Kenwood DVT-6300 Theater System

I didn't know much about surround sound systems when I started researching this purchase, but after a fair bit of web surfing (including reading other reviews on epinions.com), I feel like I made the right choice. If you already have the other components, i.e. DVD, VCR, Etc., this is an excellent system for the money. Interestingly, these types of systems, have a wide range in price. Sound quality and volume dynamics is what I was looking for and be assured this system will perform beyond expectations. I couldn't believe how the experience of watching a movie could change so much since the TV and picture are the same as before surround sound. The subwoofer on this system had my floor shaking like an earthquake. Our cats went berserk every time the subwoofer kicked in hard and would clear the room until the movie was over. I purchased this system on Ebay and it was new and still in the box. I got a great deal on it. I was blown away however when I had to go to Best Buy to get the necessary cables to hook up my other components. I actually paid more for wires and cables (about $300.00) than I did for the whole system. There is more than one to configure this system and there are low-end and high-end cables you can choose from. I went for the higher end cables to assure good quality. This may be something to consider when making this purchase if your thinking you'll have everything you'll need in the box and you're on a budget. I heeded other reviewers advice and purchased a much bigger grade of speaker wire. We have a large living room and my rear speakers have nearly 50 of wire between them and the System.
There's still plenty of power in this system to get those surround rear speakers to do their job. This system is DTS capable which is an added bonus for DVD's that offer this feature. Last weekend I tried playing some CD's in my DVD player. There was good sound but I noticed that the rear surround was not operating. I have since learned that you need to use 5.1 surround mixed music CD's for this to have a surround effect. There's not a lot to choose from in this format, but DTS has a website in which you can order these types of CD's. I just ordered 3 and will update this review when I get them and try them out. Overall, I am extremely happy with the Kenwood HTB-505. I suspect that a much more expensive system wouldn't sound that much better but again, I can't qualify myself as an expert. I am a part time musician though and have a good ear for sound, so I feel like I can give a fair assessment of the sound on this system. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.