Sony DAV-S500 Review

Overall Rating

Cheap at only £350.00 Multi-region

Mad trying to find one in stock at Richer Sounds.

This is a amazing setup piece of kit. The Sony DAVS550 is a bargain at only £350.00 from Richer Sounds Multi-Region Sony shop still selling at 450 region 2. The sound of this kit is awesome full of kicking bass at low volume. The picture quality is good with standard leads.
Completely recommend this system as after listening to my friends Bose Lifestyle 12, this matches the sound but at a cheaper price.
You can save yourself some money too by buying the speaker wall brackets from Currys a deal at only 12.99 per pair in silver.

Members' Comments onSpaceCowboy.'s Review

• Sinbad. on 14th Apr 2003

  I'm looking at replacing my old Panasonic DVD player with either the DAVS550 or a full system with amplifier etc. What I need to know is, if I was to take the DAVS550, am I able to plug other sources into it, eg, Video, SKY etc. so I can benefit from the sound quality?

• BW. on 15th Apr 2003

  Yes, you can connect other equipment to the DAV. It has connections for VCR and satellite through a/v in/out connections as well as a digital optical socket. I have just bought one and it is very impressive.

• Chris Hall. on 25th Apr 2003

  Hmmm. I can't get any bass whatsoever out of my 100w RMS subwoofer. The speaker works, but the bass is dismal - in fact, so bad, I intend to return the system and get my money back. I would expect a nice rumble through my floor at least. Can you give me any advice...Thanks

• Maximus. on 1st May 2003

  Hi, can you tell me if this system plays DVD-R?

• Chris. on 1st May 2003

  Have you tried sticking it in a corner, or at least close to a wall? This should re-inforce the bass from the sub. Also, may seem a stupid question but did you know you can up the sub level on the amp menu? Is it music or movies that are lacking bass. Because as good as the '550' is for watching films, there is no way i would ever consider ditching my stereo for music reproduction.

• Chris Hall. on 2nd May 2003

  Ok OK - I admit that My subwoofer was positioned too close to the TV it seems, and I have moved this away now, towards the back of the room. Yes, I had the sub level turned up to +6 from day 1, and by moving the sub, and the centre speaker to the middle of the room (previously on top of telly) the sound has improved by 200% whilst watching DVD's. Still not quite the bass I would of liked, but not bad, at about 20 volume plus. I have been in contact with Sony about buying either a bigger subwoofer, or a bigger amp - but nothing will work straight forward. Seems I will have to live with it now...

• avalon57. on 5th May 2003

  yes I want one .......but can I disable the macro settings and does it play VCD, and whats it like playing pirate DVDs.

• Chris. on 13th Jun 2003

  If it's only the bass that's disappointing you. Why not buy a separate active sub? As long as it accepts line level inputs (For those who don't know what i'm on about, Line level inputs are used to connect speaker wires from an amp to a sub) Then you will have an active sub with plenty of welly. S'gonna cost you though. I think the best 'sound for pound' ratio sub is an MJ acoustics pro. And last time i checked it's £300!

• Geezer. on 1st Jul 2003

  Whilst the DAVS 550 is a PUKKA looking unit with its brushed stylish design, it really lets itself down on the sub side! I purchased one of these along with a DAVS 400 for the bedroom from Richer Sounds. After comparing the two in the same room i returned the 550 and changed it for another 400. The 550 lacked in bass even when wound up to the maximum. Although the DAVS 400 is an old design it certainly out performs the 550 and doubles up as a fantastic CD player too! At only £230...ITS A BARGAIN !!

• Burr06 on 14th Aug 2003

  does this system have a digital input? Cause i would like to connect my PC to this system via a digital connection ?
  
  And by the way any of you know what the digital cable is like ?? Is it a optical digital cable or just a normal one ??

• david1 on 21st Sep 2003

  can anyone tell me how to connect a davs400 to a sony kv32fx66b t.v? at the moment all I can get is the sound of the dvd through the speakers.I can also play cds, but no picture.Also how do you play the normal tv through the av system?

• SpaceCowboy on 23rd Oct 2003

  After reading all your comments...and the issues with the Bass! I recently had a move around in the front room. I moved the Bass module from the front left corner which had a backdoor/wall to the Right hand side hidden behind a cuboard and moved the sofa back so the rear speakers line up with your head. This has created a more enjoyable viewing and sound experience....causing the room to shake when watching war related movies.....absolutely awesome system. Resently hooked up PS2 with optical connection on back of 550 system and am now enjoying much better sound that way.
  
  
  Pukka!!!