iPhone 3GS from AT&T. Free Shipping
Entered CNET Catalog: 05/18/2004
SKU: SC-HT05
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.Product summary
The good: Cheap; compact A/V receiver/5.1 speaker package; five two-way satellites; powered subwoofer; generous audio connectivity options.
The bad: You supply the DVD player.
The bottom line: This is, hands down, the best cheap 'n' easy HTIB you can buy.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/08/2004
Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.
The Panasonic SC-HT05 includes an A/V receiver and a 5.1 speaker system. Measuring just 17 inches wide, 2.75 inches high, and 11.5 inches deep, the receiver lacks the imposing bulk of most separate models. And since all of the system's amplifiers are located in the subwoofer, the receiver weighs next to nothing: a mere 4.4 pounds.As for the speakers, the 7.5-inch-tall silver plastic satellites and 11.75-inch-wide center speaker rest on integrated stand/bases and feature perforated metal grilles. The matching subwoofer's curved contours and chromed, front-mounted port add a sense of style to the system's overall appearance. The sub measures 8.25 inches wide, 14.25 inches high, and 18.25 inches deep and weighs 25.4 pounds. That's a lot of subwoofer for a budget-priced package.
We'd talk about how user-friendly the setup chores were, but there wasn't much to do. Even before we tweaked the SC-HT05's speaker balances, the system sounded fine. Also, we appreciated that the receiver's nicely organized remote offered on-the-fly control of the subwoofer's volume. As one might expect at this price point, the receiver's surround processing roster includes only the basic three--Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS--but that's all you need to get 5.1-channel surround. Connectivity options are respectable: on top of three stereo inputs and one out, you get one input each for SACD/DVD-Audio and coaxial digital and two optical inputs. On the video side, since the receiver lacks S-Video or component-video options (there are four composite ins and two outs), you'll end up running the cables from the DVD player or the cable box directly to your TV. Again, video switching isn't a feature you'd expect to find in this price class, though SACD/DVD-Audio inputs are a nice bonus.
The Panasonic SC-HT05's satellites and center speaker are two-way designs that use a 2.5-inch woofer and a 2.3-inch, cone-type tweeter. The center speaker uses the same drivers, but in a woofer-tweeter-woofer array. For a $250 package, that's pretty amazing. By comparison, Sony's $600 list DAV-F7C Dream System gets by with just a single 3-inch driver in each of its five satellites.
The subwoofer employs a rear-firing, 6.75-inch woofer and houses all of the system's amplifiers: 35 watts for each of the front and rear left and right speakers; 110 watts for the center speaker; and 140 watts for the sub. These ratings conform to stringent Federal Trade Commission standards, which are rarely quoted by most HTIB manufacturers. The Last Samurai DVD's early "Battle in the Fog" scene humbles most budget HTIBs, but the Panasonic SC-HT05 quickly demonstrated a rare flair for the visceral drama of home-theater sound. The clang of swords, the thunderous rampage of horses, and the blood-and-guts climax were all fearsomely portrayed. Surround effects were spacious and seamlessly integrated with the front speakers. Dialogue was well balanced and fairly natural, and when we checked director Edward Zwick's commentary, his big warm voice belied the dimensions of the tiny speakers. The subwoofer won't rattle your windows--its bass power and definition are only fair--but it's beautifully matched with the satellites.
Moving on to music, Miles Davis's dense fusion workouts on the Bitches Brew CD sounded fine. The master's sleek trumpet dazzled, and the funky rhythm section delivered steadfast grooves. Most HTIBs need the muscle of their 5.1 speaker array to make music palatable, but the Panasonic SC-HT05 sounds fine in stereo--selecting Dolby Pro Logic II surround isn't mandatory. Even hard rock from the Ramones was more than passable. True, once we cranked the volume, we heard the little system straining to kick out the jams, but you'd have to double your budget to outdo the SC-HT05's performance on home theater and music.
Equally adept with DVDs and CDs, the HT05's detailed and lively sound betters Sony's lower-end Dream Systems--and for less money.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 User Rating: 
9/10
Panasonic SC-HT05 Built to last
Pros: Affordable price
Cons: No HDMI input or output
came out and it's still going strong looks
and sounds as good as the day I switch it on
you can not ask for more than that it's Excellent
User Rating: 
3/10
Good sound until it breaks
Pros: Sounds nice for the price.
Cons: My 2nd Panasonic system to break in under one year.
Then suddenly I started up the unit and it spat an error at me something to the effect of "Power Off Now" or something like that. So I powered it off and then switched it back on and within about 30 seconds I start getting "Fan Lock" which is usually a sign of a short at the speaker wires, but despite removing all but one speaker and making very sure it was neatly connected, I couldn't get rid of the error.
On top of that, the main unit was not giving any sort of output be it to the powered subwoofer or the VCR out, even though the level display showed that it was receiving input.
Opened it up and the biggest capacitor had melted all over the circuit board.
