0310WHC02 Sony DAV SA30

8/21/03

10:14 AM

Page 22
Group Test: 240-400 Systems

Sony DAV-SA30 330

The Sony DAV-SA30 is a very affordable one-box home cinema system, with the added bonus of SACD playback. But is its performance similarly super?
he new DAV-SA30 is Sony's most affordable home cinema model to date, but there's little evidence that corners have been cut as it comes with the dazzling good looks and specification that are associated with the Sony brand name. The term entry-level is not usually associated with Sony, and so it's unsurprising that the DAV-SA30 system looks anything but. The silver main unit has a distinctive yet unfussy style that is easy on the eye and a doddle to operate. The gleaming Perspex front panel and chrome-effect buttons lend a contemporary look, and the disc-loading draw
The DAV-SA30 lives up to Sonys much respected reputation with a clarity that shows up fine lines on Daniel Day-Lewis face
glides into action with a slickness that is usually reserved for more expensive home cinema models. The funky circular display shows track times and system status, although this can be difficult to read from a distance. The partnering speaker package also looks great, and the compact satellites feel well-made and can be placed around the room without drawing attention to themselves. The subwoofer is an improvement over previous incarnations and looks and feels substantial enough to kick some serious bass butt.

Thats Super!

The DAV-SA30 has an up-to-date set of features, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, and Dolby Pro-Logic II for stereo sources. More impressive is that it can handle Super Audio CDs (SACDs), bringing the better-than-CD format to an ultra-low price that undercuts DVD-Audio's entry-level on the Panasonic SC-DT310 system, reviewed on page 24. The DAV-SA30 can also handle the new breed of JPEG picture
stills, stored on CD-R and CD-RW discs and downloaded from a digital camera via a computer. As with all of Sony s home cinema models, colour-coded connections at the back make system setup childs play. A Scart socket takes care of high-quality RGB video connections, and theres basic-quality composite video, too. Theres no provision for S-video pictures, however, which may inconvenience some users. System functionality is taken care of via the rather unglamorous remote control, which is easy to operate and provides access to menus and disc navigational controls. Sony has a reputation for its outstanding DVD pictures, and the DAV-SA30 doesnt disappoint. Images using the standard quality composite video connection are surprisingly respectable, and colour and texture is detailed in the poverty stricken slums seen on our Gangs of New York DVD. Some colour fringing is evident between objects but, considering this is the lowest quality picture signal connection, the DAV-SA30 does a decent job, and under normal viewing conditions youll be hard pressed to notice the flaws.
What Home Cinema October 2003

10:15 AM

Page 23
RGB picture signals via the Scart socket demonstrate just how good DVD images can look, and the DAV-SA30 lives up to its brands respected reputation with a clarity that shows up fine lines on Daniel Day-Lewis face. Colours are purer and richer, and images have a cinematic quality that will bring any movie to life in your living room.

Punch-up

Surround sound is powerful, thanks to the large subwoofer. Its a passive model, meaning that its gets all its power from the PERFECT PARTNERS
systems main amplifier, but it delivers plenty of punch when the gang fight sequences kick off and fills the room with impressive bass sound. Theres also a dynamic bass boost button, to fill out the sound even further. However, this isnt the loudest system on test, and the volume needs to be set at its maximum to achieve decent listening levels in an average-sized living room. The satellite speakers create an impressive soundstage, filling the room with dynamic sound effects as knives and meat cleavers are TEST SCENES

wielded throughout the movie. Yet dialogue can be a bit muffled, and Daniel Day-Lewis voice can sometimes sound incoherent through the cube-shaped centre speaker. Boosting the treble does little to alleviate the problem, and effects can end up sounding shrill through the satellites.

Volume contol

The inclusion of Super Audio CD (SACD) playback makes the DAV-SA30 even more of a bargain, and the system turns in a refined performance with David Bowies Heathen on SACD. Disappointingly, however, the system struggles with the broader dynamics of the high-resolution format and the tiny satellites can sound harsh and overly detailed if the volume is too high. Two-channel music material shows that the Sony can have plenty of steam when not in surround mode, with upbeat tunes from The Thrills So Much for the City on CD. Despite the lack of blockbuster sound levels, the DAV-SA30 has much to recommend it, and is one of the best-specified systems at the price. The lack of S-video is a minor criticism but, if youve got a spare RGB input at the back of your TV, the DAV-SA30 makes a very respectable starter system, at the price. WHC

GOOD POINTS

Super Audio CD (SACD) playback at a new low price. Decent all-round performance and features

BAD POINTS

No S-video output. Overall volume is low. Dull-looking remote control

CRT OR PLASMA TV?

GANGS OF NEW YORK

OVERALL

Sonys most affordable home cinema system, with an impressive set of features and performance

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall 5555555556
KILLER DETAIL LOEWE AVENTOS 3981ZW 1,100
With its respectable set of connections and features, this 32in CRT TV is a worthy companion for the Sony DAV Pictures are impressively detailed, highlighting subtleties like the fine lines on Daniel Day-Lewis face

FURTHER INFO

Call or visit www.sony.co.uk

HITACHI 32PD3000 2,650

This handsome plasma features screen filters, for better pictures, integrated speakers and a swivel-stand

LOW POINT

The overall volume of the system is low, and even the loudest parts of the movie can sound relatively quiet

SONY DAVSA30 / MHC-WZ8D REMOTE USER INSTRUCTIONS
Please use the remote at a distance of approx 1 to 2 meters from the player and avoid using it in bright sunlight.
Get your player ready to accept the code you should first have the player switched on WITH NO DISC INSIDE. Now press and hold both Eject and Stop keys on the front panel whilst turning the volume control to the right. The TV should now display the Service Menu. You are now ready to do the upgrade.
Insert 2 x AAA batteries into the upgrade remote, aim the upgrade remote at your DVD player and press and release the button.
The LED on the Upgrade remote will flash 5 times before going out. Wait 2 or 3 seconds after the last flash then switch the unit into standby using the original remote.
Unplug the player from the mains for 5 seconds. Thats it ! Plug the player back in and it will be Multi region.
If the upgrade does not seem to have worked please report the problem using the form linked below. www.dvdchips.co.uk/aftersaleshelp
After use please return the Upgrade Remote for recycling. Please re-use the bag that it arrived in, re-seal with sticky tape and attach the address label below along with the appropriate postage.
DVD Chips UK 54 Trenance Gardens Greetland Halifax HX4 8NN United Kingdom