Sony DAV-S800 Reviews
Latest Reviews
“Used this for about 5 year with no problems. Now the...”
Written on: 09/05/2011
Used this for about 5 year with no problems. Now the sound cuts out for no reason - turning off then on or firm tap on the top of the unit restores. The unit has been returned for repair, but not sucessful. Repairer reportrd "dry joints". Would I ever purchase another Sony product? - over priced - poor price / quality ratio - NEVER !!!! (read more)
“Had it since almost 10 years and never had any...”
Written on: 02/01/2011
Had it since almost 10 years and never had any problems with it.
Run well, sounds awesome and nice looking stuff.
Set up is also easy in regards of the room configuration.
Ran lot of VCD ad SVCD home made without problem.
(read more)
“this is by far the worst electrical product i have...”
Written on: 28/12/2010
this is by far the worst electrical product i have never bought. although i have persevered with it for years it has been nothing but trouble from day 1. i have had 3 draw opening issues,2 power button failures and countless episodes of tempremental behaviour. i was lucky enough to find a deal online so didnt pay £800 but still feel very angry at sony for not recognising this product was a white elephant. people have the right to expect more from SONY. they need to be aware that there are... (read more)
“I have just found this system in the cupboard, amazing...”
Written on: 15/11/2010
I have just found this system in the cupboard, amazing thing is, i didnt realise it was there untill a few days ago. When i first saw it, it thought it looked good and easy to set up, now there i was wrong, it took me about half a day to set up and get it running with my xbox. and the wires cannot be hidden easily around the room, But, on the good side, the sound quality is absolutley brilliant! and the surround is working fine, so you really do get the whole cinema feel. I think this is a... (read more)
“Sony should be closed down. The second product that is...”
Written on: 16/10/2009
Sony should be closed down. The second product that is a shoddy rip off.
I will NEVER buy Sony again and will use my blog to repeat this mantra too.
(read more)
“I will never buy Sony again ”
Written on: 01/09/2009
I will never buy Sony again
Bought this Sony DAV-S800 at the same time as I bought my Sony TV. The speaker system broke twice within 3 years - both times the sound went.
TV lasted 5 years - fortunatley it was the only time I've ever bought an extended warrenty and it was still in by 2 months!!
Left with useless speakers because you can't upgrade the DVD player to a newer model - all the connectors are proprietary and unique to this model - so the only option is to buy a complete new...
(read more)
“Having spent only £120 on the Sony DAV-S800 system...”
Written on: 31/03/2009
Having spent only £120 on the Sony DAV-S800 system (2nd hand) I have to admit..the sound quality is superb with my ps3. The optical input is definitely a major plus point. Is people can find this for around 150..I would say its a very good deal! (read more)
“Over all, the Sony DAV-S800 is a great system, the...”
Written on: 16/01/2009
Over all, the Sony DAV-S800 is a great system, the look and feel of it give it that "waw" factor that alot of other "plastic feeling" units lack. I know alot of people have had problems with it, my systems about 6 years old now, maybe 7, and its on almost every day, it has never broke down. Altho the heat production is worrying. (read more)
“going to cut my loss and "upgrade" to a media...”
Written on: 27/10/2008 by Pipe (1 review written)
going to cut my loss and "upgrade" to a media streamer! Cost me £800 a few years back Picky on what type of media it would play, ie home burnt movies etc. tesco dvd player ( £30) would play these no problems getting really peeved with it now. Really great sound though. (read more)
“Despite the reviews on your site, (touch wood), I have...”
Written on: 14/10/2008
Despite the reviews on your site, (touch wood), I have had no problems with my system yet. The only problem (creaky DVD loading draw) was because my 2 year old daughter leant on it! I have found the build quality, performance and reliability perfect. No grumbles. It has withstood 3 house moves and several room layout changes, all with no problems. Did you know that 80% of dissatissfied people will tell someone about the problem, yet only 20% of people who are satisfied will tell anybody -... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 36 Reviews
“Reading all the poor reviews on the Sony DAV-S800 I...”
Written on: 05/07/2008 by pushover0 (1 review written)
Reading all the poor reviews on the Sony DAV-S800 I can only agree this machine is over priced and hugely disappointing. Its totally unreliable and is too expensive too repair...too expensive to get rid of but now im tempted.. It obviously has design faults and Sony should have recalled the product. Like everyone else i would never buy a Sony product again. (read more)
“At around £900 when I bought the Sony DAV-S800, I...”