In short, this is my second Panasonic system to bite the dust due to a meltdown within the last two years. It was properly protected from surges as well, so that is unlikely to be the culprit. It was also not pushed to the limits so...basically I recommend that unless you don't mind getting an extended warranty and dealing with it, stay away from Panasonic A/V stuff.
User Rating: 
8/10
Loudy and very suitable and good looking in the room.
Pros: Outstanding playlist options; compact design; plenty of fun and home extras
Cons: Should be only 4 speakers sometimes make home noisey.
Kurt Williams.
User Rating: 9/10
Best $125 I've ever spent
Pros: Great value, numerous features, great sound and look
Cons: I didn't buy it earlier
User Rating: 9/10
AWSOME System Must buy
Pros: Everything about it!
Cons: Needs some more Sub Base
User Rating: 9/10
One of the best purchases I've made.
Pros: Cheap, great sound quality
Cons: Remote somewhat confusing, Bass isn't that loud
Man, was I glad that I bought this. The sound quality is amazing when playing my PS2 games and watching DVD's. The only downside is the bass isn't that loud when maxed. But once you turn the overall sound volume up and find the right EQ settings, you will forget about that. I'm still astonished by the sound quality of this product.
Some people say the exclusion of a DVD/ CD player is a Con. I wasn't looking for a player, so this turned out to be a plus for me because of the much cheaper price. I said that the remote layout was somewhat confusing, but being that this is my first HT, its forgivable. Overall, this is one heck of a package if you are not looking for a combo player/ HT setup.
User Rating: 8/10
Great value.
Pros: Fantastic sound for the price, good connectivity, small footprint
Cons: Crummy speaker connections on back of sub, system link cable limits sub placement.
This is the best bang for your buck HTIB on the market. I upgraded from a 300W Philips HTIB that was 2 years old and didn't expect that much of an improvement. Wow, was I wrong. Big, wonderful sound from xbox games and dvd movies. This system also does nice things with non-digital sources.
Get the most out of your DVD's, cable/sat box, and game console. The two fiber optic and one coaxial digital connections are key and should meet the needs of the vast majority of budget technophiles.
Bottom line: this system rocks, perfect if you want a good deal and value is important to you. If this is your first HTIB, you'll be blown away.
Only cons are the speaker connections on the back of the sub are difficult and smallish. Makes using higher gauge speaker wire very problematic.
Also, the system link cable connecting the receiver to the subwoofer is proprietary, making subwoofer placement extremely limited.
User Rating: 9/10
Good If you want HTIB, but...
Pros: Great sound, and the equalizer options do a great job also. All my music from A Tribe Called Quest to Led Zepplin sounds FANTASTIC ON IT!!! Can't wait to pair it with SACD/DVD-A
Cons: Its good for Home Theater in a Box, but its Home Theater in a Box. The amplifier is in the woofer, so plan on upgrading that receiver when you upgrade those speakers, (which sound great to my unsophisticated ears).
User Rating: 9/10
CNET is spot on! Best HTIB for price!
Pros: Quick review: DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II, 600w power! Lots of inputs for it's price. I connected my TV, VCR, DVD, Gamecube, PS2, and Epson Projector at the same time. Incredible sound. And for $250?! Can't beat that.
Cons: There is some stuff you can't control or tweak with the remote, but i guess this happens in many HTIB.
User Rating: 8/10
WOW sums it up!!
Pros: This system does have amazing sound! The system has many inputs to decode DTS/Dolby Digital unlike MANY similar systems that include a DVD player. If you buy this system you won't regret it. I have had similar "All in One" HT systems, and was surprised
Cons: No cons yet
User Rating: 3/10
Took it back to the store next day!
Pros: Sound was fine easy to use and set up.
Cons: Serious lack of connectivity. No tape, CD or phone copnnections. Who would want to buy this product? Not me. It's like buying a car with half of the doors missing. Thumbs down for sure...
User Rating: 
7/10
Bought on strength of review, am not disappointed!
Pros: Wonderfully rich, detailed sound for the price. Well made and designed. Pro-Logic II sounds great with 2-channel stereo sources. Very easy set up.
Cons: Multi-remote doesn't operate any of my other equipment. That's it!
User Rating: 8/10
"Money well spent"
Pros: Great sound and lots of features.
Cons: Setup is a bit complicated. The AM/FM stations can be preset but you must do it from the main unit, not the remote. Get an optical cable and thicker speaker wire.
User Rating: 7/10
Nice HTIB for the price
Pros: Easy setup, decent sound, very good system if you are not an true audio expert/connoisseur. Bought the system in Aug. 04' and have yet to have problem with it!
Cons: Has issues at times trying to pick up the correct audio source. Everything is in the subwoofer unit making it quite heavy.
User Rating: 7/10
Faulty products
Pros: On the pro side this product is reasonably priced and when it works it sounds good.
Cons: A common problem exists that causes the amplifier unit to output loud noises and/or cut-out completely. Panasonic selling faulty units it seems, although they won't admit it.
