Sony HT-CT100

Manufacturer: Sony Part number: HT-CT100

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$239.99 - $299.99 at 8 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.

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CNET editors' review

Sony HT-CT100

price range: $239.99 - $299.99

Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
Edited by: John P. Falcone
Reviewed on: 06/05/2008

The good: Superslender soundbar home-theater system eliminates the need for an AV receiver; comes with a potent subwoofer; three HDMI inputs; supereasy setup.

The bad: Subwoofer-based connection jacks may require creative placement or cable runs; only supports four AV sources (plus Sony's proprietary DM Port accessories).

The bottom line: Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.

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It's a familiar story in consumer electronics: Start with a luxurious, expensive, and exclusive product category, and within just a few years, you'll see a sea of imitators delivering the same basic item with more features, less money, and--ideally--better performance. Take single-speaker audio. Once the exclusive domain of Yamaha Digital Sound Projectors, the category is exploding, with boutique brands (Zvox, Soundmatters), home-audio stalwarts (Polk Audio, Definitive Technology), and major manufacturers (Samsung, Sony) all throwing their respective hat into the ring. But even in this hotly contested category, the Sony HT-CT100 home-theater system is a standout design. The two-part (speaker plus subwoofer) 3.1-channel system is one of the smallest soundbar speakers we've tested to date, and it boasts better-than-average connectivity highlighted by three HDMI inputs. Best of all, it costs just $300, and--considering that modest price tag--it sounds great. And because the HT-CT100 handles power and surround processing, you don't need to buy an AV receiver--just plug in your components and enjoy some powerful audio with more than a hint of faux surround.

To reiterate, the Sony HT-CT100 is a two-part system: a small soundbar designed to sit under the TV, and a modest-size subwoofer that also houses all of the electronics and connections. The skinny speaker is a mere 2.75 inches high and 2.6 deep. Its 31.5-inch width is also smaller than most soundbars and will make a nice match with TVs with 32-inch screens or larger. The speaker sports a satin-finished black plastic cabinet and perforated (nonremovable) metal grille; it's a no-frills look that won't win any beauty contests, but it's unobtrusive enough. The soundbar has three oval-shaped 1.6- by 2.8-inch drivers (left/center/right). You can wall mount the 4.4-pound speaker with its keyhole slots, so long as you account for the permanently attached 10-foot umbilical cable that connects it to the subwoofer. The cable terminates with a 9-pin serial connector that plugs into the subwoofer--if you need to run it a longer distance, check out our related tip.

The medium-density fiberboard sub feels more substantial than the speaker and its black-matte vinyl finish looks a bit more upscale. It's 19.75 inches high and 14.25 deep, and weighs 22 pounds. A black cloth (nonremovable) grille covers the 6.5-inch woofer mounted on the sub's right side. The front edge of the top panel has power, input, and volume controls; the display on the front baffle offers info about volume level, the selected source, and surround processing. There's a bass port smack dab in the middle of the 6.4-inch-wide front baffle. The subwoofer's built-in power amplifiers deliver 50 watts to each of the speakers' three drivers, and 100 watts to the sub's woofer.

All of the system's connections are found on the subwoofer's back panel. There you'll find three HDMI inputs; four digital-audio-only inputs (three optical, one coaxial); one analog stereo input (red/white RCA jacks); and one Digital Media Port connector. However, not counting the DM Port (it's a proprietary connector that works with only a quartet of proprietary Sony accessories), those inputs are really limited to just four AV sources--three audio or HDMI, and one audio only. In other words, you'd use the optical audio inputs (for instance) in lieu of, not in addition to, the HDMI inputs. Obviously, HDMI is the preferred connection, since it allows you to toggle audio and video at the click of a button on the HT-CT100's remote. (And, with the addition of a sub-$50 HDMI switcher, you could more than double the unit's HDMI capacity.) For non-HDMI sources (anything from a Nintendo Wii to a VCR to a non-high-def cable box), you'll use the TV for video switching, and the HT-CT100 for audio.

The HT-CT100 can toggle among three AV sources (with video, if they're HDMI-enabled), plus any Sony Digital Media Port product you choose to connect.

The unit includes standard Dolby and DTS surround processing modes. For Blu-ray, it can accept uncompressed PCM soundtracks, but it won't decode Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, nor any DTS HD flavors. (The better Blu-ray players, such as Sony's own PS3, decode those soundtracks internally and output PCM anyway, so that's not going to be a big deal for most folks.)

