Excellent all-in-one with HD video switching
Pros:
Multi-zone and video switching, and very good sound. Good value, all in all.
Cons:
Not as good sound as separates, not cheap.
The Bottom Line:
I would still buy this today, as it is the best price/performance/ease of use combo out there.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The first review is an excellent discussion of various audio qualities, so I want mainly to stress a couple of different points. Since we have 3 kids, various babysitters, in-laws etc., I wanted something to make our main A/V setup easy to use. The 5803 takes all of your video inputs and up-converts to one output, so I use the component outputs on the 5803 to my TV, which is now just a dumb monitor, I never need to change inputs, and it has no sound input. When you choose a component on the 5803(cable, dvd, vcr, etc) the audio and video switches automatically by touching one button. It couldn't be simpler.
The 5803 also has a "pure direct" mode, which bypasses all the whiz-bang surround circuitry for better sound from audio sources, and it has adjustable bass cutoff for different subwoofer and speaker types.
Another cool feature is the "multi-zone" aspect, which I use. You can make your 7.1 receiver into a 5.1 receiver and a separate two channel stereo. So, I wired some in-wall speakers in my kitchen and on my adjacent deck to the 5803, and using the RF remote, I can control audio from anywhere, eliminating the need for any added equipment for my deck/kitchen. The two channels can play a different source than what is being played on the 5.1 part. So, I can listen to a CD while the kids are watching a DVD in a different room from the same audio system. Very, very cool.
The only problem I have is that the joystick-like button on my remote is a bit broken, but with abuse it gets from my young children, I can't even really complain.
My system:
Cal Audio Labs CD player
Pioneer Elite DV-07 progressive scan DVD player
Dunleavy SM-2 front and center speakers
NHT Super Ones rear surround speakers
Velodyne Subwoofer
Linn in-wall speakers for kitchen
Bose(I know, I know) weatherproof speakers for deck.