Entered CNET Catalog: 05/12/2006
SKU: 0012562900735
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
Manufacturer description
By placing the amplifier and electronics in the base of the subwoofer, this system delivers all of the power and features of a traditional surround sound system - without cluttering your space. And, all of the connections you'll need are integrated into the subwoofer and color-coded, allowing quick and easy installation and set-up. With three digital inputs, this system is ready for DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio tracks found in games, video and music. A complete digital entertainment center designed with the same sleek finish as the Xbox 360 video game console; the HTS-GS1 delivers a lot of power and sound processing without taking up a lot of space. While the HTS-GS1 has front and surround sound speakers for conventional 5.1 surround sound, a Front Stage Surround Sound option provides a very realistic surround sound experience even when all of the speakers are placed in the front of the room. Through sophisticated digital sound processing and directional speakers, the HTS-GS1 can deliver room-filling surround sound without the hassle of running wires to additional rear speakers. Auto MCACC Calibration technology automatically adjusts mulitple audio characteristics specifically to your own gaming environment. Just place the ultra high-end calibration microphone in your favorite gaming position and the system will automatically adjust the sound for distance, volume, speakers' size and equalization. It actually listens to how the sound responds to elements in the room and alters it for maximum reproduction accuracy. Once you hear balanced and precise sound, you'll have a whole new listening experience for all your games, videos and music. And speaking of music, the HTS-GS1 has new Sound Retriever DSP technology designed to replace lost information and dynamics in compressed music files like MP3, WMA, AAC. The universal remote is Xbox 360 compatible and allows the flexibility to switch between gaming and the extensive Xbox 360 multimedia capabilities. With its Windows Media Center and powerful Xbox Guide Buttons, the universal remote provides easy and intuitive control of your complete system - all at your fingertips. The HTS-GS1 is licensed for XBox 360.Product summary
The good: Aesthetically matches your Xbox 360; compact design; included remote also controls your game console; Pioneer's auto setup is a breeze; virtual surround option lets all speakers sit up front.
The bad: The sound is subpar for a home theater in a box at this price; no video inputs.
The bottom line: The HTS-GS1 will match your Xbox 360 and rock out on games, but there are better packages for your money.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/17/2006
In a perfect world, everyone with the Xbox 360 would be able to enjoy their gaming experience in a state-of-the-art home theater. In the real world, there are a lot of bedroom, den, and dorm-dwelling gamers who want to get as much as they can out of their limited space. That's where Pioneer's HTS-GS1 comes into play. While many home-theater-in-a-box systems save space by combining a DVD player with the receiver, the HTS-GS1 takes it to the next level by putting its receiver inside the subwoofer and using a small display unit as the main interface.
As far as aesthetics go, the HTS-GS1 is specifically designed to perfectly complement your Xbox 360. The speakers and display unit are "Xbox 360-white," with the speakers sporting gray grilles. If you like the way the Xbox 360 looks, you'll probably like the way the HTS-GS1 looks.
Every element of this system is tiny, with the exception of the subwoofer. The four speakers are 4.6 inches high, 4.1 inches wide, and 4.5 inches deep, and the display unit measures only a couple of inches deep and few inches shorter than the Xbox 360. The biggest component by far is the receiver/subwoofer, which is 7.9 inches wide, 14.8 inches tall, and 17.6 inches deep. Overall, this HTIB should have no problem fitting in all but the most cramped spaces.
Overall, we liked how easily the remote integrated with the Xbox 360. The remote is geared toward using your Xbox 360 as a DVD player, with the standard buttons located near the top. Pioneer has also included Xbox-specific buttons (Y, X, A, and B) for navigating the menus, and using the remote feels like you're operating one integrated system, as you seamlessly switch between controlling the receiver and the Xbox. There were some notable omissions--we would have liked a mute button--but the remote definitely gets the job done.
Autosetup was a breeze using Pioneer's Multichannel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) system. After attaching the included microphone, it's as easy as hitting one button and letting the system run its tests.
The HTS-GS1 package includes four minispeakers, a center channel, the display unit, and the subwoofer/receiver. Utilizing the more stringent FTC (Federal Trade Commission) power ratings, it delivers 25 watts to each of the minispeakers and 30 watts to the subwoofer. Despite these seemingly low numbers, the HTS-GS1 sounds just as loud as any typical HTIB--it just uses more accurate numbers.
It includes the standard surround decoding options, Dolby Digital and DTS, along with Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II Music, and Dolby Pro Logic II Movies. You can also go with a virtual surround option called Front Surround. In this configuration, the system's two would-be rear speakers are instead mounted on the front speakers and pointed toward the walls. There's also a Sound Retriever option that supposedly "helps bring CD quality back to compressed MP3s and WMAs," but we didn't feel like it made that kind of improvement. And unlike a surprising number of all-in-one home-theater systems, the HTS-GS1 includes treble and bass controls, which are accessed using the remote.
The HTS-GS1's connectivity is limited, but not a major concern when you consider that the Xbox 360 can handle most of your multimedia needs. You get a total of three digital audio inputs--two optical and one coaxial. One of the optical inputs is dedicated to the 360, and Pioneer includes a matching cable in the box, which is a nice bonus. There's also an analog stereo RCA input for one additional device. The biggest omission is the complete lack of video inputs. Yes, the 360 doubles as a capable DVD player (and network media hub), but other devices--such as a cable/satellite box, a DVD recorder or a DVR--will have to be connected directly to the TV. It's also worth mentioning that there's no headphone jack.
