sound.2)No distortion at high audio ranges.3)Sound is true across all modes. Have to sit close to the system to see the display.
There is no on-screen menu for me. This is loud enough.Looks: I also didn't want huge speakers. You might want to consider what brand tv you have before buying this. That's right, it's not totally wireless.
I don't know, I can't confirm that. Another con is that the accessories to make the rear speakers wireless is expensive, hard to find and quite frankly, confusing. I'm just going to summarize. You find plenty of universal stands for the speakers.CON:Notice my con is not plural. I just wanted an upgrade from the tv speakers.
Because the LCD display on the sub woofer faces the ceiling. Then engineers who made this should realize that if you make the display face the ceiling, then you better provide an on-screen menu. Why am I making such a big deal about this. I own a Samsung LN52A850. Nobody else has mentioned this in their review.
So I'm assuming that those with Bravia TVs do have on-screen menu. PROS:Audio: I'm not picky, so in terms of the audio, it's fine to be. So I'm surprise I'm the first person to complain about this. Like I said, I have a Samsung, those with a Bravia may have onscreen menu.
I hope the next reviewer will confirm this. So for me, it sucks that I got to walk to my sub woofer every time to look at the display when I want to play around with the functions. You need to buy another subunit to place in the back of your room and the wires of the rear speakers will go into this subunit.
These tiny speakers are cool and unobtrusive. Tricky marketing. Because if someone has a Bravia and the HT-IS100 and still don't have on-screen menu, I would imagine that someone would have mention this "con" by now.
Or, maybe people just don't mind not having an on-screen menu. You need to buy a transmitter, and you also have to buy a subunit. Man, writing this review has made me more angry and determined to return this.
I live in a 1bd Apartment and my living room is fairly large (for an apt) The sound that this System produces is truly beautiful. I have my HD Digital Box, PS3, Xbox and Wii hooked up and they all sound great. I had a Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH (paired with POLK speakers) and although that receiver is far superior in features and sound effects (as well as total watts) This little system worked out better for me because it's far more simple and practical (and won't get me kicked out of my building. For those looking for a good Surround System that won't take a lot of space, Offers simple menus and won't cost too much $$$$, this is it.
|
