PIONEER S-ST606 Speaker Pack + S-W90-S Active Subwoofer?

porrence

I've just bought the entitled set from Pixmania.co.uk. Here's the link:

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/533781/art/pioneer/s-st606-speaker-pack-s-w9.html

They seem like a good deal to me, but can I find them anywhere else on the internet - for a review - or for anything - can I eck! Do they actually exist?! Does anyone have them?! What are they like?

They're described as 5.1 - que? There are only 4 speakers?

Please help a newbie and tell me something about them.

Thanks in advance...

Answer
I was unable to find a review as well. It is not a 5.1 system based on the specifications. When I hear in a features section " just like a theater" then I am lead to believe that it is a pseudo surround system. If you are expecting a discrete sound, then you will be sorely disappointed. As far as I can tell it could be compared to a Bose 321. Just with a center speaker. The sound you will get is little better than the stereo speakers in your TV set.

I also have issue with anyone who buys audio without listening to it first.

I say return it and get a real 5.1 system. I would return it on the pretense of false advertising it is a 3.1 not a 5.1 system.

home theater system for under 400?

dirk dagge

I am moving into a new house and would like to purchase a decent audio setup to complement my 47 inch HDTV.

I love gaming and movies but also watch sports. I also like to listen to music and am a wannabe audiophile. I own a pair of decent headphones (denon 1100's and AD700's).

Basically my thinking is this:

I was going to purchase an Onkyo Receiver (TX-SR308 5.1 channel) for $200, a pair of nice speakers and a subwoofer for 2.1 audio.

here is my question:

is it worth investing in the receiver if I am only going to go with 2 speakers and a sub instead of surround sound?

is it worth adding surround sound?

is it worth adding a 3rd speaker for 3.1 to have a center channel?

should i just buy an all inclusive home theater system?

help!!!!

Answer
1. is it worth investing in the receiver if I am only going to go with 2 speakers and a sub instead of surround sound?
Yes. You can add a center channel later as most dialog in TV and films comes through the center channel. You can also add a set of small speakers for the rear. The rear speakers are for ambiance and sound effects in TV and films. Two channel stereo is preferred by audiophiles for music.

2. is it worth adding surround sound? See above. It's your choice. With TV and films dialog will be more clear. You might get a kick out of the effect of the rear channels too.

3. is it worth adding a 3rd speaker for 3.1 to have a center channel? Again, see above.

4. should i just buy an all inclusive home theater system? No. Quality is severely lacking in these systems. Any self-respecting audiophile would never admit to owning one.

Additionally, you shouldn't scrimp with your speaker selection. Do some research on quality speakers. This should include reading the forums such as:
audioasylum.com
forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl
forums.audioholics.com
Do not get you information from company sites that provide glowing reviews such as Bose.
The Onkyo receiver is an acceptable choice. You are on you way to becoming a true audiophile.

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is there feature differences between the Yamaha YHT-494 3.1 Home theatre and 5.1?

amber

I have purchased the 3.1 and am getting very confused by reviews. One even said the 3.1 would not deliver HD unless through a Blu Ray which made a receiver abit useless in my eyes. It is also 3D capable the salesperson that sold it to me said that unless I have a 3D TV it will not cause me motion sickness even though watching 3D on current tv and system can give me motion sickness. It also has 4 HDMI in and only 1 HDMI out. I have a HD TV, Digital Cable Box, PS3 and Blu Ray and ipod doc. Please tell me it will support all of this as a tech on my old system ran it thru tv because there were not enough ports and it changed the sound of my old system drastically , good sound to bad ghetto blaster is how I would describe it. I hope someone can help me I have contacted Yamaha but they have yet to return my call Thanks!

Answer
yamaha 3.1-Channel Receiver Based Home Theatre System (YHT494)

The Yamaha YHT494 3.1-Channel Home Theatre System is the perfect addition to your HDTV. It's 3D-ready and it can deliver 600 Watts of rich, crisp audio throughout your entertainment room. Plus, the receiver is loaded with smart functions and buttons that make it easy to set up and operate.
Product Features
A low and slim front speaker, two compact surround speakers, and an Advanced YST subwoofer combined with a 3D-ready, HD audio-capable AV receiver are sure to deliver clear and dynamic sound for all your movies, music and shows.

