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2/10
Consider another product to purchase and skip this oneby salcala - March 26, 2005
Pros: The looks and easy set up is what got me
Cons: Tracking motor goes out causing DVD to freeze, skip,etc
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It seems that other consumers have the same skip and freeze problems with this system. I have only had this system over a year and the problem started. I use it about 4-5 times a month. It is very disappointing to find out that this system is of poor quality. After speaking with Sony it turns out that that the tracking motor is what causes the problem. If I could go back and purchase another product....I WOULD!
User Rating: 
1/10
Inferior Sony Laser Productsby - January 12, 2005
Pros: Pretty.
Cons: I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment. My skipping Sony CD players and Playstation should've clued me NOT to purchase another Sony laser product. My "Dream (nightmare) System" skips, hangs, Won't reboot, the speakers are weak and the sub-woofer is a j
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User Rating: 
3/10
HAD TROUBLE READINGby - November 24, 2003
Pros: THE PRODUCT I BOUGHT HAD TROUBLE READING CDS AND GIVEN FOR REPAIR AT SONY AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE THEY HAD REPLACED LASER AND EVEN MOTHER BOARD AND MUCH MORE. I WANTED TO GET REPLACED BUT WAS REFUSED AND THE PRODUCT WAS RETURNED IN DIRTY CONDITION WHIC
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User Rating: 3/10
Keep Looking!!by - November 7, 2003
Pros: Good sound
Cons: DVD's skip like Crazy!! I've cleaned the heads TWICE and it still skips/freezes/frustrates! Keep looking. Buy components, not this system. Sony suckers you in to having to buy their cables. Sub-par wire quality, but of course, expensive. You make ma
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User Rating: 3/10
slicky but stickyby - October 27, 2003
Pros: looks good, sound is fine for non-expert ears (how can I know what I am not hearing?). Value depends on how much you paid for it - Etronics were good for me!
Cons: Dics changer sticks with disc in it, throwing the whole system. Rebooting does it clear it. Any suggestions please email me at johninla@earthlink.net. Thank you!
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User Rating: 
10/10
great system for a great valueby - July 14, 2003
Pros: high quality sound especially higher end sounds such as guitar, crystal clear and sharp output, also i purchased this system for 699 at butterfly photo and get a 200 rebate from sony so my grand total with shipping is like 500 which is ridiculously good.
Cons: paying full price, speakers arent incredibly loud, subwoofer could use some oomph.
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User Rating: 
8/10
For those short on $ or spaceby - July 8, 2003
Pros: This system is compact and features the style we've come to except from Sony after all these years: simply breath-takingly elegant. I love DVDs and music and was sad to find that my new apartment was too small to have components everywhere and huge speak
Cons: I had some trouble connecting it to my computer (I wanted to also use it as computer speakers), but was able to finally get it working with the help of some more audiophilic friends. As it has been said many times, the bass is not earth-shattering and th
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User Rating: 
4/10
Looks nice but it sounds very cheapby - February 25, 2003
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I just bought this system. After using it for three days, I had to return it because the sound quality was really bad. For the price, you should not only get good looking system, but one that sounds good as well.
User Rating: 8/10
Not quite perfect but still the best system on the marketby - February 20, 2003
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For those of you who are not satisfied with the subwoofer. Just spend a couple of hundred bucks and buy yourself a 12" powered sub. I've upgraded mine with Sony SA-WM40 and the overall sound quality puts Bose Lifestyle system to shame! There are other non-fixable irretations that prevented me from rating this "10." Little things like you can't use Shuffle play while the music is playing nor eject other disc without stopping the current one. The disc changing/loading is very slow it's like watching paint dry. There are way to many unnecessary "Sound Field" selections. In my opinion, all you need is stereo and surround mode. A lack of bass and treble adjustment is also annoying. Aside from these, I gotta admit the system is way too cool! It's so compact yet functional. The brush aluminum speakers and the control unit is simply a total eye candy. In conclusion, buy it then upgrade the subwoofer and you'll be so happy that you'll never wanna leave your room!
