WHOLE IN ONE
Along with fat-free potato chips and bad toupees, surround-sound systems that
use only one speaker are the kind of thing where the solution could well be
worse than the original problem. Usually, a simple two-channel setup will
provide a more satisfying experience than many of the ill-conceived attempts at
creating some kind of pseudo surround sound.
Cambridge SoundWorks, however,
has a long-standing reputation for coming up with terrific-sounding products
that deliver the steak, without resorting to the sizzle of a lot of bells and
whistles, so its first entry into this category demands careful scrutiny.
The
complete SurroundWorks 200 system actually consists of three parts: a one point
multichannel speaker, a subwoofer, and a DVD player/receiver combo unit dubbed
the AVS600. Hooking them together couldn’t get much easier, with a total of two
wires connecting the components, plus an additional cable that you provide to
send the video signal to your TV. Three sets of A/V inputs make it possible to
integrate other components such as a cable box or satellite receiver and a VCR,
while a 5.1-channel analog audio output gives you the option of using the AVS600
as part of a more standard surround rig down the road. The single disc player
will handle various formats including DVD-Audio, DVD+/-RW, and MP3 while a 40
preset AM/FM tuner rounds out the package.
Remotes have often proven to be a
difficult area for manufacturers to get right, and the AVS600’s remote is a bit
of a mixed blessing. On the upside, this is one of those preprogrammed
multicomponent deals that can operate up to four additional pieces of gear.
Unfortunately, the buttons are small and poorly labeled, and the confusing
layout takes plenty of getting used to. Luckily, everyday operation of the
AVS600 is simple, and the on-screen menu system can be operated using any of the
outputs, including component video. Unlike some of the latest receivers, the
AVS600 will not convert video signals between composite, S-video, and component,
so you may need to use multiple inputs on your TV to get the best performance
from various components you connect.
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