... What Sony have done here is to save money by using the same remote for several different products. Many of the features are redundant, and it's hard just to find volume up/down in a hurry.
If the remote was keen to impress, the amp is even more over-enthusiastic. Getting basic functionality ... Read review
Advantages: Powerful, rugged design, discreet sattelites Disadvantages: Remote is very cluttered, tricky to operate initially.
...to three different sub-functions. What Sony have done here is to save money by using the same remote for several different products. Many of the features are redundant, and it's hard just to find volume up/down in a hurry.
If the remote was keen to impress, the amp is even more over-enthusiastic. Getting basic functionality and some noise to come out of the speakers is a simple exercise, but if you want to experience simpler stereo, ... ...it's not obvious how to make it happen. Now I've had it for a while I've gotten used to it's quirks and it all works exactly how I want it to.
In terms of the sound quality of the unit, it's first rate. Sound is crisp and doesn't dissapoint in any of the sound ranges. The subwoofer is capable of shaking the foundations of your house, and the satelite speakers are all very solidly built and produce a lovely rich tone. Whether the volume ... more
I picked my one of these up at Argos about 2 years ago, and paid £350 for it. At the time, I was looking to ensure I had the best sound set up of all my mates, and this Pro-Logic 2 setup was exactly what I wanted. I paid my money, took it home, and started tinkering.
Out of the box, the unit is simple enough to wire up; everything is clearly labeled, so you'd need to be retarded to struggle on that front. The problems occur once you've got it plumbed in, and turned it all on. The remote control, I imagine, is capable of launching Beagle space probes, with it's 50+ buttons, each with up to three different sub-functions. What Sony have done here is to save money by using the same remote for several different products. Many of the features are redundant, and it's hard just to find volume up/down in a hurry.
If the remote was keen to impress, the amp is even more over-enthusiastic. Getting basic functionality and some noise to come out of the speakers is a simple exercise, but if you want to experience simpler stereo, Pro-Logic 2 or one of those "Acoustic environment" setting things, it's not obvious how to make it happen. Now I've had it for a while I've gotten used to it's quirks and it all works exactly how I want it to.
In terms of the sound quality of the unit, it's first rate. Sound is crisp and doesn't dissapoint in any of the sound ranges. The subwoofer is capable of shaking the foundations of your house, and the satelite speakers are all very solidly built and produce a lovely rich tone. Whether the volume is turned down low, or you're performing a rock concert, the unit handles it admirably, with only the slightest hint of distortion on Max volume if you're playing something loud.
Cost wise, these things are complete bargains now. I don't know why, but the price halved just recently, so if I was greedy enough to upgrade my bedroom sound setup, I'd go and get another one of these bad-boys. I'd also invest in a universal remote control so I could have less buttons to fret over.