Sony DAVC770

Author's product rating:   

Picture Playback	Excellent
Sound Level	Excellent
Range of Features	Above Average
Durability	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Excellent sound and video quality; stylish design
Disadvantages:	Scratched DVDs are a problem

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

When we made the decision to get a surround sound system for our lounge, we looked long and hard into many different brands. After many discussions, we set our eyes on Sony. Their products always seem to be as well equipped to do the job just as much as a Bose system or any other A/V system while still maintaining a compact size overall.

After taking the time to get the wires where we wanted them, set-up was very easily achieved. Sony place colour coded connectors on each cable so it is impossible to get it wrong. The most difficult part was arranging the system for the room dimensions (not a must but is does enable the sound for optimum performance). Operation is very easy too. All the buttons are easily accessible on the remote and you can perform all functions (play, skip scene, pause etc.) using it. It also has a luminescent backing which is handy if like to watch your films in the dark as we do.

If all you use the DAV-C770 for is to view DVDs then you will find that it provides an unbelievable experience. We also use the system for TV/VCR audio and we also use it to listen to our MP3 CDs. With this system's ProLogic II decoding, it can produce 5.1 channel (surround) sound from a 2 channel (stereo) source. It does this rather well too! Other than that there are many simulated sound types. Some to sound like famous theatres others to make sports events seem even more realistic, adding echo and other effects. This system also opened up a new way for us to listen to music, SACD or Super Audio CD. These are basically surround sound versions of your favourite music CDs - a truly marvellous experience.

The speakers themselves are both exactly the same and feature a "two-way" design. They are all moulded from what looks and feels like aluminium and are about a 4 inches in size. The subwoofer also quite a decent size, being about a 12 inches tall and 9 inches square. After following the tweaking instructions, they give out sound, which is almost Bose-like in nature - extremely impressive - and for one quarter of the price. The satellite speakers’ supply enough of the high sounds and the sub-woofer comes in just strong enough with the bass. You can adjust the sub-woofer but we have found that works just fine on the original settings. All in all, it's so good, I use it when watching anything on TV.

The only real problem is this system's sensitivity to DVDs that are scratched. I had one DVD that played fine in my laptop but skipped over and over again in the DAV-C770. After getting the DVD buffed professionally, it now plays without skipping. You just have to take good care of the DVDs I suppose.

If you go to a shop like Dixons or Comet, remember one thing, these systems are more often than not set up on steel shelves and really do not demonstrate a systems abilities at all! I can assure you that if you are looking for a mid-price home theatre system, the DAV-C770 should be just right for almost everyone.

This system is available from www.electronics-online.co.uk for £530.00.