* Handy SCENE buttons with direct power on make the receiver quick and simple to use

* Front panel mini jack input for connecting portable audio player

* iPod/iPhone compatibility with optional Universal Docks

* Audio input assign capability for HDMI and component video input

* Super slim sound bar is 2" high and can be placed in front of most TVs

* Feet can be adjusted horizontally and vertically; for use with TVs from 32" to 50"; or they can also be removed

* Two surround speakers offer a compact design for flexible placement

* 1080p-compatible HDMI switching (2 in/1 out) including 1080p/24Hz repeater

* Supports Deep Color, x.v.Color, 24Hz Refresh Rate and Auto Lip Sync

* HDMI (V.1.4 with 3D) and HD audio compatibility (linear PCM via HDMI transmission)
* 600 Watts of powerful sound
* Cinema DSP (17 DSP programs) with HD audio decoding

* Compressed Music Enhancer

* Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) and Adaptive DSP level

* SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP

-----


to me thereis no reason it can't doHD off cable or satellite

Which iPod speakers are the better buy?

DatWifeyTy

I'm having trouble on picking just one of the speaker systems, I really don't want to buy both just one so which one sounds like the better buy?

DB Portable Foldable Speakers for Mp3 Players - Black:
Technical Details

* These speakers are compact and foldable! Ideal for the home, office or take them anywhere!
* Unique fold-up feature transforms into a compact cube to protects speakers when not in use
* Amplified speakers designed to match iPod or mini iPod but has the ability to be used by other mp3 players
* Use Four AAA batteries (not included) or USB cable power (included) or AC Power Adapter (not included)
* Open size: 7.5"(w) x 2 "(d) x 2.5"(h). Folded size: 4"(w) x 2.5"(d) x 2.5"(h).

⺠See more technical details
Product Details

* Item Weight: 3 pounds
* Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
* ASIN: B001A833JQ
* Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
3.9 out of 5 stars
5 star:
(36)
4 star:
(16)
3 star:
(10)
2 star:
(2)
1 star:
(9)



See all 73 reviews
Customer Quotes beta (What's this?)
â
They are so compact and yet give off great sound. â
- J. | Read this review
â
Sound quality is much better than I expected. â
- Looneybin Jim | Read this review
â
Anyway, they didn't cost enough to bother to return them so I'll just throw them away. â
- Reviewer | Read this review
* Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
o #46 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > MP3 Players & Accessories > MP3 Player Accessories > Speaker Systems
* Date first available at Amazon.com: May 10, 2004

PRO-POWER - Portable speakers:
Technical Details

* Super compact, lightweight and foldable design
* 3.5 Gold-Pated Plug suitable for PDA, MD, CD player, iPOD, and MP3 player
* 52 mm speaker for powerful base sound
* Built-in cable management system
* Carrying case included

⺠See more technical details
Product Details

* Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 3 inches ; 8 ounces
* Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
* ASIN: B000BSOBG0
* Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (258 customer reviews)

Links to both pages are included
http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Foldable-Speakers-Mp3-Players/dp/B001A833JQ/ref=pd_luc_cps_02_01_t_lh

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BSOBG0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1NOY9EOR8TXD6

Answer
I'd go with the pro speakers. The other ones are nice.

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Which iPod speakers are the better buy?

best 3.1 speaker system reviews image

DatWifeyTy

I'm having trouble on picking just one of the speaker systems, I really don't want to buy both just one so which one sounds like the better buy?

DB Portable Foldable Speakers for Mp3 Players - Black:
Technical Details

* These speakers are compact and foldable! Ideal for the home, office or take them anywhere!
* Unique fold-up feature transforms into a compact cube to protects speakers when not in use
* Amplified speakers designed to match iPod or mini iPod but has the ability to be used by other mp3 players
* Use Four AAA batteries (not included) or USB cable power (included) or AC Power Adapter (not included)
* Open size: 7.5"(w) x 2 "(d) x 2.5"(h). Folded size: 4"(w) x 2.5"(d) x 2.5"(h).

