Comments on: Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver

By: Cesar Tejuco

Cesar Tejuco — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:18:42 +0000

I received this item December 11, 2009. I was very excited to say the least.

When I set it up, however, I noticed that there was no sound coming out of the system. I followed setup protocol down to the tea and reviewed it three times just to make sure.

Two days later I ordered TWO Sony HDMI cables from Amazon just to make sure it's not my generic HDMI cable doing the problem. I connected one HDMI to my SONY BRAVIA HDTV and the other to my SONY PS3.

Still no sound. The setup was very simple enough for anyone to do. I'm returning the item and Amazon says I will get a refund a week after they receive the item from me. I'm sure it's a great item but I have read from many folks online that there is a lot of defective ones sold each day. I don't think I will try my luck again on this product.

By: R. Summers

R. Summers — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:37:20 +0000

I hoped this all in one soundbar with receiver would simplify my home theater setup. The sound was pretty good and it was easy to use, but the connections often had problems with sporadic sound, no sound, no picture, etc. Returned it for a refund still deciding what to try next.

By: Matt Mullins

Matt Mullins — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:10:50 +0000

A great product with a great build. I like that I can add to it with the S-AIR technology. Highly recommend for those that can’t wire a room with speakers.

By: Stephen Cole

Stephen Cole — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:57:45 +0000

This is an impressive upgrade of the audio on my Sony HDTV (I think it’s KDL46W4100). We use it in a room that’s not well situated for wired, 5-speaker surround sound and this works well, delivering impressive range and power. The surround imaging works well on BlueRay discs and OnDemand HD video from Comcast (yeuch, but my only choice!). I’ve had some irritation with synching audio and video when watching cable broadcasts and have started mucking around with the audio delay setting to try to fix it. I find this surprising because my set up couldn’t be any more vanilla – everything’s Sony brand and less than 12 months old except the cable box.

I’d hoped that this system would also serve as our primary audio system in this room but I’m not convinced yet. It doesn’t seem to have the range, punch or stereo imaging that I have come to enjoy from my prior system. I may try the Sony Digital Media dock – will this help? – or just invest in a better overall system for music next year.

By: Gunjan Nimbavikar

Gunjan Nimbavikar — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:42:29 +0000

I got my Sony HT-CT500 today! Was really excited about this product after reading all the online reviews.
I have a not so big living room (apt size) with no options to drill holes etc for 5.1 surround surround system wiring, so I was super excited about getting this product.
I knew that this won't give a full surround sound feel anyways with only 1 speaker bar.
Only woofer was able to impress me but I am sure there are better woofers out there for may be even lower price.
To my despair this system sounds nothing better than a sub-woofer addition to my 52" Samsung A750 speakers.
I have given 2 stars just because of the plenty of Inputs accommodating an average Home theater setup.
-3 HDMI IN (1 BD, 2 DVD)
-2 Component (Using 1 for cable box)
-1 Composite (Using for Wii)

Seriously there are better ways to spend $400-500 than buying this system if you are in market for a surround sound system and are ready to do some extra work with wiring around the room.

I looked around forums to see if any sort of tweaking is missing but tried everything to no avail.
I will be returning this product asap.

Hope this helps!