Home > Consumer Reviews > RCA RT2500 Dolby Digital Home Theater System

I am an Surround Sound Expert, I have done everything from headphone amp design, to Surround Sound DSP's
I consult new home builders on how to wire, and hook-up home theatres. They often ask what I have at home, and I tell them this system. (and they can't beleave it's under a $1000)

I have listened to a lot of systems, and this system is the Absolute BEST system you can get for under $2500

The speakers are crystal clear, they can handle un-realistic volume levels without distorting. (I tested this system to 125 decibles! A gun shot is 120db's)

Yes the Sub is a little lacking,
(AND IT IS POWERED and Active, not passive)
Some people get confused because the sub's amplifier isn't inside the Subwoofers casel; it is inside the Receiver
(Open your system up and you will see a HUGE amp that drives the sub)

Want more bass? DON'T REPLACE THE SPEAKERS
(You will never find any speakers that are clearer and as high power as these.)
The system still has a PreAMP subwoofer output.
Go out and buy yourself a second subwoofer and hook it up.
SHIELDED!!!)

After much research, I bought the RT2500. Some key factors in my decision on buying this system were:

1) A huge jack-pack with enough S-Video inputs for my DVD player and my DirecTV Satellite. It's amazing, but in my research, I found a lot of comparably priced systems that did not have S-Video inputs. This one has plenty!

2) I took the advice of one of the other reviewers. I liked the fact that this system has two subwoofer outputs. One of the only receivers I found to have this. I just happened to have an active subwoofer lying around. So I hooked that up to the sub pre-out, and hooked the sub that came with the system up as well. Wow, better bass than I could ever imagine!

3) Price. I wanted a system with a lot of features in the [money] price range. In that range, this was the only one with everything I needed.

After hooking it up, I popped in the shootout scene from Heat. The only thing I could possibly say to describe it is "Wow!" Music sounds great on it, too. It's only been a day, but I'm more than satisfied with my purchase.

I bought this system in order to tie into my RCA DVD Player and RCA Television. I also wanted something with a lot of power, as well being able to use it as my home stereo. This works great! I bought a 5 disc RCA DVD Player, and the sound is excellent on CD's and DVDs. I have had a number of people compliment on the sound from CD's on the DVD Player. Most say it is better, louder and has much less distortion then there home stereos.

Now, some will disagree with this assertion, but remember, you can have the RCA DVD player AND the Surround Sound for less than a Grand!! Yes, if you buy a $20,000 stereo, I'm sure the sound will be better, but for the $$, this is the way to go.

I agree the Subwoofer is a little weak, and may have been better if it was self powered. The power unit itself is excellent, and was very easy to hook up and operate. Great bang for your buck!

I have had this system for about 8 months and I have to say I think it is great. Sure you can get better systems but your gonna pay a bit more. The only real gripe I can see anyone having is that the system pieces are somewhat large and bulky compared to the current slim and ultra compact systems on the Market but that shouldnt be to much of problem with people who want a system that has packed all audio teckno goodies(minus THX)into an affordable and great sounding home theatre in a box. Buy this one!

I just want to add that recently I went out and purchased a pair of RCA floorstanding speakers, and holy (cow) talk about a great upgrade to this system!!!!!!!! I agree that the sub is a bit lacking but with the addition of the 12 inch woofers this thing rocks,they really fill out the midrange and I have more then enough bass for all my dvd viewing and I can really get things pumpin when when I fire up my RCA 5 disk cd player. I think I am in love!!

I bought this system for my bedroom theater. Because I am disabled, I wanted to have something that was not going to be too complicated and wanted a system from one manufacturer. I heard this system at a Radio Shack and even in the showroom environment it sounded very good. After installing it my bedroom, it sounds great. A better sub would be nice but that is immaterial as the bass from this system once you find a corner to place the sub is very good. The remote has no problem controlling all the RCA equipment that is attached to the receiver. The biggest nit I have is that the the receiver does not upconvert the video to the monitor so you need to have a monitor that has both s-video and composite inputs.