Written on: 01/04/2008 by Disgruntled Sony Owner
At around £900 when I bought the Sony DAV-S800, I expected more of a Sony product. Over the years I have had several TVs and music centres for various rooms and have not been as disappointed with them as I have with this. That said, on the music centre I purchased about 10 years ago, 1 of the speakers failed after about 5 years which perhaps surprisingly led me to buy this unit which is now effectively a piece of contemporary furniture and little else. (read more)
“Had the Sony DAV-S800 for over 5 years. LHF speaker...”
Written on: 22/03/2008
Had the Sony DAV-S800 for over 5 years. LHF speaker connection went during first year, repaired under warranty. Then CDs refused to play! Repaired, but seriously came close to getting rid of it as it was not cheap to repair! Now, the RH rear speaker occasionally cuts out, although a "hiss" can still be heard. I just bang the unit and it comes back on! Not prepared to get this repaired and I'm just gonna run it into the ground. Never buy sony home cinema again. (read more)
“Buying this product would lead me to believe that you...”
Written on: 15/12/2007
Buying this product would lead me to believe that you do not always get what you pay for and that perhaps by paying less for a different brand you will not lose out on quality. Seems like Sony may be trading on it's name and not it's product. Definitely not recommended. (read more)
“Overall I have been completely happy with my Sony S800...”
Written on: 25/09/2007 by pacfreeman (1 review written)
Overall I have been completely happy with my Sony S800 system. Just about to remove the speaker stands and wall mount as part of room decoration. (read more)
“I bought this very shortly after it first came out and...”
Written on: 01/03/2007 by Lucky Dick (1 review written)
I bought this very shortly after it first came out and paid a price to get a system that did it all. The test of time proved that I was a mug! This is not a great system and could be beaten by much cheaper systems. That said, this would be a great second hand bargain for anyone on a budget as they are as good as valueless. Engineered so you can't fix it yourself. This was my last new Sony product. (read more)
Bmolle's Response to Lucky Dick's Review
Written on: 27/08/2007
I found this review helpful because it describes just the same problems. I'm not alone!!!
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445269_Ashfi's Response to Lucky Dick's Review
Written on: 03/03/2009
I have also lost the bespoke speaker cables ( really its the connectors to the back of the box that are bespoke) does anyone know where to get some or come up with a solution?
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“Sony could have done some more improvements with the...”
Written on: 17/04/2006 by snathalal (2 reviews written)
Sony could have done some more improvements with the DAV-S800. There are huge mechanical and software related problems with this unit.
I will not recommend any one to buy this, or any other Sony products for that matter.
(read more)
Pushover0's Response to snathalal's Review
Written on: 05/07/2008
I agree with this review because its exactly the same as my problems...
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“Having saved for a new TV for 2 years, I finally...”
Written on: 18/02/2006 by powder monkey (1 review written)
Having saved for a new TV for 2 years, I finally collected it this week. I connected up my Sony DAV-S800 last night, and have for the first time in four years experienced the same problem as others. The machine is rarely used, as we have been waiting for a TV for this room. I notices that someone has just had theirs repaired for £60.00. Where did you get it fixed? There is no way I can scrap this system (£800.00) for something that has spent nearly two years in a box. It is outrageous!
Can...
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“After 3 years home entertainment with the Sony...”
Written on: 28/11/2005 by uamyint
After 3 years home entertainment with the Sony DAV-S800 DVD Home Cinema System the power button started to fail. My local Sony Service center cannot fix it within the one year's period. Fortunately within a week's time one of repair shops can mend the problem.
For such expensive equipment it should last longer than this!
(read more)
“I got the C-81 error on my Sony DAV-S800 HE dvd home...”
Written on: 18/07/2005 by OkanB (1 review written)
I got the C-81 error on my Sony DAV-S800 HE dvd home cinema system after playing a CD yesterday. I could not retrive the CD and it is still in the box! Can anyone advise me what to do? Repeated turn on/offs of the gadget gave no results and I was on the verge of breaking the damn thing! Is this Sony quality? I hope not! It's more than 3 years old now, and warranty does no longer cover it. (read more)
202980_Danr's Response to OkanB's Review
Written on: 22/07/2005
This happened to me this morning . Is it the weather?! The manual says the C31 error code means that the disc is not insered correctly. I can only imagine what a C81 stands for. Can anyone advise? Thanks.