User Rating: 8/10
Hmm i guess...by - January 4, 2003
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Well my fiancee and i picked this system up today from my work. only costed me 464 bucks. I am a bestbuy employee (great discount ehhe) I like the system the sound is very pleasing. But eveveryone is right for me being a guy into carfi and loud sound this thing is hard to hear over my fan in my room. for 464 bucks im keeping it, dont know if i would've kept it if i spent 1000. I think i would have put one together from scratch if i was going to spend that much.
User Rating: 4/10
Can I take it back?by - December 30, 2002
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This is one of those purchases that I wish I wouldn't have made. Initially I was very excited about the product. My wife liked it because the speakers were self-sustaining and I didn't have to mount anything to the wall or ceiling and I'll admit they are very sleek looking. Unfortunately, they're the best part of the system. I had read in other reviews about the subtitle problem and figured that the system I bought would be new enough that I wouldn't have the problem...wrong! Not only is there a problem with the subtitles but I also have problems with the progressive scan feature. When progressive scan is enabled the picture is off-center to the right. I have to cycle the power, change it to interlace mode, change it back to progressive scan and then the picture will be centered. I have to repeat the process for each dvd before beginning playback. Also, I hate electronic components that "talk back" to you. I'm constantly getting "Operation Prohibited" when trying to press the STOP button during the "previews" of a dvd. My other player lets me press STOP whenever I want. Think long and hard before buying this product.
User Rating: 10/10
Absolutely fabulous HT in a box!by - December 28, 2002
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I have had my system over a month now, and could not be happier. The beauty, style, and most importantly..picture and sound are absolutely incredible for a system in this price range. I researched a great deal before buying this model, and IMO, for the price, you will not find anything better.
User Rating: 
6/10
Good Looks : LOUSY SOUND!by - December 26, 2002
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What a terrible dissappointment! My ghetto blaster has better sound quaility and is much louder. If i played a cd on this unit for my friends, I would be laughed out of my home. I've had the unit 2 days, and its goind back tomorrow. And I'm going to stick my foot up the salesmans butt as well...
User Rating: 8/10
Dream Theaterby - December 5, 2002
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Sony has done it again. Cutting edge technolgy, simplicity, and value. This unit is perfect if you have a small to medium space (mine is approx 12x14), the patience to tune the system, and realistic expectations. My advice; read the book, tune the speaker distance and height, max out the sub-woofer and you should be set. If you want a stereo for totally rocking your house, this is not the one. I would say it's more tuned to movie viewing. I have not experienced the bugs I have read about. It changes discs slowly, it's not designed for party mixes...how fast do you really need to load the next movie? Secondarily, this is probably the most attractive piece of AV equipment ever made, certainly by Sony. If you don't have furniture in every corner, and don't want to mount speakers on your walls or buy extra stands you will hard pressed to find a better value. I read every review for the 990 and it's predecessor (the 900) and finally clicked the order button (etronics.com)... I have no regrets.
User Rating: 8/10
beautiful& sleekby - November 30, 2002
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System looks great - easy to put together - saves on space - you will definately change the subwoofer after the first DVD.
User Rating: 
9/10
Love this home theater in a boxby - November 23, 2002
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Great picture, very good sound, & great looking. The 5 disk changer is a little slow, but doesn't bother me.
User Rating: 6/10
Feature-packed, compact, great sound and excellent picture, slow disc mechanism, poor remote designby - November 20, 2002
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11/20/2002 - Excellent system when space, convenience & style is a priority. A total of 600W and progressive-scan output provide outstanding performance. The DAV-C990 does it all. Recommended for smaller rooms. Note: I experienced the now infamous subtitle glitch along with blacking-out of the picture in progressive mode. Sony seems to be aware of the problem, and since I purchased this system in Sept, I disappointedly had to bring it in for service for (according to Sony) a part replacement. Those of you with the problem, expect to wait 14-18 days for repair. ** Despite this problem, I've been very satisfied, and I still highly recommend the system.
User Rating: 4/10
Great looking, OK sound, not for everyoneby - November 17, 2002
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This system looks awesome. The sound is decent, not extraordinary. This is for the person who wants to open up the box and have a great looking all in one system. If you plan on connecting much more than a TV to this, you are out of luck. There is only one digital input (two total inputs!)and very little room to expand. The DVD changer is extremely slow and you cannot even eject a disc while watching TV! The sound automatically switches over to DVD. I would have loved this system if it had a seperate receiver with room to expand. At least I could have replaced the DVD player and the sub, which is a waste. All in all, the system is OK. The picture is very good, the sound quality is very good, however not specatular. The system is loud enough to watch a movie, but you certainly won't get complaints from the neighbors. The Sub is worthless. If you are looking at replacing any of the components, you are out of luck. Everything is designed to work only with this system.