After we had everything hooked up and ready to go, we couldn't get any sound out of the thing. The controls on the sub brought the HT-CT100 to life, but it didn't respond to the remote's commands. We changed the remote's batteries; still no luck, so we thought the remote was defective. Turned out our mistake was pointing the remote toward the subwoofer--the sensor is in the speaker. With that hurdle out of the way setup was easy, and the remote allows for adjustment of the speaker's center channel and subwoofer volume levels. The remote can also control Sony Bravia televisions.

The HT-CT100 strutted its stuff when we fired up the Blu-ray version of ZZ Top's Live From Texas disc. The band's sound filled the CNET listening room, so we could hear the hometown crowd was clearly having a great time, Billy Gibbon's trademark guitar thrash was in fine form, and Frank Beard's drums kicked pretty hard. Clearly, the Sony soundbar's gutsy sound was a force to be reckoned with. Surround ambiance was huge, extending well into the room. And when we stood up and walked around, the surround held up pretty well. That's not true with most single-speaker surround systems; their surround collapses back into the speaker for listeners not seated directly inline with the speaker.

We next popped on the Talladega Nights Blu-ray and pummeled the HT-CT100 with a full dose of pedal-to-the-metal NASCAR horsepower. Between that and the heavy metal score, we expected the HT-CT100 to cry uncle. But no, it sounded awesome! Dynamics and power were on par with some of the better budget priced 5.1-channel home-theater-in-a-box systems, and ahead of some far more expensive soundbar systems. The HT-CT100 didn't hold anything back when the cars smashed into the racetrack's retaining walls.

We did notice one important key to maximizing the surround effect: beyond the overall volume, you can control the subwoofer and center channel levels. The more you crank the center up, the narrower the soundfield became. In other words, keep the center channel level at the baseline "zero" setting or below for the most pronounced surround effects.

CD sound was also far better than average. The acoustic tunes on Cat Power's Jukebox CD were natural and clear, which was all the more impressive when we stopped to remember the speaker doesn't have any tweeters! The HT-CT100's refined sonics with the orchestral score to the movie Birth were again beyond what we've come to expect from soundbar systems. True, the score's big bass drums didn't have their full weight and impact, but the Sony's low bass oomph was respectable. Not quite the equal of much pricier soundbar/sub systems, but not at all bad. Stereo imaging stretched out beyond the edges of the speaker.

In the final analysis, we suspect that the Sony HT-CT100 may not have the gravitas to anchor a primary home theater--don't expect it to deliver the same pronounced surround effects you'll find on the Yamaha Digital Sound Projectors, which use a sophisticated beam system. But those systems cost two, three, or even four times as much. The Sony is certainly well-suited for smaller dens and bedrooms, and it easily trumps rival soundbar/subwoofer models, including the Yamaha YAS-70 and Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two, delivering better sound and more features than both for less money. As such, the HT-CT100 is an easy pick for the best sub-$300 soundbar/subwoofer system we've heard to date.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 11

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10 stars

Great sound in such a small package

by Shaner000 on July 22, 2008

Pros: Smallest sound bar you can find. Great Sub Woofer for such a low cost.

Cons: Surround Sound effect is minimal, but expected.

Summary: This system sounds great especially if you use it in a smaller room. Turning the volume pretty high really does create a surround sound effect that will rumble your couch. ...

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Summary: This system sounds great especially if you use it in a smaller room. Turning the volume pretty high really does create a surround sound effect that will rumble your couch. If you don't want to spend much money and don't want to see wires running all around your room, this unit will blow you away. I was very skeptical after seeing how small it was, but it really does fill the room with booming sound. However, it is important to remember that is it made for small to medium sized rooms and will not fill a big room with as much surround sound as a higher end five speaker system. You really can't beat the price tag and the quality sound!

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 stars

Good sound, lacks features

by amphigorist on September 3, 2008

Pros: I didn't want cables everywhere. This does it. The sound is clear. I suggest taking the bass to its lowest output at -6 and upping the treble to its highest at +6. Even at those levels, there is enough bass.

Cons: There is no headphone out jack, which means late-night movie watching is out. Just ask my neighbors or girlfriend. Other than no headphone jack, there isn't much wrong with this set-up -- especially considering the price.

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

It's Going Back...

by aeneas01 on August 30, 2008

Pros: aesthetically and physically a perfect for my ht needs - sleek and well made.

Cons: extremely signal dependent. absolutely shines with some signals and provides all of the volume range you would ever require - but also fails miserably with far too many other signals while providing extremely weak volume even when set to max.

