So you want a complete packaged system that does the lot and actually sounds good ? Not much choice really, this Yamaha system is the only pack around that has the following -

• DVD-Audio Playback

• MP-3 Playback

• DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW Playback

• Progressive Scan Video Output (NTSC)

• 54MHz Video DAC

• 192kHz / 24 Bit Audio DAC

• 6.1 Decoding (Phantom Mode)

• Built in 205 Watt Amp. (33 Watts X 5 plus 40 Watts for subwoofer - Not sure what Watts though)

• Built in AM/FM Tuner with 40 Pre Set Stations

    The DVD Player in this thing is so good it would command around $1000 as a stand alone unit, indeed, with its pre-outs and Digital Outputs, I can see this being upgraded as funds allow. The video output on this unit is nothing short of fantastic, way better than any all-in-one system should be. Audio is as good as the restrictions on amplifier and dynamics allow, Yamaha, being masters of the small sub / satellite systems, have managed to squeeze an amazing amount of sound from this tiny speaker array. Sure, it's no substitute for a couple of big floor standers and a 12" subwoofer but the clarity and depth are outstanding.

    The caveat, as with all these types of systems, being the size of the room. I reckon anything bigger than 6 X 5 metres and it'd start to struggle a bit. In our demo room which is 5 X 4.5 metres the sound is as good as I've heard for $2000, the highs don't have that nasty sibilance which affects the Sony, Panasonic and JVC packages when the going gets rough and you can actually listen to music without the cringe factor. Talking of music, the sound on DVD-A is intriguing, the separation and diction is great but there is a slight lack of depth when compared to normal stereo or synthesized surround, a moot point really considering the (lack) of DVD-A material available - ever get the feeling DVD-A and SACD is a load of overpriced crap? Interestingly though, Queens "Night at the Opera" in DTS 96 / 24 sounds great mmmmm, I wonder?

    Bottom Line - This is the best of the packaged systems currently available and is really the first of the truly upgradeable units, i.e. you can add power amps, upgrade speakers and be sure you're getting the best video signal. At $1999 it's not the cheapest, but the best rarely is.