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303208_Foxi Maxi's Response to OkanB's Review
Written on: 07/08/2007
Fix C-81 problem:
<br/>On the rear side of the DVD board connected to the DVD drive is a power transistor Q002 that is shorted BASIS-EMITTER. The device is an Toshiba 2SA1213Y (PNP transistor). Replace and your DVD works. price $1!
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Showing 11 - 20 of 36 Reviews
“Please, please, please, can someone help me. The...”
Written on: 05/06/2005 by Kalanisi (1 review written)
Please, please, please, can someone help me. The ddvd/cd door of my
Sony DAV-S800 goes on a "no go" after a while and c-81 error is shown on led. If I turn the system off, unplug and then turn it all back on it goes back to normal. However it happened over an hour and now the unplugging of system is not resolving the issue. Please can someone out there help me.
I too, am very much interested in complaining to Sony. This is ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(read more)
“This product is a joke from Sony, They obviously know...”
Written on: 07/01/2005 by SonySUX (1 review written)
This product is a joke from Sony, They obviously know very well that it's a FIASCO and MUST offer all of us a FREE upgrade to a model that WORKS!
PLEASE WRITE HERE AND GATHER VOTES TO FORCE SONY TO RECOGNISE THIS MODEL DESIGN FAILURES.
Thanks
(read more)
“Very good sound decoding quality. Wathing a DVD with...”
Written on: 04/01/2005 by alpolini (1 review written)
Very good sound decoding quality. Wathing a DVD with DTS or THX is very impressive.
Unfortunately the DAV-S800 system is not loud enough (volume is limited for over heating).
Front left speaker does not work time to time.
No sound input is possible due to a fault with my system.
I regret not extending the warranty when purchasing the system 3 years ago.
(read more)
“Bought the Sony DAV-S800 system a couple of years ago...”
Written on: 09/11/2004 by stewbag (1 review written)
Bought the Sony DAV-S800 system a couple of years ago and initially had no problems. I had an S Video connection to my TV. The Video 1 setting to my VCR and the Video 2 (Digital Cable) connected to my XBOX to enable Dolby 5.1 surround on my games. This I highly reccomend - the quality of sound on some of the games is fantastic and obviously the DVD sound is superb as well.
After a while my problems started.. initially the unit stopped picking up sound from my XBOX, or would start...
(read more)
“I've now owned the DAVS800 for 2 and a half years. My...”
Written on: 25/07/2004 by CanaryBoy (1 review written)
I've now owned the DAVS800 for 2 and a half years. My first DVD player, I purchased it also, to replace my bulky but excellent sounding 1985 Technics separates hi-fi set up in my living room.
First off, CD quality is nothing special. I was warned of this by the salesman but, as I don't have the volume too loud, this has not proved to be too much of a problem. Also, when playing CDs, I like to take the sub down a bit so as to avoid booming bass line in the music!
When playing DVDs, the unit...
(read more)
“Well ”
Written on: 09/12/2003 by khaledabolnaga (1 review written)
Well
after almost a year the Sony DAV-S800 dvd player started triggering its PROTECT feature (over heating protection mechanism) so it shuts itself off if the sound volume is over half ! ONLY using a loud DVD film in! say satwars at a climax scene
it SUCKS
Now the left speaker goes on protect on its own after few seconds of playing from cold! status
may be its a bad soldering joint inside because if I play with the connector at back it works momentarily
but it is definitely a heat related...
(read more)
Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 30/12/2003
It was interesting to read that you are having the same problem as I am. At present the volumn of the front LH speaker drops right down and by playing with the plug it will come back on for a short while, Mine is 18 months old and as I am an Electrical engineer I have opened it up to see if there was a dry solder joint, but without success. Now you have mensioned the overheating issue I will look at some form of cooling, as although it is not hot in the UK this time of year the central heating is on!
<br>If you have found out any more since your post I would welcome some information and I will do likewise.
<br>Regards Kelvin
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Daecross's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 07/03/2004
I have had my machine nearly 2 years, and am now experiencing loss of sound in front left speaker soon after playing a CD/DVD. Interested to read folks have had similar problems. Anyone been able to fix the problem, since it is very very annoying !! Any help appreciated.