⺠See more technical details
Product Details

* Item Weight: 3 pounds
* Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
* ASIN: B001A833JQ
* Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
3.9 out of 5 stars
5 star:
(36)
4 star:
(16)
3 star:
(10)
2 star:
(2)
1 star:
(9)



See all 73 reviews
Customer Quotes beta (What's this?)
â
They are so compact and yet give off great sound. â
- J. | Read this review
â
Sound quality is much better than I expected. â
- Looneybin Jim | Read this review
â
Anyway, they didn't cost enough to bother to return them so I'll just throw them away. â
- Reviewer | Read this review
* Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
o #46 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > MP3 Players & Accessories > MP3 Player Accessories > Speaker Systems
* Date first available at Amazon.com: May 10, 2004

PRO-POWER - Portable speakers:
Technical Details

* Super compact, lightweight and foldable design
* 3.5 Gold-Pated Plug suitable for PDA, MD, CD player, iPOD, and MP3 player
* 52 mm speaker for powerful base sound
* Built-in cable management system
* Carrying case included

⺠See more technical details
Product Details

* Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 3 inches ; 8 ounces
* Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
* ASIN: B000BSOBG0
* Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (258 customer reviews)

Links to both pages are included
http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Foldable-Speakers-Mp3-Players/dp/B001A833JQ/ref=pd_luc_cps_02_01_t_lh

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BSOBG0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1NOY9EOR8TXD6

Answer
I'd go with the pro speakers. The other ones are nice.

what is a good yet inexpensive sound system 2.1 or 3.1?

Anonymous

I am getting a Samsung 32" class LED-LCD HDTV for Christmas this year. I have read reviews that say the sound isn't all that great so I was wondering if there is a pretty good yet inexpensive speaker system. Obviously it would have to be able to hook up to the tv and maybe an up-converting DVD player (I don't watch too many movies so we aren't gonna get another blu-ray player). I only want a 2.1 or 3.1 system because I don't want it expensive. I was thinking about this: http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Tech-AR504LR-BK-Soundstage-Subwoofer/dp/B0029Z9UNW/ref=pd_ybh_4?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H40BJ9NEBQSX39X4Y1A

or

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=pd_ybh_5?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H40BJ9NEBQSX39X4Y1A

or

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Speaker-System-Z523-Subwoofer/dp/B002FU5QMK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1290915110&sr=8-5

Can those be connected to my tv or dvd player? Thanks in advance!
daSVgrouch: Can it connect to a DVD player?

Answer
Yamaha is the best choice of the 3 you listed. The Eagle is a no-name-you-know.

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Looking for customer reviews for Sony HTCT500 3 1 Speaker System?

best 3.1 speaker system reviews image

Where can I find reviews and opinions online for Sony HTCT500 3 1 Speaker System

Answer
Most Helpful Customer Reviews


42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent soundbar/subwoofer option., July 1, 2009
By Bearcat (Ohio)

This is one slick little soundbar/subwoofer combination. A significant improvement over the previous offering, the CT100. The sound bar is bigger than that model and feels like it is better constructed. The subwoofer is a solid piece of work as well.

Now for the important part, sound quality. The sound quality is much better than the old model and I would say it approaches the quality of the more expensive Yamaha YSP sound bars. You will probably have to do a little tweaking with it to get it set up properly but once you do this baby will shine. Sound is strong from both the soundbar and the subwoofer. The subwoofer is where your connections are located. You can run your dvd/blu ray player and your cable box (among others) to the sub and then the sub will run an HDMI cable to the tv. You can pretty much plug anything into the back of the sub as there are three HDMI inputs, two component inputs and a composite input along with the normal cable tv coax.

One thing to keep in mind. This will not surpass the surround quality of a good quality seperate sound system with multiple speakers. But then again most buyers should know that from the start. This is an option for people who don't want speakers all over the place or who have space issues which make a soundbar solution the best option. I rated this item 5 stars in comparison to other soundbar solutions, not compared to a surround system with multiple speakers. While there are some better sounding soundbars they are at least twice as much if not more expensive. For the quality and price this is an excellent soundbar option.


