Samsung HT-DB660

For anyone interested in this system, I thought I'd post my comments after a couple of weeks. In general, I really like the system. It's easy to use, it's a good value for the money as it includes the speaker stands and it has a nice sound on DVDs (spoken by a non-audiophile). However, I'm taking it back. The surround sound just doesn't work well in a non-optimal situation. I couldn't say how well it would work in an optimal situation, but I think my situation just doesn't lend itself to the sound reflection idea. Sure was nice not having to set up the surround speakers, though.


I'm going to replace it either with the Sony 6600 or Onkyo 760. Based on comments in this forum, I take it the Onkyo would be a favorite. However, I also need a DVD which will make the Sony less expensive. But, the debate is still raging in my head, and I most likely won't decide until I'm in the store to get the replacement.


Warren

I did get some of the effect when I had first set up the unit. My setup was in a corner, diagonally. One wall was only a half-wall, with the space opening up into another room. The other "wall" was actually a large glass sliding door. Of course, if the door was open, the sound would just go right out it. Closing it, I would get some surround effect but then I wouldn't get any air, which wasn't a good thing.


When I first set it up, the first thing I did was play a DVD with the THX logo and sound, to see how far around the sound went. It definitely didn't sound like it was behind me, but I did hear the effect to the sides.


I would suspect that if you have a more conventional room (which you may not if you can't set up rear speakers) that it might be enough of an effect to satisfy you. I did hear *some* effect, but it wasn't enough to really impress me. The other problem I had with it was that I couldn't boost the central speaker and reduce the subwoofer enough to hear the dialogue without shaking the walls too much during loud action sequences. Being in an apartment, I didn't really want to upset my neighbors too much. The system I replaced it with, the Sony DP6600, has a volume control on the subwoofer, so if necessary, I can really turn down the base without affecting the rest of the sound. Also, you can adjust each channel by more than 6dB.


Other than those 2 problems, I really did like the Samsung system and the setup for the "rear" speakers sure was a whole lot easier. I think it would be worth a try as long as you're able to bring it back if it's not to your liking.


Hope I've been of some help.


Warren