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GroupTest

DENON DHT-500SD

500 (APPROX) N 200 N www.denon.co.uk N OVERALL RATING ####12
Denon previously wowed us with its first compact launch, the 770SD (reviewed in HCC Issue 104), and although the 500SD is half the price of its illustrious brother, and the cheapest system in the test, it features the same attention to detail. But can it hold its own, performance-wise, against the big boys?

Features

As well as being able to output PAL progressive scan, theres a comprehensive array of audio decoding options: DTS ES, DTS Discrete, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro-Logic IIx.

Picture

Picture quality is outstanding through a component feed. Colours are vibrant, while not losing any natural tones, and small details, even in shadows and dark scenes, appear crisp and clear. Even the output via standard video connections (S-video and RGB) hold up well, with only a tiny amount of edge-blurring and colour seepage.

Description

Like most Denon products, the appearance of the 500SD has been carefully considered. The in-one player and receiver has a smooth alloy, mirrored front panel and is only 80mm high, but its the speaker set that really catches the eye. All satellites and the centre are extruded aluminum with cherry wood veneered ends and stylish silver grilles. The passive
The corner-cutting remote is bland and unimaginative
The 500SDs speaker array and electronics are a tour de force for the price. The 100W satellites and centre produce a solid soundstage, especially when matched with the deep, reliable bass from the 100W sub. If placed near the centre speaker, the subwoofer helps round dialogue so it sounds natural and matches the image perfectly.
subwoofer is even better looking and, as it is encased in an MDF block with a cherry wood finish, it would be a crime to hide it away. When matched, the whole package has a classy feel.

Connections

Theres an abundance of connections that are bolstered by pre-out jacks for conversion to 6.1 or even 7.1 (if connected to a separate amplifier). Denon will supply additional satellites at an extra 50 each. Theres also an LFE output for adding an active subwoofer. On the video side, there are two composite video outs, S-video, RGB Scart and, the pice de rsistance component jacks capable of outputting PAL progressive scan (575p) as well as standard NTSC (480p). Inputs are equally plentiful; two composite video sockets,

Wrap-up

Although it seems odd that the 500SD is included in a test with systems almost twice its price, it has a good stab at matching them. Attention to detail is first rate. The only feature missing that would make this a steal, rather than a bargain, is the ability to play Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio.
A jam-packed rear including an RGB Scart output
digital coaxial and optical digital video. Extra sound options include an optical digital audio out, two composite audio outputs and a composite audio in. Theres even an RF antenna for radio. Phew!

FEATURES

Specifications: DVD player/receiver; four 100W satellites; one 100W centre; one 100W subwoofer; RDS AM & FM radio; PAL/NTSC progressive scan Compatibility: DVD video; Video CD; audio CD; CD-R/RW; JPEG; MP3; WMA; Dolby Digital; Dolby Digital EX; DTS; DTS ES; DTS Discrete; Dolby Pro-Logic IIx Connections: Scart (RGB) out; component video out; composite video out; composite monitor out; S-video out; optical digital audio out; two audio pre out; 5.1 speaker terminals; composite audio out; subwoofer pre out; two composite video in; coaxial video in; optical digital audio in; two composite audio in; FM antenna (plus loop) Dimensions: 434(w) x 80(h) x 368(d)mm Weight: 5.4kg

DISC COMPATIBILITY

DVD-V DVD-A SACD CD MP3 WMA JPEG HighMAT CD-R CD-RW G Video CD G Super Video CD DiVX/MPEG-4 G DVD+R G DVD-R G DVD+RW G DVD-RW (Video) DVD-RW (VR) G DVD-RAM G

Operation

One particularly impressive function that stands out is the quick setup mode. An on-screen menu allows you to achieve the best audio results straight from the box with ease, and the setup will create the best soundfield to suit your environment. The remote is the first indication of cutting corners to reach the required price point. Although functional, its a tad bland, even though the buttons glow in the dark, which is useful if not vital.
112 H O M E C I N E M A C H O I C E

NOVEMBER

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TOP 5 RANKING
1 MARANTZ HOLLYWOOD 2 DENON DHT-500SD 3= PHILIPS LX9000R 3= JVC QP-ES8AL 5 SONY DAV-SC8
The Hollywoods speaker set is second to none, and its this which helps the Marantz clinch the top slot

