Function and Performance
Keeping in mind that the HTS-260 is a compact-entry-level home theater system, I was pleasantly surprised with it is function and performance.In terms of ergonomics, there are two distinct features that affect the functionality of the HTS-260; first the incorporation of all the amplifier, tuner, and connections into the same cabinet as the subwoofer, and, secondly, the remote LED display/system control unit (similar to a removable car-stereo face plate).
This unique design eliminates the need the for an additional large-sized AV Receiver. Since you can place the LED Display/Control unit just about anywhere (as long as you have enough cable length running from its subwoofer/amp connection. You don't have to allow for additional space on your shelf for an AV Receiver.
Setting up the HTS-260 is a breeze, however, two things I don't typically care for in most all-in-one home theater systems is the use of cheap speaker wire and proprietary speaker connections on the connection panel of the amplifier. That being said, with the color coded connections, as well as the color coding on the back of satellite speakers, everything was easy to identify and connect.
However, the MCACC, along with similar systems by other manufacturers isn't perfect, and errors can result. In my case the Center Channel and one of the surrounds were off by a few DB. In this case, you can always go into the manual setup menu and make corrections.
The setup menu includes settings for each speaker's distance and you can adjust each speaker's sound level individually. A built-in manually activated test tone is provided to assist in this task.
The speakers included with the HTS-260 are very compact in size, and the surround speakers can be placed either behind you or angled up when set slightly behind the main speakers.
As far as audio performance, the sound samples I used from DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, and CD discs sounded surprisingly good from such a small and low-powered system.
However, the highs were a little harsh, the subwoofer wasn't tight enough on the lowest frequencies (including to the comparison subwoofer and system I was using), and subtle transient details got lost in some of the DVD samples (such as the section of the library scene in Hero where the tea cup falls on the sword after the scrolls fall - you can barely hear the tea cup touch the sword), but the overall sound was quite good for a $349 home theater system in a 12x13 foot room.
Final Take
The Pioneer HTS-260 is a 5.1 channel home theater-in-a-box system, with 5 compact satellite speakers, an AV receiver/subwoofer combination, and separate LED display unit.
One innovation, the separate LED display, allows the heavier, and boxier, amplifier section to be combined in the subwoofer cabinet, allowing the LED display and control unit to be placed in a smaller space and away from the rest of the system.
The HTS-260 also has a variety of useful listening modes, including an expansion mode that widens the surround field and a sound retrieval mode that eliminates much of the compression artifacts present in MP3 and WMA encoded CDs.
Although, the 260 does not have the sonic subtleties, sustained high power output, or flexibility that would put it in league with mid- and high-end systems, it is definitely a system to consider for smaller spaces, such as a bedroom, dorm room, apartment, or office.
Despite its modest rated power output and small satellite speakers, the HTS-260 is a surprisingly good performer for a compact system. The Pioneer HTS-260 is an example of a compact system that delivers more than you might expect.
Keeping in mind its entry-level status, I give the HTS-260 a rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
