Dec 17, 2007 06:35 PM
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The Sony DAV 150K is a 5.1 home theater-in-a-box system with a six speaker package bundled with the system. The entire package consists of a dvd unit, five satellite speakers and one passive sub woofer. The main unit consists of a relatively slim dvd unit, which also houses the class D "S-Master" (as Sony likes to call it) amplifier belting out a total of 850W RMS. 142 W each is fed to the sattelites while 140 W is earmarked for the passive sub. Formats supported by the unit are dvd-video, vcd, cd-audio, mp3, div-x and jpeg.
Other than that, there's an FM /AM tuner that covers the entire spectrum alloted to the current radio stations. The pre-amp section also has the usual features like Dolby Prologic I, II, Dolby digital, DTS, plus a digital audio calibration system (like the Bose lifestyle systems) that calibrates the sytem according to your seating placement.
There's also a feature called "speaker formation" that processes signals according to speaker placement, but so far I have never found a use for it since I have placed the speakers in the traditional 5.1 set-up.
The video decoding section is good, especially with the progressive scan turned on and the output via the component cable. Sadly, the component cable isnt a standard item with the system. On DTS and Doly Digital encoded dvds, the spatial sound created by the rear speakers is quite impressive for the size of the speakers. The optional stands for the rear speakers help a ton in placing the speakers well within the vicinity of the viewing sofa. Ofcourse, you can adjust the level of the speakers individually. The unit handled dvds and divx with equal ease, the DTS and Dolby Digital really living upto the mark. Ofcourse, you can experience it only on DTS and DD encoded dvds, divx only. I dont find the artificial post processing of 2 channel sound into 5.1 channel sound that inspiring.
Its with audio cds that the unit disappoints me. I guess I was prepared for something like this, knowing the unit was meant for movie viewing primarily. Of course, it does the job of belting out quite decent volumes on hindi numbers...its only on the intricate western records that it stumbles. The sound from my Eric Johnson and Rory Gallagher cds sounded too mid-ranged for my taste. While the sub works well with movies, I found it lacking in focus with deep basslines.And yes, finding a "sweet spot" for the sub can take quite some time. While the unit handles mid ranges well, the high frequencies tend to melt away into the background with high vocals. The biggest sore is that there are absolutely no equalizer options!! Not even a 3 band manual preset!! If only There had been some processors, then I might got better sound from my audio cds.Now that I cant rely on the unit for my music cds, that leaves me to build my own component audio system possibly with a TEAC/Pioneer cd player, a Yamaha ax396 amp and possibly polk audio/norge/wharfedale speakers.
The tuner section is quite handy, if u want to receive the plethora of FM channels on air. You need to just plug in the external FM antenna (basically just a sheathed open ended cable) and auto tune the stations. You can store 30 channels on the presets. Reception is quite good, even with the most interior room. All in all, for 14.5 k, its a very very good home theater package. Very compact, and hence space saving. A steal for a basic home theater deal. If only it had some equalizers!!
