Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD Home Entertainment System - DVD surround system - radio / DVD - graphite gray Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While out searching for a decent sound system for our home theater. We began to realize our limitations. 1st, there is no clear back wall for us to mount rear surround speakers. 2nd, there is no crawl space or attic to run cabling nor do we have carpet to hide unsightly wires.
These setbacks led us to the Bose 321 media center. I found this product basically by accident and was really impressed with the sound quality. We picked one up and set it up immediately.
The system has been pretty flawless, only thing I would change physically is the cable that connects the Sub unit to the media center could have been a bit longer to better suit the directions. It requires the unit to be 3 feet from the TV, but never took into consideration that someone might want it on the opposite side of the TV from the media center. If this was a standard optical cable or some other form of cable, it would have been no problem. This however is a propriatary cable that I have never seen before :shrugs:
I also have been having trouble programming my Tivo remote to work with this unit. It appears that BOSE has stuck to the same IR schematics throughout it's history in making audio equipment. Very few of their receivers use IR, as they have opted for the more versitile RF models. However, their standard remote code does not work with this unit. I have been unable to track down a working code for my Tivo thus far.
All in all I would definately reccomend this to anyone with space limitations as well as constructual problems that might limit the possibilities for your home theater system.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD Home Entertainment System - DVD surround system - radio / DVD - graphite gray

The Bose 3-2-1 GS II system offers simplicity, ease, and superb sound. Just two visible speaker arrays and a hideaway Acoustimass module deliver full sound without the wires and cabinetry inherent in traditional surround sound systems.
The system includes a progressive scan DVD/CD player with AM/FM tuner. A programmable universal remote control lets you manage all your entertainment devices.
The Gemstone speaker array employs the most powerful 3-2-1 speakers to date and provides a spaciousness to audio that enhances movies and music. The 3-2-1 system is equipped with Videostage 5 decoding circuitry to improve audio-classic movies and TV sound almost like surround sound.
As with all Bose equipment, minimal space requirements prevail. The lack of center and rear speakers in the system save space without sacrificing quality. And the new speakers are 50% smaller than previous models-big things from a small package, indeed.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD Home Entertainment System - DVD surround system - radio / DVD - graphite gray

Sony DAV-FC9 DVD Dream System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yeah.. this thing stinks. I paid alot of money for it, and its doing exactly what Mike B says too. Thing freeze up all the time, and now when you try to turn it off, it blinks standby indefinately. I even went to bed, and woke up 8 hours later, and it still blinks. You have to unplug it and plug it back in to get it on. (JUNK!) Everytime I buy something from sony, I get burned. This is the 5th item now from Sony, that has failed on me before or in this case just after the warrany expired (UGH). Anyway, buy cheap stuff from walmart. Atleast when it breaks you only paid $50 for it.,, not $1500.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DAV-FC9 DVD Dream System

With 650 watts of total power (100 x 5, plus a 150-watt powered subwoofer), the DAV-FC9 DVD Dream System is Sony's top-end home theater system, furnishing users with ultraprecise images and sound. The system comes complete with a receiver, five-disc DVD/SACD/CD changer, an AM/FM tuner, four front and rear floor-standing speakers, a center speaker, and an active powered subwoofer. The DVD changer is compatible with CD-R/RW, SACD, MP3, and JPEG (with slide show) formats, and its 480p progressive-scan output guarantees sharp image display.
For superior audio while watching movies, the Dream System offers Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. Other audio features include an S-Master full digital amplifier, a bass enhancement function, and Sony's Digital Cinema Sound system, which re-creates the sound fields of three of the world's best-known cinema studios.
The DAV-FC9 is equipped for compatibility, with component-video and S-video outputs, a digital input for satellite TV, two analog AV inputs and one output, two video signal inputs and four outputs, and a 3.5 mm mini pin headphone jack. For convenience sake, the system features color-coded speaker connections, along with DVD/CD/SACD text that displays onscreen and a preprogrammed luminous remote control. The system comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box Integrated receiver/DVD player/tuner, center speaker, four floor-standing surround speakers, subwoofer, speaker cable, remote control, and user's manual.

