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Wharfedale Moviestar DX-1 HCP
Looking for the best audio system of the year, we came to the conclusion that the Wharfedale Moviestar DX-1 HCP deserves a chance at this coveted title. It is a set of five speakers: a subwoofer, the central enclosure and four identical satellites. Both the latter and the center speaker are two-way, which means that, on the whole, the system plays very efficiently the entire audible frequency spectrum, from 20 Hertz to 22 Kilohertz.
The subwoofer also includes a variable filter, in order to be able to adjust the frequency distribution between it and the satellites, and the total power of the entire set of speakers is about 300 Watts. You can look for various reviews for this 5.1 audio system on industry-renowned publications – you will notice how the product is often compared favorably with rival, much more expensive models, both in terms of sound and the quality of its construction.
After all, Wharfedale is an important name in acoustic technology in the UK, and the experience of more than 60 years can be seen in this Home Cinema. As disadvantages, we can only say that it vibrates when given close to the maximum, but few systems are made to run at such a high volume.
Yamaha YHT-1810
This 5.1 audio system from Yamaha has the notable advantage of including a stand-alone amplifier, which is also a radio tuner, but also a sound processor. Most Home Cinema installations are equipped with amplification built into the subwoofer, but here, the flexibility and range of options open to the user is much wider.
You can connect multiple sources to the device at the same time. Moreover, you can also connect classic stereo speakers, activating them alternately with the 5.1 in the package. Enjoy DSP ambient echoes, which simulate various listening environments, as well as multiple Dolby decoders, available through the sound processor. The generated musical power is about 350 Watts, and the presence of 4K HDMI connectors will attract those who appreciate the latest generation movies. We can not neglect the price of this complete system, even attractive, for what you receive in the package (speakers and amplifier).
Overall, it is a recommended option for both home cinema enthusiasts and beginner audiophiles. To mention some disadvantages, the satellites are not two-way, therefore they may not satisfy all buyers, in terms of playing high sounds.
Stage Package 1200B + GX-A3001 + 350940
We will also address car owners, addressing here a kit with subwoofer, external amplifier and auxiliary cables, from the company JBL, a name with weight in the field. Therefore, it is addressed to those who are looking for audio systems, at good prices, for the generation of low sounds in the car environment, exclusively.
The maximum power of the amplifier is 415 watts, the subwoofer is generous, 250 watts of music, launched by a membrane 30 centimeters in diameter (it has an impedance of 4 Ohms and a frequency response from 10 to 320 Hertz). In the package, you also receive a 5-meter power cable, a 40-amp AGU safety holder, a gold-plated M8 slipper, a metallic gray cable and a 5-meter double-shielded RCA cable.
The length of the metallic gray cable, of only 1 meter, is the only subject that generated objections among those who wrote reviews. Overall, however, it is one of the most recommended kits for complementing car sound, both in terms of power and quality, as well as the price at which it can be purchased.
Harman Kardon Soundsticks 3
The presentation of this audio system begins quite boldly: “Is it possible to improve something perfect?” The manufacturer refers here to the previous generations of the Soundsticks model, this being the third. Many buyers are right, considering the product to be probably the best 2 + 1 audio system for personal computers.
At only 40 Watts, the noise it makes is more than impressive, and the frequencies at which it excels are especially the very low ones (from 44 Hertz upwards) to the high spectrum (20 KHz). Although the average frequencies leave little to be desired, this model is for the general public and does not address extremely demanding audiophiles. Its design is very futuristic, with transparent housings, satellites 25 centimeters high and the subwoofer about 30. One of the advantages is that it does not use cables between speakers, and the connection to the source is made via wireless connection as well.
Overall, the reviews are almost unanimously favorable, being hard to find an equally praiseworthy model of PC speakers. A possible disadvantage is the lack of security when connecting via Bluetooth, which will allow neighbors to connect to it accidentally or intentionally.
Benefits:
It generates a very strong volume, for the only 40 Watts, and the sound quality is difficult to surpass by other systems, even twice as expensive.
It transmits sound via wireless connections to satellites, and the sound signal is picked up via Bluetooth.
The system automatically shuts off after 5 minutes of inactivity to save energy.
It covers extremely well the low and high frequencies, which makes it attractive for parties.
Disadvantages:
Due to the lack of security in the Bluetooth connection, others can also connect to these speakers, for example neighbors.
The design may be a little too avant-garde for lovers of classic wooden enclosures.
