Favorite CD Recorder: Pioneer PDR-609
This is my personal favorite CD recorder. This is a single-well machine with both digital and analog inputs, great record synchro function, easy to hook-up and use. Does a great job recording from analog sources, such as Turntables or Audio Cassette Decks. Great tool for preserving your old vinyl on CD. A great buy.
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Favorite CD Player/Changer: Denon DCM-370
While most manufacturers are introduce new CD changer models every year, the DCM-370 is so good that it has remained in Denon's product line for over a year. This unit is a full-featured 5 disc CD changer. However, with most CD players having 16-Bit D/A converters, the Denon has twin 18-Bit converters. Also, this changer will also play HDCD-encoded CDs (see link in related resouces at the end of this article). HDCD-encoded discs have more depth and warmth. Regular CDs also sound better as well. If you want a high-end CD changer for a moderate price, this unit is worth the look.
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Favorite TV Combo Concept: Panasonic PV-SS2710
The PV-SS2710 integrates a 27" TV and a hard disk video recorder. You can perform your own "instant replays" or record up to 30 hours of programming for viewing later. You can also use this unit to record your favorite TV shows according to theme or subject. If the phone rings, just hit the record button and catch up on what you missed later. If you go on vacation, the 30 hour capacity is more than enough to record all of your favorite shows. No more tapes to rewind, label, and fill up needed shelf space. If your hard drive fills up you can either copy unviewed contents to a standard VCR, or just erase the hard drive for reuse. This may just be the perfect "timeshifter" for many consumers. Definitely worth checking out.
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Favorite Home Theater-In-A-Box System: Kenwood HTB-504
If you arleady have a DVD player, this inexpensive, but feature-packed, system may be for you. The package consists of a fully functional Dolby Digital/DTS AV receiver. However, it also includes the new Dolby Pro-Logic II decoder, which will create a surround sound environment from any two-channel music or movie source. Power output is a respective 100X5 WPC and also comes all speakers including a 100-Watt Subwoofer. Definitely worth the look and listen.
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Favorite Mid-Line AV Receiver: Yamaha HTR-5490
This is my top choice for the best moderately-priced AV receiver. The Yamaha HTR-5490 (and its twin: RX-V1200) not only offers 5.1 Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Prologic II decoding but also has a fully functional 80W X 6 channel amplifier with DTS-Neo:6 and decoders for DTS-ES, ES-Discrete, and Dolby Digital 6.1 Matrix soundtracks. In addition, these surround formats can be combined with Yamaha's DSP modes to create a customized listening environment. If you have need for a moderately-priced replacement for your old Pro-Logic Receiver, consider the HTR-5490 (or RX-V1200).
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Favorite 16x9 Flat Tube TV: SONY KD-34XBR2
If you are looking for a holiday gift that will blow your family and neighbors away (as well as your pocket book), check out the KD-34XBR2. Featuring a fully integrated HDTV Tuner and 16x9 WEGA flat picture tube, this set has unusual features such as two i-link (IEEE-1394) inputs for digital camcorder/computer sources, progressive scan inputs, dolby digital optical output, as well as traditional analog inputs and outputs. Everything you need in an HDTV. Definitely worth the price if you can afford it.
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Favorite 27-Inch Flat Tube TV: Samsung TSL2793HF
Samsung always seems to do things a little different and their TS2793HF certainly stands out from the rest of the units I have chosen so far for two reasons. First, this set includes a 45-watt audio system. Second, this unit is equipped with a progressive scan line-doubler which is compatible with external HD tuners and progressive scan DVD players, but it also "upconverts" normal analog video to 480p mode which removes annoying scan lines and provides a smoother film-like look. A little more expensive than the rest, but definitely worth checking out.
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Favorite Budget Projection TV: Mitsubishi VS-50609
Mitsubishi has always been on the forefront of projection TV (in fact, Mitsubishi doesn't even make tube-type TVs for consumer use). The VS-50609 may be on the basic end of their projection lineup, but is a solid unit. Along with standard features you would expect, such as Protective screen, S-Video and component inputs, and 3-D comb filter, the VS50609 also includes dual tuner PIP with the ability to display up to 11 channels on the screen at once, 64 point convergence, and AV input memory. Although this set is not HD-upgradable, the image quality is still very impressive. Definitely worth considering.
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Favorite Mid-Line Subwoofer: NHT Sub One
Now Hear This (NHT) makes some great speakers, and their subwoofer line is no exception. The Sub One is a two piece unit: the 10" front facing driver and a separate 250 watt amplifier/controller. This approach is very practical because you can place the amplifier/controller with the other components of your system for ease of adjustment. The Sub One is equally at home for movie and music applications. If you are not familiar with NHT loudspeakers, you might just want to check them out, especially the Sub One.
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