All Home Theater Systems

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: The Harman Kardon HS 100's elegant good looks and sweet musicality may be enough for some buyers, but the pricey system lacks the oomph for convincing home-theater duty.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD player / AV receiver, DVD player, CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, DVD-Audio, 5.1 channel surround, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The Bose 3-2-1 Series II DVD system does a surprisingly good surround-sound imitation with just two satellites, but it's overpriced.

Specs: DVD surround system, Media center, Speaker system, DVD player, CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, Graphite, Stereo, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: Sony's DAV-X1 virtual-surround Dream System can unleash a full, enveloping sound from DVDs, but it's less satisfying with CDs.

Specs: Home theater system, DVD player, Speaker system, DVD player, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, Surround Sound, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The SC-HT920 shines on movies and high-resolution DVD-Audio discs.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, HDCD, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Video CD, DVD-Audio, Silver, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: No excuses are required for Sony's entry-level HTIB; its slam-dunk receiver, potent subwoofer, and feisty satellites deliver more-than-credible performance.

Specs: Home theater system, Receiver, Speaker system, None, Surround Sound, 100 Watt, 70 Watt, 420 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: JVC's TH-M505 looks great but offers only mediocre sound quality.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, Video CD, DVD-Audio, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: This midpriced home-theater system offers a rare combination of high style, compact dimensions, and powerful sound.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD-R, Video CD, Surround Sound, 120 Watt, 500 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared), 15.7 in x 15.2 in x 3.3 in

The Bottom Line: While Sony's entry-level home-theater system looks Dreamy, the sound is anything but.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, 600 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+R DL, DVD-R DL, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Remote control