HTB - 503, Great Starter System
Written: Oct 30 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound, DTS and Dolby Digital Decoding.
Cons: Less than top of the line components, but you get what you pay for.
The Bottom Line: HTB-503 - Great choice for first time home theater buyers and others who want serious sound on a budget.
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| turboslappy's Full Review: Kenwood HTB-504 Theater System |
I bought by HTB-503 about two years ago. I've always wanted a home theater, and decided that I wasn't informed/interested enough in the hobby to buy a full blown system of separate components.
I did some research and decided on the HTB-503. It includes the VR-407 receiver, 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers, one center speaker, and a powered subwoofer. The receiver boasts 2 digital and 4 RCA inputs, 6 channel input for 5.1 audio systems, etc., ample S-video inputs, and decoding capabilities for both DTS and Dolby Digital signals. Output is rated at 100W X 5, although is has shown to be lower in actual use (per information readily available on the internet). Speaker wire and well written instructions come in the box, too.
Setting up the system is a breeze, thanks to the "wiring for dummies" color coded wires and instructions. Sound is great, although volume is a little low when compared to the receiver's indicators (a result of the total output issue, which isn't a problem in a normal sized living room or bedroom.) This generally isn't a problem, just turn it up if you want it louder.
Speakers are a tad weak, except for the subwoofer, which gives tight bass response with incredible punch. Overall, the speakers are entirely adequate for the level of consumer that will purchase a home-theater-in-a-box system.
This system is responsible for increasing my interest in the home theater hobby due to the numerous features (DTS & DD5.1!!) and great performance. I'll probably upgrade the speakers and replace the speaker wires that come with the system after a bit, but two years later, I am still very, very happy with my purchase. You haven't lived until you've seen "Saving Private Ryan" in DTS 5.1 Audio glory.
Operation is fairly easy, with Auto-detect for digital sources (the receiver automatically chooses between DTS, DD, or neither, depending on source output). Analog sources can be stereo (2 speaker, for radio or most TV), Dolby Pro Logic (for analog surround sources, like VCRs, or some TV shows "ER", "X-Files", et al), or 3 stereo, which downmixes a 5 channel surround source to the front 3 speakers (if you don't want to use the surround speakers or dedicated sub channel) It has a nighttime setting for sound and display (lower volume and light levels for late-night bedroom use) and an easy-to-read front panel that let's you see exactly what the current receiver settings are.
This system is a great buy for first-time home theaterites. It provides great features and performance at a very reasonable price, and serves as a great bedroom or living room system. Of course, dedicated home theater enthusiasts will want more, but for the average consumer or those on a budget, it's an outstanding choice.
I had a short-circuit in the receiver about 8 months after purchase, but Kenwood Customer Service helped me out and found a repair center to do the work under warranty in 2 days.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
turboslappy
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Reviews written: 3
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