Click here for more information about Sony DAV-FC9 DVD Dream System

Yamaha RX-V363BL 500 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this Yamaha (RXV363) unit because a lightning storm burned out the Sony, which I was happy with. This unit resides in my bedroom - which consists of an HDTV, FIOS, DVD and Sony 5.1 satellite speaker system - and is not my main HT system, which reside in the basement and consist of the higher end components. I looked at the Yamaha RXC463, Onkyo TX-SR506, 606, Sony STR-DG720 but did not want to spend the extra cash for the satellite ready capability. Nor was I interested in the video switching capabilities since I connect all video source directly to the TV and all audio sources to the receiver. For switching, I use my Harmony 880 - one button operation.
Connectivity:
For my situation, the Yamaha has all the connections I need (DVD and FIOS). Setup is simple and straight forward. Remember, you get HD quality from both HDMI and Component connections.
As far as connecting video components thru the receiver, I can't give an opinion on that because I do not go thru the receiver for video connections, up conversion and all that stuff. I always connect my video source directly to the TV- always. I just believe that you lose picture quality going thru a receiver. Remember, the most direct path between 2 points is a straight line. I only use the receiver for the audio connections because to me that's its main purpose - audio and TV is video. Besides connecting thru the receiver, in my opinion, is mainly for convenience and possibly (emphasis) saving a few bucks on cables.
As stated by other reviewers, the HDMI ports (video pass-thru) do not output sound (manual specifically states this fact as well as other sources on the internet) so you must connect separate audio cables. Having HDMI output audio is good if you are using the speakers in the TV (but why would you do that if you want a HT quality sound) but if you have surround speakers then you should use either the digital or optical audio connections.
Now with that said, I know that there are some that have many components to connect in their system or want the convenience of having the least amount of cables connected to the TV, receiver etc. For those you either have to dig a little deeper in the pockets or get a separate switching device for all of the components. This unit, at $200, is an entry level HT receiver so don't expect it to do what the high end units can.
Remote Control
The remote control is a little tricky. What I found is that it's a little confusing on how to switch between sound stages at first but like anything new you get used to it.
As an alternative to those who want simplicity in switching between video sources do yourself a favor and get the Harmony 880 remote control - one remote, one button control bliss baby. Amazon seems to have the best prices on the remotes. Check it out.
Overall:
Overall this is a good unit. This is a nice entry level unit and it does well for the limited setup I have in the bedroom. This unit actually makes the Sony satellite speaker sound much better than the Sony receiver did. This unit has better sound fields than my older Sony unit - I like the Straight and Enhance and 5 channel speaker modes. My Sony did not have these.
TIP: Before purchasing any HT equipment you must do your research. You can go to the manufacturer's website and download the manual and determine if it contains all the connections etc you need for your system. What I've found in some of the previous reviews is that the unit was purchased without truly knowing its capabilities and then that person bashes it - which is unfair. The only problem is the individual did not do his/her research and/or know the true capabilities of the unit. The World Wide Web has all sorts of reviews on this unit - both professional and end user - so it baffles me that these people did not know the limits of the unit. Uhhh oh yeah they didn't do their research. So when you read these reviews, read between the lines of the comments, which many times will reveal that the person did not do the necessary homework prior to the purchase and/or did or do not understand the functions of a specific AV receiver. So please make sure the equipment has all you need before putting out negative reviews.
Also, remember if you have surround speakers you do not need to send the audio thru the HDMI just use the digital coax or optical audio connections. And don't believe much of the hype about the cables (i.e. the better ones are the most expensive ones). Just don't use the cables that come in the box and don't spend tons of money on cables either.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha RX-V363BL 500 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

High-value receiver with an impressive array of features and technologies to enhance the audio/video experience, including HDMI switching with 1080p video pass-through, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, CINEMA DSP, Compressed Music Enhancer, and four SCENE buttons.

