JBL Home Theatre System

Dear Dr. Jon Wong,

My wife and I are looking for a set of low budget Home Theatre Sound System and we happen to see this JBL ESC 333 Simply Cinema System on demo in this big electronics shop downtown. Questions????

(1) Very much impressed with the sound system i.e. only 5 small satellite speakers, is it only powered by its own subwoofer amplification system?"What Hi-Fi" Magazine given a 4**** Rating For ESC 300 System, What is the difference with this ESC 333 System?How many speakers should be installed, is it the more the merrier for surround sound effects?

(2) Any problem to connect a VCD and DVD player for my present TV, will it have the same cinematic sound effects?Is there a minimum area requirements for Home Theatre Sound System to be set up cos our living room is quite small?

(3) What other things to look out for when looking for a Home Theatre System?

(4) What would u recommend for a budget of S$3,000 (including the VCD and DVD Players)?

Many thanks.

Chris Ang

Hello Chris,

Hi! The ESC333 looks identical to the ESC300. I understand that 333 come equipped with Dolby Digital built in. It also features a 75 watt powered subwoofer, 5 identical satellite speakers, and a credit sized remote control. This is pretty good value for money.

For home theatre, a careful set up process is required regardless of the class of the equipment. Usually, you need a pair as the main speakers (important), one speaker for the centre channel, one pair as the rear surround speakers and the sub woofer. This is a total of 6 speakers. The setting up already can be time consuming because of the environment. The latest is 7 speakers, with a rear central speaker. Believe me it can be hard work setting them properly!

There is no problem using the current TV, usually the sound system is turned off. But, however, do not expect to hear 5 channel sound from the broadcast.

DVD players are very good today as many come with SRS surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, and they play CD and VCD as well. Look at the local offers and make your pick, (but be sure that the player has main out, rear speaker out, sub woofer output and etc.) My suggestion is you must get a player that can play code 1 discs. There aren't many code 3 titles.

Once your system is set, of course, you need some good DVDs! Get the code 1 latest movies, you will be impressed.

For the budget you have, you can buy a pretty good player (below S$1K). Do get the latest models as they may be cheaper and have more facilities. Also, your can have your room air conditioned if it isn’t!! Enjoy!

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