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

I got this system for Father's Day. It took about two hours to set up and figure out the wiring diagram (the owners manual could be better). I also added an RCA 5 disk CD Player. I hit the power, put in a CD and about blew the plaster off the wall! The sound was awesome and the clarity perfect. I recommend this system to anyone looking for a system that has high end features at an entry level price. You may want to get one soon though as it may be a discontinued model.

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Thats right, a home theatre package in one box. I started looking for a home theatre system around the hollidays. In the paper, magazines, on the web, and in the stores. With all different kinds of models and sizes its hard to decide whats right for you. Finally I decided I would just start with a simple home set up and improve from there because I didn't want to pump a bunch of money in an electronics package that was too expensive or just overwhelming. I came across radio shack looking for a new phone and thought I'd just check them out. To my astonishment they did. I downloaded the pdf file of the manual with the specs (I won't go into all of those) and price for comparisons to other systems. I was also getting a game console that has a dvd player (since I didn't own one I could kill two birds with one stone) and wanted the best sound I could get without taking out a loan. After looking around I decided to get this system because I didn't have to worry about separate multiple pieces, most small systems don't even have 500w, and for the money if I didn't like it then I could take it back or give it to someone as a gift :-) Upon inspecting the system I found it fairly easy to set up. The lines were color coded to the specific speakers and the manual was pretty self explanitory. My wife wanted the speakers to be mounted up on the walls (they had a service for that as well) so it was put in our den/kitchen (called a morning room) and though the speakers look a little big they looked fine after being installed (ceiling is at least 12-15 ft high). Let me tell you that the sound that this system produces is truly wonderful if you are looking for a starter or even and intermediate package this is it. Game playing is great, movies are like being at the theatre (never going back to vhs), and if you have a party or small gathering this baby can do very nicely. Even at 200w for the subwoofer it won't pack the punch you may be looking for. It won't shake the walls or give you the deeeep bass like the club or a great theatre but, is still nice and gets the job. You can add another (shielded) sub though to the reciever if you like to give you a little more umfff. I dare you to find a better system at this price.....don't bother because you won't....I've already been done that road.

I've only had this setup for a week, but I am very happy with the sound quality and ease of use. Mine included all wiring needed to set up and enjoy the system within a couple of hours. Considering the number of componets I hooked up, I was quite pleased.
This unit has more than enough power to annoy my daughter downstairs. I am very impressed with the clarity of sound from such a bargain priced system. I am not displeased with the power of the 200 watt subwoofer, though I can see where it might be an issue if my theater room were larger.
The manual does not list universal remote codes for DVD players. My DISH network receiver will not work with the RCA remote, so I now have yet another remote to keep track of.
As mentioned in earlier reviews, the lack of an "OFF" switch on the remote is very annoying; especially when turning the TV or DISH on or off turns on the surround receiver.

All in all though, I am very happy and have told friends about this system.

I am a retired home electronics dealer, and in the past have had plenty of experience with Home Theatre Systems.. My own personal one set me back over 8,000 dollars.. Recently it started to fail, so we decided to replace it.. The RCA RT2500 was a total system in a box, just exactly like RCA stated... It's performance, is Excellent.. When it arrived we decided to set it up in our bedroom instead of the main viewing room for movies etc.. Later to be moved out to the main room, not so, I just purchased my second one to use there.. And just as I thought, WOW, all the big bucks spent years back os seprate goodies, are now well placed in only one A/V Box.. And will it work if you switch it, to a full set of 2 and 3 way power hunger (200-250 watt capable) digital type speakers (15"woofers also), as well as drive a monster Subwoofer, and Dual Front Channel speakers, You Bet.. However hold on to your easy chair, as any bombs, expolsions or the like will not only move you. but you and the chair both.. Simply put if its a war movie,(example) and your there within the fighting action, YOUR THERE sound wise..
Now just what to do with that other full set of speakers and subwoofer, well since I can not find the 2500 for sale by itself.. Here's the next best thing to it, grab a Sherwood either RD7103 or RD7106, and hook them up in your kids or grandkids room, add a DVD n snag all the Disney movies you can get your hands on... Your kids ro G-kids will be engrossed for hours.. The RD7103 will save you some money here...
Which leaves us at one, very good point for the RCA RT2500 and a somewhat bad one for the Sherwoods, the universal remote.. RCA's remote works with anything it states it will, where Sherwoods works with Sherwood products ..
Over all which one would I pick again, the RCA RT2500, even if I have to give the speakers away.. Excellent System, and it easily out preforms most all high dollar units n systems I've listened to or tested out...
Buy one you won't go wrong...

For the price.... I bought mine at Sam's Club, this system has it all. So easy to hook up, and many many imputs for whatever you need to hook up. I dare not to increase the volume too much for fear of being put out on the street. It's audio is clear, crisp and bold. I highly recommend this system. Its sound is amazing. 5 stars. I'd give it 6 if I could. Buy this product, and you'll be up and running in no time. This truly is a theatre in a box.