$470 - $650 Stereo & Home Theater Systems

The Bottom Line: While the Denon S-52 is chock-full of impressive features, its subpar sound quality makes it hard to justify the steep asking price.

Specs: Micro system, Stereo, 20 Watt, AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Network audio player -, MP3, Remote control (Infrared), 15 in x 8.7 in x 5 in, 13.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Samsung HT-BD2T delivers the sort of top-notch video quality you'd expect from the world's first home theater system with built-in Blu-ray--but its high price, average audio quality, and lack of extras make it tough to recommend.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, Blu-Ray disc player / AV receiver, Blu-ray disc player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Surround Sound, 135 Watt, 150 Watt, 1100 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The DAV-HDX500 delivers the best combination of features and value in Sony's Bravia home theater system line.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The compact speakers of Yamaha's YHT-670 home-theater-in-a-box not only mimic the sound of HTIBs with tower speakers, the sound can be upgraded down the road with better speakers.

Specs: Home theater system, AV receiver, DVD changer, Speaker system, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, Surround Sound, 760 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The Sony DAV-FX900W Dream System maxes out on style and features--such as HDMI output and wireless rear speakers--but its sound quality is disappointing relative to the price.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R DL, Video CD, Surround Sound, 143 Watt, 285 Watt, 1280 Watt

The Bottom Line: Bose's Wave Music System improves upon the original in both design and performance.

Specs: Audio system, Stereo, Remote control (Infrared), Platinum white, 14.5 in x 8.6 in x 4.2 in, 8.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: Bose's Wave Music System improves upon the original in both design and performance.

Specs: Audio system, Stereo, Remote control (Infrared), Graphite gray, 14.5 in x 8.6 in x 4.2 in, 8.6 lbs

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, Blu-Ray disc player / AV receiver, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control

Specs: Home theater system, AV receiver, Speaker system, Surround Sound, 290 Watt, 1200 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, Blu-Ray disc player / AV receiver, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD-Audio, Black, Surround Sound, 450 Watt, Remote control