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 08/03/2004
Unfortunatly I\'m still looking for a solution!
<br>Sony only point me in the direction of their repair and services agents, but I\'m not happy to pay. I think I\'m going to end up putting a soldering iron across the pcb to at least make sure it is not a dry joint. I\'ve got nothing to loose!!!
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Daecross's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 09/03/2004
Thanks for update. Did you ever try a fan ? Did this work ? Please keep me informed if you have any success. Many thanks. Good luck
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 10/03/2004
Sorry, but I haven\'t got round to trying the Fan,
<br>I\'m sure that a bad solder joint is the problem because why can I sometimes get the sound back by playing with the plug! Soldering Iron first I think and if this don\'t work, my next step will be the Fan. I will advise if successful!
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Khaledabolnaga's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 16/03/2004
2 more bugs
<br>Lately:
<br>1-I was away for a month, So DAV-S800 was all resting for a while now, and now When I play Any CD from COLD, all indicators show it is playing but there is no Sound!!, then by second or third track!, Sounds just comes out!...
<br>Then If I try again (WARM NOW) It works fine, Next day same scenario... Whats going on??? any idea.. Im starting to loose faith in the Quality alltogether of it.
<br>
<br>2- The Optical Cable Infra red connection at the back, I started to use that a while ago as Video2 input from my Humax VACI-5300 Digital Satellite Decoder and it worked fine for a while, definetly crisper cleaner sound for all my Radio and TV channels + Dolby works when it is Broadcasted (rare TV stations) but its cool and it works.
<br>Now, when I switch from one TV or Radio channel to next, sound goes mute! (which used to happen and was OK with me if mute for 1 sec. or so) but now it takes few good 5 seconds !!
<br>which makes it all un-practical to use with a TV Decoder!
<br>IT JUST TAKES TOO LONG TO REGISTER THAT THERE IS A SIGNAL
<br>
<br>NOW CORRECT ME HERE IF IM WRONG:
<br>I have a feeling that the two points above are related...
<br>Somewhere in the design if there is a circuit that mutes sound until DIGITAL signal is detected...
<br>this circuit is taking longer and longer to register the DIGITAL signal in...
<br>
<br>weather from the CD (PROBABLY internaly connected DIGITALY) or from back infra red Optical input (OBVIOUSLY DIGITAL).
<br>
<br>PS: WHY I SAY DIGITAL?
<br>Because When I tried to reconnect VIDEO2 input with my older COAXIAL R + L BNC Connectors alone (Good old ANALOG SIGNAL of course) works just fine! again with swiching channels, mute back to 1 or less second.. (probably from the original source... no mute is needed in that case, as it is usually the DIGITAL circuitry that makes an annoying loud noise if DIGITAL SIGNAL IS CUT OR NOT CONTINEOUS, TRUST ME ON THAT ONE..
<br>
<br>Let me know your openion guys!!
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149357_Tonyjohnson's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 27/03/2004
I am also having the LH speaker no volume problem, are there any solution or is it time to bin it ??
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 26/04/2004
Tony, How long have you had your DAV-S800?
<br>I have still not got round to putting a soldering Iron across the LH pcb plug connections.
<br>If I get a result I will let you all know.
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Stevo555's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 17/10/2004
My DAVS-800 has started playing up with the left hand speaker cutting out about 10 minutes after switching on. My father-in-law had exactly the same problem too - he was unable to get it fixed so he bought a new system.
<br>
<br>KJFreeman or Tony - have you had any joy in getting yours fixed? Particularly interested in whether you got anywhere with the soldering iron KJF?
<br>
<br>I really don't want to have to replace my system - because it's been great up to this point.
<br>
<br>Curious though - if so many people have a problem with the front left speaker cutting out then it suggests a design flaw or manufacturing defect? Can't the manufacturer do anything to help people who suffer from these types of problems?
<br>
<br>I would appreciate your feedback.
<br>
<br>Thanks, Stephen.
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Dbrimley's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 18/10/2004
My Left Front Speaker output from the unit has stopped working as well. Also like other reviewers here, if I twiddle with the connector the sound comes back for a while but then goes again. It is definitely the PCB or connectors on it. I've tested different speakers and different wire into the Left Front socket and get the same results. I've had the unit for just under 2 years.
<br>
<br>Has anybody tried the solder fix or the fan fix ?
