Sony Dream System DAVDX155
Out of stock |
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- Main Speakers Power Output: 140 Watt RMS
- Included Components: Receiver Radio Tuner
- Number Of Speakers: 5 Speakers and Subwoofer
- Subwoofer Power Output: 200 Watt RMS
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Incomparable Value- Great Sound
Pros
Extreme value, overall sound quality, natural sound from "stock" speakers
Cons
Subwoofer a bit weak at normal settings, availability
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I consider this system a "must-purchase" if looking to purchase in the $200-$400 range.
My Kenwood 5.1 surround sound system finally bit the dust so it was time to venture out to find the best bang for my buck. I was astounded when I happened across the Sony HT-DDW900 system for $198 considering that it's current listed as "Out of Stock" on their web site at a $248 price point. At $248, the system is an extremely good buy. At $198, it's a value that just can't be beat.
The Sound
The system produces robust sound. Even at medium settings with no tweaking to individual speaker decibel levels. However, you will have to adjust the subwoofer decibal levels to +4 or higher to get the best bass out of the system.
The speakers themselves are "stock", but not "cheap" as with other systems. I tested the center speaker versus my previous high-quality Kenwood center speaker and determined that the Sony speaker produced the better quality sound. With the right setup (more on that later), the center speaker produces rich tones and is particularly good at low-tone production. This is certainly preferable versus the higher treble "tinny" sound quality I've heard from other speakers included with systems in this price range.
The system will play A.F.D. (Auto Format Direct) sound. It supports Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS. And it's excellent at playing uncompressed sound from a device such as a Playstation 3 via Blu Ray disc.
The Hardware
The system does not include an internal DVD player. That's exactly what I was looking for. Not only do I have DVD players coming out of my ears right now, but I simply didn't want to bother. I wanted a simple receiver package.
The inputs are solid. The receiver does have two HDMI "passthrough" ports. You need to know that HDMI passthrough will not allow HDMI audio to be read by the receiver. If your video component input is HDMI, you will also need to run an audio source in for each player you're connecting. However, HDMI passthrough still allows you to connect two high-definition video sources via HDMI cable while then running only one HDMI cable to your HDTV. With 2x optical audio ports and 1x coaxial port that shouldn't be a problem. I have no doubt that higher-end systems allow for direct HDMI audio inputs, but for this price point, 2x HDMI passthrough ports are a big deal. You just need to know how to properly utilize them and when you switch the input mode on the receiver it does switch both the video and audio from the source with just one button touch.
The system also has 2x Component In slots to further utilize HD sources. Also, the system has two additional front speaker outputs that, in theory, could push the system to near 7.1 surround sound. I haven't tested this yet, but the system does allow you to push all seven speakers at once with that setup. The system has a lot more inputs, but those I've noted are the high-def standard inputs and I haven't seen a system anywhere near this price range with as many.
I do have to note that the subwoofer is powered individually (i.e. it has it's own plug-in). Also, the subwoofer has a different connector (plug connector rather than normal speaker wire). I'm not sure if that's a drawback or an asset at this point. What I do know it that I can't test out my previous subwoofer (which rocked until my old system stopped sending it a signal) with the Sony system. However, my wife did stop up and ask me yesterday what that "banging" sound was on the floor upstairs. That would be the Sony subwoofer.
The included speaker wire is cheap. Luckily, I'd implemented better gauge wire a long time ago so that wasn't an issue. That being said, I've yet to see a decent surround sound system- much less a budget system- that supplies decent speaker wire.
The Setup
The receiver itself is easy to set up. One of the best things about it is that Sony includes a wired microphone that you place at your viewing position (i.e. couch, chair, whatever) and then you simply follow the instructions to allow the system to adjust itself for range. Now, if you're interested in getting the best quality sound out of the system that's not the last step, but it's an excellent first step. From there, just follow the manual to tweak everything else.
I've read elsewhere that the manual is somewhat difficult to follow. Well, it's not. At least if you've got a modicum of surround sound system setup experience. It takes a few minutes to get used to the remote but once you figure it out it's simple to adjust the settings speaker by speaker.
The system offers a number of preset listening modes for both decoding and effects (specialized for movies, music, and headphones). That's similar to my previous system and it's a welcome function.