12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Happy with my Sony CT-500 soundbar !!!!!!, August 7, 2009
By Davyo (Las Vegas) - See all my reviews
I've been a soundbar junkie for years and have owned in the past almost ALL of the Yamaha YSP's ever released and have also owned the older Sony CT-100, the CT-500 is a big improvment over the older CT-100.
Big jump in sound quality and the surround effect, plus on-screen menu's, more connection options and a bigger wider more powerful soundfield,,, the subwofter is even much improved sound wise from the older CT-100 as well.

As with any soundbar though, they will not work in every room, you do need to have walls to reflect the sound off of.
I have also found that soundbars work much better if they mounted higher and NOT lower, so if you have a wall mounted plasma or LCD, mount the soundbar ABOVE your display to get the best sound from it.

Also, there are a few defective CT-500's floating around,,, I had to exchange one before I got my next one that was problem free,,, but it was worth it.

Anyhow, the CT-500 rocks,, its a keeper !!!

Cheers
Davyo



10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Product, August 11, 2009
By Ryan M. Teague
(REAL NAME)
I really wish this product was around 5 years ago. I had just purchased a HDTV and found out I needed to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI and Component inputs to implement a surround sound setup. I absolutely loathe hooking up Home Theatre equipment whether it's contorting my body to get to the back of the receiver, organizing the web of wires, running of speaker wire under carpet/behind walls... Not to mention the receiver/speaker setup we when with was 5 years ago was 2-3 times more than this product and I have never been happy with it.

Fast forward to the CT 500 Soundbar. The setup was ridiculously easy, took 30 minutes tops and most of that was unhooking all of the old equipment. 3 simple HD connection to the back of the sub (easy access) and Blue Ray, Xbox 360 and Satellite were up and running. I tested movies, Rockband for the Xbox 360 and just regular Satellite TV. I was blown away by all three, couldn't believe this setup could pack such a punch.

My biggest complaint with 5.1 systems is usually the voice audio is drowned out. Not with this unit, voice in both movies and regular TV was crisp and clear. The sub was deep and rich whether it was thunder or the thump of a base drum.

Product has completely changed my viewing/playing experience for entire family.

Looking for customer reviews for Sony HTCT500 3 1 Speaker System?

Chonsie

Where can I find reviews and opinions online for Sony HTCT500 3 1 Speaker System

Answer
Most Helpful Customer Reviews


42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent soundbar/subwoofer option., July 1, 2009
By Bearcat (Ohio)

This is one slick little soundbar/subwoofer combination. A significant improvement over the previous offering, the CT100. The sound bar is bigger than that model and feels like it is better constructed. The subwoofer is a solid piece of work as well.

Now for the important part, sound quality. The sound quality is much better than the old model and I would say it approaches the quality of the more expensive Yamaha YSP sound bars. You will probably have to do a little tweaking with it to get it set up properly but once you do this baby will shine. Sound is strong from both the soundbar and the subwoofer. The subwoofer is where your connections are located. You can run your dvd/blu ray player and your cable box (among others) to the sub and then the sub will run an HDMI cable to the tv. You can pretty much plug anything into the back of the sub as there are three HDMI inputs, two component inputs and a composite input along with the normal cable tv coax.

One thing to keep in mind. This will not surpass the surround quality of a good quality seperate sound system with multiple speakers. But then again most buyers should know that from the start. This is an option for people who don't want speakers all over the place or who have space issues which make a soundbar solution the best option. I rated this item 5 stars in comparison to other soundbar solutions, not compared to a surround system with multiple speakers. While there are some better sounding soundbars they are at least twice as much if not more expensive. For the quality and price this is an excellent soundbar option.


12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Happy with my Sony CT-500 soundbar !!!!!!, August 7, 2009
By Davyo (Las Vegas) - See all my reviews
I've been a soundbar junkie for years and have owned in the past almost ALL of the Yamaha YSP's ever released and have also owned the older Sony CT-100, the CT-500 is a big improvment over the older CT-100.
Big jump in sound quality and the surround effect, plus on-screen menu's, more connection options and a bigger wider more powerful soundfield,,, the subwofter is even much improved sound wise from the older CT-100 as well.

As with any soundbar though, they will not work in every room, you do need to have walls to reflect the sound off of.
I have also found that soundbars work much better if they mounted higher and NOT lower, so if you have a wall mounted plasma or LCD, mount the soundbar ABOVE your display to get the best sound from it.