User Rating: 9/10
Outstanding system for the money.by - November 14, 2002
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The Good: Extremely compact and beautiful. If you are tight for space or want to fit this into a room with nice decor, this is the system for you. The receiver/dvd player combo is smaller than my old dvd player, and very sleek in design. This system was very easy to set up, although it is imperative that you tweak the system by following the instruction book on setting levels for each speaker, and placing your speakers properly. The sound and picture are outstanding in viewing DVDs. With all the latest features packed into one receiver/dvd player: SACD capability, 5 disc DVD; DTS Dobly; CDR VCD readable; and with its state of the art looks, I am extremely pleased. Speakers are on fixed stands; this is a big plus for me since I saved $120 in not having to purchase stands. The Bad: The remote has very small buttons. The subwoofer is adequate, but probably the weak point of the system, although I find it sufficient for DVD viewing. If you are into music, check this aspect out closely. There WAS a subtitle problem with this system, but has been resolved by Sony as of 11/9/02. They shipped out units without this problem on this date, and I exchanged mine for a new one. (For those of you with older units, I believe this problem is easily fixed...so take it in a Sony Authorized Dealer for repair).
User Rating: 
5/10
looks good and thats all!by - November 12, 2002
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I waited for this one. Once I hooked it up, I wanted to ship it back. - No bass control - Not sufficient independent volume contol for each channel. - SubW will be replaced ASAP. - Music just sounds flat. I need more granlular control of my sound.
User Rating: 3/10
Looks Great, Sounds Like S**T!by - October 30, 2002
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First off, to get it out of the way, yeah yeah, it looks great. Thats about all this system has to offer. Heres why: 1. Subwoofer sounds horrible. Its boxy, woofy, muddy, and unclear. All the things one does NOT want in a Sub. 2. DVD changer is SOOO slow. Usless as a 5 disc CD changer in shuffle mode. at least a full minute passes between disc changing. Its a hassle to eject, insert, shuffle, etc any disc. 3. NO COAXIAL DIGITAL INPUT. This is a HUGE mistake. Anyone who has digital cable boxes, and likes to watch TV (HBO, CineMax) in surround cannot hook this up. It only has an optical input. 99% of cable boxes use a coaxial (RCA Style) surround output. 4. Remote is terrible. If one watches DVDs in the dark how are you supposed to see this thing? The poor glow in the dark thing? Nope. This thing needs lights. 5. Sounds passable for movies but is sad for music. I bought this to use as my all around entertainment box. Nope. I still need my stereo speakers for music. 7. Needs more Aux inputs. Both digital and analog. This ones going on Ebay.
User Rating: 5/10
Only for looksby - October 30, 2002
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I have the Sony KV34XBR800 in the master bedroom and occassionally watch a movie in there. The DAVC-990 is, by no means, nearly as good sounding as many of the other Home Theater in Boxes out there, but it does mate well will the sony tv. Fortunately, I have a much superior HT set up in another room and aesthetics takes a priority in the Master Bedroom. Sound - I consider the sound to be adequate for an HTiB, but there is a distinct lack of warmth in the bass. I think the biggest drawback to this set up is the subwoofer and I'm also disappointed tha the DAVC990 does not offer a Sub pre-out in case someone were to try using it with a different sub. For me, I like the small amount of space that the dvd/sacd/cd changer/home theater receiver takes. That, coupled with a VHS looks just right with the factory tv stand of the KV34XBR800
User Rating: 5/10
Not completely satifiedby - September 22, 2002
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I got my unit one week back, and having mix feeling about the system.I have found couple of problems.. any help appreciated. * After half of the movie, subtitle automatically goes on - have to turn them on.. * Manual is not complete doesn't show all options * I can't able to play my TV audio to this system.. I tried connecting Audio Out from my TV to Audio IN (video-1).. but it doesn't play it.. It shows "AUTO DECO" on display and no volume coming out of speaker... Can anyone show how to connect TV to reciever, so I can play TV audio to this system...
