Sony DAV-X1V Platinum DVD Dream System Reviews

• Not a bad option ... just be realistic

  
  By A3PFGKHWB839TI on 2007-03-18
  I looked at the 2.1 (two speaker, 1 subwoofer) home theatre in a box (HTIB) options extensively. The DAV-X1V is a decent option and a strong upgrade from the previous DAV-X1 product which remains available. The build quality is excellent and the tabletop speakers are solid and compact. It provides a very decent sound with some nice bass. The DVD player works well and puts out a good picture and sound and the integrated AM/FM radio work well. The 5-DVD/CD changer is a bit confusing to work and slow ... but its passable. Frankly, since its hard to remember which DVD/CD is in which of the 5 slots ... we ended up using one at a time. If your looking for a compact, well equipped HTIB system with very easy set-up at a reasonable price ... this is a respectable option. I got down to this and the Samsung HT-Q100 ... a similar product ... but went with the Sony since the HT-Q100 is designed in a vertical presentation and I worried about infringing on the flat screen LCD which was to be mounted on the wall right above. If you are an audiophile at heart or truly want surround sound ... be reasonable with your expectations. This (and most) of the 2.1 systems aren't going to deliver the goods. You may also want to consider the Sony DAV-FX900W 5-Disc DVD Dream System which has a similar base unit as this system but includes a true 5.1 (5 speakers, 1 subwoofer) configuration but with the 2 rear channel (e.g., behind you) speakers in a wireless configuration. One final note ... this unit has solid inputs with all the digital plugs but doesn't include a headphone out jack. Not a deal breaker ... but just something to consider. On the whole, this is a good option worthy of consideration.
  
  

• Good But Not Surround Sound Like You Know It

  
  By A3MT6B9A1J5IFA on 2006-12-28
  This is fake surround sound...it sort of works, but if you think it is anything like the real thing, well....think again. It isn't. If you just can't get a real surround system set up due to room configuration, this is probably the next best thing. Just don't get you hopes up too much.
  
  I was a little disppointed at all the cables I had to hook up to get the TV, VCR, iPod and the unit itself hooked up and in sync. I thought the HDMI cable would be the universal outut to the TV, but it isn't. This is probably the same on all home theaters in a box though.
  
  

• Just a Little Disappointed

  
  By A2B87C7CDZE78U on 2007-02-08
  Before purchasing this system I read a lot of reviews especially at Amazon. So after consideration and investigation I decided this was the purchase for me. Once hooked up I realized that this system really did not perform exactly like I thought it would. I realized that this was not your typical surround system; however I did think I would get a little surround sound, but so far that hasn't been the case. At least not as much as I thought, but I do like the look and the point that it is HD and the DVD movies look GREAT. I did purchase a HD cable so I hope that this will improve the sound quality, time will tell.
  
  

• Might Not Be Enough Volume...

  
  By A3D2DJEHR4U7HC on 2007-09-18
  I decided on this system while comparing it to the Bose 321 based on many reviews I read in various places on the web. I'm using it in a home with high ceilings and wide open space, but find the sound satisfactory with one exception. Interestingly, when I watch tv and have the sound coming thru the unit the volume is louder than when playing dvd's in the unit. I have to turn the volume ALL the way up for it to be loud enough to enjoy the full effect on discs. This is a bit disconcerting, considering that some movies on dvd will not have the same volume as others, etc. Still, all things considered (i.e.--mostly price!), I feel that I made the right choice. Just don't expect it to rattle the rafters in large open spaces. It might be better suited to a more intimate space. Hope this is helpful.
  
  

• Sony DAV-X1V

  
  By A3G3W0PBMT7GDH on 2007-10-02
  Get it for $500 and it's a great buy. Does a nice job for a bedroom set-up. Decent surround and bass. Makes TV shows have better sound (especially from a digital cable box) and holds 5 DVD's for couch potatoes. HDMI to the TV with 1080i upgrade. Small speakers mount easily. AM/FM not too hot unless you have a very long antenna wire.
  
  Not as good as your home theatre set-up but good for the second room.
  
  

• 3-Year Extended Service Plan - Covers Electronic Items $501-$1000 - Repair

• Cables To Go - 40315 - 2M (6.5ft) Velocity HDMI Digital Video Cable (Blue)
• HDMI Cable 2M (6 Feet)
• Monster Cable HDMI 400 Cable (2 Meters)
• Peerless ST650P Tilting Wall Mount for 32" to 50" Flat Panel Displays (Black)
• Belkin AV20000-06 PureAV Digital Optical Cable (6-Feet)