Sony HTFS3.CEK 2.1 ch 400W Home Cinema System

Setup: LG 50PK350 Plasma TV; Virgin Media V+; Sony HTFS3; Sony PS3; Nintendo Wii; Logitech Harmony One remote. So, I've been using the above set-up for a little over 3 months now and I have to say I'm extremely happy with this Sony AV receiver. First of all, setting it up was a doddle - I just connected the HDMI devices to it (there are a total of 3 inputs) and then just one HDMI lead goes to the TV. I cannot understate how useful this, as many TV's still only come with just 1 or 2 HDMI inputs so this effectively doubles that capacity for you. I have used 5.1 systems in the past but in my new place I didn't want to be running wires around skirting boards and have had mixed experiences with wireless rear speakers so opted for a 2.1 system. I have to say the output from this system is excellent. I sit about 4 metres from the screen and speakers but the sound is crystal clear and the bass response from the sub is also room-filling, in fact I have it turned down a bit so as not to upset my neighbours! I wouldn't say it replicates true Surround Sound but it certainly does fill the room with a much deeper and wider sound field compared to standard TV speakers. The speakers are small in comparison to some other systems but do the job perfectly - and anyway, I never liked those tall floor-standers that in my opinion just look cumbersome and take up unnecessary space. I have the main unit hidden behind a door in the corner of the room and the remote works fine even though you can't see the thing! Worth noting that you can buy a kit to add two wireless rear speakers but I haven't felt the need. Switching between inputs is easy and the benefit of this system is that is also outputs audio from a device only connected to the TV - for example my Wii is plugged directly into the TV via Component leads but the audio outputs via the Sony AV receiver, which I connected to the TV using a TOSLINK optical lead, so basically anything that displays on the TV screen has audio through this system, even if it isn't HDMI compliant. Another plus is that it automatically powers down as soon as the TV is switched off. In summary, if you're looking for a reasonably-priced and well-made AV system, that is discreet and won't leave wires trailing everywhere, then this is for you. Enjoy!

Bought this after a failed 3.1 sony unit, this version runs 3 into 1 HDMI sockets, check where you buy as some older ones still on sale only have 2 into 1? I nearly got caulght out, so make sure you dont. I must admit was wary of buying a 2.1 surround, but in the room I have it, it fills it great, but I am no audio expert (but I know what I like when I hear it?) so cant go into whether it makes a drill sound like an angle grinder, all I DO know is that I was a fan of the old CRT telly that had space to pump a decent size speaker, and found the speakers on my Toshiba ok, but think its worth buying this in the long run, because it makes a VAST difference watching Blu rays at least. Whether movie or music, so far the sound is nothing but quality. In a way im glad my last purchase didnt work out, as the soundbar was a bit on the big side, and thei is just sub and 2 small speakers, that can be tucked away and forgotten about. Only not got full 5 stars due to the sub being hard to find a home for as it has to be shoen to use the radio and display.

I recently bought an LG LED TV, and due to the thinness of the unit the sound was a bit on the weak side. Looking for a decent surround system, I was put off most of them because they included a DVD player which I did not need. Found this system from Sony, which just has the speakers and sub woofer. Based on the excellent reviews I decided to give it a try. One handy feature of this system is that all the HDMI leads from your other devices plug straight into the bass unit, with one more lead to the back of the TV. Apart from connecting the speaker leads that is all you have to do. There is an excellent FM/AM radio built into the main unit, but I just play the radio through Sky when I want it. This is a 2.1 surround system, but it does simulate 5.1 output. I found that the sound from Sky when relayed through the HDMI cable only came out in 2 channel stereo, so I connected the supplied optical lead direct from the Sky box, and now have 5.1 sound when it is broadcast. There is a Sony "link" system built into this, which enables you to control other Sony products with the same remote. Obviously my LG TV doesn't recognise this, but the Sony DVD recorder I have had for over 3 years does, rather impressively! The performance of this system is excellent and really surprised me. I watched Jurassic Park in HD, and the quality of the sound was breathtaking. It may be that by trailing wires around the house, and having loads of extra speakers would give a better sound, but I just can't believe it would be worth the trouble. I would absolutely recommend this kit to anyone looking for a simple way to get great sound.