<br>
<br>This is obviously a manufacture issue if it is affecting so many of us and like everyone else I get no help from Sony, simply referrals to a repair agent who wants to charge forty quid just to look inside.
<br>
<br>Sony should be providing this fix free of charge.
<br>
<br>I'm going to get some names together and approach Sony, so please contact me. The more people we can band together the better our chances of a suitable outcome, as in my mind Sony should not be building kit that gives up after a couple of years.
<br>
<br>Oh and I also get the C13 Disc is Dirty problem as well. This also seems to be a common manufacture fault and is nothing to do with Dirty Discs at all, but apparently has something to do with the Laser losing alignment.
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Daecross's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 18/10/2004
Hi all,
<br>
<br>Never fixed problem with LHS speaker cutting out, but have found that a desk-top fan blowing into a machine keeps it cool and prevents this from occuring. Bit of a pain, but it works.
<br>
<br>Darren
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Khaledabolnaga's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 19/10/2004
I Finally had the courage to open one DAV S800
<br>AND THE MOMENT YOU LOOK AT THE BACK OF THE PCB YOU CAN SEE THE BROKEN SOLDER JOINTS
<br>It's a mechanical + Bad solder fit combined, that after heating up, the solder cracks away due to mechanical pressure of the back speaker connector part
<br>I re-soldered the bad broken joints, The LHS speaker problem disappeared for a week, then back again, same problem, so its either we fix it and after that don't let it heat up again (use a fan) or ??? Bin it!
<br>The other problem I'm starting to see with a lot of people now is the SOUND OF DVD/CD UNIT does not come out at all.. MUTE!
<br>GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
<br>contact me at kal@khaledabolnaga.com
<br>Thanks
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Daecross's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 20/10/2004
Please include me if lobbying Sony. I tried a while back to raise issue with Sony and flagged up the fact that many people are experiencing this problem, but their response was not helpful, as shown below..
<br>
<br>'Sony United Kingdom Limited does not encourage the use of forum sites for the discussion of complaints of this nature. We are more than willing to reply to customers on an individual basis when their experiences are brought to our attention but are not willing to reply when standard text has been used by a number of people.
<br>
<br>I am sorry to read that you are experiencing problems with your DAVS800. Regrettably, via e-mail, I am unable to offer a diagnosis. I therefore recommend that you seek the assistance of a Sony authorised service agent.'
<br>
<br>..It is clearly a design fault, and probably caused by lack of a simple internal cooling fan. Anyway, a fan does do the trick, so at least I can get some value from this machine whilst I save up for a new one.
<br>
<br>Cheers.
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 20/10/2004
Hi all,
<br>Good to hear the fan has worked, I have resined to only using mine for DVD's and turning up the TV to compensate for the muted sound. Bad solusion but don't have the time to resolve!!
<br>I have drawn a blank with Sony but would be interested if anyone else gets anywhere. Add me in to the list of unhappy customers.
<br>Kelvin
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Rhobden's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 29/12/2004
Having had this exact problem for sometime now I decided to see if anyone else had the same problem. Suffice to say that by typing in "speaker problem DAV S800" I found countless forums of people with exactly the same issue.
<br>
<br>I can't believe Sony can't fix this for free, having had the unit for only two years now, especially when so many people have experienced the same problem.
<br>
<br>Conclusion has been to ditch it and get me a new system - not a Sony one!
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Alpolini's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 04/01/2005
I had this system for three years and have been ignoring the problem but I am just about to purchase a plasma TV without speakers and will be using the DAV S800 as the sound output for Digital TV. I initially had a problem with the front left speaker like most people here but it seems to be OK now. I will have to keep an eye (or ear) on it to see if it's a problem that comes back as it heats like others said. My problem is with the INPUT signal. Apart from DVD playback, no other sound is possible from the system. Video1, 2 and Radio do not work. There is a loud distortion sound (at full level) like fast inconsistent heartbeat and makes it impossible to concentrate on the actual sound I need in the background. Any views or help on this one????
<br>
<br>Reading all the comments and being an engineer myself, I found the courage to open it as well. There seems to be no problem with the soldering (as far as I can see) but there are sticky tapes and white glue on the circuit boards. I presume this was done by the people who turned the system into a MULTI REGION mode. They might have also ruined something whilst doing that?! Also on the power circuit board, the device - I think it's a RESISTOR or TRANSFORMER (yellow one in the middle)- is giving a buzzing sound during playback, standby and even for a while after turning off the power. Could this be related to the problem??