Also, there are a few defective CT-500's floating around,,, I had to exchange one before I got my next one that was problem free,,, but it was worth it.

Anyhow, the CT-500 rocks,, its a keeper !!!

Cheers
Davyo



10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Product, August 11, 2009
By Ryan M. Teague
(REAL NAME)
I really wish this product was around 5 years ago. I had just purchased a HDTV and found out I needed to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI and Component inputs to implement a surround sound setup. I absolutely loathe hooking up Home Theatre equipment whether it's contorting my body to get to the back of the receiver, organizing the web of wires, running of speaker wire under carpet/behind walls... Not to mention the receiver/speaker setup we when with was 5 years ago was 2-3 times more than this product and I have never been happy with it.

Fast forward to the CT 500 Soundbar. The setup was ridiculously easy, took 30 minutes tops and most of that was unhooking all of the old equipment. 3 simple HD connection to the back of the sub (easy access) and Blue Ray, Xbox 360 and Satellite were up and running. I tested movies, Rockband for the Xbox 360 and just regular Satellite TV. I was blown away by all three, couldn't believe this setup could pack such a punch.

My biggest complaint with 5.1 systems is usually the voice audio is drowned out. Not with this unit, voice in both movies and regular TV was crisp and clear. The sub was deep and rich whether it was thunder or the thump of a base drum.

Product has completely changed my viewing/playing experience for entire family.

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what is a good yet inexpensive sound system 2.1 or 3.1?

best 3.1 speaker system reviews image

Anonymous

I am getting a Samsung 32" class LED-LCD HDTV for Christmas this year. I have read reviews that say the sound isn't all that great so I was wondering if there is a pretty good yet inexpensive speaker system. Obviously it would have to be able to hook up to the tv and maybe an up-converting DVD player (I don't watch too many movies so we aren't gonna get another blu-ray player). I only want a 2.1 or 3.1 system because I don't want it expensive. I was thinking about this: http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Tech-AR504LR-BK-Soundstage-Subwoofer/dp/B0029Z9UNW/ref=pd_ybh_4?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H40BJ9NEBQSX39X4Y1A

or

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=pd_ybh_5?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H40BJ9NEBQSX39X4Y1A

or

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Speaker-System-Z523-Subwoofer/dp/B002FU5QMK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1290915110&sr=8-5

Can those be connected to my tv or dvd player? Thanks in advance!
daSVgrouch: Can it connect to a DVD player?

Answer
Yamaha is the best choice of the 3 you listed. The Eagle is a no-name-you-know.

what connections does the logitech z-5500 have?

Jon R

Logitech Z-5500 THX-Certified 505-Watt 5.1 Digital Surround Sound Speaker System

Logitech states that its z-5500 can simultaneously connect to six components and mentions that it can be connected to a PC. The system uses optical cable. My television and sattelite Directv HD receiver don't have optical connections. Appogee makes an HDMI Optical switch. I also have an HDMI 3-1 switch by Terk. Would an HDMI Optical switch with an HDMI splitter to the television work for the purpose of connecting Logitech z-5500 to the HDTV? Is the PC connection either USB or RGB? How does this Logitech sound system work out of the box?
For the buck Logitech sounds like a sound solution for a complete gaming console, television, and PC experience. Does anyone agree or know of something better?

To review, I'm interested in wanting to use the Logitech Z-5500 for surround sound from my television connected to PS3, XBOX 360, and WII and my computer through VGA to the HDTV. Would it work this way?

Answer
The Z-5500 has both digital optical and coaxial inputs as well as three mini stereo jacks for connection to a 5.1 laptop/computer output. You can always use mini stereo to duakl RCA adapters for other options.

I haven't used the Z-5500, but have a similar Z-680, and the inputs can be selected via the input selector switch on the controller module. That means you can connect just about anything you like to the Z-5500. At worst, you might need an outboard A/V selector to connect all you want simultaneously ... despite logitech's claim to be able to connect 6 things simultaneously.

For the $$ the Z-5500 will give you pretty good sound ... but it isn't a substitute for a true surround sound HT system. That said, I'm satisfied with the Z-680 for a den music system and for DVDs on my den HDTV.

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