User Rating: 
6/10
Okay, But
Pros: This is a solid performer for a small room. I purchased it for a small family room that I would spend time at the end of the day. I needed a small system for a small room. This fit the bill. It was easy to setup and I found the wiring straight forward.
Cons: The subwoofer is only adequate. It will add some bottom to the sound, but don't expect the room to move or even quiver. At some point I will upgrade the family room and move this system into the bedroom.
User Rating: 6/10
Random digital input buzz/squeal
Pros: Fantastic sound, fairly easy setup, multiple digital inputs. Great price.
Cons: I also have the digital input buzzes and squeals. Terribly annoying since they're so much louder than a dolby digital soundtrack. I'll be taking the system back tonight and trying a Sony instead if I cannot get a replacement receiver. Just wanted to wa
User Rating: 9/10
This system is awesome for the price. It is perfect for a bedroom which is where I put mine.
Pros: -Awesome Sound -Low Price -Looks very nice! -Quick setup
Cons: -No DVD player, unless you have one already -Subwoofer is huge, size of my computer, although it may also be a good thing -LED's in the subwoofer and receiver turn on when the system is off?! whose Idea was that, then turn off when you turn it on.
User Rating: 
10/10
Very impressive for the Money
Pros: I consider myself a Audiophile snob. I had very little faith in one of these small HTIB. Well, I have to say I am very impressed by this unit. I just wanted something cheep for a small bedroom and this is perfect. Set up was easy, and the sound is very im
Cons: None, people say the speaker cords are thin. Again, for this kind of system I am not so sure thats a draw back. If you think you need it, buy extra. I used a whole 100 feet extra for a small room, for the rear channels alone.
User Rating: 7/10
This is my first HTIB...It's Great!!So far...
Pros: Easy connection and great sound right away. Doesn't have a bulky receiver so that saves some room. Has Am/FM Radio that is easy to use. First movie I played was Spider-Man....Great sound and clarity. Played ESPN 2K5 on a Playstation 2.....the sound was a
Cons: This might be a personal con but the HTIB doesn't come with your basic RCA Cables. Will be switching to digital in the next few weeks.Doesn't have a DVD player, but I already had a progressive scan DVD player.But still, great value.
User Rating: 
1/10
Defective again!
Pros: Great sound for the price
Cons: Returned the 1st one due to random squeals. The second one is better but still squeals although not as much. Occasionally the background music from a movie would sound distorted.
User Rating: 3/10
Another defect and not loud
Pros: Good features such as DTS, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic II. I agree pretty much with the previous comments. Very good overall system when it works.
Cons: Replaced my receiver because of sound problems from the digital coax input. The symptoms were loud high pitched squeals, random loss of sound for about 1 second, and loud sound alternating quickly between left and right channel. Called Panasonic tech. s
User Rating: 7/10
easy setup, quality sound, not loud
Pros: very easy to set up, good price, quality sound
Cons: just not very loud in relation to most 600watt systems seemingly
User Rating: 
5/10
1st Gen Models have Defects
Pros: Sounds great for what you pay...DTS is great.
Cons: Product just released to Canada, I plugged all my things into it, and when using digital inputs I get random loud high pitched clicks and squels. The store I bought it from found the problem too, I've been through 2 systems with the same problem, I'm try
User Rating: 8/10
Superb style and sound at a reasonable price
Pros: For $250, there is currently no better HTIB on the market (as the CNET review states); Dolby Digital and DTS decoding; very easy to setup; Pro Logic II and environmental effects improve 2-channel stereo programs; silver finish is beautiful; treble/bass ba
Cons: Remote control is lackluster (though it does recognize all my A/V equipment); no DVD player (if you don't have one already); will not provide glass-rattling bass; HTIB does not include optical or coax cable for digital sound input
User Rating: 10/10
Great Sound, Dual Optical Ins
Pros: Purchase this for low price and the two optical inputs. Great form-factor and easy to use remote control. Sound is fantastic. Very happy with this purchase.
Cons: None
User Rating: 8/10
For $250, Can't Beat It
Pros: Very nice sound. More than enough power for a small to medium sized room. Overall, a great value... It sounds good, period, not just for a system of its price. It just sounds really nice.
Cons: Sub isn't super powerful (but sounds ok, still). No s-video jacks (the SC-HT07 does have 'em, but not this model). There are a lot of spots on the back, but if you want to hok up a DVD player through an optical plug, you have to plug into the DVR spot a
User Rating: 7/10
For the Money this thing does sound great.
Pros: Easy set up-And great sound.
Cons: Remote is a little flimsy-But if you have a universal--It works out really well.
User Rating: 8/10
Great for a small room or bedroom
Pros: The SC-HT05 is a good value. I wanted 5.1 for the bedroom HDTV. The SC-HT05 sounds good for the bedroom or any small room. In fact its as good as a $2000 Bose Life Styles system. Having both the Bose and Panasonic systems I would have to say I was ripped
Cons: Build in speaker stands do not look good if you want a wall mount.
