Samsung HT-P38 Theater System
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- Front Speaker: 1 Way
- Main Speakers Power Output: 134 Watts
- Included Components: DVD Player
- Number Of Speakers: 5 Speakers and Subwoofer
- Subwoofer Power Output: 130 Watts
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All in one is not all that bad!
Pros
Sound quality, connections, price, and looks darn good!
Cons
Crappy Samsung speaker connections and wire, no batteries for remote included.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
This is a great system for the money. If you're skeptical of all-in-one's, give this one a look!
I was looking for a simple, inexpensive, small DVD-surround sound system for my bedroom. Since I'm very quality-conscious, it was important for me to purchase a well-made, good sounding, quality piece.
The problem with HITB's (Home Theatre In A Box) is that although they might appear to give you everything a separate receiver, DVD player, and speaker packages does – they DO NOT, even if the price is similar to what a separate system would cost. For the most part in the $400 and below price bracket, these HITB's are just glorified shelf systems with a DVD player and more speakers. They can be very cheaply made, lack even the most basic audio/video connectivity, and sound dull and lifeless.
Enter the Samsung HT-P38. Not only can you pick it up for around $225 (I paid $199 after rebate at Circuit City on sale), but the system has features not found on systems costing twice as much. You'll find a slew of features in this system, but some of the noteworthy ones I have listed below:
NOTEWORTHY FEATURES:
Composite video in jacks (2) for a cable box and VCR
Optical digital audio-in (1) that can be mapped to either video jack, for digital cable or a separate CD player.
Analog audio in jacks for the (2) video's above
S-video, component video or composite video out for the DVD. If you select to use composite, you'll have the added bonus of all video flowing through a single connection to your TV. No flipping to video 1/2/3 required! Although some say this connection is inferior to component or S-video, it really makes little difference if connected through a good cable set (Monster Cable). Unless you're connecting to a HDTV, you're not really going to see a big difference. And if you are connecting to an HD set, spend a little more for a better audio system that can really match the TV's picture quality!
Front USB input – a cool gimmick that I tried, but my camera does not support it.
5-disc carousel-style DVD changer that plays every format known to man, other then SACD (Super Audio CD). Again, not a big deal on a $200 system that lacks the dynamic range to appreciate SACD anyway.
Dolby Pro Logic II, great for watching regular TV or movies from a VCR for example. Simulates a 5.1 Dolby-Digital-like sound. It makes a huge difference over the 10+ year old Pro-Logic that some systems still come with.
Passive, powered sub that takes up little space.
Good on-screen display for all functions.
SOUND QUALITY:
Generally very good, if not a bit muddy at times. But the separation between speakers is very good for a system in this price range. Even at loud volumes, this unit sounds good. If you're planning to use mostly for better sound from your TV, and the occasional movie/background music, you will be delighted.
I'm not using the supplied 24 gauge speaker cables, which I swapped for 16 gauge. 24 gauge is thinner then telephone wire, and is plain unacceptable for any stereo system save a clock radio. But for the price, they have to save somewhere! (FYI They also don't include batteries for the remote…)
OPERATION:
Easy to use, and during regular use, only a few buttons on the remote are really needed. Comes with the standard fare, which you can read about anywhere. Front display is BRIGHT, but is dimmable at 2 different levels. But the unit does not retain this setting after it's turned off.
Overall, this is a perfect system for a bedroom. Even a small living room. My bedroom is 17x13, so it's really not all that small. The Samsung fills it with sound that's clear, and boasts superb connectivity over its competition – Panasonic, Sony, JVC for example. Hands down, the best for the price. Samsung has really come along way! Just make sure you've got the physical depth for it, since the unit is very deep (probably about 20 inches or so).
The problem with HITB's (Home Theatre In A Box) is that although they might appear to give you everything a separate receiver, DVD player, and speaker packages does – they DO NOT, even if the price is similar to what a separate system would cost. For the most part in the $400 and below price bracket, these HITB's are just glorified shelf systems with a DVD player and more speakers. They can be very cheaply made, lack even the most basic audio/video connectivity, and sound dull and lifeless.
Enter the Samsung HT-P38. Not only can you pick it up for around $225 (I paid $199 after rebate at Circuit City on sale), but the system has features not found on systems costing twice as much. You'll find a slew of features in this system, but some of the noteworthy ones I have listed below:
NOTEWORTHY FEATURES:
Composite video in jacks (2) for a cable box and VCR
Optical digital audio-in (1) that can be mapped to either video jack, for digital cable or a separate CD player.
Analog audio in jacks for the (2) video's above
S-video, component video or composite video out for the DVD. If you select to use composite, you'll have the added bonus of all video flowing through a single connection to your TV. No flipping to video 1/2/3 required! Although some say this connection is inferior to component or S-video, it really makes little difference if connected through a good cable set (Monster Cable). Unless you're connecting to a HDTV, you're not really going to see a big difference. And if you are connecting to an HD set, spend a little more for a better audio system that can really match the TV's picture quality!
Front USB input – a cool gimmick that I tried, but my camera does not support it.
5-disc carousel-style DVD changer that plays every format known to man, other then SACD (Super Audio CD). Again, not a big deal on a $200 system that lacks the dynamic range to appreciate SACD anyway.
Dolby Pro Logic II, great for watching regular TV or movies from a VCR for example. Simulates a 5.1 Dolby-Digital-like sound. It makes a huge difference over the 10+ year old Pro-Logic that some systems still come with.
Passive, powered sub that takes up little space.
Good on-screen display for all functions.
SOUND QUALITY:
Generally very good, if not a bit muddy at times. But the separation between speakers is very good for a system in this price range. Even at loud volumes, this unit sounds good. If you're planning to use mostly for better sound from your TV, and the occasional movie/background music, you will be delighted.
I'm not using the supplied 24 gauge speaker cables, which I swapped for 16 gauge. 24 gauge is thinner then telephone wire, and is plain unacceptable for any stereo system save a clock radio. But for the price, they have to save somewhere! (FYI They also don't include batteries for the remote…)
OPERATION:
Easy to use, and during regular use, only a few buttons on the remote are really needed. Comes with the standard fare, which you can read about anywhere. Front display is BRIGHT, but is dimmable at 2 different levels. But the unit does not retain this setting after it's turned off.
Overall, this is a perfect system for a bedroom. Even a small living room. My bedroom is 17x13, so it's really not all that small. The Samsung fills it with sound that's clear, and boasts superb connectivity over its competition – Panasonic, Sony, JVC for example. Hands down, the best for the price. Samsung has really come along way! Just make sure you've got the physical depth for it, since the unit is very deep (probably about 20 inches or so).
