Connectivity is above average for this type of system. You get three stereo RCA analog inputs and three digital audio inputs: two optical and one coaxial. The subwoofer high-level output is intended for use with the included sub, but there's also an RCA subwoofer output that offers an upgrade path if you want to use another brand's powered sub. Hookup is extremely simple: just connect the analog or digital audio output from your audio source to the speaker's back panel and you're done. Thanks to the SD-SP10's ample range of jacks and onboard processing, you don't need a separate A/V receiver, though you can certainly use one if you choose; the system is essentially a home-theater-in-a-speaker. You can connect directly from your DVD player, VCR, cable/satellite box, and so forth.
As with every virtual-surround system we've tested--with the exception of the Yamaha YSP-800 ($800)--the SD-SP10's surround effect is at its best only for listeners seated directly in front of the speaker. Move over to the left or right and the sound space collapses, and all you'll hear is the sound coming from the one speaker. That said, the Audistry processing really worked wonders on the sound of the King Kong DVD. The wide and deep soundstage let us forget we were listening to a single speaker, and that skinny sub generated authoritative bass. Dynamic range and visceral impact were the equal of most entry-level home-theater-in-a-box systems. Dialog was clear and fairly natural. And for the most part, the SD-SP10 didn't fall prey to the artifacts--an irritating hollow or echoey quality--we experienced with other virtual-surround speaker systems.
We're also pleased to note the Sharp SD-SP10's sound was almost as enjoyable with CDs--and that's a rare accomplishment for a virtual-surround speaker, regardless of cost. We credit some of that quality to Sharp's athletic subwoofer, which goes deep and offers pretty decent definition. Overindulge with too much volume and yes, the sub will distort, but that's par for the $350-speaker-system course. However, at more moderate volume levels, the speaker's stereo spread on the Raconteurs' new CD, Broken Boy Soldiers was impressive. We didn't have any other virtual-surround speakers on hand for direct A-B comparisons, but we'd rate the SD-SP10's musical abilities at least on a par with those of models from Soundmatters and Yamaha. Significantly, those competitors cost more--more than double in the case of the Yamaha--and they leave it up to you to supply the subwoofer.
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- digital audio,
- Dolby Digital,
- RCA
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