Entered CNET Catalog: 02/18/2005
SKU: 0028292502378
Manufacturer: Harman International Industries
Manufacturer description
Complete systems, complete performance. For Harman Kardon, home theater systems are more than a combination of multiple functions in a single product, packed with a few speakers. By taking advantage of the company's "best in class" components and speakers, all operated with a single remote, you get the best of both worlds: the ease of use from having all the elements of a home theater system in one package, and the legendary performance of Harman Kardon. Why settle for ordinary "home theater in a box" when the 6.1-channel home theater system CP 15 delivers the high performance of Harman Kardon components to enthusiasts on a budget? With the combination of the AVR 135, DVD 22 and HKTS 8, you have the power and flexibility you desire at a price you can afford.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/14/2006
Harman Kardon's 2006 HTIB models compared:
| Model | Quick take | Included components | Price |
| Harman Kardon HS 100 | Harman Kardon's most affordable HTIB is also its most attractive: this slick-looking system is anchored by an all-in-one receiver/amplifier/disc player that's not much bigger than your average DVD player. | All-in-one receiver/DVD player; HKTS 7 5.1-speaker package | |
| Harman Kardon CP 15 | This system offers HK's entry-level 2005 receiver, 5.1-speaker package, and matching DVD player in one package. | AVR 135 receiver; DVD 22 DVD player; HKTS 8 5.1-speaker package | |
| Harman Kardon CP 25 | The step-up to the CP 15 includes a better receiver and a 7.1-speaker system--as well as a DVD player--in one package. | AVR 235 receiver; DVD 22 DVD player; HKTS 7 (5.1) plus one pair of HKS 3 speakers | |
| Harman Kardon CP 35 | HK's top-of-the-line HTIB bundles the AVR 335 receiver, the DVD 31 DVD player, and a 7.1-channel version of the capable HKTS 14 speaker package. | AVR 335 receiver; DVD 31 DVD player; HKTS 14 (5.1) plus one pair of HKS 4 speakers |
$569
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3
User Rating: 
8/10
Great Sound, Incredible Clarity, Good Looks
Pros: Incredible clarity, easy to set up, best bang for the buck.
Cons: Less effects than the competitors - But who needs them?
Review:
I have had many high and low end Bose, Yamaha, Pioneer and Sony systems in the past. I have been on a long quest to find the best bang for the buck and my journey stopped here. This system gives excellent clarity and is easy to configure so I can concentrate on what I paid for, excellent sound quality. I listen to Jazz, Classical, R&B and Alternative music and found this to be the best system for the price. Not to mention it is also an extremely attractive addition to any living room. I have built in wiring for 6.1 so this system was ideal for my needs.
User Rating: 8/10
I believe it is a 6.1 Surround Sound System
Pros: Excellent Sound Quality for Small to Midsize rooms
Cons: 2005 model receiver, no HDMI output on DVD Player
Review:
I've been considering buying this system for quite some time, but I ended up delaying my purchase for the new AVR445 receiver and HKS8 speakers that offer a larger, 12" subwoofer with more power for larger rooms. Though I did not end up buying this system I do believe this is a great HTIB system that costs below $1,000.
My few complaints are that the receiver is last year's model and does not have the HK Ipod adapter capability. Another is that the DVD player does not have recording capabilities nor does it have HDMI upcoversion. You're probably better off buying each component seperately and upgrading the DVD player. I wonder when they'll update this system since it's been available for over a year now.
By the way I believe this is a 6.1 surround sound system, there were six speakers and a subwoofer on the sales floor at my store. And there are six speakers in the picture you display as well...1 center, 2 fronts, 3 rears.
My few complaints are that the receiver is last year's model and does not have the HK Ipod adapter capability. Another is that the DVD player does not have recording capabilities nor does it have HDMI upcoversion. You're probably better off buying each component seperately and upgrading the DVD player. I wonder when they'll update this system since it's been available for over a year now.
By the way I believe this is a 6.1 surround sound system, there were six speakers and a subwoofer on the sales floor at my store. And there are six speakers in the picture you display as well...1 center, 2 fronts, 3 rears.
User Rating: 8/10
Great System
Pros: Positively magical sound under $1000!
Cons: Somewhat confusing setup. You actually have to read the manual to set up video switching. AVR135 suns on the warm side. I might need to add a fan to my cabinet.
Review:
System looks and sounds great. I like the sound much better than any of the other <$1K home theater in a box systems (Bose, Sony Onkyo, etc.). I bought my system as a reconditioned / remanufacturerd system from Harmon on ebay for a lot less. It looks and sounds brand new.
I suspect that Harman may have a lot of open box returns with these systems because they are complicated to install. As far as I can tell, they are only being retailed at Circuit City. This is pure conjecture, but I doubt most Circuit City shoppers have the technical savvy to make it work. You really do need to read the whole manual - make that all three manuals- in their entirty to make it work right.
I did notice that the DVD player had a radically better immage with my new plasma hdtv than my old dvd player. I don't know if that has to do with Harman's pixel by pixel decoding, but it is great.
As far as the sound goes - everything I have listened to sounds great. From Grateful Dead's "The Closing of Winterland Theater" to "The Incredibles", the sound fantastic. Much 5.1 stuff seems to float in the air - you forget there are speakers.
As I indicated - the video switching is complicated. I ended up bypassing the video switching. I run HDMI from my cable box to my Plasma, and component video from the DVD to the set, bypassing the AVR135. I'll probably get it sorted, by it isn't that big of a priority for me.
The system does seem to run on the hot side. It is going into a built in wall cabinet. I'll probably have to add a vent fan. The wall mounts are merely adequate (but they are included with the system)
The subwoofer is unreal. I didn't think that 10" and 100 watts could do that.
If you want the best sound for under $1000, and are not afraid of technical stuff, this is the way to go.
I suspect that Harman may have a lot of open box returns with these systems because they are complicated to install. As far as I can tell, they are only being retailed at Circuit City. This is pure conjecture, but I doubt most Circuit City shoppers have the technical savvy to make it work. You really do need to read the whole manual - make that all three manuals- in their entirty to make it work right.
I did notice that the DVD player had a radically better immage with my new plasma hdtv than my old dvd player. I don't know if that has to do with Harman's pixel by pixel decoding, but it is great.
As far as the sound goes - everything I have listened to sounds great. From Grateful Dead's "The Closing of Winterland Theater" to "The Incredibles", the sound fantastic. Much 5.1 stuff seems to float in the air - you forget there are speakers.
As I indicated - the video switching is complicated. I ended up bypassing the video switching. I run HDMI from my cable box to my Plasma, and component video from the DVD to the set, bypassing the AVR135. I'll probably get it sorted, by it isn't that big of a priority for me.
The system does seem to run on the hot side. It is going into a built in wall cabinet. I'll probably have to add a vent fan. The wall mounts are merely adequate (but they are included with the system)
The subwoofer is unreal. I didn't think that 10" and 100 watts could do that.
If you want the best sound for under $1000, and are not afraid of technical stuff, this is the way to go.