Click here for more information about Yamaha RX-V363BL 500 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After having an unfortunate incident with a lightning strike at my home, my Denon AVR-1908 suffered irreparable damage. Within a few weeks my insurance company sent the check to replace it and the hunt for a new receiver was on.
Having owned a Denon, I was very familiar with the quality and outstanding sound their receivers can produce - but made the decision to research other brands such as Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer and of course the new line of Denon AV receivers. I have a 7.1 surround sound Home Theater so my future purchase had to meet that criteria. After some research I had narrowed my search down to the Denon AVR-1611 and the Onkyo TX-SR508 receivers, then visited a local electronics store to compare the two receivers in functionality and sound. After comparing the two I found that the Denon delivered a more rich, deep sound reproduction with outstanding surround sound imagery as compared to the Onkyo, at least in my opinion.
The Denon AVR-1611 offers some features that I definitely wanted, and some that I may want to utilize should I decide to upgrade my Home Theater. It offers HDMI 1.4a inputs and output for 3D movie features (still on the fence with 3D), if I decide to upgrade to a 3D capable Home Theater this receiver will accommodate this option. The rear I/O panel is extremely clean compared to older AV receivers, due to HDMI. There are 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output eliminating the need for multiple component inputs, this made for a much quicker and cleaner equipment setup. The various available sound formats, i.e., DTS Master, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus encoded with this receiver switch very efficiently with the source material - to date I have not had to adjust this manually. The receiver is very pleasing aesthetically, and fits in well with the rest of my components but does have some heft to it. The Denon AVR-1611 also offers ARC (audio return channel) via the HDMI output to allow for both sending and receiving an audio signal, but please note that your television must also have the ARC feature. The other plus with this receiver is the upconversion of standard definition DVD's due to the HDMI upconversion feature, althought it now sounds cliche - it truly makes my older movies look like new again with near HD resolution. The only criticism I have that prevented my awarding this receiver a perfect 5 stars is the lack of an AC Power Outlet in the back of the receiver. I found this to be a real convenience option for plugging in my JBL PB10 powered subwoofer. I wonder if this has been eliminated due to reducing the overall power draw for electronics in meeting with "GREEN TECHNOLOGY"? Regardless, I found that I missed having the outlet and wish they would incorporate it back into the design.
The owners manual can be intimidating, with its overview of all the features and functions designed in the AVR-1611 - this is where the AUDYSSEY AUTO SETUP feature shines! Denon included a specialized microphone to allow owners the convenience of letting the receiver setup your surround parameters without hours of manual work. Not only did this feature effectively set the surround sound parameters of all 7 speakers and my subwoofer, it also measured the distance from each speaker to the listening area, as well as decibel/gain setting for each individual speaker. It even determined the size of my speakers from small to large! To gauge the accuracy, I took out my tape measure and my Radio Shack sound level meter and began testing, and found the accuracy of Audyssey to be remarkable! For the novice setting up their Home Theater this feature would be invaluable.
To date I can offer no complaints, save for the missing AC power outlet. The surround sound imaging is outstanding, music CD's sound amazing, and the Denon AVR-1611 has real ease of use. It supports all of the most popular sound formats and upconverts my standard definition DVD's beautifully. I would highly recommend this receiver to anyone who is on a budget looking for an AV Receiver that offers a multitude of features and is as close to audiophile reproduction as you can get. It certainly pleases this movie buff.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)


A versatile A/V surround receiver with a 7.1-channel amplifier, the Denon AVR-1611 is designed to be the centerpiece of an exciting home theater system. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and it includes the latest HDMI 1.4a technology, which provides for 3D pass-through capabilities to your HDTV (broadcast and Blu-ray). It also features Dolby Pro Logic IIz, a technology that adds a vertical dimension at the front for a more exciting surround sound experience. Last, but not least, the high-performance AVR-1611 includes Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume for optimum tonal balance, with no volume jump due to commercial interruptions.

Click here for more information about Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)