Sony HT-IS100: Home-theater system with supertiny speakers coming to America
The HT-IS100 uses the same petite speakers found on 2007's DAV-IS10.
(Credit: Sony)Sony's HT-IS100, a 5.1-channel home-theater system that includes five speakers that are just 1.7 inches in diameter, will be coming to the U.S. next month. If it looks familiar, there are two reasons: The unit was announced for the Japanese market just a couple of weeks ago, and the tiny speakers were first featured in 2007's DAV-IS10, which is still widely available. (Fun fact: Sony calls the speakers "roughly the size of a golf ball" in its press release--an adjective that nearly everyone who covered the IS10 lazily cribbed. The company uses the same golf ball wording in the IS100 press release--but, oddly, included the strawberry photo above.)
Unlike that earlier model, the new HT-IS100 doesn't have a built-in disc player, or even a "head unit"--all of the electronics and amplifiers are consolidated into the system's subwoofer, so there's no need for a separate AV receiver. The IS100 includes three HDMI inputs--so you can toggle among up to three high-def AV sources--a built-in AM/FM radio, and Sony's DCAC autocalibration system. Like most other current Sony audio systems, the IS100 features compatibility with a variety of proprietary Sony accessories, including the S-AIR Air Station speakers (for expanding the audio to a multiroom setup) and Sony's quartet of Digital Media Port accessories. Those who want to eliminate the front-to-back speaker cables can opt for the WAHT-SA10 wireless kit (sold separately).
(Credit: afterdawn.com)When the DAV-IS10 was announced, we expressed skepticism that such small speakers could deliver anything but thin sound. But perhaps we were too quick to judge: By and large, IS10 users on both CNET and Amazon give the product high marks. And we were pleasantly surprised by the Sony HT-CT100, which delivered an impressively beefy sound despite its miniscule soundbar (like the IS100, the subwoofer houses the amp, electronics, and jack pack).
The Sony DAV-IS100 will be available in July for $700.
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
This is what leads to the ubiquitous flame wars in Amazon reviews. Any person who dares criticize the product is dealt with harshly. Futhermore, I have no doubt that some of the so-called "reviews" were written by people paid by Sony. That's not to say the reviews have no value, but I always go the the 1or 2* reviews first.