| What to Buy: Top Picks Home Theater in a Box |
Cambridge Soundworks 200 Virtual Home Theater System
$1,000
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Why We Like It:
Those guys from that store at the local mall have a surround system for the space-conscious: The Cambridge Soundworks 200 Virtual Home Theater System emulates full 5.1-channel surround with just three diminutive boxes up its sleeve. The system is comprised of a DVD player/receiver, a subwoofer, and one shoebox sized speaker. The DVD player isn't the most refined we've seen, and overall this system's compromised performance won't stand up to demanding enthusiasts. But then it's not designed to either. Form factor is often the most important metric in the HtiB category, and Cambridge's system has major scoreboard there. |
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Specs/Features:
Three-driver main speaker plus 75-Watt powered sub
Integrated DVD player/receiver
Processing Modes: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II
One each coaxial and Toslink optical digital audio inputs
One 5.1-channel analog input
Three analog stereo inputs
Progressive scan output
DVD-A, MP3 and JPEG playback
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Denon DHT-487DV
$699
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Why We Like It:
We're inventing a new category for this one- the HTCiB, which stands for Home Theater Components in a box. The sound is a little thin and sometimes strident, but this system is built around a Denon AVR and DVD player that compete with similarly priced, separate components. Each is good enough to build a system around, which makes this an excellent entry into the home theater game. |
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Specs/Features:
Five speakers plus 100-Watt powered sub
Separate AVR and Upconverting DVD player
AVR power: 75-Watts x 5 into 8 ohms
Processing Modes: DD, Dolby ProLogicII, DTS-ES Discrete Matrix Neo:6, DTS 24/96, Neural Surround
Component video switching for two sources
Two each coaxial and Toslink optical digital audio inputs
One 5.1-channel analog input
XM-Ready and input for optional iPod Dock
DVD Player: HDMI 1.1 and component video outputs, upconversion to 1080i, one each coaxial and toslink optical digital audio outputs, plays MP3 and WMA encoded discs
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Onkyo HT-SR800
$599
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Why We Like It:
So, $599 only buys a 7.1-channel receiver and the associated speakers? Is it really a Home Theater in a Box if it doesn't include a DVD player? Add on $150 for a decent entry-level DVD player (and you can definitely find name-brand machines for less), you're still looking at Ð and listening toÐ one of the best HTiBs we've experienced for the money. If you are into performance and would like to have the possibility of upgrading, this Onkyo's highly recommended. |
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Specs/Features:
7.1-channel system with 230-Watt powered sub
Separate 7.1-channel AVR
AVR power: 110-Watts x 7 into 8 ohms
Processing Modes: DD, Dolby ProLogicII, DD-EX, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6, DTS 24/96, Neural Surround
HDMI video switching for two sources
XM, Sirius and iPod Ready
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Sharp SD-SP10 Virtual Surround System
$350
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Why We Like It:
Talk about stripping things down to the bare minumum. This Sharp HTIB is a full surround sound system in two boxes, with a remote control. Source components connect to the main unit digitally or through the analog stereo inputs. The main unit is a speaker system that uses virtual surround sound to emulate 5.1-channel surround, with integrated processing and a three channel amplifier to power its own speakers and the external sub. It's simple to set up and use, and performs sonic feats that no virtual sound system can do at any price. That this one is well-built and designed and costs just $350 is gravy. |
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Specs/Features:
Virtual surround system Integrated Main Speaker Processor Amplifier plus subwoofer
Power: 35-Watts x 2, 70-Watts x 1 (sub)
Processing Modes: DD, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and Virtual Speaker, Surround Space Expander, Natural Bass
Dual Toslink optical digital audio inputs
One Coaxial digital audio input
Three analog stereo inputs
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Sony DAV-HDX500 BRAVIA Theater System
$499
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Why We Like It:
The DAV-HDX500 gets pretty high marks relative to its competitors at its price. It's a fun system to use (except for that blasted remote), and the auto calibration makes getting the best sound possible out of the system as brainless as possible. We wish the speakers sounded a bit better, but that's a common knock against HTiBs, anyway. All in all, it's a strong value in a one-box system. |
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Specs/Features:
Five speakers plus 285-Watt powered sub
Integrated receiver and Upconverting DVD changer w/HDMI output
Receiver power: 143-Watts x 5 into 8 ohms
Processing Modes: DD, Dolby ProLogicII, DTS-ES Discrete Matrix Neo:6, DTS 24/96, Neural Surround, Digital Cinema Sound
Nifty auto setup with included microphone
Dual digital media ports
Add-ons for Walkman, Bluetooth, iPod or Wi-Fi
XM Ready
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ZVOX Mini Sound Console
$200, plus $50 for PortaParty carrying case, and $50 for rechargeable battery
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Why We Like It:
Unlike most HTiBs, the ZVOX Mini is literally home theater in a box- one box. That's right, a box that's scarcely bigger than a table radio offers a truly enjoyable faux surround experience and a big-time upgrade over your built-in TV speakers for a killer price. While it's obviously not made for large home theater spaces, it's fully portable with the addition of a $50 "PortaParty" carrying case (yeah, I know) and $50 rechargeable battery. This is a convenience product with surprisingly strong performance as a fringe benefit! |
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Specs/Features:
Integrated Speakers/Subwoofer: three 2.5" drivers for "main speakers," one powered 4x6 bandpass "subwoofer," two minijack stereo inputs, one subwoofer output on minijack
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Buyer's Guide: Home Theater in a Box
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