Pioneer 2006 home-theater systems compared:
| Model | Quick take | Included disk player? | Price |
| Pioneer HTP-2800 | Pioneer's entry-level home-theater system bundles a basic A/V receiver with a 5.1 system comprised of miniature satellite speakers. | None | |
| Pioneer HTP-3800 | The step-up to the 2800 utilizes two wooden tallboy towers for the front speakers. | None | |
| Pioneer HTS-260 | By consolidating the amplifier and A/V jacks into the subwoofer, the HTS-260 offers a supertiny control unit--with automatic speaker calibration--to match its five small surround speakers. | None | |
| Pioneer HTS-GS1 | The HTS-GS1 is a retooled version of the HTS-260 that's designed to complement the Xbox 360. | None | |
| Pioneer HTZ-360DV | Pioneer's smallest all-in-one home-theater offering delivers a receiver/DVD player with HDMI video output and a front-panel USB port. | Integrated single-disc CD/DVD player with HDMI output | |
| Pioneer HTS-560DV | The HTS-560DV offers a small main control unit (similar to the HTS-260's), four tallboy tower speakers, and a full-size DVD player with HDMI output. | Stand-alone single-disc CD/DVD player with HDMI output |
We fired up our Xbox 360 and put the HTS-GS1 to the test on games such as Kameo: Elements of Power and a Need for Speed demo. For the size of the speakers, they delivered an impressive amount of sound and filled up our medium-size room. Surround sound was particularly immersive in Need for Speed, as you can hear the roar of the passing engines. Still, the sound quality was a little lacking; we've heard better surround sound on similar systems. While most gamers will probably find it suitable, there are better systems out there.
For its size, we felt the HTS-GS1 delivered a decent home-theater punch. Jack Black's dialogue was clearly heard in King Kong, although it lacked the warmth found in a higher-end system. Similarly, we felt the subwoofer was a little boomy, particularly on the scenes depicting the ship engine, which pushed the sub too far. However, we had a better experience watching Serenity, where the HTS-GS1 delivered enough during the action scenes to keep our nerves on end.
We switched the configuration over to Front Surround mode, which is a virtual-surround mode with the two surround speakers mounted on top of the front speakers. Like most virtual-surround configurations, it didn't provide the same immersive effect as the traditional surround setup, but it did sound better than stereo for movies. It's a nice option if you don't want to run wires to the back of your room or aren't able to place the rear speakers in their proper position (ideally, toward the sides of your listening position). .
Music, however, was more disappointing. We turned the volume up on Pearl Jam's latest eponymous release, and while the sound filled up our room, it definitely was lacking the impact we were looking for. It's not surprising considering the size (we're looking at you, 4-inch-tall speakers), but audiophiles will definitely be disappointed. On the other hand, we enjoyed its performance more on the Fiery Furnaces' Bitter Tea, which particularly benefited from some of the faux-surround effects.
In all, it's hard to recommend the HST-GS1 unless you're looking for a compact home-theater system and you want something that stylistically matches your Xbox 360. We didn't feel it was a bad system, just that there are better deals for the money. For instance, the Pioneer HTS-260 is a very similar system without the Xbox 360 styling, and it retails for $350. You'll lose out on the nicely integrated remote--and the virtual-surround configuration option--but you can pick up the even better 360-ified Harmony for less than $100. And if you're willing to spend $500, you might be better off with a more traditional HTIB, such as the Onkyo HT-S790.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Agree with CNET review, only 380$ cheaper now.
Pros: Read Cnet review, only ignore comparisons to 500$ systems. I got mine for 120$.
Cons: No mute or headphones, thin wires.
out of 6 user reviews
What a Deal!
Pros: Spectacular sound for the price, decent subwoofer
Cons: Universal remote couldn't control my TV
out of 6 user reviews
Pioneer HTS-GS1
Pros: sleek white design, 5.1 surround sound, good quality
Cons: none really, still trying to find a flaw
Look into it! I highly recommend this product for your xbox 360
out of 6 user reviews
Perfect addition for 360 and small Home Theater
Pros: Cost, Aesthetic's + Space saving and Ease of Install
Cons: Connectivity but for the price not much expected
I was doing research and I was about to buy the Logitechs 5500 until I checked Best Buys(CA) website. The Pioneer HTS-GS1 are on sale for $199.99CAD. I quickly researched them and decided to buy them.
Owning a Pioneer receiver I trust their quality.After spending more than thousands on my home theater I know this HTIB would not produce the same sound however for $200 its a bargain,the features included and sound from games and movies are a perfect match for my room . The subwoofer obvuiosly doenst offer the best low end sound but I mean I cant compare a $200-500 HTIB to a 1000+ Subwoofer.
All in all the setup was easy the features are great and the sound is not bad at all and if anything above average HTIB.
out of 6 user reviews
More than I was Expecting!!!
Pros: Price, Design, Options
Cons: none so far
out of 6 user reviews
Excellent design and good sound.
Pros: Great design, simple setup, low price. (Walmart, $ 186.54 after rebate)
Cons: Sound quality isn't going to knock you off your feet.
The HTS-GS1 falls a bit short on delivering sound worthy for most HT enthusiasts, but it doesn't matter if space, price, and design are the key purchasing decision. 8/10 Excellent.
Details:
Set up: 10 unbox, plug & play. auto cal. a +
Design: 10 compactness & simplicity FTW
Inputs: 8 3 audio, 1 mic, but no video
Features:7 everything you'd expect for $186
Sound: 6 above average, but not fantastic
Picture:10 makes up for the sound quality
Value: 9 $50 rebate if bought before 12/25
