Denon DHT-FS3 Home Theater in a Box by Denon
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List Price: Category: Home Theater See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Denon DHT-FS3 Home Theater in a Box
Digital camera Review: It's simple!
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm not a tech guy, but I am a guy who loves TV and wants the best...with in money's reach. I did have the BOSE 1.2.3. or is it 3.2.1 . Any how I had the BOSE system with the two speakers. I seen this and have been wanting a sound bar for my home theater (which consist of a 73 diamond series DLP, a 360, a PS3, a wii, a comp level 12 down fire sub, and a hd-dvr). For a very brief time I had an onkyo 7.1 system but all the wires is want made me lean to the BOSE and then to this sound bar. So now you see a bit of a background of what I have and want I was wanting. When I first got this it only put out analog sound...which is strange because all my devices, except for the wii, is connected via HDMI (monster cable M series) to my TV and then from the TV to the soundbar via monster cable THX optical sound cable. Everything was connected with a digital source and this sound bar was throwing out fake Dolby sound...Dolby prologic I think is what its called. I did buy some more monster THX optical cables and a monster digital coaxial cable and use all of the digital inputs to connect everything. Finally it's producing Dolby digital sound. The sound that this thing makes and throws out is a "must hear". It makes BIG sound, by big I don't mean loud...I mean BIG...it makes jets sound like they're flying above the TV (yes roaring after burners and all) and it makes birds sound like life like birds...so much that my field champion lap goes nuts looking for birds. There are some down falls, I would like to see HDMI inputs and an output based on the cost of this...this would also help with an on screen display. I would like to see one of those mics you plug in and it auto calibrates itself...just based off the price...these features should be standard on this. Another down fall that is not the fault of the vender or Denon...I can't find a DirecTv code to make this thing work...so yet another remote I can lose. If you're still reading this, you must be wanted advice on helping you make a decision to buy this or not to buy it. If you find this NEW, not refurbished for under 700.00...BUY IT! Buying it used or refurbed is a personal judgment decision that only you can make.
In the box is an HDMI cable, 3...maybe 4 sets of different heights of legs, a remote (that had buttons on both front and back), a user manual that is bigger than my phone book.] and even hardware to wall mount it.
By the way the Sub is worthless if you're looking for LOUD base that hits and knocks pictures off the wall.
Digital camera Review: Nice & Fresh
Summary: 5 Stars
This Denon Rocks clarity & is very loud for it's size! bumps from the small package. I have to leave it at a low 13 which it goes to 34 because it is very loud. nice highs mids & lows. I'm happy with this product for the price i paid (399) but i wouldn't have bought it for over a thousand. Music sounds great Movies sound spectacular!Digital camera Review: Nice, but can't change the laws of physics. Also one big design issue.
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased the DHT-FS3 hoping not so much for a 5.1 sound-alike experience but simply hoping for a good "TV speaker replacement" system. Unfortunately, while the Denon is the best sounding system of its type, it simply wasn't to be for my application.
First, the size of the unit is a bit larger in some ways that one would expect and smaller than others. Denon obviously designed the unit to fit in front of a flat screen TV, as they thoughtfully provided feet that are widely spaced (about 20") so that the unit can straddle the front of most TV manufacturer's flat screen pedestals. But it's also wider than one might expect - it's wider than a 16:9 32" TV, but a bit narrower than a 37".
The sound is GOOD, but not great. At no time will you think you're in front of not only a 5.1 surround system but even a decent stereo system using bookshelf loudspeakers; however it does sound better than any built-in TV speakers could, and it outdoes most "mini" systems as well, likely including offerings such as Denon's own S-101 HTIB system. Like most such systems, the bass is a bit "thumpy" - the sub just doesn't integrate well with the satellites and crosses over fairly high - around 125-150 Hz - so you never lose sight of the fact that most of your sound is coming from "up there" but the bass notes are coming from "down there."
The unit has multiple inputs - two sets of RCAs for analog, including one set that can be used with one of Denon's iPod docks, two optical digital and one coaxial digital. The setup has many nice features, including distance to the listener, bass/treble (unlike Bose systems, but here the adjustments are in fairly large 2dB increments) and a nice universal remote to control your TV, DVD player and the speaker unit. It can play in straight stereo, "wide" surround, Dolby Digital or even DTS, and all sound reasonably good for this application.
The design flaw? While not Denon's fault, most every flat panel TV manufacturer puts the sensor for their remote control along the bottom of the TV, meaning if the Denon's sitting in front of the TV, I can just about guarantee it will be blocking the TV's remote sensor unless you're using it with a larger set (40" or more) and the sensor's in the corner, or your TV somewhat more intelligently placed the sensor along the TV's sides or top frame.
I don't mean to come across as overly harsh, but I really had high hopes for a product like this from Denon, and sound-wise it really didn't sound as good as I thought it would. That's not really their fault; you can only do so much with smaller drivers in a rather small enclosure. But on the other hand, it does do a better job of producing a virtual surround effect than any TV's built-in surround effect (e.g. "SRS") or the similar Yamaha Sound Projectors.
So in short, it's worth a try if you're looking for a product like this, but the fact that it would block my TV's IR sensor immediately made it a non-starter for me as soon as I removed it from its box. Perhaps in a future model Denon can thoughtfully provide an "IR blaster" on the back of the unit to automatically repeat IR signals it sees to any TV sensors that may be located behind it.
It's truly a beautiful LOOKING unit, the piano black finish blending nicely with the similar finish used on most flat panels that don't use a silvery frame. It's certainly a reasonable value for the price, given what it would cost to build a similar quality system for components or find as high quality a HTIB ("Home Theatre in a Box") system.
However, for the sole reason that it blocks my TV's remote sensor, I've no alternate place to place it, and it neither has an IR blaster nor provision to drive one, it's back in its shipping box just about three hours after first opening it.
Digital camera Review: Not much difference compared to my Toshiba TV speakers
Summary: 2 Stars
When I bought this, I expected that I will get a great sound compared to my TV(Toshiba 37 inch 720p)spekers. But it is a disappointment. I did not see much difference. I tried all configuration settings(room size, bass, treble, surround, stereo, wide). My room size is small(10" x 10"). sub-woofer created some difference(drums sounded better). Denon DHT-FS3 supports big volume than my TV, but that is not my requirement. I rarely go beyond 50% volume on my TV.
I do not know, if my TV already has a great sound system, but Denon DHT-FS3 did not make much difference.
Both sound-bar and sub-woofer looks good, and constructed well.
It has three digital, one analog input. But does not have HDMI inputs. That is ok for me, at this price(bought for $325/-, refurbished)
Digital camera Review: Very Pleased :)
Summary: 5 Stars
Hooked it up direct to my PS3 optical, went through the set-up step-by-step for my personal settings and room, put in Blu-ray movie, Transformers and was BlOWN AWAY! Was very limited with space in my room (master bedroom)...was able to fit the sub-woofer, laying flat, under the dresser as it's very slim (4.17" wide!). Can't even tell I have a subwoofer in the room except for the fact that I have GREAT bass now. It is PERFECT for my setup...I LOVE THIS SYSTEM!