Customer Reviews for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
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Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Model: HTCT100
SKU: 8800979
UPC: 027242729605
This compact soundbar and subwoofer speaker system allows you to enjoy rich, detailed audio in everything you listen to while maintaining a low profile.
Average Customer Rating:
4.1
out of 5
(159 Reviews) 159
Rating Snapshot 159 reviews
5 stars
84
4 stars
39
3 stars
12
2 stars
12
1 star
12
79% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
126 out of
159)
Customer Reviews for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Review 1 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Good Sound Bar
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Enkil810
from Beaumont, TX
on 01/18/2011
Value for Price
3.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
4.0
I am reading alot of reveiws and people complaining of the sound. People need to understand what a sound bar is and what it does. A sound bar is NOT surround sound. It gives the effect of surround sound. When you turn on your unit it will display the amount of channels it is playing in. Your cable (Time Warner etc.) only plays 1.0 channels on regular cable. Your unit will not play loud. On High Definition output it will play around 5.0 channels. (hint 5.0 Dolby Digital Sound) Your unit will sound awsome! Playstation 3 will put out 7.0 channels. Your unit will blast you out your living room! The problem is not the soundbar speaker system! This is a good unit and does what it is suppose to do. If you want a unit that will broadcast in 5.0 at all times then you have to get a home theater system.
What's great about it: Decent sound unit for the price.
What's not so great: Not alot of customization for your EQ.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+30points
32out of 34found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Moderately Better than TV speakers
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: wilsowp
from Birmingham, AL
on 09/26/2010
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
2.0
I was not impressed with how loud these speakers got. Although it is crisp and clear, it really does not get any louder than my factory speakers in my Panasonic 50" plasma and my Vizio 37" plasma.
I would wait and buy a receiver/speakers/sub.
What's great about it: Looks decent, good idea in theory
What's not so great: Not loud at all, maybe worth it at $150
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
8out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Sounds like a 10" woofer
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Teddrick
from Houston, TX
on 07/28/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
5.0
This is a really impressive sound bar system. When compared to home theater systems with separate components, it does not deliver a sound stage that is as wide. The sound quality that this little guy pumps out is amazing. Breaking glass sounds so crisp, low frequencies are impressive. I was watching cable TV, and there was a commercial playing, the upright bass being used came through will amazing precision. "It was so clear and rich that you could tell it was a double bass." Anyway this is a very impressive system. The only thing that I would recommend is finding the sweet spot for the sub-woofer in the viewing room. This will greatly increase the sound quality. Yes I would recommend this for those who do not have to much room, for college students, or for someone who is curious and wants more than TV speakers. It's small, easy to install, can be moved without breaking a sweat, and very easy to use!!!!
What's great about it: Great sound
What's not so great: Narrow sound stage
I would recommend this to a friend!
+22points
22out of 22found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
a Sony Jekyll and Hyde
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: COLOBOLO
from Colorado Springs, CO
on 07/02/2010
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
2.0
Price @ $200, C. Not worth more. This unit now discontinued; replaced by Sony HT-CT150.
Remote; C- to B, depending on component brands, Sony rating higher because of Sync features of this system.
Performance; volume output, C-
Features relative to competitors; B
Level adjustments, center and subwoofer; C-
Surround Simulation, D This is my biggest disappointment...
( my 42" LG's "SRS TRUE SURROUND XT" is far better for any source so far than the CT100. But then, I am not applying HD sources to the Sony system -- yet)
User Manual; D (typical of Sony user manuals)
KEYS TO PERFORMANCE:
Optimize component connections via HDMIs/TOSLINKS input directly to SW, or, alternatively; component HDMIs input to TV and Optical (TOSLINK) Audio output from TV to SW. Use best cabling you can afford!
Don't expect more from less: HD sources will enable best SRS performance from this system. SD sources will not!
Audit within 10 feet of your HT-CT100 sound system, set up per user's guide. Adjust Center speaker (CNTR on display) to +4 - +6; adjust (SW) to +2/+3....or whichever settings sound best to YOUR ear.
FINALLY:
If you are over the age of 55, as I am, move your audit position 2 or 3 feet closer - or turn up the volume on your hearing aid!
;>)
Hope this helps!
Remote; C- to B, depending on component brands, Sony rating higher because of Sync features of this system.
Performance; volume output, C-
Features relative to competitors; B
Level adjustments, center and subwoofer; C-
Surround Simulation, D This is my biggest disappointment...
( my 42" LG's "SRS TRUE SURROUND XT" is far better for any source so far than the CT100. But then, I am not applying HD sources to the Sony system -- yet)
User Manual; D (typical of Sony user manuals)
KEYS TO PERFORMANCE:
Optimize component connections via HDMIs/TOSLINKS input directly to SW, or, alternatively; component HDMIs input to TV and Optical (TOSLINK) Audio output from TV to SW. Use best cabling you can afford!