Summary: before tossing out the packing box and allowing the return window to close, i highly recommend playing a dozen or so dvds and going through all of your sat & ...

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Summary: before tossing out the packing box and allowing the return window to close, i highly recommend playing a dozen or so dvds and going through all of your sat & ota channels to get a firm grasp on this unit's severe volume limitations. so close, yet so far...

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Good, affordable system

by VictusMaximus on June 7, 2008

Pros: Works with Xbox360

Cons: Maybe not so good for large rooms

Summary: If you live in an apartment, condo or have a mid-size living room that needs a system, this'll work.

I purchased the system because I live in a condo,

...

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Summary: If you live in an apartment, condo or have a mid-size living room that needs a system, this'll work.

I purchased the system because I live in a condo, needed something for my HDTV/Xbox 360, didn't want to spend a ton of cash, and my better half does not like wires and clutter.

The sound bar is small and powerful. The bass is impressive. Default settings are nice, and you get a pretty crisp range of sound considering the unobtrusive size of the unit. I set it up in five minutes and played with GTA IV, Halo 3 and a few movies. All sounded much better than they did off the HDTV's speakers.

It may not be true surround sound, but for a smaller place, this bar is an exceptionally solid value. And unless you're a huge audiophile, this system is a good value. You probably won't find a better system at this price that doesn't have a lot of wires.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 stars

Not Enough Volume

by mhampton on July 16, 2008

Pros: Connection Options, sound clarity

Cons: Volume is limited

Summary: I wanted to like this product. It offers a lot for a 1.1 soundbar system. I have a Zvox mini and like it, but am always looking for more ...

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Summary: I wanted to like this product. It offers a lot for a 1.1 soundbar system. I have a Zvox mini and like it, but am always looking for more sound at a low price.
I went to a Best Buy and had a rep set up a new ht-ct100 for me to test. With the manual in hand, and the ht-ct100 connected to a Blu Ray player, then out to a new Samsung HDTV, everything worked and sounded fine.
However, I could only get enough of a full bodied sound by turning the system to it's maximum volume level, and even then, it was not very loud. I triple checked the manual and the components. I also walked across the store and tried out the Yamaha YAS-70 and the Boston Acoustics Tee Vee system to see if these units could produce ample volume - they can, but their fidelity is not as crisp as the Zvox, Soundmatters or Yamaha YSP systems.
The bottom line is that this unit has limited, constricted volume levels. It's not that you need to play a system like this at a loud/high volume, but that you need to be able to produce a full sound at moderate volume and have a bit of capacity to spare.
The overall tonality and balance of the ht-ct100 is fine, but it still needs to produce a larger/fuller level of sound.
If I had to pick another product in this price range, I'd probably look at the soundmatters or Zvox systems. The Yamaha YAS-70 would be an option, too, but it is not as crisp as the other systems mentioned. The Tee Vee system does not sound that good, I would pass on that one, too.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

Bye, Bye wire clutter! Bye , Bye good sound?

by AugustRain on May 14, 2008

Pros: Three HDMI inputs , one HDMI output capable of 1080p. Extremley easy setup. No rear speakers to have to run cable for and no drilling.The price is seductive.

Cons: No speaker calibration tool to tweal the speakers to your particular room dimmensions. Surround effect is negligible.

Summary: If your used to a real 5.1 Home Theatre in a box such as one of Sony's other Dream sytems You'll be dissapointed in the strength of ...

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Summary: If your used to a real 5.1 Home Theatre in a box such as one of Sony's other Dream sytems You'll be dissapointed in the strength of sound, but come on for $300 bucks your getting a pretty sophisticated and up to date setup with all the proprietary Sony Bells and whistles. I have my HD cable box, PS3, and Xbox 360 running through it and I must say it looks amazing on my 65" Sony Bravia DLP. My entertaining area is only about 725 square feet and rear speakers wouldn't have fit symetrically for optimum sweet spot listening. The only other sound bars I considered were the Polk SurroundBar and Yamaha YSP-4000, both solid choices but much pricier and require you to buy other peripherils.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Small package. Amazing sound!

by billyjoebrick on September 28, 2008

Pros: Amazing sound for the price. No extra clutter. It fits neatly under my 42" flat screen. Lot's of sound settings and features to choose from.

Cons: The only issue was I had to rearrange my PS3 and cable box to have enough wire to connect to the subwoofer box.

Summary: Well worth the cost for what this system delivers. Even my picture has a little extra.