<br>
<br>Finally, the system is not loud enough, any idea how to remove the limit of the volume or is this possible??
<br>
<br>Thanks and good luck to us all.......ALP
<br>
<br>P.S. If there will be a campaign against Sony for repairing the system for free, I am in.
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Dgm73's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 28/01/2005
Well, looks like I've joined the club!! Had mine for just under 3 years and stumbled upon the problem with the front left channel while running a THX Optimizer on a DVD I had. Just contacted Sony via support, but that was before I thought of seeing if anyone else had the problem, otherwise I would have mentioned it.
<br>
<br>I'll definitely join in any complaint to Sony to try to get this sorted, so put me on the list of disgruntled customers too.
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Bobscott's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 25/02/2005
I've started experiencing the left hand front speaker cut-out problem with my DAVS800. I find that fiddling with the cable to that speaker fixes it temporarily. But very annoying - if this gets too annoying I'll have to ditch this system and buy a non-Sony system. Good luck all
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Trevor Hirst's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 10/06/2005
I purchased a £800 DAVS800 from a Sony Centre, 2 months out of the 12 month warranty it developed excessive speaker hiss.
<br>Sony UK recommended a repair centre (owned by this Sony Centre).They took 3 months to try and fix it but said it was not possible to repair it plus If I wanted it back I had to pay £30.
<br>I complained to Sony UK, they told me to take it to a independant company who eventually managed to repair it after 2 months.
<br>Last week, it died with "protect" on the screen. Sony said it was a major component failure.
<br>I explained that the system was only 2.5 years old.
<br>Sony UK said it was nothing to do with them, take it up with the Sony Centre which I did.
<br>The Sony centre said tough, buy a new one. I argued re Sony premium prices re quality etc and "fit for the use off etc"
<br>The reply from the Sony Centre was "see you in court", get out of my shop.
<br>Will I ever buy a Sony product again NO
<br>Will I ever recommend a Sony product NO
<br>Basically its well marketed junk
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Capaburro's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 30/08/2005
I have the same problems, together with a lot of other people here in Belgium and Holland.
<br>
<br>Sony does not reply to our letter we sent.
<br>
<br>You can add me too to your list of unhappy customers.
<br>
<br>thnx
<br>greets
<br>capa
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Paul Marie's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 05/09/2005
I have just taken my machine into the shop where I bought it from 2.5 years ago. Again the front left speaker only works for a short time if you fiddle with it. will let you know the outcome.
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209738_Pierreb's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 11/09/2005
My DAV-S800 front left speaker fails.
<br>Sony Belgium suggest me to have it repaired in a Sony Repair Shop.
<br>It is quite a surprise to me to read that so many people heve experienced the same problem.
<br>Did anyone fix this problem successfully? How?
<br>
<br>Or do I just need to buy another one?
<br>
<br>PierreB
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 10/10/2005
Hi all,
<br>Sorry for the long period of silence.
<br>Still no real change.
<br>Tried a fan from a PC PSU mounted on top of unit (no room inside) but didn't work.
<br>One day I will have a go with the soldering Iron.
<br>What would be interesting to know from everyone with the problem is, do you (or did you until the problem started like me) leave the unit on standby 24/7. This would clear up the issue of component or solder joint breakdown as the LHS connections are closest to the Power supply unit which appears to give of a large amount of heat even under standby mode.
<br>Please let me know.
<br>Kelvin
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Capaburro's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 11/10/2005
When it's not turned on, it's in standby mode.
<br>I got the problem 1 week after the warranty (1 year).
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Paul Marie's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 11/10/2005
I have had my DVD player fixed. Apparently the circuit board was cracked. This he said was possibly because the circuit board is fixed. As the top left speaker (front left) is the closest, if any strain is put on the speaker leads this will be the first to go. Any way, all working now but my pocket is £59 lighter.
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Daecross's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 16/10/2005
Hi all,
<br>
<br>Found that a medium sized desk fan clipped to side of machine cools enough to prevent loss of left speaker. Not great solution, but it works well. Also spoils good looks of machine having fan bolted onto side. But can't afford new machine, so will have to do.
<br>
<br>I leave my machine on standby and it is OK, but switch on and even with nothing playing, the front speaker soon loses sound.
