The super-compact DAV-IS10 fills your room with 550 watts
of high-quality surround sound. View Larger Nice system for those with limited space.
I just bought this system a couple of weeks ago and am very happy with it.
It's especially good for those with limited space and/or who want a limited visual impact from their sound system. Which were top considerations in my choice. It's a nice system, with only a couple exceptions (*See comments below...)
First, the control module, with DVD player is very compact (a little over 8" X 8" X4") and has a clear display (although, it would have been nice if the numbers and words displayed were a little bigger... minor issue). It has many adjustments that can be made for different sound "fields", ie: DTS, Dolby II, etc. and can also be connected to your i-Pod or Computer, with connector modules available through the Sony On-line store. There are settings for component or HDMI setups. There is one HDMI out to TV and also seperate connections for Component cables if you are not using HDMI. The multiple connection options worked well for me, as I was able to connect to my Satellite receiver and another DVD/VHS player.
The DVD player produces an excellent picture, which I have set for 1080i "upscaling". A nice feature is, that if you stop the DVD at some point, it remembers this and will start back at this point, when you either hit play again or even if you have removed that DVD and put it back in. I think the manual said it remembers the last 10 different DVD stopping points.
Now, getting to How it Sounds... I rate it 4 out of 5. It's got deep bass, full middle range and crisp highs. *The one thing that is critical with this system, is that the sub-woofer unit, which contains both the mid-range and bass speakers; MUST be placed as close to the tv as possible (and preferrably in back of), as it is reproducing a large part of the middle (voice) range. The sub-woofer can NOT be placed in front of the screen (or way off to the side), as you will then notice the voices coming from the sub-woofer unit and not the screen. If placed correctly, on either side of the screen and slightly behind or directly behind the screen; the system does a good job of creating the perception that all the voices are coming from the screen and not the sub-woofer/mid-range unit. Also, the mid-range speaker (for voice) is in the top of the sub-woofer unit and cannot be blocked, so it cannot be placed inside a cabinet and forget about using the top of the unit as a "plant stand"! ; )
One note of caution, DO NOT try and pick up the sub-woofer; by using the sub-woofers ports as "hand holds". Although, they would appear to work perfectly for this, the bass speaker sits just inside of these ports and you could easily damage it.
The 5 speakers are amazingly tiny and do a good job on the highs and "upper level" mid-range (the lower middle range, being handled by the middle/sub-woofer unit). The system comes with wall brackets for each of the 5 small speakers. I purchased the speaker stands (available seperately through the Sony On-Line store and are ridiculously high priced!), which are designed to work specifically for these speakers and are fortunately well made. Without the stands, the speakers can easily be placed on tables. They are very light though and can easily be knocked off, so a little "double sided" tape may be advised in this situation.
*The AM/FM receiver works well and although it sounds "ok" playing music CD's, this is not this units main "strength". You'll probably prefer another sound system, dedicated to playing music. The issue I noted, is that you have to make some adjustments to the bass, middle and treble and selected "sound fields", to bring out the best of your music CD and unfortunately, these settings are not "stored" in the system for just music; so you have to reset everything when switch to watching TV or a DVD. Almost more trouble than it's worth. I would not recommend this system for those who want to frequently switch between listening to music and watching TV/DVD's.
The remotes buttons are logically placed. They are varied in sizes with a couple raised "points" to help locate the correct ones in a darkened room. I would have appreciated, at this price range, an illumination feature; which it does not have.
If you have a newer Sony TV, it will also turn on the TV and sound system simultaneously. I have a Samsung hdtv, so I have to turn on each seperately, but interestingly enough, when I shut off the TV (using it's remote), this Sony system also shuts off at the same time.
It has a relatively clear and comprehensive manual, which is definitely required for all the adjustments and settings you'll need to make to get it calibrated and set up between the tv and different components. Although you can get through most settings, using the on-screen menus, without referring to the manual.
I am very pleased with this system. The construction of all components if of high quality materials and when set up correctly, it's impressive in the sound it creates from the tiny speakers working along with the bass/mid-range sub-woofer module. If you are looking for a top "audio-file" system, this probably isn't the system for you. If you have limited space and want a fairly unobtrusive looking system, with good quality sound, it's definitely worth considering.
Looks aren't everything
I was very interested in this product when I first saw it at Circuit City. When you stand 2-3 feet away from the speakers the sound is thick and brilliant and it looks great. Step away, and it sounds terrible. The problem is that speakers of this size cannot generate low or mid range frequencies very well. So the subwoofer, which typically would run at 20-80hz is running closer to 20-250hz... possibly 20-400hz this causes problems with imaging and imbalance in the sound. The reviewer who commented about subwoofer placement being crucial to this unit performing well is exactly correct, and unfortunately, most users will never achieve the correct placement of the subwoofer due to room design issues. This should be a deal breaker for most people considering this product. Most people can find a home theater solution that will sound better in their environment for less money. If looks are important to you, get an in wall solution.
Acceptable Sound, Beware of Sync with Sony Bravia, High Price. 
I'm a great fan of Sony when it comes to video not audio. I thought this unit will sync with my new Sony Bravia TV that I bought from Amazon, KDL-46V2500...Wrong! Be sure to check compatibility before you buy it. The theater set claimed to "sync"(volume control of TV) with Bravia TVs.
The sound is decent but cannot justify the price. I would rate it comparable to home theater systems in the $400 range.
Here's a bit more technical if you are connecting to a non-compatible Sony Bravia. The best way to connect is through optical output(Toslink). However, optical on Sony TVs are only available when you have a digital signal directly from the cable. That means the ones getting HD signal from a cable box or Satellite box are out of luck. I have also own a Samsung TV that outputs optical regardless of input signal. Since I'm trying to connect to a Sony TV, a RCA is my only option which defeats the purpose of having a great audio system. I have called the Sony 800 support and confirmed this. Sigh...I put more info at the bottom if you're trying to connect another device such as PS3 or Cable box via Optical sync if you have RCA connected to the TV.
So, if you're looking for a space saver, this is it! Otherwise, you may be better off with lower end model. This is particularly true if you're trying to connect to a non-Bravia Sync Sony TV.
P.S. Here's more on connecting an additional device via Optical in addition to RCA. RCA port and Optical port are shared under the TV mode of the theater system. That means that you can only connect one of them. If there's optical signal coming in(in my case, PS3, it will override the RCA one(in my case, cable TV). Essentially, you're losing one or the other incoming port. If I don't turn off my PS3 and flip over to my Cable channel, the theater system will still be broadcasting PS3 audio while my TV is showing cable TV. As I mentioned, the optical overrides RCA when they are both present. So for those of you with many audio devices, your choices maybe greatly limited. I think this system works the best if you have a Sony theater sync compatible TV using the DVD player that comes with the home theater system. Otherwise, you may have better luck to find a theater system that supports more devices.
Hope this helps.
