TechRadar Verdict
Doesn't offer enough to live up to our very high first impressions
Pros
- +
Solid DVD performance, with respectable upscaling
Super Audio CD compatible and makes a pleasing job of 2-channel SACD recordings
It looks gorgeous!
Cons
- -
Subwoofer tends to distort with bass-heavy soundtracks
Surround placement vague and movie soundtracks sound forced
Needs to be driven hard in a mid-sized living room
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Sony's DAV X10 purports to be the 'ultimate designer home cinema system'. And it certainly looks the part, with a glass-topped main unit, touch-sensitive controls and conical speakers.
It also offers impressive connectivity. Its HDMI video output upscales to 1080i resolutions. Component and RGB Scart analogue connections are also on offer.
Sonically though, the system is less clear cut. Sony's S-Force Pro Front Surround technology is meant to give a multichannel sound experience using two speakers and the subwoofer (2.1) surround effects but, at times, the side channels barely creep out of the stereo speakers.
At least the subwoofer rumbles along enthusiastically. Ultimately, to my mind, it's clear the Sony DAV X10 is a case of style over substance.
