DTS package w/ speakers for $340!!!
Written: May 17 '01
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Pros: Excellent power and sound, especially for the low cost.
Cons: Large, clunky remote.
The Bottom Line: You simply cannot go wrong purchasing this, especially if you get the subwoofer and speakers with the deal. Most packages like this run over $500 easily.
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| iguana7's Full Review: Aiwa AV-D77 5.1 Channels Receiver |
I spent several months researching and looking around for home audio receivers with DTS and Dolby Digital decoding. I couldn't find a unit for under $300.00, unless it was a very cheap brand. Imagine my surprise when I saw this Aiwa receiver WITH a POWERED subwoofer and FIVE speakers for only $340 dollars! I honestly couldn't believe it and so I purchased it, along with a Toshina SD1700 DVD player, that day.
---YES, it is DTS!:---
First, it's important to note that the epinions page here does not say this is a DTS receiver. IT IS! And, I must say, it makes a difference in sound quality. I bought Gladiator on DVD and there's a noticeable difference between the Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1!! Ok, so you may be saying that many DVD's aren't DTS yet. This is true. But, more and more will be, and, in my opinion, the difference in quality of sound is worth spending the little extra money on the DTS receiver.
Ok, onto the actual review here.
---Power:---
This is a 600 watt receiver. 120 X 5 outs. The subwoofer is self-powered at 50 watts. This is about the most powerful receiver on the market, without getting into the $1,000 plus range. Put it this way, it's probably a lot more power than I need.
---Speaker package:---
This system came with 6 speakers, including a 50-watt powered subwoofer. I'm very happy with the subwoofer, which at first looks unimpressive, but believe me it does the trick. It's really all you need unless you have a huge TV room. It shakes things off my walls at half volume. The neigbors have complained several times. Look around and you'll find that you can't purchase a powered subwoofer for under $100, at least not that I've found. The receiver and the powered subwoofer alone are worth the cost here.
But, you do get 5 other speakers. In my opinion, the center channel and the front speakers are a bit smallish and don't produce a full enough sound. I bought a different center channel and I'm using my old 200 watt speakers for the front speakers. No worries, though, the speakers that come with this package will do the trick. You can always upgrade later, at any rate.
The surround speakers (rear) are fine and are all that you'll really ever need.
All speakers can handle 125 watts. The receiver sends 120 to each channel.
---Set-up:---
You will need to read the manual on this one, unless you're really good at setting these things up. I don't mean for the physical set-up, that's easy, but in terms of all the extras this receiver offers you will likely need to read the manual and play around with it for a few days before you figure out what sounds best with your set up.
For example, you can make all kinds of adjustments with surround levels, time delays, etc. These are for the serious audiophile, and they will take some time to learn to adjust if you're a beginner.
There's a 1-800 # if you have trouble setting it up. I didn't use it, but it's there.
---Hook-ups, inputs, etc.:---
This receiver probably has much more than you'll need for hookups. I have a digital cable box, a VCR, a DVD, a CD player, and a Playstation hooked up and there's still RCA and other inputs free.
It also has both optical (3) and coaxial digital (1) sound inputs. I use the coaxial digital for my Toshiba DVD player. The DVD doesn't have optical out, so I can't say if that's better sound or not.
It has two front speaker outputs (A or B), which I like. You can select on the front of the receiver which front speakers to use. This is a nice option; one set of front speakers for music/CD, the other for surround mode/DVD watching if you like. This is what I do.
The only thing I don't like is the way to hook up speaker wires is tricky. They're the screw in style outputs, not the spring-loaded catches. Of course, these won't break, so that's the good part.
---Extras, various features, etc.---
This receiver has so many extra features it's nearly impossible to cover all of them, but I'll just highlight a few that I use.
DSP (Digital Signal Processor) modes. The receiver can produce 30 different surround modes, such as Arena, Stadium, Live, Rock, etc. you get the idea. I use the Arena mode when watching basketball games and it's a pretty cool effect. Subtle, yet enjoyable. Basically, you have 30 different sound options when watching television. Even if it's not broadcast in surround sound, it simulates it to great effect.
---Appearance of unit:---
Such things are based purely on taste, of course. I personally think the unit looks just a bit gaudy; that is, it has a bit too much color and "big" looking features. It's not simple and elegant like I'd prefer. However, some people like the look of this. Certainly, it could be worse.
A neat feature is that it displays which of the six speakers are receiving sound and to what degree; that's a great way to see the DTS and Dolby Digital at work when watching your DVDs.
---Remote:---
I mentioned as a con because it's HUGE. I need both hands to operate this thing. Also, it's hard to read the lettering and the remote is anything but intuitive. A minor drawback, all things considered here. Besides, it seems no product has a nice remote, according to nearly every opinion on this website for almost every product.
---Summary:---
I have had this receiver for one month now. I must say I'm pleased with it. My old receiver, a Technics Dolby Surround, constantly overheated and shut itself down. This Aiwa receiver barely gets warm. That's important to watch for. I would not buy a Technics receiver again, that's for certain.
An incredible package deal for this price. Unbelievable, in fact. I would run to the nearest Sam's Club and buy this DTS package if you want to enjoy DTS/Dolby Digital/ DVD audio!!
email me if you have questions.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 340 @ Sam's
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Epinions.com ID:
iguana7
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Reviews written: 2
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