Don't expect more from less: HD sources will enable best SRS performance from this system. SD sources will not!
Audit within 10 feet of your HT-CT100 sound system, set up per user's guide. Adjust Center speaker (CNTR on display) to +4 - +6; adjust (SW) to +2/+3....or whichever settings sound best to YOUR ear.
FINALLY:
If you are over the age of 55, as I am, move your audit position 2 or 3 feet closer - or turn up the volume on your hearing aid!
;>)
Hope this helps!
What's great about it: Appearance; Sony system synching
What's not so great: Disappointing volume output (is there an echo in here)?
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-5points
15out of 35found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Full sound, poor EQ options
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
3.0
I purchased this for an open greatroom wall-mounted LCD entertainment area. I would have preferred the packaging include a template to assist in marking the wall to easily mount and hide cabling. The serial adapter to connect the soundbar with the control base/subwoofer is a bit bulky but since it does carry power, IR, and three audio channels, I suppose it is a fair trade-off from multiple cables.
The sound is great, and full, even in a very open space. The largest negative comment I have is that the EQ options are very poor. A handful of presets are your only options so movies with quiet dialog turned loud explosions are dangerous when you have sleeping kids in nearby rooms. Aside from this, the product sounds great and looks clean and sleek.
I performed trial runs with some bulkier systems that had wireless subwoofers and none of them held a candle to the sound produced by this system. Additionally, I've experienced very poor performance with a number of wireless subwoofers during my trials.
If you're interested in a very nice, clean, sounding system that is very simple, then I would look no further.
What's great about it: Full bodied sound, very simple, very clean, good price
What's not so great: Poor EQ options
I would recommend this to a friend!
+19points
21out of 23found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Worst Purchase Ever
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: GLA2
from California
on 06/05/2010
Value for Price
1.0
Sound Quality
1.0
Appearance
1.0
Power
1.0
I purchased this unit yesterday and was extremely disappointed. I got home, set up the unit and could not get any worthwhile sound? I read the manual several times but and adjusted the unit, but to no avail -- it still didn't produce any worthwhile sound...
What's great about it: Nothing
What's not so great: Sound
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-24points
7out of 38found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Life made easy
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: FullMetal13
from Stockton, Ca
on 05/25/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
4.0
If You Dont Want to deal with cables this sound bar is for you.
What's great about it: Easy to set up
What's not so great: Not a real 5.1 set up
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
6out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Incompatible
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: vicky111
from san francisco
on 05/18/2010
Value for Price
1.0
Sound Quality
1.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
1.0
I have a DVI TV -- this is the input that was used briefly before HDMI. It took awhile to find this out as their manual doesn't tell you, but Sony disabled sound if you connect this to a TV without HDMI because only HDMI has copywrite protection. I used a DVI-to-HDMI cable and got picture but no sound. The reason is because of the software in the system that disables the connection, not because there is anything wrong with the cable.
What's great about it: Small size
What's not so great: They disabled sound if you connect to a TV without HDMI.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-29points
2out of 33found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
pretty good!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: jason52
from ny
on 04/26/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
3.0
easy set up, very good sound. i just wish that the remote was programable with my blue ray and tv
What's great about it: very easy set up
What's not so great: could be a little more powerful
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
cheap alternative to surround sound
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Anonymous
on 04/22/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
4.0
these sound bars are better for a second TV sets, I prefer a good stereo system for the true surround sound on the main TV system. the sound bar just sound like really good TV speakers when it comes down to it. but definitely a cheap alternative to buying an expensive surround system. a all in all good system, music sounds great and sound is clear.
What's great about it: clear sound, great with music
What's not so great: not true surround sound
I would recommend this to a friend!
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Worth Every Penny
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Gregreson
from Boston, MA
on 04/09/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
5.0
If you plan on hooking anything up to your Sony Bravia TV, this Sound Bar is an absolute must. It allows you to switch between inputs with ease. This product is worth wayyyy more money.
What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
sound is ok but no depth
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: Anonymous
from Costa Mesa, CA
on 03/31/2010
Value for Price
3.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
3.0
the system sounds ok but it has no depth. I wish I could play both the TV audio and speaker system at the same time but you cant. You want any type of depth and bass then I do not recommend this. If your just looking for something has has OK sound then this will work. I'll be returning this tomorrow and buying something else.
What's great about it: very sleek, looks great
What's not so great: no depth to the sound. The sub is basically worthless
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
4out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Works well
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: gjstudent
from Denver, CO
on 03/26/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
3.0
The only thing that I do not like about the product is the Max Volume it puts out. The HDMI switching with picture and sound quality are great and I like having all of the equipment (sat, DVD, Playstation) all going through the same system and being able to switch between them with the push of 1 button.
