HELP! Request review of Kenwood HTB403
10-17-00, 03:40 PM
#1
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Okay, I'll admit it. I'm poor. My job doesn't pay close to enough to live comfortably on, let alone fuel my DVD habit. Sure, I have 160 DVDs, but I also have a low average due to coupons and clicking. But I can't use Freeride every day now so I won't be able to accumulate enough Amazon GCs to buy a Home Theater system.
Right now I'm using a ten-year-old Pioneer receiver that doesn't even have a center channel. Actually I'm only using two speakers. (I had rigged old speakers for the surrounds, but got rid of them two years ago.) I desperately need to upgrade.
I don't care about spending extra money to get a DTS receiver. Based on all the reviews, I probably won't notice. (I hope.) What I am considering for the price is a Home Theater in a Box, specifically the Kenwood HTB403. It's currently available frm 800.com for around $399 here. Specs include: 80 Watts x 5, 5 Voice-Matched Satellites, 50 Watt 8" Powered Subwoofer. The powered subwoofer is the reason I'm considering the 403 as opposed to the low-end 203 ($299). For $100 more for the 503, I can get DTS (not really important) and 100 Watts x 5, 5 Voice-Matched Satellites, 100 Watt 8" Powered Subwoofer. More power, but higher price... *sigh*
I realize that I'm not going to get as good sound compared to buying separate speakers and a receiver. However, this is the budget-conscious choice. I would like some impressions of the Kenwood HTB403 system prior to plunking down my hard-earned (very hard-earned) cash. I've read several reviews online at 800.com and other online retailers, but I'd like some input from you guys here. I trust you.
Oh, and in addition to a review, if anyone knows where I could find the 403 (or something comparable) for less than $399, I would really appreciate it. Thanks very much!
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Right now I'm using a ten-year-old Pioneer receiver that doesn't even have a center channel. Actually I'm only using two speakers. (I had rigged old speakers for the surrounds, but got rid of them two years ago.) I desperately need to upgrade.
I don't care about spending extra money to get a DTS receiver. Based on all the reviews, I probably won't notice. (I hope.) What I am considering for the price is a Home Theater in a Box, specifically the Kenwood HTB403. It's currently available frm 800.com for around $399 here. Specs include: 80 Watts x 5, 5 Voice-Matched Satellites, 50 Watt 8" Powered Subwoofer. The powered subwoofer is the reason I'm considering the 403 as opposed to the low-end 203 ($299). For $100 more for the 503, I can get DTS (not really important) and 100 Watts x 5, 5 Voice-Matched Satellites, 100 Watt 8" Powered Subwoofer. More power, but higher price... *sigh*
I realize that I'm not going to get as good sound compared to buying separate speakers and a receiver. However, this is the budget-conscious choice. I would like some impressions of the Kenwood HTB403 system prior to plunking down my hard-earned (very hard-earned) cash. I've read several reviews online at 800.com and other online retailers, but I'd like some input from you guys here. I trust you.
Oh, and in addition to a review, if anyone knows where I could find the 403 (or something comparable) for less than $399, I would really appreciate it. Thanks very much!
------------------
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10-18-00, 12:36 AM
#2
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Save more of your money and save for the HTB502/503. I have the HTB403 and regret buying it. The sub is passive and has no bass. The receiver has no DSP, so when you listen to the radio or CD, audio only comes out of two speakers.
Trust me on this and look for the 503. It's what I should bought.
Trust me on this and look for the 503. It's what I should bought.
10-18-00, 01:34 AM
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Thanks for the reply, ~M~. The sub is passive? I thought that it was a powered sub? At least that's what it says in the product description on every web site I've seen it on.
DSP? Digital Signal Processing? The 503 has it?
Anyone have any bargains on either of these two systems? Thanks!
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DSP? Digital Signal Processing? The 503 has it?
Anyone have any bargains on either of these two systems? Thanks!
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10-18-00, 04:59 AM
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According to Kenwoods web site the 403 comes with a powered sub:
HTB-403 Components
VR-405 Audio/Video Receiver
Key Features
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
Preouts: Subwoofer
Surround Sound DSP ICs: 24-Bit Crystal Semiconductor
Power Ratings
Stereo Power: 80 Watts per Channel (FTC, Left/Right, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Surround Power: 80 Watts per Channel (Left/Center/Right/LSurround/RSurround)
Surround Power (Left/Right): 80 Watts per Channel (Left/Right, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Surround Power (LSurround/RSurround): 80 Watts per Channel (LSurround/RSurround, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Amplifier Features
KAM-1 Power Amplifier Circuitry
Speaker Connectors: One-Touch
Audio Features
Audio Inputs/Outputs: 6 / 2
Balance Control
Bass and Treble Controls
Bass Boost
Bass Management: Full Digital, Dual-Precision
Channel Level Control: 5.1 Channel Independent
Crystal Semiconductor A/D and D/A Converters: 20-Bit Resolution
Digital Audio Input: 3
Digital Signal Format Auto Detection/Auto Switching: Dolby Digital and PCM
Dolby 3 Stereo: Full Digital
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic: Full Digital
Headphone Jack
Last Sound Mode Memory
Midnight Theater Mode: 2-Stage
Pink Noise Generator for Speaker Balancing
Preouts: Subwoofer
Source Direct Listening Mode
Surround Sound DSP ICs: 24-Bit Crystal Semiconductor
Variable Input Sensitivity: with Individual Source Memory
Video Features
Video Inputs: 3 Composite
Video Monitor Outputs: 1 Composite
Video Outputs: 1 Composite
Remote Control Features
Direct Input Source Selection
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
Tuner Features
Automatic and Manual Tuning
Direct Access Tuning: with Remote
Preset Call
Quartz PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning
Station Presets: 40 (FM/AM)
General Features
AC Accessory Outlets: 2 Switched
Audio Muting: using Remote
Auto Function One-Touch Operation
Direct Input Source Selection
Display Dimmer
Dynamic Rotary Encoder Volume Control
Fluorescent Display with Volume Indication
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
System Control Connections for Kenwood Components: SL16 Format
SW-22HT Powered Subwoofer
Speaker Features
Auto Power On/Off
Built-In Amplifier: 50 Watts RMS (40Hz - 160Hz, <0.09% THD, 4 ohms)
Finish: Black Ash
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 250Hz
Ported Enclosure
RCA Audio Inputs
Variable Low-Pass Electronic Crossover
Volume Control
Woofer: 8"
Center Speaker Features
Finish: Black Ash
Woofer: 8"
Surround Speaker Features
Finish: Black Ash
Here is the link for the above info:
Kenwood USA
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"The earth does not belong to people; people belong to the earth. Everything that happens to the earth happens also to the sons and daughters of the earth." -Chief Seattle.