Overall
If you're looking for robust sound, excellent input/output options, and a great deal of flexibility at less then $300.00 then look no further. The Sony HT-DDW900 system does take a little more time to "tweak" versus other comparable systems, but it'll also produce higher quality sound- and I'm not sure that anything in the price range actually does compare with this system. The subwoofer doesn't push stomach-churning bass like more expensive systems, but it's good enough. The remote is a little weird, but understandable considering the system's potential. If you're in the market for an surround sound system that produces results well past it's price point, this it the one to buy. Otherwise, save your pennies and grab one in the $500.00 (or higher) price range. It's that good.
The Sound
The system produces robust sound. Even at medium settings with no tweaking to individual speaker decibel levels. However, you will have to adjust the subwoofer decibal levels to +4 or higher to get the best bass out of the system.
The speakers themselves are "stock", but not "cheap" as with other systems. I tested the center speaker versus my previous high-quality Kenwood center speaker and determined that the Sony speaker produced the better quality sound. With the right setup (more on that later), the center speaker produces rich tones and is particularly good at low-tone production. This is certainly preferable versus the higher treble "tinny" sound quality I've heard from other speakers included with systems in this price range.
The system will play A.F.D. (Auto Format Direct) sound. It supports Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS. And it's excellent at playing uncompressed sound from a device such as a Playstation 3 via Blu Ray disc.
The Hardware
The system does not include an internal DVD player. That's exactly what I was looking for. Not only do I have DVD players coming out of my ears right now, but I simply didn't want to bother. I wanted a simple receiver package.
The inputs are solid. The receiver does have two HDMI "passthrough" ports. You need to know that HDMI passthrough will not allow HDMI audio to be read by the receiver. If your video component input is HDMI, you will also need to run an audio source in for each player you're connecting. However, HDMI passthrough still allows you to connect two high-definition video sources via HDMI cable while then running only one HDMI cable to your HDTV. With 2x optical audio ports and 1x coaxial port that shouldn't be a problem. I have no doubt that higher-end systems allow for direct HDMI audio inputs, but for this price point, 2x HDMI passthrough ports are a big deal. You just need to know how to properly utilize them and when you switch the input mode on the receiver it does switch both the video and audio from the source with just one button touch.
The system also has 2x Component In slots to further utilize HD sources. Also, the system has two additional front speaker outputs that, in theory, could push the system to near 7.1 surround sound. I haven't tested this yet, but the system does allow you to push all seven speakers at once with that setup. The system has a lot more inputs, but those I've noted are the high-def standard inputs and I haven't seen a system anywhere near this price range with as many.
I do have to note that the subwoofer is powered individually (i.e. it has it's own plug-in). Also, the subwoofer has a different connector (plug connector rather than normal speaker wire). I'm not sure if that's a drawback or an asset at this point. What I do know it that I can't test out my previous subwoofer (which rocked until my old system stopped sending it a signal) with the Sony system. However, my wife did stop up and ask me yesterday what that "banging" sound was on the floor upstairs. That would be the Sony subwoofer.
The included speaker wire is cheap. Luckily, I'd implemented better gauge wire a long time ago so that wasn't an issue. That being said, I've yet to see a decent surround sound system- much less a budget system- that supplies decent speaker wire.
The Setup
The receiver itself is easy to set up. One of the best things about it is that Sony includes a wired microphone that you place at your viewing position (i.e. couch, chair, whatever) and then you simply follow the instructions to allow the system to adjust itself for range. Now, if you're interested in getting the best quality sound out of the system that's not the last step, but it's an excellent first step. From there, just follow the manual to tweak everything else.
I've read elsewhere that the manual is somewhat difficult to follow. Well, it's not. At least if you've got a modicum of surround sound system setup experience. It takes a few minutes to get used to the remote but once you figure it out it's simple to adjust the settings speaker by speaker.
The system offers a number of preset listening modes for both decoding and effects (specialized for movies, music, and headphones). That's similar to my previous system and it's a welcome function.
Overall
If you're looking for robust sound, excellent input/output options, and a great deal of flexibility at less then $300.00 then look no further. The Sony HT-DDW900 system does take a little more time to "tweak" versus other comparable systems, but it'll also produce higher quality sound- and I'm not sure that anything in the price range actually does compare with this system. The subwoofer doesn't push stomach-churning bass like more expensive systems, but it's good enough. The remote is a little weird, but understandable considering the system's potential. If you're in the market for an surround sound system that produces results well past it's price point, this it the one to buy. Otherwise, save your pennies and grab one in the $500.00 (or higher) price range. It's that good.
