Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DAV-IS50 - 5.1 ch - Home Cinema System with Rear Wireless Speakers

The DAV-IS50 Home Cinema system is a superb bit of kit and is aesthetically really pleasing. I'm delighted with mine. The 5.1 sound is unbelievable when you consider the size of the speakers. Not quite as easy to set up as described, but not particularly difficult. Couple of things to consider:

1. The S-Air Wireless system that comes with this essentially means that you've got a radio wave link from the SubWoofer/Amp to another amp that you place at the back of the room. The rear speakers then connect with wires from the secondary amp, so it's not quite as wireless as the advert leads you to think;

2. The system can be used as wireless (as per point 1, above) or wired. The cables are included in the box, as is the S-AIR system, which you need to set up [dead-easy, just a case of slotting in the transmitter and receiver]

3. The Subwoofer is massive. It delivers excellent sub-bass, bass and middle but you need it to be visible to avoid losing the mid-range frequencies. Did I mention it's massive?

4. The "golf ball" speakers are excellent, and incredibly small. The wall brackets are included in the box.

5. There's no SCART out - it's set up for HDMI and if you're a luddite with a perfectly good CRT TV [as I am], you will need either RGB inputs on your telly or get an RGB to SCART adaptor.

6.the auto calibration is done via a microphone [included] and is very easy.

As I've said, I really like mine and if you're looking for an "all-in one box" set up, without having masses of cabling running the length of the room, I reckon it's hard to beat.

Just set up our system, generally really impressed. Sound quality is excellent, a bit confusing getting the sound settings correct. The woofer is BIG, which is a bit of a let down. Also can be a bit difficult arranging your inputs into the system if you've got a lot, for example sky HD, PS3, HD TV and Wii has left me pondering which way round to wire them all in for the best results.

This DAV-IS50 5.1 system would be a 5 star product if it were not for it having no provision for connecting other high definition items to it.For instance I cannot even connect my Sony camcorder to it.The only way I can connect it is via an HDMI cable to the TV and then output the sound in 2 channel stereo to the DAV-IS50 5.1 system,which can then be set to create simulated 5.1 sound.This is about as unsatisfactory as you can get.I was so shocked that I rang the Sony helpline,who,after checking confirmed my fears.Sony designers were obviously very aware of this design flaw as its Blu Ray replacement has 3 HDMI inputs.If all you want to play are ordinary DVD's and listen to FM/AM radio then the DAV-IS50 is for you a great choice,giving floor shaking bass,reasonably good midrange,treble and an excellent dynamic range.The upscaling DVD player gives good video output.However if you want all this AND connectivity then get the HTP-BD3IS Blu Ray version,which is about twice as expensive and to rub salt in the wounds does not even come with the wireless rear speaker amplifier unit,this is around another £150 extra!!!

Fantastic bit of kit. Only downside I would say is the lack of bass. But not bad for what it is. Love the wireless rear speakers. Apparently it is discontinued at sony as they are coming with a new model with blue ray. Hence prices cheaper (I bought it from another website and it is still available for under £ 300).

Would definately add on a cheaper blue ray player to it than wait for the all in one expensive model.

I just bought few days ago SONY DAV-IS50 i like it sound is great only one problem subwofer too big they design speakers small and i'm sure they could make subwofer small. main unit is small wich is handy save a space