HTB-403 Components
VR-405 Audio/Video Receiver
Key Features
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
Preouts: Subwoofer
Surround Sound DSP ICs: 24-Bit Crystal Semiconductor
Power Ratings
Stereo Power: 80 Watts per Channel (FTC, Left/Right, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Surround Power: 80 Watts per Channel (Left/Center/Right/LSurround/RSurround)
Surround Power (Left/Right): 80 Watts per Channel (Left/Right, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Surround Power (LSurround/RSurround): 80 Watts per Channel (LSurround/RSurround, 40Hz - 20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms)
Amplifier Features
KAM-1 Power Amplifier Circuitry
Speaker Connectors: One-Touch
Audio Features
Audio Inputs/Outputs: 6 / 2
Balance Control
Bass and Treble Controls
Bass Boost
Bass Management: Full Digital, Dual-Precision
Channel Level Control: 5.1 Channel Independent
Crystal Semiconductor A/D and D/A Converters: 20-Bit Resolution
Digital Audio Input: 3
Digital Signal Format Auto Detection/Auto Switching: Dolby Digital and PCM
Dolby 3 Stereo: Full Digital
Dolby Digital
Dolby Pro Logic: Full Digital
Headphone Jack
Last Sound Mode Memory
Midnight Theater Mode: 2-Stage
Pink Noise Generator for Speaker Balancing
Preouts: Subwoofer
Source Direct Listening Mode
Surround Sound DSP ICs: 24-Bit Crystal Semiconductor
Variable Input Sensitivity: with Individual Source Memory
Video Features
Video Inputs: 3 Composite
Video Monitor Outputs: 1 Composite
Video Outputs: 1 Composite
Remote Control Features
Direct Input Source Selection
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
Tuner Features
Automatic and Manual Tuning
Direct Access Tuning: with Remote
Preset Call
Quartz PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning
Station Presets: 40 (FM/AM)
General Features
AC Accessory Outlets: 2 Switched
Audio Muting: using Remote
Auto Function One-Touch Operation
Direct Input Source Selection
Display Dimmer
Dynamic Rotary Encoder Volume Control
Fluorescent Display with Volume Indication
Full-Function 10-Key Remote
System Control Connections for Kenwood Components: SL16 Format
SW-22HT Powered Subwoofer
Speaker Features
Auto Power On/Off
Built-In Amplifier: 50 Watts RMS (40Hz - 160Hz, <0.09% THD, 4 ohms)
Finish: Black Ash
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 250Hz
Ported Enclosure
RCA Audio Inputs
Variable Low-Pass Electronic Crossover
Volume Control
Woofer: 8"
Center Speaker Features
Finish: Black Ash
Woofer: 8"
Surround Speaker Features
Finish: Black Ash
Here is the link for the above info:
Kenwood USA
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"The earth does not belong to people; people belong to the earth. Everything that happens to the earth happens also to the sons and daughters of the earth." -Chief Seattle.
10-18-00, 10:15 AM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by cloud:
According to Kenwoods web site the 403 comes with a powered sub<HR>
Maybe he has the 402. I don't think that had the powered sub.
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10-18-00, 11:13 AM
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Here is the best site I can find in both price and service for either of these packages http://shop.store.yahoo.com/jvc-wholesale/index.html. The site is called AOKnet and I have ordered from them a few times. Their service has always been excellent and my equipment arrived quickly. They have the Kenwood HTB-403 Home Theater System for $338.97 and the Kenwood HTB-503 Home Theater in a Box for $433.97. Check em out.
[This message has been edited by ZenDog (edited October 18, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by ZenDog (edited October 18, 2000).]
10-18-00, 11:02 PM
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ZenDog: Thanks very much! I'm too dead tired to check 'em out now (up for work at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow), but I will ASAP. Seems like a great bargain if they're reputable. 
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If not for DVDTalk, My DVD Collection would've cost a fortune!
If not for DVDTracker now charging, My DVD Collection would be updated...
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If not for DVDTalk, My DVD Collection would've cost a fortune!
If not for DVDTracker now charging, My DVD Collection would be updated...
10-18-00, 11:45 PM
#8
Senior Member
quote:<HR>Originally posted by Goblincat:
Maybe he has the 402. I don't think that had the powered sub.
<HR>
Pardon me, I had a brain fart last night
. Yes, I do have the 402 and the 403 sounds great.I apologize for any problems.
~M~
~M~