Bought this to enhance the sound form my Sony KDL40W5500 Bravia tv, which was a little on the thin side. The difference is tremendous. As it's designed to go with bravia 32"-40" tv's, all the cables from your sky box, blue ray player etc plug into this, then one HDMI cable to your tv. You then only need the AV remote that comes with it to play your Sony blue ray player, tv etc so all the other remotes can go in a drawer! Very pleased with all the different sounds for Music, News, Sport, Movies etc, But, it comes to life when used with a blue ray disc/player. Watched "In the shadow of the moon" and, when the Apollo space rockets ignited at lift off, the sound was fantastic. Highly recommend this great piece of kit, especially if you have other Sony Bravia products.

I bought this to complement a Sony LCD TV with lacklustre sound, having high hopes after reading the other reviews. The first thing is the size of the sub, it's huge! Sony suggest it goes at the side of your telly rather than tucked away behind it. If you do put it in a corner, it starts sounding muddy and boomy. It also can't be obscured for the remote and display. So it has to go at the side, looking like a karaoke machine sat next to your lovely slim TV. There's certainly no lack of bass with the Sony and it'll go nice and loud for action flicks and wotnot, but it's lacking elsewhere. There's no mid range to speak of and the treble is very bright. Dialogue sounds shrill and boxed in. If you want your floor to vibrate when a plane crashes in a movie, it's great. If you want your newsreaders to sound like they're talking into a plastic cup, it's also great. There's a whole load of settings to fiddle with, 'live', 'standard', 'movies' etc as well as tone, but I could not tame the over-bright treble. The sound feels very enclosed to the two speakers and doesn't create a great soundstage to go with your viewing. Was pleased to revert to revert to my TV's speakers.

First of all, I bought this kit for only [...] in the amazon christmas sale, and at this price the system really is a bargain! The connectivity is very good if you have multiple HDMI and optical/digital sources, so if you're really up to date with your gear then this will work great. However, the lack of phono/auxillary inputs means you have to pay another £50 for an adapter to connect your ipod etc.. rather annoying for a sophisticated system such as this. As for the sound, I have to admit I have heard much better. I bought these SONY speakers for my living room as I could no longer get hold of the altec lansing MX5021 (which I bought for £90 5 years ago and still have in my bedroom) and sadly they are nowhere near as good. Don't get me wrong, the sony speakers sound ok, but I get the impression all of the technology has gone into creating a 'multiple input media solution' rather than a really good sounding speaker system. If you are looking for a small system that can pack a punch when watching movies, but sound sublime when listening to music I have truely never heard anything better than the altec lansing systems.. and I've heard some very expensive kit in my time. Like I said though, for £115 you can't go wrong, but I would not pay over £200 for these.

i'm in agreement with everyone else here, i too wanted a simple to use 2.1 system for my ps3, i must say the sound quality is stunning, i listen to music on my ps3 through this and it really is exceptional, with the ability to connect 3 hdmi sources to it, digital coaxial and 2 optical inputs along side the dm port for your walkman/ipod, treble/bass/sub woofer adjustment and various surround effects, it's the perfect 2 speaker plus sub woofer/amp set-up, i absolutely love it, 5 *'s from me.

Although the picture on my Samsung LCD TV was good, the sound was less than perfect. Having read reviews and compared prices on many sound bars, 3.1 and 2.1 systems, I settled for the Sony because, not only was it rated highly at it's normal price, but I was lucky enough to get it at a hugely discounted price. Set up was easy and I only needed to buy a HDMI cable to connect my Blue Disc player through the Sony rather than directly to the TV set. The first impression I had was that voices were full and crisp, far easier to hear at lower levels than the TV sets' built in speakers, no more sibilance or buzzing. The bass is more satisfying and not too obvious or overpowering as some of my friends surround sound systems seem to be. If you don't have a room suitable for a full 5.1 system but you want something better than the built-in speakers of your TV set, this Sony system fits the bill.