Sony HTFS3.CEK 2.1 ch 400W Home Cinema System

Setup: LG 50PK350 Plasma TV; Virgin Media V+; Sony HTFS3; Sony PS3; Nintendo Wii; Logitech Harmony One remote.So, I've been using the above set-up for a little over 3 months now and I have to say I'm extremely happy with this Sony AV receiver. First of all, setting it up was a doddle - I just connected the HDMI devices to it (there are a total of 3 inputs) and then just one HDMI lead goes to the TV. I cannot understate how useful this, as many TV's still only come with just 1 or 2 HDMI inputs so this effectively doubles that capacity for you.I have used 5.1 systems in the past but in my new place I didn't want to be running wires around skirting boards and have had mixed experiences with wireless rear speakers so opted for a 2.1 system. I have to say the output from this system is excellent. I sit about 4 metres from the screen and speakers but the sound is crystal clear and the bass response from the sub is also room-filling, in fact I have it turned down a bit so as not to upset my neighbours! I wouldn't say it replicates true Surround Sound but it certainly does fill the room with a much deeper and wider sound field compared to standard TV speakers. The speakers are small in comparison to some other systems but do the job perfectly - and anyway, I never liked those tall floor-standers that in my opinion just look cumbersome and take up unnecessary space. I have the main unit hidden behind a door in the corner of the room and the remote works fine even though you can't see the thing! Worth noting that you can buy a kit to add two wireless rear speakers but I haven't felt the need.Switching between inputs is easy and the benefit of this system is that is also outputs audio from a device only connected to the TV - for example my Wii is plugged directly into the TV via Component leads but the audio outputs via the Sony AV receiver, which I connected to the TV using a TOSLINK optical lead, so basically anything that displays on the TV screen has audio through this system, even if it isn't HDMI compliant. Another plus is that it automatically powers down as soon as the TV is switched off.In summary, if you're looking for a reasonably-priced and well-made AV system, that is discreet and won't leave wires trailing everywhere, then this is for you.Enjoy!

Bought this after a failed 3.1 sony unit, this version runs 3 into 1 HDMI sockets, check where you buy as some older ones still on sale only have 2 into 1? I nearly got caulght out, so make sure you dont. I must admit was wary of buying a 2.1 surround, but in the room I have it, it fills it great, but I am no audio expert (but I know what I like when I hear it?) so cant go into whether it makes a drill sound like an angle grinder, all I DO know is that I was a fan of the old CRT telly that had space to pump a decent size speaker, and found the speakers on my Toshiba ok, but think its worth buying this in the long run, because it makes a VAST difference watching Blu rays at least. Whether movie or music, so far the sound is nothing but quality. In a way im glad my last purchase didnt work out, as the soundbar was a bit on the big side, and thei is just sub and 2 small speakers, that can be tucked away and forgotten about. Only not got full 5 stars due to the sub being hard to find a home for as it has to be shoen to use the radio and display.

I bought this to complement a Sony LCD TV with lacklustre sound, having high hopes after reading the other reviews.The first thing is the size of the sub, it's huge! Sony suggest it goes at the side of your telly rather than tucked away behind it. If you do put it in a corner, it starts sounding muddy and boomy. It also can't be obscured for the remote and display. So it has to go at the side, looking like a karaoke machine sat next to your lovely slim TV.There's certainly no lack of bass with the Sony and it'll go nice and loud for action flicks and wotnot, but it's lacking elsewhere. There's no mid range to speak of and the treble is very bright. Dialogue sounds shrill and boxed in. If you want your floor to vibrate when a plane crashes in a movie, it's great. If you want your newsreaders to sound like they're talking into a plastic cup, it's also great.There's a whole load of settings to fiddle with, 'live', 'standard', 'movies' etc as well as tone, but I could not tame the over-bright treble. The sound feels very enclosed to the two speakers and doesn't create a great soundstage to go with your viewing.Was pleased to revert to revert to my TV's speakers.

First of all, I bought this kit for only [...] in the amazon christmas sale, and at this price the system really is a bargain! The connectivity is very good if you have multiple HDMI and optical/digital sources, so if you're really up to date with your gear then this will work great. However, the lack of phono/auxillary inputs means you have to pay another £50 for an adapter to connect your ipod etc.. rather annoying for a sophisticated system such as this.As for the sound, I have to admit I have heard much better. I bought these SONY speakers for my living room as I could no longer get hold of the altec lansing MX5021 (which I bought for £90 5 years ago and still have in my bedroom) and sadly they are nowhere near as good. Don't get me wrong, the sony speakers sound ok, but I get the impression all of the technology has gone into creating a 'multiple input media solution' rather than a really good sounding speaker system. If you are looking for a small system that can pack a punch when watching movies, but sound sublime when listening to music I have truely never heard anything better than the altec lansing systems.. and I've heard some very expensive kit in my time. Like I said though, for £115 you can't go wrong, but I would not pay over £200 for these.