Sony HT-DDW790 Home Theater System
The ultra basic DDW790 from Sony
Summary
- Product Name: HT-DDW790
- Manufacturer: Sony Electronics
- Review Date: January 02, 2008 19:05
- MSRP: $179.99
- First Impression: Mildly Interesting
| Amplifier section Power Output: Stereo mode (rated) (6 ohms 1 kHz, THD 1%) 85 W + 85 W Surround mode (reference) (6 ohms 1 kHz, THD 10%) RMS output: FRONT:133 W per channel CENTER: 133 W SURROUND: 133 W per channel Surround mode (reference) (6 ohms 100 Hz, THD 10%) SUB WOOFER: 135 W Power requirements: 120 V AC, 60 Hz Analog Sensitivity: 800 mV/ 50 kohms Digital (Coaxial) Impedance: 75 ohms Tone: Gain levels ±6 dB, 1 dB step Reproduction frequency range: 28 – 20,000 Hz General Power consumption: 210W Power consumption (during standby mode): 0.3 W Dimensions (w/h/d): (including projecting parts and controls) 429 × 145 × 308 mm (16 7/8 × 5 6/8 × 12 1/8 inches) Weight: 7.4 kg (16 lb 9 oz) |
Speaker section Front/center speakers: Full range, magnetically shielded Surround speakers: Full range Speaker units 70 mm cone type Enclosure type: Close type Rated Impedance: 6 ohms Dimensions (w/h/d) Front/surround speakers: 92 × 98.5 × 101.5 mm (3 5/8 × 3 7/8 × 4 inches) Center speaker: 152 × 98.5 × 101.5 mm (6 × 3 7/8 × 4 inches) Weight Front speakers: 0.6 kg (1 lb 6 oz) Center speaker: 0.7 kg (1 lb 9 oz) Surround speakers: 0.5 kg (1 lb 2 oz) Subwoofer (SS-WP700) Speaker system: Magnetically shielded Speaker unit: 200 mm cone type Enclosure type: Bass reflex Rated Impedance: 6 ohms Dimensions (w/h/d): 270 × 330 × 303 mm (10 6/8 × 13 × 12 inches) Weight: 4.7 kg (10 lb 6 oz) |
Sony is typically known for their higher end consumer electronics, at least that's what the big box salesman will tell you as he shows you the price. This is certainly true sometimes, but let it be known that Sony can make entry level products with prices to match. Enter the HT-DDW790, a very low cost 5.1 home theater system. This unit is very basic and comes with a full size receiver that has only a few inputs, 6 speakers with wire, and a remote control.
When I say basic, I mean basic... Just check out the back and you will see only 2 digital inputs and 3 stereo analogue pairs. Yes, there are AM/FM antenna inputs and speaker spring clip connectors, but that's it! No video switching of any kind... just one big empty backside. Fortunately, Sony just lowered the retail price so the lack of ports shouldn't be a concern for those simply looking to get surround sound without all the fancy features.
The included speakers are pretty small, but sound fairly clean in the vocal range. They are certainly better than average TV speakers but can sound harsh if the volume is too high. Also, since the amp is rated for 6-ohms, it should be able to drive some larger speakers in the future should you choose to upgrade, but low-efficiency speakers will likely result in distortion when played at even moderate levels so be careful. The included subwoofer has an 8" passive driver. It's rare to find a sub this large on such a low cost HTiB (Home Theater-in-a-Box). It has a good mid-bass sound to it and is fairly compact. It would have been nice if Sony had made this a powered sub and put a standard subwoofer output jack on the receiver to make an upgrade easier.
In any case, the DDW790 has a few good components to get the new home theater user started. With the ability to add the components you want and upgrade speakers later, it's a pretty decent value. And remember, next time your big box dealer says Sony is top-of-the-line, run 'em over to the HTiB aisle and point out that they support entry-level consumers as well!
Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.
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