http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Fri, 17 May 2013 02:00:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/sony-bdv-n8100w-theaterNot to be outdone by rivals, Sony has updated its packaged home theater system lineup for 2013, with the BDV-N8100W Premium 3D Blu-Ray HT System leading the charge. Priced at $699.99, which is less than the cost of a foot of some snake oil infused speaker wire, Sony has packed a veritable cornucopia of features into their latest and greatest home theater package, including a 3D capable Blu-Ray player, 4K upscaling, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Of course with so many features packed in for the money, how good could the audio experience be? Read on to find out what we think.Fri, 17 May 2013 02:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/sony-bdv-n8100w-theaterHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-f6500-ht-f5500-ht-f4500I got to fly up to the recent Samsung event where the company debuted, among other things, their new home theater lineup. This year it looks, on the surface, pretty thin, consisting of only three models: the HT-F6500w, HT-F5500W and HT-F4500W. But there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s much better, in my opinion, to make three good products than many mediocre products; and it looks like Samsung put in the time and effort on these three models. Seriously, it's like like Santa's bag of toys with these systems: wireless rear speakers, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3D, Internet browser, vacuum tubes, Smart Hub, auto setup mic...you name it. Read on for a full report on each unit and you'll feel like it's Christmas in HTIB land.Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-f6500-ht-f5500-ht-f4500Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/bowers-wilkins-mt60d-preBowers & Wilkins have a great reputation in the world of high end audio for a reason—they put out very solid offerings. The MT-60D looks to continue that tradition by adding a great sub to an already great satellite system. While that better sub will cost you a bit more, we think of it as an investment in the future. A future that will be full of bone-crushing bass. Today the MT-60D may be rocking your small home theater. Tomorrow the PVD1 subwoofer may be the backbone of a larger system in a much bigger room. Regardless, you'll have a system that will make you the envy of your friends.Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/bowers-wilkins-mt60d-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/klipsch-hd-theater-600-preIf we had to describe the Klipsch HD Theater 600 is a few words, we'd call it a solid offering. While the 33Hz low end rating seems a bit optimistic to us, the price tag certainly is right. At $600 for a full 5.1 system, the Klipsch HD Theater 600 is sure to introduce a lot of people to the Klipsch brand and, more importantly, the Klipsch sound. And once they get a taste for it, they'll be more likely to stick with it. With included wall mounts, a center stand with 45-degree movement, and a real sub, there is little not to like here.Mon, 20 Aug 2012 19:55:00 -0000/reviews/htib/klipsch-hd-theater-600-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-697bl-preWe're guessing that looks alone will sell a lot of YHT-679BL home theater systems for Yamaha. The curvilinear front speakers really draw attention. But looking closer, you'll see a really powerful receiver (for a HTiB) at its heart. The Yamaha RX-V473 is a receiver that you can grow with, not the sort of throwaway units we see with other HTiB offerings. At $750, consumers will end up with a great receiver with included speakers that they'll be able use until they decide to upgrade. And, really, that's all we want out of a HTiB.Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:15:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-697bl-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s6500-s7500-htib-preThe new HT-S7500 and HT-S6500 Home Theater in a Box offerings from Onkyo have reaffirmed that Onkyo is dedicated to staying at the very top of the HTiB game. These offerings differ little on the feature front and include many features we're only now seeing in receivers from other manufactures. While the Audyssey 2EQ is a bit outdated and we question the logic of adding a Zone 2 to a HTiB solution, you can't argue that 4K upscaling, InstaPrevue, a full suite of streaming features, and 6+ HDMI inputs are very attractive. Add in speakers and a price tag under $900 (under $800 for the 5.1 channel HT-S6500) and color us impressed.Thu, 21 Jun 2012 02:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s6500-s7500-htib-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/bowers-wilkins-mini-theater-mt-50-videoThis is Bowers & Wilkons MT-50 system which we reviewed. It includes five M-1 two-way speakers and an ASW608 8" subwoofer. Most people who are into home theater and speakers will have heard of B&W. The company is known for its high performance speakers and they have a reputation for quality products. Recently, they've demonstrated a knack for making smaller speakers that sound bigger than they are. For example, we reviewed their MM-1 multimedia speakers and found them to be absolutely astounding. I mean, they're "this big"... Now, they've taken that same approach with their new M-1 Mini Theater Speakers. Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:20:00 -0000/reviews/htib/bowers-wilkins-mini-theater-mt-50-videoHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1513ba-preWhat is key with the Denon DHT-1513BA is that you are getting a full fledged receiver (the Denon AVR-1513) along with a set of speakers from Boston Acoustics. If this sounds more like a package deal than a HTiB, you are right. The AVR-1513 is on sale, separately, for $250. While the speaker system hasn't changed from previous DHT-1312BA, neither has the price. At $600, the DHT-1513BA has a lot going for it. While it is a bare-bones receiver, it has discrete amplification (75watts x 5), 3D pass-through, and multiple HDMI inputs. That's more than you could expect from a lot of HTiB solutions.Fri, 04 May 2012 00:25:00 -0000/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1513ba-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5500-s3500-preOne thing we've always liked about Onkyo's HTiB offerings is their perchance to include full receivers. No funny proprietary connections, no funky speaker wires that can't be changed or lengthened, just a simple receiver connected to inexpensive speakers that a user can, later on down the line, swap out for something better. This is the perfect solution for the newbie and we often recommend Onkyo HTiBs to our friends that won't listen to reason. Onkyo has some very high end HTiBs and some that are very budget. The new HT-S5500 is a middle of the pack offering (as far as price) with a lot of very attractive features.Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:15:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5500-s3500-preHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s9400thx-flWhile actual details and pictures of the components of the Onkyo HT-S9400THX Networked HTiB are sketchy, the message is clear - this is a product that defies its price point. At $1099 MSRP (sure to find this on sale somewhere), you're getting a full featured receiver and THX certified speakers. While it is only really rated (and therefore designed for) a small home theater or dorm room, we're sure to see them in rooms much larger. With the streaming included and support for some of the latest technology (some of which doesn't really exist yet), the Onkyo HT-S9400THX is sure to turn heads when it starts shipping in May. Wed, 04 May 2011 06:35:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s9400thx-flHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1312ba-flWe almost feel guilty putting the Denon DHT-1312BA in the Home Theater in a Box category. The Denon AVR-1312 is a 75 watt per channel receiver with five channels of discrete amplification (the 110 watt spec you may be seeing is into 6 ohms), a new GUI with HDMI overlay, 24 bit, 96 kHz DACs, support and decoding for all the latest HD audio codecs, and four HDMI 1.4a inputs (3D and ARC supported). The Boston Acoustics MCS 160 speaker system sports four matching satellite speakers with 3" mid-bass drivers and 1/2" dome tweeters and a sub with a 100 watt subwoofer and an 8" long throw woofer. All this for $600? With the technology of one of Denon's newest receivers paired with the sound quality of Boston Acoustics, the DHT-1312BA is sure to be a big seller. Mon, 02 May 2011 06:30:00 -0000/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1312ba-flHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/harman-kardon-bds-800So who should buy a Harman Kardon BDS 800 Home Theater System? Someone looking for a Blu-ray player and speakers. If you are planning on adding anything else to the mix, you're going to have to work around the limitations. This makes this a great solution for a second system where you ONLY want to watch movies or don't mind a little creative wiring. For $1500, we'd think they could have included an HDMI input or two. It certainly would have made this an easier recommendation. Still, the unit system looks nice and it certainly has enough of the features that we like to see. Without the ability to splash 3D all over the box like every other manufacturer is doing, we'll have to see how well it does. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:20:00 -0000/reviews/htib/harman-kardon-bds-800Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-494-flAs a HTiB solution, the Yamaha YHT-494 has a lot going for it. The slim LCR front speaker and cubed back speakers look to be easy to place. While most manufacturers would be trying to entice consumers with promises of "wireless" rear speakers and wall mounting, Yamaha seems to know that most people will be placing their speakers on a surface and running wires. The small size of the speakers and the LCR placement in front of the display is sure to hook some buyers. With the HTR-3063, you've got a receiver you can grow with rather than a box with proprietary hookups that will force you to toss it away when you decide to upgrade. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-494-flHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s9100thxYou want home theater? Full functionality doesn't get much cheaper than the Onkyo HT-S7200. This is 7.1-channel system with nearly all the trimmings - all packed into a nice, convenient box you can give to somebody... or, yourself. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. The very reasonable $899 retail price of the HT-S7200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way firmly into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front tower (floorstanding) speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, and one that will meet the needs for almost anyone looking to break into the home theater experience.Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s9100thxHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s6200You want home theater? Full functionality doesn't get much cheaper than the Onkyo HT-S6200. This is 7.1-channel system with nearly all the trimmings - all packed into a nice, convenient box you can give to somebody... or, yourself. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. The very reasonable $699 retail price of the HT-S6200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way firmly into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, though there are some things you'll want to watch out for, and we indicate those below.