User Rating: 5/10
Nice but not nearly perfectby - September 19, 2002
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If you haven't seen the subtitle problem, you will. It's not the end of the world, but it's annoying as hell.
User Rating: 
7/10
Finally I got it!by - September 13, 2002
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I waited 4 months for this system to be released in Canada and finally got it. Pros: Sound is great and loud enough after adjustment. I could not listen to something louder than that for the length of a movie. Really easy to set up. The look is incredible! and the whole box is smaller than my VCR. Cons: Cannot eject one disk while playing another or even while playing the radio. It's terribly slow to change from one disk to the other. Glow-in-the-dark offers no extra value except if you don't remember where the remote control is... Conclusion: I think you can get something a lot better for the price but certainly not all-in-one and surely not with that "WOW!" look. I think I made the right choice!
User Rating: 8/10
Brings Dreams To Lifeby - September 5, 2002
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I waited 5 months for this system to be released. So my expectations were VERY high. After listening to it in my home for a month, I am thrilled. PROs: It provides all of the sound (volume and quality) that I expected, and more. It would easily provide the same quality for a room twice the size of mine, as I've never had the volume more than 1/3 of the way up. The system provides the user with incredible access to sound adjustments to customize the sound to your exact needs. The DVD player/receiver/amplifier is a compact dynamo. The 100watts of power to each speaker, and the self-powered subwoofer provide clear, crisp, full-bodied sound and effects. Speakers and their respective cables are color coordinated with input jacks on the rear of the DVD unit to make correct connections clear and mistake proof. The included remote easily and clearly controls 90% of the functions on my Sony WEGA television (if/when I choose), a definite plus. And the DVD picture quality is photograph like in resolution, brightness, and clarity. Something truly impressive and worth the investment. CONs: It took almost 2 hours to set up the physical system. It does NOT just 'jump out of the box' as advertised. And I probably 3 days of experimenting with speaker placement, distance, system tweaking, and menu adjustments to find the combination that brought my living room to life with incredible sound. It comes with corrective paperwork to the manual, which is a plus. But the manual is not easy to follow, does not provide answers or diagrams for many possible hook-up combinations, and depends on user experience with setting up other sound systems that DID provide more complete instructions. For example, if one is to use COMPONENT cables (Y,Pb/Cb/, Pr/Cr, which provide the highest/best picture resolution possible) connections to connect your TV (Sony WEGA, for example) the manual describes, but does not provide either instructions nor a diagram showing how to use them. Nor is there a diagram nor instructions showing you how to hook up a VCR and a TV monitor using COMPONENT connections. The myriad menues available for adjusting sound, DVD output, speaker functions and placement, television possibilities are confusing and not easily navigated. That all being said, I am absolutely satisfied with the final sound, look, quality, and promises SONY provided with this system. After owning 4 cutting edge sound systems over the past 20 years, this one, BY FAR, is the best.
User Rating: 10/10
For the Money, you can't beat this!by - August 28, 2002
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I just received my Sony Dav-C990 system today. I got it for $699 and $35 shipping. First of all I would like to say the construction of the speakers, DVD receiver are very solid and characteristic of Sony products. The tower speakers are heavy and look beautiful in any living room. As for the sound quality, it's not quite as good as my bose AM system. As with the Sony DAV-C900 the sound isn't very loud and the bass is not strong. That's the complain from most users. BUT...if you spend the time to tweak the system and configure the speakers distance, sub level, etc... you can get a considerably MUCH better sound quality. I was watching Terminator 2 after tweaking the system and I must say it was an incredible experience. Not only are the speakers loud and the clarity is superb. Therefore my conclusion is that for around $735 dollars you won't be able to find one as good looking and sound as good. All you gotta do is adjust the settings a little and the system will sound great.
User Rating: 5/10
Looking good is not sounding goodby - August 17, 2002
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Pros: - easy setup - feature packed DVD player (SACD, MP3, DTS & Dolby Digital decoders, "progressive scan") - compact size, sleek speaker design, good power Cons: - no bass/treble adjustments (my living room is dead, speakers sound flat) - you cannot eject CD/DVDs without stopping the current disc - slow loading mechanism - poorly designed remote control has tiny buttons, glow-in-the-dark background doesn't help in dark situations
