Archive for June, 2011

Sony HT-CT150 3D soundbar system

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Today we’re going to take a look at the Sony HT-CT150 3D sound bar system currently on offer at Amazon for $195. Obviously with such a low price tag you’re not going to get a great soundbar system but judging by online reviews for the HT-CT150 it’s not a bad system either. The main feature that all reviewers seem to mention is the 3 HDMI inputs which of course means you can hook up all sorts of hi def gadgetry to the soundbar. According to the Sony blurb rear sound is not generated by bouncing the sound off walls but rear sound is generated from the front two speakers using sophisticated digital sound processing which we hope means it may be easier to set up that a ‘wall-bouncer’ system. But of course it’s all about the sound quality and here are some snippets from the reviews we found

Other sound bars have caught up in terms of sound quality; we found that the HT-CT150 still sounds very good, but it’s not a standout performer as the HT-CT100 was. – CNet
well tuned for movies – voices are clear and distinct, even at low volume – ProductWiki
surround effect is clearly audible, simulates rear audio well – ProductWiki

Of course, hearing is believing, so it’s probably best you check out the audio quality for yourself, but the reviews do seem to speak well, if not highly, about it. Anyway enough rabbiting from us, here are some hard facts and reviews with a video review as a bonus

Sony HT-CT150 soundbar description

[asa top]B003C1AO2I[/asa]

* Audio Power Output: RMS: 75W x3 +75W Subwoofer (180-20kHz, 4 Ohm, 1% THD)
* Digital Amplifier: Yes
* S-Master Amplifier: 24bit
* Coaxial Audio Digital Input(s): 1
* DIGITAL MEDIA PORT: 1
* 3 x HDMI Video Inputs
* 1 x HDMI Video Output
* 2 x Optical Audio Inputs
* 2 x RCA Audio Inputs
* Bass/Treble control
* Night mode
* Preset EQ: Standard/ Movie/ Drama/ News/ Sports/ Game/ Music/ 2ch Stereo/ Portable Audio
* Power Consumption (in Operation): 75W
* Power Consumption (in Standby): 0.3 Watts
* Power Requirements: 120V, 60Hz
* Dimensions (Approx.): Subwoofer: 7-3/4″ x 17-3/4″ x 16-1/4″ (196 x 450 x 410 mm); Sound Bar: 31-1/2″ x 2-9/16″ x 2-5/16″ (800 x 66 x 60 mm)
* Weight (Approx.): Subwoofer: 23 lb 3 oz (10.5 kg); Sound Bar: 2 Lb 13 oz (1.3 kg)

Sony HT-CT150 soundbar reviews

CNet – 4 out of 5
ProductWiki – 60 ProScore
Amazon – 4 out of 5

Pros – 3 HDMI inputs, excellent sound quality
Cons – limited placement options, subwoofer isn’t wireless, bar needs to be mounted off floor

Our Picks verdict

There are a number of limitations on the Sony HT-CT150 soundbar, namely the remote control receiver being on the sub-woofer, its unsuitability for larger rooms, but of course with such a low price tag there will always be minuses to any product. However it’s sound quality does seem to get a thumbs up, given a small room, so we like the Sony HT-CT150 and give it our own thumbs up.

An average score of 3.66 out of 5 based on these 2 reviews.