CONCLUSION

The one conclusion that can be drawn from this system snapshot is that there is no standard all-in-one, and this is partly the reason for their growing popularity. Models which include a DVD recorder here and Super Audio CD there make sorting through the various options exciting for any prospective buyer. The Sony DAV-SC8 is a solid proposal, but for me it fades remarkably when compared to the others. The sub isnt a stonker and zero progressive scan playback also provides a de-merit. Its interesting how quickly DVD recorders have got in on the act. Admittedly, the Philips LX9000R and JVC QP-ES8AL can be considered extremely good value for money, and lovely systems in their own right, but they dont have either the picture or sound qualities to match their dedicated counterparts. For us, it becomes a straight tussle between the Denon DHT-500SD and the Marantz Hollywood. And this is one clash thats difficult to call. The DHT-500SD may shade it on price, but the Hollywoods speaker set is second to none, and its this which helps the Marantz clinch the top slot I

RATINGS

DENON DHT-500SD Picture #### JVC QP-ES8AL
Highs: DVD recorder included; extremely simple setup Lows: Clunky design; unbalanced soundstage; no RGB Scart
500 (APPROX) Sound ##### Features #### OVERALL ####
Highs: PAL progressive scan; impressive sound output; crisp, colourful pictures Lows: No Super Audio CD; passive subwoofer

900 (APPROX) Sound ###

Picture ####

Features ####

OVERALL #### 950 (APPROX)
MARANTZ HOLLYWOOD Picture ####
Highs: Beautiful design; fully rounded sonic experience; picture through prog scan Lows: No Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio support

Sound #####

Features #####
OVERALL ##### 1,000 (APPROX)

PHILIPS LX9000R

Highs: Unique design; DVD+R/+RW recorder included Lows: Centre speaker; no progressive scan; no JPEG slide show
Picture #### SONY DAV-SC8

Sound ###

Features ####
OVERALL #### 700 (APPROX)
Highs: Good quality RGB Scart picture; sleek deck design Lows: Limited subwoofer performance; no progressive scan

Picture ####

Sound ###

Features ###

OVERALL ###

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Tried&Tested

MARANTZ HOLLYWOOD

950 (APPROX) N N www.marantz.com N OVERALL RATING #####
This Marantz system a collection of extremely high quality separates is the result of a collaboration with Mordaunt-Short, suppliers of the speakers for the package. It contains the SR2400 surround receiver, the DV2400 DVD player and M-Ss Premier speaker set (including an active sub).

and performance.

NOVEMBER

Operation

Each of the AV boxes comes with its own remote, but when both are linked at the back using a remote control cable, the receivers controller will handle all functions with ease it should do, its got more buttons than a Chelsea Pensioners jacket. Unlike other systems though, youll find its a harder task to set up the speaker array to find the optimum soundstage. But its worth it, because the results, once correctly balanced, are outstanding for the size and price.

Description

Of all the systems tested, this is the most beautiful piece of kit. The brushed-metal, mirrored facias are not only superbly designed for their good looks, but they have an unrivaled simplicity. All you can see on the front of the player is a slimline DVD drawer, and the amplifier features nothing but a glowing blue volume dial. A few buttons range across the top, but you barely notice them. The only obvious alteration to this re-badged issue of the Premier speaker set is that its silver to match the rest of the system. The retro-look, unlike the more futuristic design of many all-in-one speakers, will appeal to the devout hi-fi enthusiast.

Features

All the major formats are supported in both video and audio, including the usual decoders for Dolby Digital, DTS and Pro-Logic II. The one noticeable omission is the ability to play Video CD, which is irritating as the format continues to be used, both for promotional items, such as magazine cover-discs, and by those home-brew video makers burning video projects on their home PCs.
Two remotes for two AV boxes

Connections

From the off theres connections to suit almost anything youd want to do with the Hollywood, including an RGB-enabled Scart and component out for PAL progressive scan. Also supplied, on the video front are the more basic composite outs, essentially for CRT TVs, but a system this stylish should really be hooked up to a LCD or plasma. The bundle of cables are colour-coded for easy installation a blessing for inexperienced users.