Summary: Well worth the cost for what this system delivers. Even my picture has a little extra.
5 stars

Nice looking

by usmyguy on September 22, 2008

Pros: Save space and use less wire

Cons: Sub woofer is too large. Doesn't sound as good as I thought. Remote control mainly design for Bravia TV, only a few bottom for the HT-CT100. You have to press the remote control at least 7 time to get to the sleep timer.

Summary: I like the design of this sound bar but the sound is not what I expected. It sound like my TV. I need a little more kick so I returned ...

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Summary: I like the design of this sound bar but the sound is not what I expected. It sound like my TV. I need a little more kick so I returned the unit to Sears within 2 weeks of purchase but Sears charge me 15% re-stocking fee even I returned with the original box, and containing all original product packaging and accessories and looked like it had never been opened. After more then 10 years of shopping online this is my first experience being charge for 15% re-stocking fee. Buyer beware of Sears.

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8 stars

GREAT SOUNDBAR!!!

by LL75 on August 30, 2008

Pros: GOOD SOUND, HDMI CONNECTIONS, SPACE SAVER AND GREAT VALUE.

Cons: VOLUME MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR SOME PEOPLE.

Summary: GREAT PRODUCT, KEEP IN MIND I'M NOT TRYING TO REPLACE A HOME THEATER SYSTEM. I OWN AN ONKYO TX-606 WITH POLK SPEAKERS AND VELODYNE DPS-10 SUBWOOFER. BUT THE HT ...

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Summary: GREAT PRODUCT, KEEP IN MIND I'M NOT TRYING TO REPLACE A HOME THEATER SYSTEM. I OWN AN ONKYO TX-606 WITH POLK SPEAKERS AND VELODYNE DPS-10 SUBWOOFER. BUT THE HT CT-100 IS PERFECT FOR MY 26" SONY BRAVIA TV AND TO LISTEN MUSIC FROM MY IMAC. GREAT VALUE FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A SOUND FOR SMALL ROOM. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

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9 stars

Bang For Your Buck!!!

by ace58i on July 13, 2008

Pros: Powerful Sub , Attractive sound bar, excellent price, plethora of inputs! no receiver required, oval shaped speakers give more sound and use less space than circle speakers.

Cons: Wish there were more sound tweeking options

Summary: I just picked these up at my local best buy. I plugged it in via HDMI to my PS3 to my Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p TV. I have played some ...

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Summary: I just picked these up at my local best buy. I plugged it in via HDMI to my PS3 to my Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p TV. I have played some games and blurays with the device. The sound is excellent for the size and price of the unit. However, it is not as good as my actually 5.1 TruHD system (DUH!) but it is perfect for my TV in my bedroom. If your looking for a sound system for your bedroom, office, or small family room TV, this is PERFECT. I would give it a 10, but nothing is that perfect Highly recommend the purchase of this unit. If you have an HDTV without speakers yet and a HD source (PS3, bluray, xbox, sat box, upconverting dvd playr, etc.) get off your butt from your computer/or go to amazon.com and purchase this item!

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Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 11

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: HT-CT100
Description: With three HDMI inputs on tap, this system is tailor made for the gamer looking for an easy, quick and great sounding solution for their next gen gaming system. It can playback LPCM from the HDMI connection, plus you can listen to your favorite music from the digital media port that works with various accessories (sold separately). The HT-CT100 can also control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface. With "One Touch Play," operations that took several steps have been reduced to one.

General
Product Type Home theater system
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight Speaker system : Subwoofer : 6.3 in x 14.2 in x 9.7 in, Speaker system : 31.5 in x 2.6 in x 2.7 in
Audio System
Components AV receiver, Speaker system
Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
Built-in Decoders Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder
Surround Sound Effects S-FORCE Front Surround Sound, S-FORCE Pro Surround Sound
Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
DSP Presets Music, Sports, Cinema, Game
Surround System Class 3.1 channel
Output Power / Total 250 Watt
Amplifier Output Details 50 Watt - 3 channel(s) ( Front ), 100 Watt - 1 channel(s) ( Subwoofer )
Built-in Display Fluorescent
Additional Features Magnetic shield, Bass-reflex
Digital Storage Media None
Connectors
Coaxial Digital Input Yes
Optical Digital Input Yes
Radio
Type None
Turntable
Type None
CD System
CD system type None
DVD
Type None
Cassette System
Cassette system type None

Digital Player (Recorder)
Type None
MD System
MD system type None
Headphones
Headphones Type None

Sony HT-CT100

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