Sony HT-CT150

Pros: Very good sound
Nice deep bass
Great connectivity for a sound bar
Decent stereo effect

Cons: Mid range and trebble seem a bit muffled
Not a surround sound
Side speaker placement of sub limits which side of TV stand/entertainment unit you can place the sub. Most subs usually has rear or down pointing speaker.

Summary: I've owned this unit for about year before I upgraded to a 5.1 HTIB almost a year ago. I didn't realize that CNET had reviewed this model until now. This unit has been out for some time.

I agree with about everything that's stated in MM's review. Great for a sound bar. The leap between TV speakers to this unit is immense. That said, I only recommend if you are space limited, perhaps a bedroom or dormroom. The leap between TV speakers to this is about the same between this unit and a true 5.1 system. The HTIB that replaced my CT150 is the Samsung HT-C6900W, the wireless and 3D version of the HT-C6500 which MM gave "excellent" rating (though no longer on CNET's site). I first got the CT150 because I didn't want to run cables to rear speakers. Then I found the wireless surround alternative. Normal broadcast TV isn't noticeably different but when you pop in a bluray, there's just no comparison. This sound bar give nice thuds and booms in a war movie better than many other sound bars but the HTIB sounds like bullets are whizzing by your head and there's gun fire both in front and behind you. The immersive effect is huge.

I say this in case you flip-flopping between the sound bar and a surround system. Back in early 2010, I thought the sound bar was good enough. I realize now that I made an unnecessary purchase. For those that are looking for a sound bar, you can't go wrong with this unit.