SLS Q-Line Silver Home Theater System

In terms of surround staging and audio quality, the Q-Line was a great performer, especially bolstered by the ribbon-based satellite speakers. The satellite speakers provided were excellent, providing detailed, textured, sound reproduction on both music and movie material used for this review. The satellite speakers proved to be a definite cut-above satellite speakers provided in most home theater-in-a-box systems, not only in sound quality, but also in build-quality and physical weight.

However, I did find that the powered subwoofer was sometimes too subtle on movie material, in comparison to other subs I have used, including the Yamaha YST-SW205 used in my comparison system. I found that setting the subwoofer level at about 5db higher than baseline, using the speaker level setup menu, yielded a better LFE result, especially on DVD movie material.

Video Performance

On the video side, a disappointment was the lack of S-Video and Component video input/output capability with the provided AV Receiver. Using the AV receiver as a video switcher, its composite video connections provided the expected video quality from this type of connection.

There was no apparent degradation of composite video signals. However, composite video does not provide the quality of S-Video or component video connection options available on most newer television sets.

If using the Q-Line with a system that includes an HDTV and progressive scan or upscaling DVD player, I would suggest bypassing the video connection options of the Q-Line's AV receiver and use a direct component to television video connection route.

The lack of S-Video and component video connection options limits the use of the receiver with HDTVs and Progressive scan DVD players. One suggestion: SLS should offer both this basic system, and one with a higher-end receiver for easier use with HDTV and Progressive Scan DVD players.

What I liked About The SLS Q-Line

1. Basic home theater system with good sound quality.

2. Easy setup and operation.

3. Easy to understand owner's manual

4. Ribbon speaker technology provides excellent sound and the speakers are more substantial in weight and size than speakers offered in similarly priced systems.

5. Color coded connection cables are a real time saver, enabling easy and quick hookup for the novice.

1. Subwoofer sometimes too subtle on intense low frequency movie soundtracks.

2. No S-video or component video inputs/outputs on Receiver.

3. Only one Digital Optical input (however, there are two digital coaxial inputs).

4. No on-screen setup display option.

5. User must provide your own DVD player. NOTE: This is minor point, but one that must be taken into consideration for those looking for a system that includes a DVD player.

Final Take

The SLS Q-line is a home theater-in-a-box system, with satellite speakers utilizing ribbon-based drivers, AV receiver, and subwoofer. The ribbon-based speakers contribute to making the Q-Line a great overall performer on the audio side. However, the sub is sometimes too subtle, and should set at a higher level than the satellites.

The included AV receiver performs well in the audio department for the price range of this system. On the video side, the receiver lacks component video connections, which would have made it easier to use with HDTVs and progressive scan DVD players.

However, its composite video inputs/outputs provide a basic option that can be used with almost all televisions. Just hookup your own DVD player, and you are set to go.

Although the connectivity options for higher end setups are lacking, the overall performance, in terms of what it does offer, makes the Q-Line a very attractive $500 system for those getting started in home theater.

With a better AV receiver offering and a slightly better sub, the Q-Line would definitely deserve a 4.5 or 5 star rating. I am looking forward to see if SLS has more coming from the Q-Line concept, such as a step-up AV receiver option with 6.1 or 7.1 channel operation (with the needed additional speakers) and component video (or even HDMI or DVI) input/output connection options.

For its excellent speakers, I give the SLS Q-Line Silver Home Theater System 4.0 stars out of 5.