Akai SS006-305 / AS005RA-750B
Among the best audio systems we wanted to include, we also wanted to present a complete home cinema. Of course, here, by “best” we mean the number of sales and popularity, because in terms of sound quality, discussions among audiophiles are endless, if we refer to the technique or sound quality. The home entertainment installation from Akai, which we present here, includes the tuner amplifier, a subwoofer, two front tower speakers, on three tracks each (two bass, a media speaker and a tweeter), the center speaker and two rear satellites .
With a total power of 200 watts, in addition to watching movies and listening to music at parties, the system also focuses on karaoke, as a target activity, the package includes two microphones. The amplifier has multiple input sources, as well as USB slots, FM and AM radio tuner, remote control, DSP effects (which add room echoes digitally), and in terms of sound quality, it is suitable for most tastes, although audiophiles may not be out of the way to impress.
After all, we’re talking about a budget home cinema. As a downside, we can mention that it has no HDMI or Composite digital inputs, but only analog (RCA), and the amplifier does not retain the sound settings after it is closed, which means you will have to adjust them again the next time you open them.
Benefits:
The package includes all the elements for a home cinema, except Blu-Ray Player: amplifier, center speaker, front speakers, subwoofer and rear satellites.
Also included are two microphones in the package, for karaoke fans.
Includes AM and FM tuner, as well as DSP echo effects.
The enclosures were praised for their strength and quality of materials.
Disadvantages:
The amplifier is a bit poorly built, does not store sound settings when closed, and digital inputs are absent.
Sonos 2 X Play: 1
The two cylindrical speakers, with a metallic look and colored in black and silver, will be to the taste of those who care about a modern and interesting look in the room where they work or listen to music. The enclosures have two paths each (midbass and tweeter), and the sound quality has been praised by many specialized publications.
In addition to them, a central element is included, which works as a remote control. This wireless audio system can stream from any device with a Bluetooth interface: phone, tablet, laptop or Smart TV. Establishing connections is very easy, and from a special application, you can also adjust the bass or treble. Analyzing various reviews and opinions about this system, I came to the conclusion that it is a quality product, in terms of sound, but in terms of power, it does not excel, generating about 2 x 25 watts.
This means that the most suitable rooms to place them in are the small ones, of maximum 20 square meters, such as the children’s room or the dormitory. The good part is that you can connect more than two such speakers, if you want a little more noise!
Panasonic SC-AKX200E-K
Panasonic has launched this audio system for home music enthusiasts, without pretensions to portability, but with multiple possibilities to connect to various sources. Bluetooth transmission is an almost indispensable element nowadays in sound installations, and the MAX Juke function will allow you to request songs, if there are several phones connected, with a common song list .
In addition, the system can be used as a rudimentary mixer, if there are several USB devices connected to it. In addition, CDs can be listened to, the FM / AM tuner is present, and the RCA audio input can be used to receive a signal from a PC sound card. Regarding the speakers, they have low and high speakers, the low ones having 16 centimeters in diameter, and the enclosure is of bass-reflex type, to increase the resonance.
There is also a remote control, and one of the objections brought by customers is that the manual does not contain explicit instructions on how to use all its commands. To conclude, it is a combination designed especially for parties, in stereo, with a modern design, attractive for young people, especially.
Benefits:
Allows the ability to mix between the two USB sources.
It can be connected via Bluetooth, the MAX Juke mode allowing the request of songs by several users, by phone, from a playlist made.
It has preset equalizer, with multiple sound modes.
It also offers RCA connector, for computers without Bluetooth.
Disadvantages:
The remote control manual is vague, even in English, and it will take some time for you to get used to its commands.
Wharfedale Achromatic Basics 5.1
The elements of a standard Home Cinema audio system should be: front speakers, rear speakers, center, and subwoofer, and the product here offers exactly that, without external amplifiers or other elements. Although simple, it is not at all of questionable quality, the Wharfedale brand being a weighty name in the audio industry, with decades of experience behind it.
Moreover, it is a heavy system, only the subwoofer weighing 20 kilograms, which increases its ability to generate low frequencies. The two front speakers are high (945 mm), to send sound to the ears of a listener sitting on the couch.
They have two paths, so you can be sure that the high frequencies will not be of poor quality. So, not only movies will impress, but also music, although many voices say that, for music lovers, stereo systems are the most suitable.
In total, the RMS music power generated is over 550 watts, enough even for salons over 50 square meters. As disadvantages, we can only say that it would have been good for the two rear speakers to have legs, so that they could be placed on the floor. Because they are small, it means that you will either have to place them on the furniture, or hang them on nails, on the wall opposite the TV.
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