What's great about it: The design and set up is great.
What's not so great: Volume Max
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Average
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: medicbum
from St. louis, MO
on 03/20/2010
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Appearance
3.0
Power
3.0
Sounds better than just the LCD tv but dont know if it is worth what they charge. 3 stars frome me
What's great about it: Sounds better than just the TV
What's not so great: The cost is a little high
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-4points
1out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Great sound for my room!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: elmo0901
from pittsburgh, pa
on 03/19/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
4.0
I love these 2 little guys! As a single girl I had it set up with all my compents in under half an hour and sounding great via transformers next. Had to use the guide to figure out how to control the sub and center speaker and there's not much flash but for the price and compactness, I wasn't asking for it! I happen to have a Sony TV and DVD player and it also works with my netflix instant player just fine via HDMI, I no longer need my TV remote to swtich between inputs but the remote will NOT control them. I'm very happy with my purchase!
What's great about it: Very easy set up esp with other Sony products, takes over for bulit in speakers, compact design
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Great sound for a medium to small room
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Tryb
from Chicago, IL
on 03/18/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
4.0
This Sony Sound bar has great sound for a medium to small room. The Sound bar itself is very slim, hardly noticeable and blends in perfectly on a black stand.
The Woofer on the other hand is large and has to be setup to the right of the TV so the deeper sound is maximized. This limits setup, or causes you to rearrange your TV setup. The manual is poor and from reading these reviews I found out that the optical cable is needed to control the remote, even if you are using HDMI cables.
I do have one issue. When I change channels, my picture intermittently turns pink for a second or two, then the color comes back. I am trying to troubleshoot if my issue is a bad HDMI cable, my Comcast DVR which only supports up to 1080i (I changed the box to 720p and the issue still happens; my TV is 1080p), or it is because all the HDMI cables go through the Woofer and there is some handshake issue between the HDMI cable and the Woofer.
Overall I feel it was a very good deal and am pleased with the purchase.
The Woofer on the other hand is large and has to be setup to the right of the TV so the deeper sound is maximized. This limits setup, or causes you to rearrange your TV setup. The manual is poor and from reading these reviews I found out that the optical cable is needed to control the remote, even if you are using HDMI cables.
I do have one issue. When I change channels, my picture intermittently turns pink for a second or two, then the color comes back. I am trying to troubleshoot if my issue is a bad HDMI cable, my Comcast DVR which only supports up to 1080i (I changed the box to 720p and the issue still happens; my TV is 1080p), or it is because all the HDMI cables go through the Woofer and there is some handshake issue between the HDMI cable and the Woofer.
Overall I feel it was a very good deal and am pleased with the purchase.
What's great about it: Slim Sound bar, great sound
What's not so great: Large Subwoofer with limited setup options
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
6out of 9found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Improvement from tv sound
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: nolan12
from Wichita, KS
on 03/12/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
3.0
Definately an upgrade from the sound that comes directly out of the tv. I don't have a Sony tv, so I couldn't utilize the sync option, which sounds like that would work well. Now I have to use one remote to change channels and one remote to control the volume, a little annoying (might have to upgrade remotes to solve this) There are presets according to what you are watching, i.e. movies, sports, games, standard, but you can't manually adjust the bass or treble. Overall not a bad upgrade from tv out of the box sound. I had reward zone coupons, so I only paid $175 for the system, but I don't think I would pay more than $200.
What's great about it: Easy set up, sound improvement
What's not so great: have to use extra controller for sound, can't adjust bass, treble, etc.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Sony Sound Bar System
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Appearance
5.0
Power
5.0
This is NOT, repeat NOT for a large living room but only for a small apartment or bedroom. Sounds great and fills the room when watching a blu-ray movie.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Less than stellar
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: NickName2321
on 03/04/2010
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Appearance
4.0
Purchased to replace and improve the out-of-box Panasonic system on plasma flat screen. When optimized, minimally improves the sound. The sub sucks, failing to deliver full bass, if at all. Was trying to avoid setting up a second surround system, but clearly should have. Either go with built-in sound or fork out the couple extra dollars for a real surround system. Sadly disappointing.
What's great about it: Easy set-up
What's not so great: Subwoofer fails to deliver rich bass sounds
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-1point
2out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Sony BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer
Sony Sound Bar
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: mlangur
from Plantation, FL
on 03/04/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Power
4.0
Already had surround sound, etc., etc. This was simple clean and it syncs with my Bravia TV. Adds to enjoyment of programs (what did he say?) and sound fields add flexibility to what you are watching.
What's great about it: Simply beefs up the sound of flat panel TV. Easy to set up and operate.
What's not so great: Instructions could be clearer. Live support was very good.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
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