EmailBest Reviewed
Sound Bars
- Best budget sound bar system Sony HT-CT100 *Est. $250
- Sound bar with DVD player Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater *Est. $900
- Best sound bar, but expensive Yamaha YSP-4000 *Est. $1600
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Best budget sound bar system
- Price
- Good sound quality
- Subwoofer included
- Unimpressive surround-sound effect
- Few features
The Sony HT-CT100 has few features and doesn't create the most authentic virtual surround-sound field. But sound quality is good, especially considering the price. A nice extra is that the sound bar can process multichannel PCM from Blu-ray players that have their own high-definition (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio) decoders, though it can't decode those formats itself. The included powered subwoofer does a great job of delivering low frequencies, but don't expect floor-board rattling power. You won't find a radio tuner, iPod compatibility or some of the other extras found in competing sound bars, though HDMI connectivity is a nice plus. The Vizio VSB210WS (*Est. $270) is another consideration at near the same price. The Vizio is a small step behind in sound quality, and it doesn't offer as much connectivity, but it comes with a wireless subwoofer that can be more easily placed anywhere in the room while reducing cable clutter even further.
We found several reviews of the Sony HT-CT100. The best is at CNET, where the sound bar undergoes thorough testing. The review at TestFreaks.com isn't as detailed, but is well illustrated and includes the results of listening tests. You can read lots of user reviews at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and Crutchfield.com.
Sony HTCT100 Sound Bar with Subwoofer - Black |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET provides the most detailed review for the Sony HT-CT100 that we've found. The sound bar is tested with music and movies, and performance is good with both. Comparisons are made with both competing and higher-priced alternatives. The HT-CT100 is called a bargain and a stand-out performer in its price class.
Review: Sony HT-CT100, Steve Guttenberg, June 5, 2008
Though this report isn't nearly as detailed as the one at CNET, it is copiously illustrated and includes the results of listening tests. Kristofer Brozio writes that considering the price, the Sony HT-CT100 sound bar is impressive.
Review: Sony Sound Bar HT-CT100 Home Theater System, Kristofer Brozio, April 19, 2009
3. Amazon.com
Amazon.com has attracted more than 200 user-written reviews of the Sony HT-CT100 as of our last visit. Most are pleased, especially those that have reasonable expectations.
Review: Sony HT-CT100 Sound Bar with Sub-Woofer, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. BestBuy.com
Though there are fewer reviews here than at Amazon.com, the consensus is very similar. Most are very to completely pleased, and more than 80 percent say that they would recommend the Sony HT-CT100 to a friend.
Review: Sony - BRAVIA 3.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer, Contributors to BestBuy.com
A reasonable amount of user feedback on the Sony HT-CT100 can be found here. As with other user-review sites, most are pleased. Even those that express some disappointment rate it three out of five stars or better.
Review: Sony HT-CT100, Contributors to Crutchfield.com
Sound Bars Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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VIZIO VSB210WS Universal HD Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
 from Amazon.com New: $299.99 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
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