<br>
<br>Cheers.
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Rayrod's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 08/01/2006
Well! Well! Surprise! Surprise! Another Sony DAVS800 front left speaker bites the dust! I've had my system for 4 years now and was about to contact Sony with regards to a solution BUT having come up with this site I already feel dejected. If so many people are having the same problem IT MUST BE poor manufacturing especially if strategically placing a fan is the solution.
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Bodgitt's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 25/03/2006
Hi All, my left front speaker has stopped working after 2.5 years too. Anyone know a better make of the equivalent system? I just need the machine as the speakers seem ok. Can't be bothered with sony again having read your comments.
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 21/04/2006
SUCCESS! Finally got round to opening up the box and removing the amplifier circuit board to have a close look at the soldering. And there it was a broken solder joint on the front left socket. (Tried to take a photo to post with this but couldn’t get a good quality picture). Re-soldered the joint, put the circuit board back and the unit works good as new.
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Deks's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 16/05/2006
Hey KJFreeman I to opened up my system and soldered some dodgy soldering but I still get the same problem regarding the left front speaker. My system also has another problem where all of a sudden the centre speaker goes low (almost off) and then comes back on after a while and this happens randomly. Any ideas what could be causing this?
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Kjfreeman's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 22/05/2006
deks, I only soldered the speaker sockets back onto the pcb, the dry joint was evident by a crack all round the socket leg. I would suggest you have another look at these soldered joints for the LHS and Centre speakers. Sorry can't be anymore help, but mine is still working fine!!
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Gero2510's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 31/01/2008
Speaker drop outs may result from dry solder joints on individual channels.<br/><br/>I figured that the most probable reason for dropouts is the fact of individual amplifiers shutting off because of unstable power supply. In my case the stabilizing condensator next to the 4-wire power cable showed dry solder joints on both ends (next to the front left amplifier). Resoldering this one solved the problem.<br/><br/>If you are more adventurous, you could also replace the power cable including connectors by a thicker one, and replace or enlarge the stabilizing condensators on both ends of the cable (they might be ageing).<br/><br/>Hope this helps
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Capaburro's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 31/01/2008
hello,<br/><br/>could you contact me through mail please ?<br/>Maybe you could provide me with some pictures of what you did.<br/>(mail= cpd_318@hotmail.com)<br/><br/>thnx in advance<br/>
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Bobscott's Response to khaledabolnaga's Review
Written on: 01/02/2008
I ditched my DAVS800 DVD player over a year ago because of the front/left speaker problem and instead bought a Yamaha amp/receiver (about £150) and a used powered sub woofer (Mission I think - 90 quid). I am using the DAVS800 corner speakers and centre speaker in this set-up with great results! Far better than the sound from the DAVs800. I'll never buy all in one again.
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“I bought my Sony DAV-S800 home cinema system only 18...”
Written on: 24/11/2003 by zukkster (1 review written)
I bought my Sony DAV-S800 home cinema system only 18 months ago. Just after I'd had it a year I had a few problems where I put a disc in and no sound came out, but this went away if you took the disc out and cleaned it. Then last month the sound wemt completely. My local store said they'd seen this problem before and were confident they could fix it. They can't, it's dead. (read more)
“I was lured into buying this system when I heard it...”
Written on: 26/02/2003 by ROLAND.
I was lured into buying this system when I heard it being demonstrated in the store. Then I realized that it could have been because of the demo DVD. I bought one, then after three months I noticed that I had a hard time playing audio cds (it paused/freezed). I need a small fan so it will not heat up. (read more)
“Got a DAV-C900 and it broke 2 months later. Had to...”
Written on: 25/01/2003 by AvoidSony.
Got a DAV-C900 and it broke 2 months later. Had to send it in for repair (I had to pay the $25 shipping cost, that's wrong). A year later, it's dead again. While I loved it when it worked, it didn't work very well. Disc transport mechanism is slow, noisy and unreliable. This is the fourth Sony product I've had bad luck with. I didn't buy this one, but I feel bad that my Dad wasted so much money on a Christmas present for me that he thought was a quality product coming from a reputable... (read more)
“It has dealt with every type of CD & DVD that I have...”
Written on: 13/01/2003 by Steve B.
