What HiFi, June-03
Best for Value (5 stars).
Product Description
The Sony DAV-S550 Home Cinema System provides an all-in-one solution for your home audio and video needs. In addition to MP3-CD and Dolby Pro Logic II playback, the players offer DVD-Video, Super Audio CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD and FM/MW radio playback. Other significant enhancements over the previous generation of Sony home cinema systems include component output, a new slot-in disc-loading system, and increased speaker power, providing an amazing 400W.
The Sony DAV-S550 Home Cinema System retains the slim profile and simple, intuitive set-up and operation that distinguishes Sony DAV systems from other home entertainment products. Its super compact, fully digitised power amplifier also provides maximum space savings. An important consideration for the non-expert user is a simple installation and connection procedure. The compact receiver fits neatly under a TV while colour-coded wires enable non-specialists to install the speakers in just a few minutes. Advances in the operating system assure near silent operation and the new slim-line remote commander glows in the dark.
Keeping easy operation firmly in mind, the players employ a new on-screen graphical user interface (GUI), which enables easy and intuitive navigation using the player's remote commander. With this feature users can also quickly select their favourite album or track and easily manage their MP3 libraries.
The DAV-S550 operates as a high-end hi-fi system as well as a DVD player, and an important feature is multi-channel Super Audio CD playback. With its enhanced audio definition relative to CD clearly established, Super Audio CD playback significantly heightens the system's audio performance. The system plays back both stereo and multi-channel Super Audio CD recordings and enhanced amplifier and speaker performance ensures that the potential of this exciting new audio format is exploited.
With regard to home theatre operation, and to enable enjoyment of the latest DVD-Video releases, the system integrates Dolby Pro Logic II alongside Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, offering wide software compatibility today and tomorrow. The DAV-S550 is supplied with five micro satellite speakers and sub-woofer.