Picture

The picture quality via the players PAL or NTSC progressive scan output is very good indeed, and comparable to high-end stand-alone decks. The rich and vibrant colours are complemented with clarity in the most insignificant of details. And if you dont have a component-enabled display, then the results from the RGB Scart are also top-dollar.

FEATURES

Specifications: DVD player; receiver; four 50W satellites; one 50W centre; one 150W subwoofer; RDS AM & FM radio; PAL/NTSC progressive scan Compatibility: DVD video; audio CD; CD-R/RW; DVD-R/RW (playback); JPEG; MP3; Dolby Digital; DTS; Dolby Pro-Logic II Connections: DVD player: analogue out; 5.1 out; optical/coaxial out; component out; S-video out; composite out; Scart out (RGB enabled). Receiver: three analogue in; analogue out; optical; two coaxial; four component in; two S-video in; three composite in; composite out; antenna and loop Dimensions: 420(w) x 76(h) x 322(d)mm (DVD player); 420(w) x 76(h) x 322(d)mm (receiver) Weight: 4kg (DVD player), 4.5kg (receiver)
As good as the picture is, the Hollywood impressed me the most sonically, as it is simply so well balanced. The Mordaunt-Short subwoofer and satellites are well integrated, so much so that I found myself able to pick up nuances previously missed on some of my favourite DVDs. Very impressive.
Connections for all tastes, including prog scan component

DISC COMPATIBILITY

DVD-V DVD-A SACD CD MP3 WMA JPEG HighMAT CD-R CD-RW G Video CD Super Video CD DiVX/MPEG-4 G DVD+R G DVD-R G DVD+RW G DVD-RW (Video) G DVD-RW (VR) G DVD-RAM G

Wrap-up

This is a marvellous marriage of quality separates. The Hollywood in a box set easily outperforms anything else in this group test. Although it doesnt feature Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio, its performance on conventional CDs and as a home theatre makes this a great combination of style
H O M E C I N E M A C H O I C E 121

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TOP 5 RANKING

1 MARANTZ HOLLYWOOD 2 DENON DHT-500SD 3= PHILIPS LX9000R 3= JVC QP-ES8AL 5 SONY DAV-SC8
The Hollywoods speaker set is second to none, and its this which helps the Marantz clinch the top slot

CONCLUSION

The one conclusion that can be drawn from this system snapshot is that there is no standard all-in-one, and this is partly the reason for their growing popularity. Models which include a DVD recorder here and Super Audio CD there make sorting through the various options exciting for any prospective buyer. The Sony DAV-SC8 is a solid proposal, but for me it fades remarkably when compared to the others. The sub isnt a stonker and zero progressive scan playback also provides a de-merit. Its interesting how quickly DVD recorders have got in on the act. Admittedly, the Philips LX9000R and JVC QP-ES8AL can be considered extremely good value for money, and lovely systems in their own right, but they dont have either the picture or sound qualities to match their dedicated counterparts. For us, it becomes a straight tussle between the Denon DHT-500SD and the Marantz Hollywood. And this is one clash thats difficult to call. The DHT-500SD may shade it on price, but the Hollywoods speaker set is second to none, and its this which helps the Marantz clinch the top slot I

RATINGS

DENON DHT-500SD Picture #### JVC QP-ES8AL
Highs: DVD recorder included; extremely simple setup Lows: Clunky design; unbalanced soundstage; no RGB Scart

500 (APPROX) Sound ##### Features #### OVERALL ####
Highs: PAL progressive scan; impressive sound output; crisp, colourful pictures Lows: No Super Audio CD; passive subwoofer

900 (APPROX) Sound ###

Picture ####

Features ####

OVERALL #### 950 (APPROX)
MARANTZ HOLLYWOOD Picture ####
Highs: Beautiful design; fully rounded sonic experience; picture through prog scan Lows: No Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio support

Sound #####

Features #####
OVERALL ##### 1,000 (APPROX)

PHILIPS LX9000R

Highs: Unique design; DVD+R/+RW recorder included Lows: Centre speaker; no progressive scan; no JPEG slide show
Picture #### SONY DAV-SC8

Sound ###

Features ####
OVERALL #### 700 (APPROX)
Highs: Good quality RGB Scart picture; sleek deck design Lows: Limited subwoofer performance; no progressive scan

Picture ####

Sound ###

Features ###

OVERALL ###