It has dealt with every type of CD & DVD that I have fed to it (mine is the multiregion version). An excellent system all round. (read more)
Jcrep.'s Response to 64979_Steve B.'s Review
Written on: 31/05/2003
Hello! I,m portuguese and i have a dav s800 but i don´t now if the dvd is multi-rigion. Can you tell me how can i see.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 36 Reviews
“When I purchased this unit I was looking forward to...”
Written on: 05/11/2002 by MrXofNY.
When I purchased this unit I was looking forward to getting it and setting it up. Then it broke down on me after on about 2 months more like 1 month and a half. The DVD/CD changer is noisy and that is what broke down on me. DVD/CD's would freeze after playing for only a few seconds and I could not eject the disc. Considering it was $999 at the time I was completely disappointed. I definitely would not recommend this unit. (read more)
75287_Victor.'s Response to 48390_MrXofNY.'s Review
Written on: 24/02/2003
Same story on my dav-s800: error c-81, no movement in the machine after only 6 months of use. Can anyone in the Sony-company five a reaction on this phenomenon !?#@?
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“I am very happy that I bought this stylish and compact...”
Written on: 25/08/2002 by Keerthi W.
I am very happy that I bought this stylish and compact SONY DAV S800 Home Theatre System. It satisfies most of my expectations from a sound system. It does not eat-up much space and will nicely fit into a small/medium size room. And to mention the least, it's surround sound capabilities (Dolby Digital and Dolby Prologic) will definitely make you fall in love with this product.
Though it is still a very short time since I bought it, I think it is a good investment and I would be glad to...
(read more)
41134_Carol.'s Response to Keerthi W.'s Review
Written on: 02/10/2002
i am comparing the Sony DAV S500 vs S800. In a review at www.whatvideotv.com they write about adjusting the bass through the set up menus. i thought this would be helpful for the person setting the review to get the best from his system. It also corrects their information.
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“The Sony DAV-S800 DVD home cinema system is pretty...”
Written on: 21/07/2002 by fogi.
The Sony DAV-S800 DVD home cinema system is pretty good for DVD movies and watching films that are brodcast on terrestial TV and satellite. It really does bring Prologic to life. The 5.1 performance is extremely good. If it is on the disc, this system will deliver it with very pleasing results. Surround sound effect are fast and precise. The subwoofer surprisingly performs very well with movies. I have not noticed any bass boom.
If you are looking for a system to play your CDs on you might...
(read more)
“I decided to buy one of these Sony DAV-S800 DVD player...”
Written on: 17/03/2002 by Bulkybren.
I decided to buy one of these Sony DAV-S800 DVD player systems as a replacement for both my Hi Fi and existing DVD player. The setup was very easy, though as they have custom connectors I dread the speaker cables ever becoming damaged at the plug end. The unit itself is sleek and very sexy, compared to other home cinema systems it's very small.
It interfaces well with both my video and Minidisc player, though I will have to splash out quite a bit if I ever want to connect a turntable. ...
(read more)
“Beware. I have the DAV-C900 and it has broken down...”
Written on: 15/01/2002 by RichC.
Beware. I have the DAV-C900 and it has broken down after 3 months with the dreaded "no disc" error that seems to plague Sony players. It will not recognize DVDs into the system and Sony has done nothing to address this problem and does not acknowledge it. (read more)
“The Sony DAV S800 DVD player is, on the whole, a...”
Written on: 06/01/2002 by Simon.
The Sony DAV S800 DVD player is, on the whole, a desirable and well designed piece of kit.
The most striking thing about the system is its lovely silver speakers/stand design - however, I think this may be the reason for its one limitation. In my experience I find that mid-tone is quite lacking and thus the treble dominates - probably due to the small speaker design. This actually is not so noticeable when playing DVDs but is annoyingly obvious with audio CDs - one of my reasons for the...
(read more)
Khaledabolnaga's Response to 8719_Simon.'s Review
Written on: 28/02/2005
This system is RUBBISH!
<br>It breaks down in few months.
<br>First left speaker stops then it does not play CD's then NO DVD's either.
<br>GRRRRRRR
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overview
Top 5 Home Cinema Systems
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
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Bmolle's Response to Lucky Dick's Review
Written on: 24/08/2007
Hi there, I have the same problem as many have described: sometimes the left speaker gives no sound. With a hard bang on the machine it turns on again. I have this set since it came out, but I don't want to spend any money for a professional repair and I don't want to buy a new set yet...Any tips on how to prevent the banging?