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s6200Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5200Prices for home theater systems have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. The Onkyo HT-S5200 7.1-channel system is just one example of affordable surround sound. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. While clearly marketed as an entry level package, the price of the HT-S5200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of smaller Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, though there are some things you'll want to watch out for, and we indicate those below.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5200Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s7200You want home theater? Full functionality doesn't get much cheaper than the Onkyo HT-S7200. This is 7.1-channel system with nearly all the trimmings - all packed into a nice, convenient box you can give to somebody... or, yourself. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. The very reasonable $899 retail price of the HT-S7200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way firmly into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front tower (floorstanding) speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, and one that will meet the needs for almost anyone looking to break into the home theater experience.Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s7200Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s3200The prices for surround sound have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. If we were proving this in a court of law, Exhibit A would have to be the Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-channel system which includes a full A/V receiver and full suite of 5.1 speakers. The only thing entry level about this receiver is its price. The receiver features three HDMI pass-through inputs for high-definition video up to 1080p. This is a super-convenient solution that allows you to connect all of your HD video sources into the receiver for simplified switching. Since the HDMI inputs are pass-through, this means they do not retrieve the audio from the HDMI signal. With no analogue inputs, that means you'll be limited to Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals for Blu-ray discs. This also means that you'll need to run separate audio cables into the HT-R370 to get surround sound.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s3200Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-neo-hdWhat if you could get a 5.1 system so easy to setup and use that your parents could do it? We’ve all heard those promises before but Yamaha has delivered in the demo of their new YMC-700 and YMC-500 NeoHD Media Controllers today at CEDIA. Gone are the numerous bulky remotes all of which are replaced by a singular simplified remote that upon first glance doesn’t look like it could do much more than basic multi zone support. Looks can be deceiving especially in this case. After seeing the demo of this system, I couldn't help but feel a bit remorseful that I fixed my parents up with a conventional 5.1 surround system that they could barely operate. If you're looking for operational simplicity, in a compact affordable form factor, keep Yamaha Neo HD on your short list.Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:25:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-neo-hdHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-htibs-with-prologic-iizOnkyo has really been establishing themselves as a market leader when it comes to features and price. The Onkyo HT-S7200 retails for just under $900 and the HT-S6200 for just under $800. The best part, in our opinion, is that they have a full fledged receiver at the heart of them. The HT-S7200 in particular is nice because of the dual subwoofer outputs and integral upconversion and scaling. While 7.1 systems and HDMI inputs aren't exactly new, many of Onkyo's competition don't have Dolby ProLogic IIz in their high end receivers. Onkyo is offering it in their newest entry level home theater-in-a-box systems!Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:10:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-htibs-with-prologic-iizHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-dvx-700Yamaha showed off the DVX-700 DVD home theater system which features an integrated DVD player, two front speakers and 6-1/2" subwoofer in an elegant design. It looks remarkably like a Bose Lifestyle system - right down to the low-profile head unit, ported subwoofer and cube-shaped satellite speakers. The DVX-700 utilizes Yamaha’s exclusive Air Surround Xtreme technology to deliver a surround sound performance without requiring multiple speakers to be installed throughout the room. This is the same DSP utilized in their lower-priced (non-YSP) sound bars.Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:55:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-dvx-700Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/sharp-aquos-bd-mpc40-mpc30Joining the Sharp suite of AQUOS-brand products, including the LCD TVs, and most recently, Blu-ray players, the new AQUOS BD-MPC40 and BD-MPC30 include the main unit, housing a Blu-ray player and amplifier, as well as five speakers and a subwoofer. A high-gloss piano-black finish on the main unit matches the styling of AQUOS TVs, accompanied by black wooden cabinet speakers with the BD-MPC40, and black synthetic finish speakers with BD-MPC30. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/sharp-aquos-bd-mpc40-mpc30Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-x810Samsung Electronics is making high-definition video more accessible than ever to consumers with its HT-X810 Home Theater Sound Bar. Now usually we look down our noses at surround bars but with an integrated upconverting DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity AND a wireless sub, we couldn't help but be intrigued.Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:33:55 -0000/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-x810Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/b-w-libertyWant to talk about quality Home Theater in a Box? Let's talk about B&W's new Liberty system, a new integrated 5.1 system featuring wireless, cable-free speakers. The Liberty range comprises four speaker models and one combined digital radio and disc player with a wireless transmitter. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:35:57 -0000/reviews/htib/b-w-libertyHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-tx72tFirst time home theater users may appreciate the simplicity provided by a Home Theater in a Box, and the Samsung HT-TX72T is a great starting point. With a low profile 5 disc changer, included speakers, and excellent remote control, this system is a breeze to install and configure. Since the Samsung HT-TX72 can typically be found on sale, it's a good value for a system with this many features. For well under $400 this system seems like a good match for those looking to "accessorize" their new flat panel television with a fully-featured surround audio setup.Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-tx72tHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/sony-ht-ss2000Let's say you've just walked into your local electronics retail store and are planning to buy a 1080p 52" Sony television and a Sony Blu-ray player. Along with a pile of free Blu-ray movies, you should consider purchasing an audio system to match. Sony hopes to have you covered with the HT-SS2000 home theater system. There are two schools of thought on audio, however. One, buy something cheap because you are after a good image and any surround sound will do. Two, spend as much or more on audio than you do on video. Here at Audioholics.com, you'll find that most of us are in the second school of thought.Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:10:00 -0000/reviews/htib/sony-ht-ss2000Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-585blThe new Yamaha YHT-585BL is a great starter package that not only includes a standalone receiver, but also 2 tower speakers for the front, a center channel, surround speakers, and pretty decent 8-inch powered subwoofer. The included receiver, the Yamaha HTR-6050, has a few more inputs and outputs than the average HTiB in this price class, but it's also a little more complex to hook up as a result. To ease first-time home theater consumer confusion, Yamaha included its YPAO setup and auto-calibration system to ease the setup process. (See our RX-V659 review for more in-depth information on this setup system) Included are the standard remote control, some speaker wire, and the small setup microphone.Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-585blHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/sony-ht-ddw790Sony is typically known for their higher end consumer electronics, at least that's what the big box salesman will tell you as he shows you the price. This is certainly true sometimes, but let it be known that Sony can make entry level products with prices to match. Enter the HT-DDW790, a very low cost 5.1 home theater system. This unit is very basic and comes with a full size receiver that has only a few inputs, 6 speakers with wire, and a remote control.Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/sony-ht-ddw790Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt950Yet another Panasonic HTiB? That's right, here we have the SC-PT950. It is identical in functionality to its little brother, the PT750. For an extra $100, you'll get tower speakers, a slightly larger woofer, and just a little more amplifier power. This is a great home theater system with lots of "creature-features." A 5-disc DVD changer and easy-to use remote are solid features any homeowner will appreciate. Add in an automatic setup system with included mic and an included iPod dock and now you've got something that your mother-in-law could set up and enjoy.Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt950Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-380Yamaha has done something pretty cool with its entry-level YHT-380 system. They included several standalone products all in one big, heavy box. That's right, a full Yamaha receiver, 5-speaker package, and subwoofer are part of this home theater system. It might even make you say "Yama-HEY!" Well, that is, if you listen to Tom or Dina over at AVRant. If you can only spend a few hundred dollars, but want a system that allows for future upgrades, then make sure to check out the Yamaha YHT-380 - it will certainly do the trick!Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-380Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-x50To complement their line of small flat panel TVs, Samsung Electronics produced the HT-X50 home theater system. Not only does it have a cool name, I mean who wouldn't want to own an X50, but it has a good look, as well. The low cost package includes a 5-disc DVD/CD changer, 5 speakers, a small subwoofer, remote control, and various cables for connecting it all together. Its features are pretty standard as far as home theater systems go, but it does have better than average sound. The speakers are more clear at higher volumes than the equally-priced competition. The passive subwoofer unit is just OK on the mid-bass and seemed a bit boomy overall. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-x50Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt750Panasonic produces several low cost home theater products and the SC-PT750 includes many features for the price. This package is very similar to its little brother, the SC-PT650, but we feel the black color matches a better with most newer flat panel displays and the wireless rear speaker receiver is included, along with slightly larger front left and right speakers. Also included is an iPod dock, remote control, and various speaker cables. If you are a first time home theater user, or just looking for a small system for a secondary TV, then this might be for you.Sun, 30 Dec 2007 04:14:00 -0000/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt750Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/sony-dav-hdx265Sony has many display products under their BRAVIA moniker, but they also have a line of A/V gear to match. At the entry level, the small form-meets-function HDX265 is a 5.1 speaker system and receiver/5-disc DVD changer. As with most lower cost units, 5 small speakers, a small sub, receiver/DVD changer, and remote control are included. This low profile attractive system is geared well for smaller rooms or secondary theater setups with a standard TV or perhaps a small flat panel display. The included HDMI output port will upscale to 720p or 1080i if your display is capable. Component, S-video, and composite video connections are also included for older displays, as well.Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:54:16 -0000/reviews/htib/sony-dav-hdx265Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/bose-lifestyle-v20Now, I know what you are thinking, "Your first impression is 'Gotta Have It'? What kind of Audioholic is that guy, anyway?" Well, to be honest, that IS the first impression of most people when they hear the name "Bose." Of course, the commercials they have on the Discovery HD channel after nearly every show tell the average Joe how small they are and how great the room filling sound is. When Joe walks into the local big box store, the Bose demo is setup nicely and always works. Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:11:20 -0000/reviews/htib/bose-lifestyle-v20Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/lg-lfd790Here at Audioholics, we like big home theaters with lots of speakers surrounding us. However, we do acknowledge that there is an occasional need for a 2 channel home theater system. As such, LG has introduced the LFD790 which includes 2 speakers, a sub module, and the DVD / Receiver component. There aren't too many options for 2.1 systems these days unless you are looking to build your own setup from individual components, so it's nice to see a low cost and easy to use system on the market.Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:46:32 -0000/reviews/htib/lg-lfd790Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-as720stIt's not every day that a system like the Samsung HT-AS720ST catches our eye... and ear! Although it isn't a cheap $99 package, or an over priced $2000 cube speaker system, this $600 home theater is something to take a look at if you are just getting into home theater. The sleek and shiny appearance matches very well with today's glossy-edged flat panel displays, and Samsung has been very careful to have it match the look and feel of its Blu-Ray players, as well.Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:08:45 -0000/reviews/htib/samsung-ht-as720stHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/insignia-ns-h2002The Insigina NS-H2002 is an entry level HTIB that can be found exclusively at your local Best Buy. At a retail price of $109 and a typical sale price of under $100, the H2002 certainly won't be a power house of bass or the next audio nirvana. Well, spending this Benjamin will get you a decent progressive scan DVD player that happens to include some surround speakers. Most stand alone DVD players in that price range include an HDMI port and feature full upscaling, but Insignia chose to give you some speakers instead. Perhaps that old standard definition (SD) TV of yours needs a replacement DVD player, or the kids want a little something more for their Game Cube?Thu, 20 Dec 2007 04:05:38 -0000/reviews/htib/insignia-ns-h2002Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt650Panasonic has released a series of home theater systems that are featured at the typical big box store. The SC-PT650 is at the entry level of the PT series and features a low entry price for those seeking an economical option. As is typical for HTIBs, this package has 5 small speakers, a woofer module, Amp/DVD changer, remote control, iPod dock, and the necessary hook up cables. I have personally been witness to the popularity of these home theater systems as I have worked for Best Buy in the past, and the PT650 is no exception. Panasonic has done a good job of producing a clean sound at moderate volume levels and adding some features that make this system fairly attractive.Thu, 20 Dec 2007 03:20:00 -0000/reviews/htib/panasonic-sc-pt650Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/philips-hds3555-37Are you looking for a very low cost home theater solution this Christmas? Well, a low cost Home Theater in a Box, anyway? Then you might want to check out the Philips HTS 3555/57. This unit is typically available at the big box stores, but can actually be had on sale for as low as $70 off the regular price with a pre-Black Friday promotion at your local Best Buy or from their online store.Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:49:10 -0000/reviews/htib/philips-hds3555-37Home Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-685-home-theaterThere was a time when we A/V geeks held a very special place among our group of friends. We enjoyed a kind of guru status that few achieve in the man-world. Not only did we have the best home theater setup on the block, but the dark and shadowy world of A/V gear kept it just confusing enough to prevent too many guys from reaching the lofty peak of “guru”. You really had to stay on top of things to know who made the best DVD/CD players, receivers, and speakers so that you could be ready to help a friend in need set up a decent little entry level home theater. Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/yamaha-yht-685-home-theaterHome Theater in-a-BoxAV Reviews